Archive for the ‘Incenting and Recognizing Employees’ Category
Monday, 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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Friday, 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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Wednesday, 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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Wednesday, 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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Saturday, December 12th, 2009
It’s no secret that everyone likes to get a little special something- and in the current economic downturn, this tactic remains critical for your most valuable assets- your employees.
Incenting your employees throughout the year is a great way to encourage top performance. Consider hosting an operational efficiency campaign- which will motivate associates and improve your business. At the end of each month or quarter, evaluate your various business units. If goals were met (or even exceeded) you can incent each employee with a gift that includes a special logo to highlight their achievements.
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Tags: employee recognition, employees gifts, incentives, logo golf balls
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