How Much Would You Give to Hold the Keys to Your Clients’ Hearts?

October 22nd, 2009

Well, it may be as easy as holding their keys.  Accessorizing is a very personal matter and no one is to say what’s in or out, however, there is an accessory that, no matter what you wear, is ever present, night or day.  It is the keychain.

Everyone who owns a car, lives in a house or apartment, and has a job, certainly uses a keychain to hold the keys.  Earrings, scarves, shoes, bracelets, all come and go, but your keychain is always there, holding keys together so that you do not have to worry and lose time looking for them when in a hurry.

This is why many businesses see keychains as cool promotional items.  Maybe they won’t be as popular as a pair of Gucci glasses, but they will be used every day.  They serve an important purpose and can even provide added value, if, for example, the keychain works as a mini cash stash too.  You can be sure your logo will be exposed everywhere and for a long time if it is useful, classy, and implies your client is cool.

Give people a keychain that catches their attention and can even be a conversation topic among friends, and you will ensure your logo is seen everywhere, however, if your company is very well known, you should consider gifting a non-customized keychain, maybe even personalize it for each client, if you want it to be extra special.  Clients will still talk about it and will tell people who gave it to them, prompting mouth-to-mouth advertising.

There are thousands of options out there, but if you are clear about whom your clients are, what your company stands for, and what your goal is, you will certainly find the right keychains to impress them.  Remember that even though you wish to display your logo, your clients do not want to be your walking banners, thus, if you’re going the custom way, make sure you give a piece that will convey class and style, enhancing the person’s appearance.  It must be something one will choose and pay for; with the added bonus that it is a gift!

With this in mind, now you should have no trouble choosing the best promotional item for your business!

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Who Ever Heard of National Ice Cream Day?

October 22nd, 2009

There are certainly no shortage of holidays and special occasions that are perfect for business owners and professionals to give out cool promotional items.  We do, however, have a tendency to think only of those familiar and traditional opportunities to hand out gifts.  This year, why not add an element of surprise to your generosity and use one of these unique, and yes, sometimes bizarre designated days to present co-workers, employees, and even family members and friends with one of these promotion gift ideas.

Friendship Day
We’ll start with a day that has just gone by, Friendship Day.  Traditionally, August 1st is Friendship day.  Declared a holiday by congress in the U.S. in 1935, it has been a day ever since to honour our friends and let them know how much they mean to us.  Other countries around the world have adopted the day as well and it is now recognized worldwide.

World Teacher Day
World Teacher Day is celebrated on October 5th, and is a perfect time to show appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that teachers give to both their students and the community.  Frederico Mayor designated this day in Geneva at the International Conference on Education in 1993, and it is recognized worldwide.  Why not write a little note of thanks and put it in a time capsule cash holder for a unique and memorable gift.

Boss’s Day
Now here is a day every good employee wants to mark on the calendar.  October 16 is Boss’s Day.  It was declared by a woman named Patricia Heroski who worked for State Farm Insurance way back in 1958.She wanted there to be a special day to honor all the good bosses out there, especially hers, who just happened to be her father!  Why not turn the tables on corporate gift giving this year and give your boss something really different like a silver pocket toothpick holder or personalized key chain?

Uncle Sam Day
For those who maybe work in a government job or for a great gift for anyone in the military service, Uncle Sam Day would be a great time to give a gift and say thanks for your hard work and dedication.  Uncle Sam Day is celebrated on September 13th.  It has been an official holiday since 1989 when congress designated the day an official holiday. It is named after “Uncle” Sam Wilson who supplied meat to the soldiers during the War of 1812, and whose birthday is September 13, 1776.

These are just a few of the less famous holidays and special days that are perfect for gift giving, including  National Ice Cream Day which was designated such by Ronald Reagan in 1984 as part of National Ice Cream month.  It is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in July.

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What’s So Great About Promotional Items For Business?

October 22nd, 2009

In business, even the gifts you choose for your clients follow a specific goal, eventually sell your products or services.  This does not mean these gifts should not be selected carefully and with the clients’ best interest in mind, on the contrary, the more they resemble the client, the stronger the client will favor you.  It is, in the end, a matter of true care.

As it turns out, promotional items have several strengths that can make them the perfect gift, as much for you as for your clients.

1.    Bull’s eye
Not every company benefits from mass media advertising.  Some businesses have such a specific market that they need more direct ways to reach it without wasting valuable efforts, making their clients feel extra special in the process.  Promotional items prompt a response from the person receiving it, be it more information or a visit.

