April Dates- Connecting For Fun

Looking for some ways to connect with your clients or employees in April using social media or fun wacky office days for building camaraderie? 

These are national monthly dates:

• National Humor Month
• International Guitar Month
• Keep America Beautiful Month
• Lawn and Garden Month
• National Poetry Month
• National Pecan Month
• National Welding Month
• Records and Information Management Month
• Stress Awareness Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month

These are weekly celebrations:

• Week 1 Library Week
• Week 1 Read a Road Map Week.
• Week 2 Garden Week
• Week 3 Organize Your Files Week
• Week 3 Medical Labs Week
• Week 4 Administrative Assistants Week
• Week 4 National Karaoke Week

April dates you might consider:
April 1- It’s April Fool’s Day so of course it’s also International Fun At Work Day and International Tattling Day!
April 2- Children’s Book Day and P&J sandwich day, why not multi-task?
April 3- Don’t Go To Work Unless It’s Fun Day and Walk To Work Day- hum??
April 4 Hug a Newsman Day, School Librarian Day and Tell a Lie Day – you pick
April 7 Caramel Popcorn and No Housework Day- perhaps buy one of your best clients a free home cleaning!
April 10- Golfer’s Day and National Siblings Day
April 11- Eight Track Tape Day- that could be really fun at the office with millennial age co workers
April 16^th National Stress Awareness Day- massages for the office?
April 18 International Juggler’s Day, this could apply to multi tasking office workers or host a fun contest over lunch
April 20^th Look Alike Day- who do you look like, besides yourself of course?  It’s also Volunteer Recognition Day
April 22 Administrative Professionals Day and National Jelly Bean Day
April 23 Take Your Daughter to Work Day
April 27 Tell a Story Day
April 30- Hairstyle Appreciation Day- Go retro and share all those old styles or when you had hair photos!  

Is Your Booth Attracting Business?

"Clothes make the man" "Dress for success" - ever heard those phrases?

Think closer to home; if you were headed on a night on the town hoping to meet "Mr. Right or Miss Right", wouldn't you want to put on the outfit that you thought would attract your target audience? Wouldn't you wear something that made you look good?

Recently on face book we posted that "when you don't look good, we don't look good and it hurts". Why?  

It's so easy with the abundance of choice for displays and signage to find the right pieces to cross any forum and to stay within your budget. The advances in digital image reproduction have created print rich images that will tell your brand story, drawing in the viewer with strong graphics. An engaging booth demands attention, the desire to learn more from a polished appearance creates opportunity to share your message. Display pieces continue to make advancements to hardware the set up and break down of these pieces has never been quicker or easier.

If you idea of "show ready" is a table cover, brochure and a promotional give away we need to talk!

• Adding table top retractable or games provides interaction between you and your target audience.
• Add unique branded pieces such as coolers or to house tech pieces with videos about your product or services.
• Displaying literature about your company at eye level captures attention from attendees with literature stands.
• Branding your booth colors as well as your own representatives helps to "own the space" conveying organization and purpose to the viewer; a reflection of your company's overall message to someone that is deciding if you deserve a "second glance".

One of our most popular display groups is featured on the left of our home page under displays- http://www.showdowndisplays.com/

  

Everything you need for displays all on one site!  

 

Display Printing Terms:

FULL-COLOR THERMAL Thermal Imprinting uses the application of heat and pressure to transfer digital graphics to the surface of the fabric. This creates a visually bold image that is strong and durable.

Products: Table Throws, Runners, Directors Chairs, Tents, Event Chairs, and Stadium Seats.

FULL-COLOR INKJET Digital Inkjet printing is a method of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of medias.

Products: Floor & Table Top Displays, Retractors, Banner Stands, Coolers, Prize Drop Game, Sign Displays, Light Boxes, and Vinyl Banners.

