It's A Wrap!

It's a wrap and I don't mean it's dinner time or the filming is complete- I"m talking about the size of your imprint area. An imprint provides such an open canvas to your brand message.

In many cases a mug or tumbler has an option for a “wrap” imprint. A wrap simply means that the image can wrap around the surface of the piece much like your hand would wrap around the item when holding it. 

What's the advantage? Flexibility for your message

1.  The wrap imprint your group to use two different imprints for one set up price!
2.  Brand your logo on both sides- a plus for left or right handed users
3.  The ability to add content- your location, top tips, your value proposition 
4.  Increase your logo size by maximizing the space. Literally wrapping your logo around the surface of the piece. * wraps can be different sizes; not one size fits all.
5.  Add your logo on one side and share the second side with a co-brander; great for sponsorship!

The examples here show how we were able to incorporate a company's brand message into their imprint wrap . 

“Ronald’s” feet follow around the tumbler design for KTL McDonald’s; encouraging recipients to follow their feet and visit each of their locations. These were distributed to key attendees when a new location was added to the franchise owner's chain making the recipient aware of the corporation's footprint in the community. 

Leith Automotive Group's campaign to employees using the tumblers, provided a functional item in their daily routine in addition to a constant reminder to the recipient of the core values that make Leith the Name You Can Trust.

What's been your favorite way to utilize this space?

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Table Cover

Table covers can be a confusing purchase because there are so many variables. 

We have several excellent sources—so we need to establish your needs from the start. 

1. How fast will you need it? A standard production is about 8-10 business days plus shipping, 1-4 days ground but we have quick turn at a higher price, anywhere from 24hr to 5 day production.

2. Table size, most venues have either a 6 or 8 foot table– which means that if you get an 8ft flat or convertible you can use in both spaces. If you know you will always have a 6ft or 4ft table or are bringing your own table then get one sized to fit. 

3. Fitted or non fitted? Most people prefer non fitted to make sure it works on more than one table. However fitted looks neat if you always have the right sized table. There are options that stretches to form to reduce wrinkles and to offer a more contemporary appearance. There are premium table covers that do not to wrinkle, but they are pricey; so unless you are doing a lot of shows we suggest you get a standard cover.

4. A 3 or 4 sided? Most people get 4 sided, draped to floor on each side, however 3 sided provides easy access to items stored below. Will your table be seen from both sides or will you be a drape and pole type venue? 

5. What is your content? A full color sublimated 4 sided allows you to use the entire surface, front and back providing you flexibility for different shows, perhaps your logo on one side for one set of services and other side for recruiting fairs or education seminars. etc.

6. What about a runner?– Runners are much less expensive than a table covers, and can be used in office, showroom and retail settings after the show much easier. Keep in mind these also come in different widths and options for decoration.

7. Decoration- if you have a lot of color, then sublimated is the way to go, even add photos.A thermal print in full color is an option, but it’s only one location and it sits on top of the fabric as a transfer while the sublimation is dyed into the fabric. Most table covers these days are to be machine washed, never dry cleaned. You can still get one color imprints in jumbo silkscreen but our sublimated covers are priced around the same price and provide a more upscale look with nicer fabric that will resists wrinkles better.

On our website click the displays tab on the upper left corner of the home page- there you will find table covers- however........ remember promotional expertise is what we provide you- no need to fret about your choices or waste time comparing your options- in fact they are not all on our website! Instead, tell us what you need and sit back while we create a presentation for you to compare your options. 

 

Are you creating raving fans?

"According to a McKinsey Study, marketing-inspired word-of-mouth generates more than twice the sales of paid advertising, and these customers have a 37-percent higher retention rate." Yet the buzz in media is around digital marketing. Is it possible that relationships build at the grass roots are overlooked? 

We find that word-of-mouth is the primary factor behind 80 percent of new clients purchasing decisions. So the question begs how do you create raving fans? In listening to our clients, we find that VALUE is not associated with lowest price, rather in your expertise. Our clients find value in our ability to articulate why one product that seems to look like another is a better choice. Additionally they appreciate the ease with which we suggest not just products, but provide marketing strategies for implementation. 

Similarly when our clients talk about what builds their business, word of mouth referrals still top the list with responses around these types of programs:

1.      Rewarding loyalty and repeat business

2.      Acknowledge their pipeline for referrals with functional branded gifts,

3.      Building a culture of appreciation and fun within the daily grind of work for employees

4.      Associating their brand with quality over quantity

Understanding your value and marketing those attributes will distinguish your company while generating long term success and brand loyalty.
Speaking of expertise and loyalty?? Are you a fan of Promotional Partners on facebook- you? Are we connected on LinkedIn?

What do you think creates raving fans?

Gratitude or Reciprocity?

A gift, why do we give them? Are they a reward, an incentive or simply gratitude? The answer may depend on the person both giving and receiving the gift. We are a culture built on reciprocity; the theory that when one gives you something you feel like you "owe" them something in return.

At the core, a promotional piece is a form of advertising build on the idea of reciprocity. Industry collected data suggests a bond is formed with the recipient and the brander when a branded gift is received. Statistics support that the recall, retention and reach of the advertiser are increased as well as the recipient's perception of the "giver" grows in favorable impressions. The result is an effective tool for marketing because it changes consumer behavior.

What about "the holidays" - for those that celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah it’s coming.  The scrooge might argue that holiday gifting is an example of reciprocity at its worst- giving because you will be gifted. However despite cynics, many individuals who give or acknowledge during traditional times of year “gift” simply to show love and appreciation for a relationship. 