2.    Until death do us apart
These items last a long time, making your name visible to its owner and people around them for quite some time.  This durability turns promotional items very inexpensive, as measured by cost-per-exposure, and they keep your company’s name in the minds of your customers even for years while they provide a service to the users.

3.    Stroke of creativity
Promotional items are useful gifts.  The clients are involved with them, so, if you identify your target accurately, act in a timely manner, have a clear goal, and think creatively, you will multiply that involvement by a hundred fold.  Be bold and think out of the box when selecting a gift, stimulate the senses and make creative associations.  For example, a bank could dip a mini silver cash can into a chocolate bar to suggest the client has found a sweet treasure.

4.    Just because
Everyone loves gifts, and it is easy to perceive when a gift is offered with a true good intention.  The receiver can perceive your care, and promotional items are a way to do that while you advertise.  A quality gift inspires loyalty, goodwill, recommendations and purchases.

5.    Broad possibilities
These items can be used in many occasions and for a wide array of reasons.  They fit like a glove for branch opening promotions, introduction of new products, motivating employees, activating inactive niches, changing of brands or names, improving relationships, building an image, etc.

So, take the time to choose the right promotional items for business and make an investment well worth your money.

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5 Uses for Hidden Compartments – Besides Hiding Cash!

October 20th, 2009

So you may have picked up a product like the cash stash or are thinking to and are feeling a bit limited by just using it for money.  Yes, it’s a great option to hide cash especially when you’re on vacation or out on the town and feel the need for that bit of extra security, but there are a lot of other great uses for something like the Cash Stash too.  Here are five possibilities:

1)    Information Stash.  Can you think of some information you might need in an emergency?  Telephone numbers, addresses, passport or social security numbers?  Any of these are ideal to conceal inside something like the Cash Stash.  For an overseas trip imagine carrying a photocopy of your passport or the address of the hotel you’re staying at in case things get difficult, or entrust a Cash Stash to your child with vital family contact information in case they get lost.

2)    Inspiration Stash.  Whether you do this for you or someone else, the Cash Stash is a great place to squirrel away quotes, poems, and snippets of letters that have meaning to you.  Collect your favorite poem for a blue day or write a letter to the one you love and give the Cash Stash as a gift.

3)    Business Stash.  The Cash Stash could already be one of a roster of cool promotional items for a business, but take advantage of every space you have to make an impression!  A potential customer might lose the packaging it came with, but putting some information inside the Cash Stash is a great way to remind the customer of the benefits of your company once they’ve decided to hide their cash.

4)    Photo Stash.  Undoubtedly you will have to bend the photos to do so, but the Cash Stash is a great place to keep some photos of your loved ones for times when you have to travel light and want to keep them near.  The Cash Stash is waterproof so your photos will be safe for years to come.

5)    Check Stash.  Instead of carrying cash, which can be easily stolen if caught, consider carrying a check.  Never sign or otherwise authorize the check, of course, but keeping it close in case of an emergency is a great way to guarantee you’ll have funds available should the worst happen.  Or, keep a traveler’s check handy.  A traveler’s check is especially useful when traveling and keeping one safe in your Cash Stash is a great way to ensure you’re protected in case the worst should happen.

Remember – how to hide your money is a first priority and a great feature but there are many other potential benefits from such a system.  If you don’t feel the need to put cash in the Cash Stash give one of these a try!

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Use Promotional Gifts to Brand Your Business

October 20th, 2009

If you need to reach your target audience without the great expense of taking out a newspaper ad or having billboards posted, branded promotional items can be a superb investment to make. Read our guide to using this effective yet economical form of marketing.

What can branded promotional gifts do for my business?

By giving away branded free gifts to potential customers, you create a means for them to be frequently exposed to your brand. You might have given them a pen with your company name on it or a mug with a design that relates to the products you sell. Each time your customer uses their gift, they will be reminded of your brand. As for your business costs, this is a cheap form of advertising  – gift ideas like baseball caps, t-shirts and cash stashes are inexpensive. They are also well-targeted as you can hand these branded products directly to the type of person who fits your customer profile.

Which items make good gifts?

Good products to use should firstly be within your budget and secondly be items a person is likely to use often and not throw away. Gifts like key rings, pens and mugs are proven items that convey across brands successfully. Some businesses like to add an edge to their products to help them – and consequently their name – stand out in their customers’ minds. They opt for creative gift ideas such as a pack of playing cards or Kool-Aid packets. If you want to follow this line, some good advice is to think carefully about your target customers, be aware of current trends that might affect them and then choose a gift that will appeal to them e.g., is there a new type of phone they might have that you could produce branded covers for? Choose to give out more than one type of gift so you can appeal to a range of people in your target audience e.g., branded golf balls for men and brass pill containers for women.

