March 28th, 2011
March Madness is in full swing on the hardwoods of many arenas and coliseums across the country. The madness has a grip on the country, as everyone anxiously awaits the winner of the year-end championship tournament. However, a different kind of “madness” has its own effect on companies and employees this time of year as they close in on the trade show season.
Most companies are still in their pre-season stage of preparing for their annual trade shows. Budgets have been set. The booth space has been rented. The layout has been determined and some of the decorations have been chosen. It’s getting into crunch time now and you’re still not sure how to really make an impact with your customers and stand out from the trade show “noise” and clutter. You panic. The show’s in 10 days and you don’t have that one great idea yet that’s going to set your company apart and make you look like a superstar.
Finally, you think, “What the heck, we’ll just throw our logo on a bunch of pens and hand them out to everyone. If we do a couple thousand then surely people will remember us. Won’t they?”
To use a sports analogy, you choked. You froze. You buckled under the pressure. That’s easy to do if you don’t put in the preparation and time necessary to be great. You revert back to last year’s order or take whatever you can get with a rush order and the inevitable rush charge. But great ideas – ideas that can truly make an impact with your company – take some time to mold.
In the case of promotional items, it’s no different. Promotional items are meant to be another asset in your marketing toolkit to create a unique connection to your audience and ultimately create in them a desire to move towards your company. Some of the most unique promotional items can stand on their own to create a unique message. Others, while in a simpler form, can be used in conjunction with other ideas to create a lasting impression.
Let’s look at an example that illustrates just how creative you can get. ABC Company was an exhibitor at a recent tradeshow to show off their fancy new product with the latest and greatest new features that were going to gain them substantial market share. Unfortunately, much larger companies scooped up all the premium booth space on the show floor. ABC Company was relegated to the back of the convention center where it would take smoke signals and an Eagle Scout for their customers to find them. Their product launch was doomed.
Definitely a concern, but not one that couldn’t be overcome with some creativity. Inject a great idea and a unique promotional item. The fix came when ABC Company chose to purchase two-way radios (walkie-talkies) branded with their company’s logo.
The radios came in pairs. One month prior to the trade show, ABC Company mailed a marketing piece to their customers to announce their presence at the show. The mailing included one radio and a note to encourage the customer to come to ABC Company’s booth to receive the other radio in the pair. The customer was also prompted to contact the company via the two-way radio when they arrived at the show to be directed to ABC Company’s booth.
They were a hit! A huge hit! The promotional items not only had a high perceived value to the customer as a takeaway from the show, but by engaging the customer in such a unique way, the ABC Company strengthened the relationships with their customers. The buzz generated from that one idea helped to attract many new customers and catapult sales through the roof.
At Proformance Logo Products and Apparel we strive to help our customers find those great ideas along the way that will turn them into marketing superstars. Pens, key chains and koozies certainly have their place in the corporate promotional landscape. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a hidden gem of an idea that’s waiting to push your company to new heights. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
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January 17th, 2011
As we’ve mentioned on this blog in the past, promotional product marketing is easy to do but difficult to do right. When considering a promotional giveaway you need to consider the following:
Start With a Small Group
It is tempting to think of promotional marketing exclusively as a way of gaining more brand recognition when in fact it is more important your branded giveaways inspire brand loyalty. Business owners that miss this crucial distinction often go for a quantity over quality approach and shower their clients with koozies and cheap pens. While koozies and pens have their place, they are quickly replaced and discarded. In short everyone gives out koozies and pens.
Starting with a small group gives you a larger budget per person and allows you to personalize your branded giveaways.
Be Willy Wonka
The fabled Willy Wonka didn’t provide a single thing that people needed. He provided them with what they wanted. A branded giveaway, when done right, should spoil your clients with something that they would not have bought for themselves. Think: guilty pleasures.
And because we’ve kept our target audience small to begin with, we can afford to splurge on some nice home goods or electronics.
Hit Them Again and Again
If you’ve started with a small group and managed to wow them with a wonderful gift, why not do it again? You didn’t become loyal to your friends in one interaction so don’t expect your clients and customers to do the same.
Each time you see members of your target group, you will get a positive response because you bring them things.
And each time you bring them something you also increase the odds of them doing business with you in the future.
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January 3rd, 2011
Many people don’t see the whole picture when it comes to promotional products and think branded giveaways exist for one reason: to expand brand awareness. While getting your logo out in front of as many people as possible is certainly a goal of experiential/promotional marketing, you are missing the full potential if you think that is the sole purpose.
