Happy Birthday goody bags?

For those of you with young children, I think you'll be able to relate here....the topic around my house for the last few months has been my daughter's upcoming 8th birthday.  She's a big planner, like her momma, and for months now, has been asking us what "theme" her birthday should be this year.  What kind of cake--"Can Buddy from TLC's Cake Boss make her cake this year? " --were her exact words.  YIKES!  "What can I put in the goody bags, Mom?"  I am so OVER birthday goody bags, whether it be ones from us or those we receive.  All the trinkets-- rings, lip gloss, temporary tattoos, stickers, bubbles, etc end up in the bottom of the toy bin and get thrown out months later, right?  
Then I started thinking, even as adults we're far immune from the appeal of a givewaway.  Who doesn't like a freebie, right? So why can't I "get over" letting my daughter give something away to her friends to help them remember this joyous event.  Because most things you get in a goody bag, whether they be for an adult or a kid,  are simply fillers, nothing meaningful and serving a greater purpose. 

But that's where I come in--with my expertise in promotional products and how useful they CAN be if done correctly, knowing the audience, the distribution method and the theme of the event.  Yes, I do believe in goody bags, for adults and kids, I guess, but you have to choose something that MEANS something, that folks will remember you by, that goes with the theme, that they can use and not throw away!

So for Molly's "Peace Out" birthday this year, after much arguing and pleading my case, we both have agreed on ONE item, a little more costly than what I'd fill a goody bag with, but something that will remind her friends of  the good time they had at her party.  Guess what we chose?  A simple, plain white t-shirt, that we, as a group, will tie up with rubber bands, dip in RIT dye and hang to dry over night-- a classic TYE DYED shirt.  It's personal, it goes with the occasion, its perfect, don't ya think?

 

Calendars- Save the Date!

We are reaching the halfway point of 2011 and seems like yesterday we were just packing away Christmas decorations and ringing in the New Year!  This brings me to the subject of promotional calendars for 2012......
Have you ever thought of using calendars to promote your business?  If not, here's a few great reasons to consider them in your marketing mix:
1) A calendar is like a giant business card - it tells the recipient WHO you are and HOW to reach you, EACH and EVERY day of the year
2) Calendars build brand identity, invites business and targets specfic groups through controlled distribution
3) Low cost per impression - average calendar cost $2.00 and is viewed 4,380 times per year which equates to $.0005 cost per viewing
4) 86% of calendar recipients can name the advertiser
5) All calendars are recyclable
6) Calendars have gift appeal. Nearly 67% of home calendar recipients and 44% of business recipients said they would purchase calendars if they didn't receive promotional styles.
7) Most households have 4-6 calendars

How many are in your home or business?  Let me count mine & share--
I have one in the office hanging for both my husband and I to coordinate our travels & work.
I have one in the kitchen to write down important dates--birthdays, parties, vacations etc
I have a planner style that I write down everything in:  meetings, kids activities, what's for dinner, what time the babysitter is coming, when is Vacation Bible School etc, etc.  I try to carry it with me at all times.....

And yes, I could use another calendar or two or be a little more vigilant about writing things down on it.  Just a few months ago, I signed my daugther up for her first session of overnight camp. Weeks of anticipation, buying the right shoes, packing and did I say anticipation?   It was finally time to send her off on Sunday, so I thought, and we as a family made the one hour drive to the camp.  Got out of the car and stood in line to register, when the director came up to us and asked us which camp we were attending.  I told him that my daughter would be attending "mini camp" and he looked down at his calendar and showed me that it actually didn't start until Wednesday!  Shocked!!  I usually write this stuff down in my planner style calendar!!!  Tears welled up in my daughter's eyes and in mine too.  Those that know me well, would say this is not "Sally-like".  I usually am on top of things like this!   I couldn't believe we were three whole days early and she had her heart set on leaving us today!  Needless to say, it was a long ride home with grand promises of making it up to her.  I learned the hard way, WRITE IT DOWN IN YOUR CALENDAR. Have a calendar on your wall and next to your computer!  Don't disapoint by trying to retain all the important dates in your mind, as I can tell you from experience, you may forget if you don't write it down!  So save the date, and your reputation and use a calendar!

Please contact Sally if you'd like to see how this story ends, or you'd like information on 2012 calendars or any other promotional product.  I'd be glad to help!

My daughter who made it to camp on the right day-finally!

---

Can you do pens?

Often times, when I meet new people and tell them what I do, they start asking questions like "Do you do pens?" (yes)..."Do you do hats?"  (yes)  "Can you do umbrellas?"  "Sweatshirts?"  (yes)  And the list goes on and on.  With hundreds of thoursands of promotional products avaialble, the answer is 99.9% times a resounding YES!   Well today, let me add one more item to list of "Yes, I can do ____ (insert crazy item of choice).  Welcome the Chop Wizard to the list of available imprinted items.....