How do I brand my gifts?

Make decisions about how to brand your gift depending on the item you are using and who will be using it. If it’s an inexpensive pen, you might want to include your company’s name and address. If it’s something more stylish like an engraved toothpick holder, you might want to include a subtle logo. And if you’ve opted for a t-shirt, why not make your branding big and bold to reach new customers when it’s worn.

How do I distribute my gifts?

Once again, think about your target audience and where they are more likely to be. The best places to have your branded promotional items are in your store (at the entrance or exit), at conference or trade shows, or any other public events related to your business. The idea is to reach your niche audience and make sure they take your branding home with them.

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Stash More Than Your Cash

October 20th, 2009

Finding ways to hide cash, especially when traveling is vital to having a safe and happy holiday.  A tiny inconspicuous cash-can™ “capsule” is a really handy way to do just that.  You can hide money safely either with your belongings, in the car, or even around your neck with one of these cool little gadgets.  But there are a few even more intriguing ways to use this item.  You can be proof positive that “good things come in small packages” when you give this tiny time capsule on one of these occasions.

These make a classy wedding favor for the bride and groom to give away.  A special “thank you for sharing our day” message can be typed out and placed inside as a lasting memento for friends and family.

Any family member or loved one who has to be away from home, whether it is for short business travel or extended military service, would love to have such a gorgeous holder for a thoughtful poem, inspiring quote or loving message so it can be kept close to the heart.

If your organization or family is planning to bury a time capsule for future generations to enjoy, the money capsule could be the perfect vessel to use for writing down your predictions for the future or your special memories of the present.  This durable, waterproof container will still be there safe and sound when the time capsule is retrieved.

Your family pet can even be the lucky recipient of one of these tiny useful gifts.  Its tiny size allows it to be comfortably attached to your pet’s collar. Printing your phone number and placing it inside can help ensure safe return of a lost pet and the outside can be engraved with the pet’s name to help even further in a safe recovery.

Have you ever left home in the car without your wallet only to find yourself in need of gas, wiper fluid or something essential and no cash to use? Attaching a capsule to your car key chain with a ten or twenty dollar bill inside can really save the day.  Even if you have your wallet, sometimes a little emergency cash can be helpful and these are a great place to keep a secret stash!

These little capsules make really cool promotional items if you are giving a gift to co-workers or employees.  They are affordable, elegant, and so very useful!

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Great Ideas for Unusual Wedding Presents

September 25th, 2009

Have a wedding coming up, but don’t want to give the usual toaster or champagne glasses as gifts? There are some wonderful choices for gifts that are sure to be “one-of-a-kind” for your newlywed couple, and will be treasured for years to come.

A wonderful choice that is sure to be a treasured fireplace mantle decoration is a polished copper egg.  It measures 1 ½ by 2 inches, and is hand polished to a lovely sheen.   It also makes a great paperweight, or table decoration.  If your bride or groom collects novelty eggs, this is a perfect choice.

Another elegant idea is a precision machined set of brass candlestick holders – hand polished to a brilliant gloss.  These will last a lifetime and can be passed down for generations to come. They are sure to add a touch of class to any buffet, table, or fireplace mantle lucky enough to have them as accessories.

A truly fabulous choice is the Anniversary Bud Vase – although it has “anniversary” in its title, you don’t have to wait for an anniversary to give it as a present!   This is a limited edition item and sets are only produced as the Swarovski Crystal Roses that adorn it become available, so if you want this item for a present, order early.  This vase was inspired and designed by and for the Swarovski Crystal Rose – and together, they make a true heirloom item that is sure to be treasured for many generations to come.   If you give this beautiful vase as a wedding gift, you will definitely outclass all the toaster and waffle maker givers by far.

And lastly, think a pocket toothpick holder is not a fine wedding present? Well, think again! How about one plated in 18K gold? They’re very practical, elegant, and you could get two for the perfect His & Hers set.

No matter which custom machined present you choose to give, it is sure to be a gift of lasting beauty and elegance, and will be valued highly by the lucky bride and groom for many years to come.

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Gift Ideas for Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month

September 25th, 2009

September is “Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month”, so don’t forget to take care of your favorite writer or editor with a special gift just for them.  There are plenty of wonderful personalized gifts that would be just perfect to commemorate this month.