So what are you (possibly) ignoring about promotional product marketing?
To answer that, consider the other forms of traditional marketing like tv, radio, billboards, print, and even on-line. What does promotional marketing have that they don’t?
Answer: Physical interaction. No other marketing channel *forces* the consumer to interact with the brand. If Google runs a commercial on TV, I take that as permission to take a break to use the restroom or reload on snacks. But if a Google representative hands me a set of Multi-Function pliers with an LED light, I’m going to: a) thank them and b) think of Google whenever I use their giveaway.
The reason why most marketers don’t go beyond brand awareness as a goal for promotional item marketing is because it takes thought. You have to know your audience extremely well…and know that koozies do not inspire loyalty. You have to dig deeper.
Here’s where Proformance Logo can help. We know our catalog intimately and have years of experience matching the right product to the right situation. Yes, our website offers a complete one-stop shop for everything from logo golf balls to watches and jewelry. And, yes, you can shop privately without needing to call in for shipping prices or imprint fees.
But sometimes we need help from professionals. And, with Proformance Logo, that help is just a phone call or email away.
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December 10th, 2010
Every year, starting sometime during the summer, my company begins work on the annual Christmas card. The whole team spends hours of time meeting, concepting, designing and writing to create a memorable piece that accurate reflects our brand. Hours of time that, on the surface, creates no revenue for the company. Why do we work so hard, months in advance, to wish our clients and prospects a happy holiday season when a simple store-bought card would send the same message, while saving us time and money? Because we want to create something that has staying power. If we’ve done our jobs well, the “card”—which frequently takes the form of a gift like a book, a CD, a Christmas ornament or an advent calendar—becomes a keepsake that, year after year, reminds our clients and prospects of who we are, what we do and how we can keep their brand just as memorable for their clients.
Giveaways for conferences and trade shows are a lot like that Christmas greeting. When choosing what product to give out, the cheapest and easiest solution might save time and money in the short term, but products designed to last have the potential to work much harder for you over the course of their lifetime. A cheap but forgettable tchotchke like a pen or a keychain might be used for a few days, and even a few months if you’re very lucky, but the vast majority of these “trinkets and trash” will quickly fall out of use and out of the mind of clients. On the other hand, products that will remain on desks, in the kitchen, and in plain sight will turn your fleeting trade show giveaway into a long-lasting, positive message.
Years ago, I received a flash drive as a giveaway at a trade show. It’s a quality piece, and I’ve never needed another one. I keep it in my purse at all times, and not a week goes by that I don’t use it. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen that company’s logo. I know exactly who they are and what services they offer, because I’ve visited their website time and time again. They are permanently ingrained in my memory, all because I’ve used that fantastic piece of technology to transfer endless files.
Now imagine your logo on that flash drive. Every day for years to come, the person with whom you had a brief exchange at a trade show remembers who you are when they use that product. On top of that, every person who has been handed a branded flash drive to upload files has been introduced to your company as well. Your wisely chosen gift has put your brand in front of countless prospects and left a lasting impression, generating potential leads and potential sales, paying for itself time and time again. We like to call that return on investment.
Simply put, a high quality, well-considered giveaway is the gift that keeps on giving—right back to the giver.
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November 10th, 2010
Every communication you choose to share your company’s message makes a statement about your brand, so it pays to carefully consider what you want that message to be. When you choose a branded product, it’s imperative to ask yourself how that touchpoint speaks to who you are as a brand. After all, as Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.” The promotional product you choose to represent your brand speaks just as loudly as what you have to say.
If you pick something expected, what message does that send? Does it suggest that you’re just another company making a half-hearted effort to break through? You know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your company offers something special. Unique. Valuable. Innovative. How can a pen or notepad accurately capture the essence of who you are and what you offer?
We don’t mean to knock the humble company pen, but a truly interesting product that suits your brand can help you stand out in the mind of consumers, leaving them with a more accurate impression of what you offer.
Let’s use an example. Say you own an eco-friendly coffee shop. Branded coffee mugs are the obvious choice, right? But you offer something more than coffee. Your commitment to environmentally responsible business practices is what really sets you apart from the caffeine-slinging herd. So why not choose a environmentally friendly promotional item that speaks to that aspect of your message, like our Bamboo Chute or Potted Herb Set? Unexpected gifts that truly encapsulate your unique selling proposition communicate your message far more effectively than something ordinary.