FULL-COLOR DYE-SUBLIMATION INKJET Dye Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer ink to white fabric, allowing for full-color graphics to permeate the fabric and become part of the fibers.
* machine wash but do not dry clean

Products: Table Throws, Tents, Retractors, Fabric Banners & Flags, Sail Signs, and Brilliant Boards

   

Fashion Show and Networking- Don't Miss Out!

Mark your calendars now and RSVP for our first fashion show, yes fashion show! As part of our fourth annual national celebration of Promotional Products WORK Week and our company's May anniversary month.

Where: Halle Cultural Arts Center

237 N. Salem Street

Apex, NC

I'll send you a map after you register- large white two story building has you enter downtown area from HWY 64- plenty of parking in the back  

   

When: Friday May 22, 2015

2:30-4:00

Show starts at 3:00

Who: local business models, regular folks like you and me; you might even see a face you know!

Why? Facts for how to grow your business with how to properly apply apparel branding. Networking before and after the show with other business professionals and of course for some Friday Fun!

Apparel provides you the most flexibility of all branded pieces, purchase as few as one and select the type of product your recipient will use the most.

RSVP to Olivia.Scott@promotionalpartnersinc.com with the number of attendees and names from your company or organization.

Before you rule out a need for branded promotional apparel consider this, according to the 2014 ASI Impressions Study:

48% of Americans own at least one logo tee shirt

52% of men wear a branded shirt regularly

57% of recipients of a branded wearable feel better about the advertiser

88% of recipients could recall the advertiser who gave them a shirt or cap

42% of U.S. consumers keep attractive promotional hats

Outer wear- jackets had the highest perceived value and were kept on average 16 months!

The average number of impressions each product receives was derived from multiplying how long a recipient has the product to how many people they come in contact with each month while using it.

What are the top five products that deliver the most impressions?

1. Bags- at 5,772 impressions
2. Caps- at 3,136 impressions
3. Writing Instruments- at 2,805 impressions
4. Outerwear- at 2,650 impressions
5. Shirts- at 2.450 impressions

Can't wait till May? Do you want to preview some of the newest spring styles? Click this link to see a mini on line magazine- http://www.zoomcats.com/catalog/newarrives2015

 Love statistics and want to know how this research was conducted? Ask we will send you the complete survey.

Are You Planting Messages For Growth?

If April showers bring May flowers, what do you intend to see reaped from what you've sown this year to date? Let me ask this another way:

• What is the biggest challenge you face in promoting your business right now?
• Where do you need to see some quick improvements in your business?

Promotional products applied properly tell your story. Your message is conveyed in the product and the product provides long term interaction creating the recall to grow business. Everything about your business has to be a call to action, the words you use in your print material and your website should repeat the story in the products you select for interaction. Promotional advertising WORKS because the recipient keeps and interacts with your branding building visual identity. The words you use in your print content build on story that was started through the promotional piece that was selected to fit your target audience's needs or focus.

Promotional branding is not a one size fits all; using one $0.50 pen for acquisition and lead generation from a trade show should not be the same product you use to retain the focus of your best clients.

Make sure each time we collaborate; you convey your current goals to keep "blossoming"!

 This year all of our weekly specials our annual April Showers can only be found on face book- follow us!! 

The Power Of Influence; Continued

"The people who influence you are the people who believe in you."

Henry Drummond

The Power Of Influence, Part 2

What makes people say "yes" to your requests? Researchers have been studying influence for more than 60 years. While it's nice to think that we are all logical beings who study facts and information to guide our thinking and decision-making process, scientific research shows otherwise. Yesterday and today, Promotional Consultant Today is sharing six key principles of influence that can help you persuade others in the decision-making process. 

Yesterday's three key principles: Reciprocity, scarcity and authority.



Today's key principles: 

1. Consistency: People feel compelled to be consistent with their prior behaviors or statements they have made. When someone makes a commitment actively, either by writing it down or speaking it out loud, it's even more likely that they'll follow through with that commitment. You can activate the Consistency Principle by looking for or asking for small initial commitments. 