In crafting a successful employee recruitment and retention campaign, a customer loyalty program or acknowledging referrals each company must consider the who, what, why, when for distribution as well as setting a budget to execute the plan. Depending on the size of your company it may not be practical for you to implement a program without assistance. Just as in developing your marketing plan, it helps to share with your promotional consultant your objectives for creating a program to design a plan that works for your company. Gifting can be done effectively year round; it can be crafted around calendar dates that relate to your industry or around your company's core values. Developing a program will require collaboration, it's not a one size fits all approach.

For example, if it's an employee program and you operate a large company using a redemption website or gift card program might be a great fit. Similarly handing our awards for performance at company events or recognizing key business relationships in a company newsletter works. While smaller companies may need to opt for branded pieces that are practical. Both branded and non branded items that enhance their employee and referral partners daily work routine and that can be used in their leisure activities. Learn more about what your employees use and value, invest in top quality name brand pieces that are a fit for your recipient.

Another challenge that arises regardless of the size of the company is lack of time. If you are short on time, branded pieces can be assembled as a kit, gift wrapped and have a personal message inserted; design fulfillment options into your program.

Finally, does gratitude work? Yes...I bet you recall nice gestures, cards and gifts for performance or that made you feel part of an organization. Building value through gratitude is a powerful motivator and praise never goes out of style.

May Awareness Dates

• Date Your Mate Month 
• Foster Care Month 
• National Barbecue Month 
•  National Bike Month 
•  National Blood Pressure Month 
•  National Hamburger Month 
•  National Photograph Month 
•  National Recommitment Month 
•  National Salad Month 
•  Older Americans Month
•  ALS Awareness Month
• Arthritis Month

• Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

• Better hearing and Speech Month

• Better Sleep Month

• Celiac Awareness Month

• Correct Posture Month

• Hepatitis Awareness Month

• Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month

• Lyme Disease Month

• National Cancer Research Month

• National High Blood Pressure Education Month

• National Lupus Awareness Month

• National Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month

• National Mental Health Month

• National Neurofibromatosis Month

• National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

• National Stroke Awareness Month

• Brain Tumor Action Week

• Melanoma Monday- May 4, 2015

• World Asthma Day

• World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

• World Lupus Day

• Worldwide No Tobacco Day May 31- 2015

 Weekly Celebrations:

• Nurse's Week - first week of month
• Wildflower Week - week two
• National Bike Week - third week
• National Police Week - third week of month
• Emergency Medical Services Week - fourth week of month

Developing a Successful Campaign

Council Woman Dozier has been promoting benefits of local purchasing since getting on the Apex Town council back in 2013. The “Think Apex” initiative was suggested by Council Woman Dozier as a way to promote Apex businesses by make residents aware of the local choices in their own community for goods and services. By bringing together a collective source of information she believes local relationships become stronger.  

Molding this concept into a successful campaign required strategic decisions to fulfill short term and long term goals. The initial introduction of the concept was made at a “grassroots” level of engagement. This occurred at the annual Peakfest event in May, which attracts over 30,000 attendees each year. 

Magnets and decals were selected for their effectiveness in mass distribution. The cost per item is low and providing a low cost per impression for a product with proven longevity for use. By utilizing products with sustainable impressions awareness, curiosity and interest in the program are yielded and will effect change.    

During the Peakfest, our company encouraged Dozier to display an interactive banner which prompted the question, “What Does Apex Mean to You?” Attendees shared messages and words that summarized their thoughts about Apex. Her interaction with attendees combined with visual cues will generate a call to action guiding visitors to the new website www.thinkapex.biz created by the town of Apex.   

Are you launching a new product or service? Is your organization introducing an annual event? 

Before beginning campaign things to consider should include:

1. Define your budget
2. Establish the intent of your campaign, short term and long term goals.
3. Define your target audience
4. Define your reach of your message
5. Consider how you will penetrate that market effectively by developing a marketing plan
6. Establish a long term team for brand management if your campaign is for more than to promote an event, new product or service.
7. Create a logo to promote your brand- graphics professionals like our company will be able to design a logo that is print ready in any format.
8. Consistency of your branded materials and message is critical, considering the scope of the reach of your campaign you may need:
1. Developing a brand guide if it’s a large initiative to educate promoters or users of your brand.
2. Assembling a brand management team to oversea distributions for re-selling branded materials.
9. Consider where to use images to replace words when telling stories in print or on line content.
10. Cross promote your “story” between media outlets- with press releases, blogs, social media postings, education forums and direct mail pieces.

To learn more about Dozier’s vision for this project visit our press tab- http://www.promotionalpartnersinc.com/press

There’s A Worm in the Apple

by Blake Scott

Apple…What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear that word? Prior to about the year 2000, pretty much every person would respond with fruit or some variation of a food products. In the year 2015, is that actually what you think of now? Or is Apple, the powerhouse technology company mostly likely to come to mind as well as be in your possession.

Apple has grown to be one of the most popular and recognizable brands in the mobile technology industry. The brand however comes a premium cost associated with its products. This higher cost on product accessories such as chargers and connectors has lead to a large inventory of "knockoffs" in circulation.

Many promotional product suppliers began selling 8 pin and 30 pin connectors that were not certified by Apple to distributors over the past few years. There were complaints coming from users of these non certified connectors that these aftermarket chargers were damaging their devices. Additionally Apple was losing out on profits, causing them to react. 

Apple began to send out cease-and-desist letters in 2014 to promotional product suppliers stating that compatible connector that were not using the certified pin were in violation of Apple’s intellectual property. Most companies were compliant with this request from Apple, even though the letter carried no actual legal liability. As a promotional distributor who chooses to partner with companies that maintain the highest levels of safety and technology certifications, we were compliant. Our suppliers were pulling this product from their shelves in late November 2014 and we were advising you of the changes, letting our clients know that Apple certified pin products would most likely roll out in early 2015. 

Looking for products with the Apple pins-we have them from a trusted source.

http://www.primeline.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?CategoryID=4P