Much like coffee shops and coffee mugs, tech companies and USB drives are a natural fit. But why give a USB drive when you know that every other tech company in the country is handing them out like candy at Halloween? Stand out from the crowd and give something like our USB coffee warmer. It’s a geeky conversation-starter that’s sure to make your company stand out from the IT herd—the kind of giveaway that speaks loud and clear: “We’re creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who understand our target and their needs.” A branded product that can send a message that clear and distinct is the Holy Grail of swag.
Check out our best selling items to see some of the products that can give your company an edge when it comes to standing out. Whether you’re looking for a traditional product like a coffee mug, or something that says something a little different—like an Aztec soup bowl, a “beverage babe” can holder, or a pedometer—we’re the best place to start your search for the right products to speak for your brand.
Tags: creative branding
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October 27th, 2010
There is no one, no matter how successful or advanced in his or her field, who doesn’t like to be commended for a job well done. Getting a pat on the back for going above and beyond won’t soon be forgotten. Recognizing “above-and-beyond” job performance and attitude, and showing your staff you appreciate their efforts with an employee award goes a long way toward building a passionate and loyal staff willing to go the distance to get the job done right. This positive atmosphere can help open lines of communication and strengthen the team overall. It’s amazing how communication improves when management is approachable and show gratitude for their staff.
Though it may seem like a small gesture, rewarding employees with a token of appreciation goes a long way to boost morale and increase loyalty to the company.
But what to get? Gift cards have no staying power—they’re gone once they’re spent. And who’s to say they’ll ever be used in the first place? Navigating allergies, diets and preferences is next to impossible with edible gifts, and flower arrangements are brown and wilted in a week or less. Transitory and forgettable, all of them. Not exactly the statement you want to make.
Whether it’s a bamboo plant for your office’s green thumb, or logo golf balls for the salesperson who closes deals on the golf course, useful, high-quality custom branded gifts are personal, meaningful and will continue to delight in the long-term. Not only will such thoughtful branded gifts create goodwill among the recipients, they’ll also serve as a reminder of the giver. Imagine putting the logo in the hands and in the eye of the people who work hardest for you—your associates. Every time they use their gift or glance at it in pride of place on their desk, they’ll be reminded that their management team notices their efforts, and put forth effort in return to choose a gift that truly suits their personality. Such positive feelings can’t be bought. They have to be created with the kind of upbeat work environment that such positive reinforcement fosters.
Show your associates how much you care, and give them a gift they’ll love. You’ll be rewarded in turn with loyal employees who truly love coming to work each day and putting forth their best effort. If they feel appreciated, they’ll want to return the favor by giving you the gift of 110 percent.
Tags: Branded green merchandise, employee recognition, Free Shipping, Promotional Items
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August 28th, 2010
T-Shirts are one of the most long-term advertisements you can use. This is seen over and over again, in the incredible number of ads on free t-shirts, athletic jerseys, and event shirts. Loads of us wear t-shirts every day, whether or not they have ads on them. One of the most classic examples of t-shirts as advertising can be seen in simple “Adidas” or “Reebok” tees. These shirts are cool, and have been in style for years and years. They’re simply ads for their respective companies, but fashionable ads. This type of advertising applies to any brand or logo fashionable enough to be purchased. If people don’t want to buy your shirt though, they’ll still wear it- provided you give it away.
Recent trends simply reinforce T-Shirts usefulness for advertising. There is a large group of people who like to wear “Affliction” and “TapOut” shirts. This trend came out of UFC fighters wearing the shirts after fights, and has exploded across the country in the last few years. While your company or event is very unlikely to see an explosion of popularity like this trend, you will almost certainly see some exposure. If you think back to even just the last week, you’ve probably stood in lines behind people with promotional shirts, seen them anywhere you shop, and maybe even worn one yourself.
T-Shirts are also tremendously popular as swag at conferences. The nicer the logo and conference, the better for you. Depending on the conference, people will wear them during the event, and will almost always find occasion to wear them after.
Tags: Promotional Items
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August 28th, 2010
Business cards have long been the default method of physically handing your information to someone else. Typically they are boring, and unless a designer put time into the card, it’s not likely to stand out. More creative business cards have been popping up more frequently, but what about removing the “card” entirely. Consider handing out a business product instead.
Instead of a little piece of cardstock, what about handing someone a Pivot Pad with your information printed on the front? Or a USB flash drive with your information, portfolio, and other information loaded on the drive. In both instances you have given someone something they won’t throw away, and that has actual value.