For example, suppose you want an employee to submit reports in a more timely manner. Once you believe you've won agreement, ask the employee to send you a summary of that decision in writing. By doing so, you'll have greatly increased the odds that the employee will fulfill the commitment, because people tend to live up to what they've written down. The key to using consistency successfully is to look for voluntary, active and public commitments … and get them in writing. 

2. Liking: People prefer to say "yes" to those they know and like. But what makes someone like you? Science tells us there are three important factors that contribute to likeability: 1) We like people who like us (and tell us); 2) We like people who are similar to us; and 3) We like people who cooperate with us toward mutual goals. 

The key to using Liking successfully is to be honest in your praise, find genuine similarities, uncover opportunities to work together toward common goals, and get to know people more meaningfully before talking business. 



3. Social Proof: Humans are social creatures. And as such, we rely heavily on the people around us for cues on how to think, feel and act. In other words, people look to the actions of others to determine their own. This is why using testimonials from happy and satisfied customers is so effective in marketing campaigns.
You can use social proof when attempting to get your ideas implemented. Imagine that you're trying to streamline your department's work processes, but a member of your group is resisting. Rather than try to convince this group member yourself, ask a couple of veteran employees who support the initiative to speak up for it at a team meeting. The veterans' testimonies will stand a much better chance of convincing the group member than yet another speech from the boss, as social proof is often better exerted horizontally rather than vertically. The key to using social proof successfully is to have others share their positive stories. 


Exert your influence today. In the end, you'll not only achieve your objectives, but you'll also guide the other party to the best decision for their needs. That's when true success transpires for everyone involved. 




Source: INFLUENCE AT WORK (IAW®) was founded by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D, professor emeritus of psychology and marketing and author of the New York Times bestseller, Influence. Dr. Cialdini is a highly sought after keynote presenter on the ethical business applications of the science of influence. Additionally, IAW offers customized, in-house Principles of Persuasion (POP) Workshops conducted by Cialdini Method Certified Trainers. 

Compiled by Cassandra Johnson- Promotional Consultant Today

The Power of Influence

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another."

Napolean Hill

The Power Of Influence, Part 1

In business today, effective influence is essential. Want your ideas implemented? You must influence others to act on them. Want more clients? You must influence people to buy from you. Want more advancement or responsibility? You must influence executives to see the value you offer. And to be an effective leader you must be  able to influence others. In all respects, being able to influence others is the ultimate power tool.

Today and tomorrow, Promotional Consultant Today shares these six universal principles of persuasion you can use to influence a change in behavior.

1. Reciprocity
 
There's a powerful rule that says we should try to repay what others  have done for us. If someone gives us a gift, we feel compelled to give  a gift in return. If someone extends us an invitation, we should extend one to them. And if someone does us a favor, we owe them a favor in return. By virtue of the Reciprocity Principle, people feel obligated          to the future repayment of items, actions, favors and gifts.
You see reciprocity initiated in business every day, even if you don't immediately recognize it. From suppliers sending relevant  industry-specific information to clients, to managers providing  personalized guidance, to co-workers helping each other meet a      deadline, reciprocity can be initiated in many ways. The key to  effectively using reciprocity is to be the first to give, give unconditionally and be sure that your "gift" is personalized and unexpected. 

2. Scarcity
Have you ever noticed that people seem to want more of those  things they can have little of? That's the Scarcity Principle at work. Marketers know the power of this principle, which is why their ads often contain such phrases as "Limited Time Only" or "Limited Quantities Available."

When true, scarcity affects the value of information too. In other words, information that is exclusive is more persuasive. So the next time  you gain access to information that is not readily available and that supports an idea or initiative you would like the organization to adopt,   gather the key players and say, "I just got this information today. It  won't be distributed until next week, but I want to give you an early look at what it entails." Your listeners will lean forward and listen intently. The key to using scarcity successfully, whether for a product, service or information, is to not just honestly tell people the benefits they'll gain, but also point out what's unique and what they stand to lose if they don't move in your direction. 

