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!





Why Promotional Products?

So people often ask me---why should I spend my advertising dollars on some trinket that people are just going to shove in a drawer or throw away?  Such a fun can of worms to open.....


Let me share some research with you...borrowed from an ASI Research Study done in late 2010.  This study shows that using promotional products is still the most cost-effective way of marketing your business.


The study was conducted through in person interviews with business individuals in 8 different major cities across North American, Europe, and Australia.  Detailed questions were asked regarding various promotional products that they have received recently.


Here is a summary of the conclusions:


1) Cost Per Impression: The cost per impression for promotional items remained unchanged in 2010, compared to 2008 and when compared to other forms of media, promotional products were more affordable and more effective. 


2) Product Usage: Bags were revealed as the highest number of impressions per month, making it one of the most effective promotional products available.  Bags are everywhere--the grocery, the gym and schools---a good one will be used by the recipient for years to come.


3) Gender Usage: Males were more likely to keep shirts and caps, while females were more likely to keep bags, pens & pencils, calendars, and health and safety products.  Always know your audience and choose giveaways accordingly.


4) Ethnic Preferences: African Americans are more inclined to keep hats and other headwear and bags over any other ethnicity and keep a higher percentage of all other promotional products.  Again, it's important to know who your target audience will be for any given promotion.


5) Ability to Identify the Advertiser: 83% indicated they could identify the advertiser on a promotional product they owned.  I have a favorite insulated bag and call it by name--where's that XXX bag from the trade show?


6) Ability to Influence User Opinions: 41% of respondents indicated their opinion of the advertiser was more favorable after receiving the promotional product. Everyone loves freebies!

So when choosing whether to try out promotional products, keep in mind that promotional products are the only marketing medium that engages all five senses.  Clients can see, hear, touch, taste and even smell them. Not so for commercials on tv, radio or newspaper ads.

Welcome to 2011 or Twenty-Eleven...

So my children and I were talking in the car yesterday about the new year approaching and I asked them what their new year's resolution would be for 2011.  Of course, at ages seven and four, they had no clue about resolutions, or what my oldest called a "revolution".   One decided not to argue with me "as much" and the other decided he'd quit sucking his thumb.  I might add that both have already been broken a few hours into the day.....

Mine however, after much thought and consideration, is to try out the blog world as I had been thinking about for a while......so here I go!  Happy New Year to you and yours!    Bring it on twenty-eleven!