Products can’t simply be shuffled into a stack like business cards can. They will hang around- whether it be on a desk, in a car, or on a keychain. This means day after day people will see your name, and when they need what you are selling, you’ll be the first name they think of. After all, are you more likely to notice a business card thrown in a drawer or hidden somewhere else; or something- anything- that is sitting on your desk.
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August 2nd, 2010
Eco-friendly promotional items are either made from renewable resources or designed to lessen your impact on the environment. Going green in your promotional items is perfect for companies involved with the outdoors, travel, health, kids, sports, or alternative energy sectors (to name a few). Items such as eco-friendly sports bottles, organic or jute tote bags, cardboard style journals and pens, or items made from recycled material make a statement beyond the message printed on them….they tell your clients and customers that your company cares about the environment
If your company takes part in this movement, eco-friendly promotional items could be exactly what you want to send a positive message out. There are a wide variety of this kind of item, so there is likely something for every kind of company. If your company isn’t yet working on any green initiatives, why not start by utilizing green promotional items?
Bamboo Stripe Pen Holder
This Bamboo pen holder is pretty stylish and looks good on a wide variety of desks. It qualifies as an eco-friendly item because bamboo is a renewable resource that quickly regrows. This type of product doesn’t have to send a message, but can add a bit of smoothness on your desk.
Brown Bag-it Sack
This quality bag is intended to replace the typical brown paper bag for employee lunches. It’s more sturdy, washable, and of course- you can get your logo printed on it!
Single Chute Bamboo Pot
The second bamboo desk enhancement product in this list is actually living! If you’ve never had a plant on your desk, it’s hard to describe how nice it can be to have one. If you have, you know that desktop plants add a soft bit of green to your desk, and are all around nice to have.
Eco-Soft Mousepad
This soft and comfortable mousepad is made from 100% recycled rubber, and is both non-skid and antimicrobial. Mousepads are the kind of thing people don’t want to think about. Giving them a product like this ensures that when they do think about it, they’ll be thinking positively.
Blue Spruce Tree
Without a doubt, this is the most unique green item on the list. Giving people an actual, living tree is a bold move. You can’t simply put this in a closet or drawer and forget it, it’s a tree after all.
Now that you’ve gotten some inspiration, why not check out the rest of our Eco-friendly items!
Tags: Branded green merchandise, Eco-friendly, Eco-friendly promotion, Green products, Green promotion, Sustainable promotion
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July 13th, 2010
Proformance prides ourselves at giving a true price every step of the way, and not tacking on major price increases due to shipping upon checkout. We have always provided free shipping, and believe it or not, that small change can save you tons of money. We encourage our potential clients to look for similar products on competitor’s websites. You’ll find that shipping not only costs extra (and can be charged per item!), many charge for “decorating”, and other basic things that we do! At Proformance, we don’t want to tack on any hidden charges, or lure you in with “as low as” pricing. We clearly lay out our prices, and we believe doing so greatly adds to the experience of buying from us.
Let’s take a look at a few specific items that we sell, as well as our competitors. We charge $27.99 for Titleist DT-Roll golf balls, and have a minimum order of 12. This price includes logo printing, and shipping is free. The total price for 12 boxes of printed DT-Roll balls is $335.88. Meanwhile, Motivators (one of our competitors) charges $39.48 per box for the same product, and has the same minimum order. Each separate product has a $35 “printing setup charge” applied, bringing the total for these golf balls to $508.76! The worst part is, this figure is pre-shipping.
You are not given the shipping price until your order is prepared for shipping.
Perhaps the single biggest thing difference you’ll see with us is our “one low price”. Almost all of our competitors show you the lowest price, but have tiered pricing for different amounts of the product. This gives you the initial impression that a product you want is priced very low, only to find that in order to get that price you need to buy much more than you need. For example; we sell a 1gb mp3 player, and our 1 low price is $36.99. Motivators advertises the same Mp3 player “as low as $36.50″. The problem with this is that to pay $36.50, you need to purchase 200! Our minimum order is only 12, and if you want to buy only 12 players from our competition, the price shoots up to $52.56!
Individual Pricing Shown
As you can see, we’re big on not throwing in additional fees or displaying prices lower than what you’ll likely pay. We simply don’t like to lead people in with pricing that is substantially lower than what they’ll pay, and we’d rather incorporate shipping into our price than hit customers with a huge charge after they have customized their order.
Tags: 1 Low Price, Branded Products, Free Shipping, One Low Price, Price Comparison
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