No, its not the Slap Chop that you have seen on those crazy infomercials at 3 am when fliping through the channels, but its the genuine Vidalia Onion Chop Wizard (probably as seen on TV also).  I was given one of these wonderful kitchen gadgets for Christmas this year and it really does work!  It makes chopping onions, cucumbers, tomatos and carrots so much easier on the arm/hand and the clean up is so easy! 

 I was making a dish this afternoon and when I was so easliy pressing down on the top of the wizard to dice up my onion, I noticed this very large imprint (VIDALIA ONION CHOP WIZARD) just staring me in the face.  And I thoght to myself, "Hmmm, wonder if a company could put THERE logo on this nifty thing?"   So I searched my database, and voila---up came one Onion chopper made of reinforced ABS, polypropylene and stainless steel. Dices onions in one swift motion. Reduces onion vapors to minimize tears. Measurements printed on non-skid container. Includes cleaning tool. Dishwasher safe, patented item. 

So the moral of the story is that if its out there, yes, there is an overwhelming chance I can get it for you! 

My new favorite notebook

I love to write, doodle, sketch and just use a pen and paper!  Even from a young child, I remember filling up a blank sheet of paper, scribbling my name over and over---Sally Marie Daniel, Sallie Marie Daniel, Salley Marie Daniel, SMD etc etc.  Trying out new signatures, new ways to spell my name and sometimes, changing my last name to that of my newest crush.  Embarrasing enough now, when I saw these notebooks from Journal Books, it reminded me of those carefree days, when I had the time to just sit there and play with pen & paper. 
I was given this notebook from a colleage at Christmas and must say that it is one that I am now using every day for client notes.  Journal Books can be fully customized or just simply a notebook of blank pages.  These are perfect for anyone in the business world--who doesn't take notes?  Yes, we have our smart phones, but do you really scribble notes and ideas on your phone during a meeting?

Large Journal. Quality thread sewn bookbinding. 7″ × 9.75″ with 125 sheets of ruled filler. Italian-Style, faux leather cover. Includes an elastic penloop. (Pens available at additional charge). Price includes deboss up to 16 square inches for branded look. Onetime setup of $40(G).

The Delta Community Credit Union Bag

I've read plenty of studies and research regarding the impact of promotional products--that they promote good will among customers, are vehicles to display your message long after receipt, and that the recall rate is much higher that other mainstream media.  That got me thinking about a tote bag a I received at our Chamber Big Expo Tradeshow about a year and a half ago.  It's a nice, large insulated tote--similar to the grocery store kind, but larger and insulated with a zipper at the top.  It was given out to attendees at the show by Delta Community Credit Union.  I love this bag!  It is the first thing I pack on car trips to hold drinks & snacks, the same bag I take to the pool and on picnics with my kids. 
I was talking to a friend in October about this year's trade show and she told me with enthusiasm that she planned on going because she wanted another bag like the one from the credit union the year prior.  Then, this week, when working on finding the perfect bag for another customer, she referenced the same credit union bag when deciding on the bag she wanted to purchase.  Funny, everyone was able to recall the company who gave out the bag without me even having to prompt them. 
Although, we as a family do not participate in a credit union, I can tell you if we ever do make the decision to do so, the first company I will call is the one who gave out the bags......
So yes, I do believe in the power of promotional products---my little example in Newnan, Georgia just goes to show, that giving out a higher end appropriate item will definately impact a consumer's decision on future purchases.

Save the Planet--buy a Caribou!

Caribou Coffee just announced a promotion that customers can receive fifty cents off their beverage purchase by having the drink made and served Caribou's own branded drinkware.   They certainly aren't the first or last to come up with such a campaign, but it certainly is a good one in these days of coupon-clipping and always trying to get a deal.  Customers not only save money on their purchase, but they walk away with a high quality mug or cup that they will use in the future, even if it is with their home brewed Folgers coffee....

$45 Billion Spent on Pets

Yep, that's right, $45 BILLION dollars were projected to be spent on pets last year!  C-R-A-Z-Y is what I thought too, until Santa brought my kids a boykin spaniel puppy for Christmas.  Now, I haven't spent a whole lot, but I can see it coming---dog clothes, treats that she doesn't like, food, toys that she won't play with, vet visits and more.  But it made me think--what promotional products are out there for pet loving consumers.  After a week of pet ownership, here are my favorites and why:


1) These handy little containers clip on to your belt or leash and are full of bags to pick up your pet's #2.  Essential for any pet owner!

2) Another dog leash--because no one ever puts it back where it belongs, you need a second one, trust me!

3) A large golf umbrella--similar to the one below.  This product will be greatly appreciated by any pet owner who has to take their dog outside for potty breaks in the pouring rain.  Trust me on this one....

I am sure there will be more products that come to mind as I enjoy my first few weeks of puppy love!