3. Authority
Research shows that people typically follow the lead of those they  perceive as credible and knowledgeable experts. For example, physical therapists are able to persuade more of their patients to comply with programs if they display their medical diplomas on their office walls. That's because people tend to defer to legitimate experts for           information and guidance on what to do.
Surprisingly, people mistakenly assume that others recognize their experience. To ensure that they do, first determine what your relevant background, experience and expertise are for the person you are  trying to influence. If you don't do this, you will be sabotaging the power of your own message. For maximum impact, arrange to have         a third party communicate this information. Another option is to  direct the person you want to influence to something in writing that highlights your credentials (i.e., your LinkedIn profile, your bio on your website, etc.) The key to using authority successfully is to signal  to others what makes you credible and knowledgeable before you             make your influence attempt. 

Influence is a very powerful tool. When you ethically implement these scientifically validated principles of persuasion, you'll be making small, practical and often cost-free changes that can lead to big differences   in your ability to change others' behavior.
Source: INFLUENCE AT WORK (IAW®) was founded by Robert  Cialdini, Ph.D, professor emeritus of psychology and marketing and author of the New York Times bestseller, Influence. Dr. Cialdini is a highly sought after keynote presenter on the ethical business  applications of the science of influence. Additionally, IAW offers    customized, in-house Principles of Persuasion (POP) Workshops  conducted by Cialdini Method Certified Trainers. 

Compiled by Cassandra Johnson – Promotional Consultant Today

March Dates to Promote

Did you know that March was named for the Roman God "Mars" - http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mars.html who was also the god of spring, but also the god of war; perhaps we can all hope that spring beat winter and moves forward quickly!  

Take a look at the long list of monthly awareness dates for March

• Brain Injury Awareness Month
• Hemophilia Awareness Month
• March to Health Month- NCAA
• National MS Education and Awareness Month
• National Nutrition Month
• Red Cross Month
• Irish American Month
• Music in Our Schools Month
• National Craft Month
• National Frozen Food Month
• National Irish American Heritage Month
• National Peanut Month
• National Women's History Month
• Social Workers Month

What Motivates You?

  

Blog writer Cassandra Johnson for Promotional Consultant wrote about workplace performance in a recent blog, citing the book The Service Profit Chain. The authors suggest that in business the best way to generate ongoing profit is to create a work environment that attracts, focuses and keeps talented employees. Have you ever held a job where your efforts were unappreciated and unnoticed? How about a manager who provided inconsistent direction or rewarded only their favorites?  

Employees have to be motivated to show up, get committed and perform at a level of excellence. As we begin March, I challenge you to think about your own business environment. It is important to have a system in place that builds employee motivation. Not every person is motivated by the same factors, not every workplace environment lends itself to the same displays of appreciation. Regardless of the size of a company, what's being done to create motivation and retain employees is being modeled by management, repeated by employees and ultimately delivered to your customer.  

The book The Service Profit Chain contends that providing a system that generates satisfaction, appreciation, recognition and compensation ensures that the organization has something to contribute to the motivation of each employee. National Employee Appreciation Day and National Salesperson Day are both the first Friday of the month, which this year fell on March 6. Celebration and appreciation do not have to be huge events. Even simple things like an acknowledgement during a group meeting, a computer poster over their keyboard or M&M's can demonstrate appreciation!  

Leith Automotive Group has been working on an "out of the ballpark" service performance goals. As part of these goals, Leith will bring employees together for a theme based event to celebrate achievement of team goals using fun baseball themed products. Infusing creative branded promotional pieces is one of our favorite projects to research! We learn about new products by staying on top of industry trends and attending supplier expo's throughout the year. 

  

   "I've worked with Promotional Partners since 2008. I've learned to stop asking if they can do something, because they always find a way to make things happen; it's like having my own fairy godmother to poof, just make it happen. They provide us quality products, on time and direct us to new cool ideas that will get the notice we want for employees or customers.
        - Debbie - Leith Automotive Group