The most obvious choice is a new shiny pen, like the one made from a .250 caliber salvage rifle cartridge.   These are limited edition items, so your friend or colleague will have a true conversation piece.   This is perfect for inspiring those “silver bullets” of literary wisdom!  If you like, you can also order a gift box to enhance its presentation.

Another great idea is a “cash stash” – made from either a 44 magnum shell or a shotgun shell.  Who would know that cash is hidden inside?  Your poor starving writer friend will be happy to have a place to secure his or her cash so it can’t be misplaced, lost, or stolen.  These gifts can be fully personalized with an engraving service.  In addition to making a great place to hide cash, these holders can be used for toothpicks, love notes, pills, and candies – or use your imagination!  Pocket toothpick holders are also available as well as cash holders.

If you want to give something truly unique, how about giving a custom milled titanium toothpick?   Titanium is fully hypoallergenic, and will last a lifetime.  This is a great gift if your friend enjoys eating jerky, or just likes to have unusual things, which is a trait that describes most writers.

Last but not least, another idea is an engraved Maglite – these are great for keeping in the car for emergencies or just having in one’s briefcase or purse. They also are great gifts for writers who burn the midnight oil. Sometimes a practical gift can be the best gift to give.

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Promotional Items You’ll Want to Avoid

September 25th, 2009

Promotional gifts can be a great way to promote your business and gain exposure.  They can be an excellent way to bring attention to your business, and win over a few more customers in the process.  But using the wrong kind of promotional gifts might have the opposite effect.  Here is a list of promotional items you may want to steer clear from:

1.  Cheap Plastic Pens – Using cheap plastic pens in promotional giveaways goes back to the very beginning of promotional giveaways.  I’m sure everybody in the world has tons of cheap pens scattered all over their houses; half probably don’t work, and the other half work for maybe a week or two at best.  So is using cheap plastic pens a good idea for a promotional giveaway?  There answer is no.  Giving away plastic pens has been done to death.  No one gets excited about plastic pens anymore; it’s time to think of something else.

2.  One Size Fits All T-Shirt : The one size fits all t-shirt is a great promotion targeted at fitting a blanket group.  But the problem is that one size does not fit all, and most of the time, when you try promotions like these, the shirts never end up fitting anyone right, and you never get that long lasting appeal that you want in a good promotion.  You don’t want someone getting a promotional t-shirt and wearing it once and throwing it away, because it doesn’t fit or looks silly.  You want something with long lasting appeal, something they are actually going to wear on a regular basis.

3.  Cheap Plastic Key Chains :  Cheap plastic key chains are never a good idea and usually end up in the garbage.  Now in theory, using quality key chains as promotional items for business isn’t always a bad idea, if done in the right way.  You would think it’s smart to have your brand on a keychain knowing that people constantly use their keys, giving high exposure to your brand.  But most of the time, people don’t want cheap plastic key chains on their keys; unless it is a well designed key chain, they’ll simply just throw it away.

4.  Grooming Supplies
: But the biggest promotional item that you’ll want to avoid are grooming supplies.  Things like nail files, soaps, and shaving razors are not so cool, granted you own a spa or a nail salon.  But what you don’t want is people thinking about your business while they’re shaving their legs or trimming their nails; you get the picture.  Keep it clean.  And keep it smart.  And you will have great success in your next promotional endeavor.

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How To Grow Your Business Using Trade Shows

September 25th, 2009

Anybody that has ever been to a trade show can tell you the same thing; it can do wonders for your business.  It is a great way to reach new customers, unload some existing merchandise, not to mention a place to meet great contacts  But if you want your business to succeed at the next trade show, the first thing you will need is a strategy.  You will have to develop a plan on how to set up your area, what promotional items you’ll pass out, and consider the overall presentation and image that you’ll be promoting.  If you follow these basic concepts, not only will you make more money promoting your brand at a trade show, but you will rapidly increase your business in the process.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to figure out your presentation.  How will you be promoting your business visually?  If you don’t have the right look, and some cool promotional items to pass out, your trade show experience could be a massive failure.  But with the right set up, your business could have a solid presence.  You’ll first want to secure a few nice tables, and put them together, and find a nice cloth or covering to put over them.  You’ll want to have some signs of your business, or even a nicely embroidered logo will do the trick.  You’ll want something that catches the eye, but is not too gaudy; you want your business to look classy, but approachable.

It is also important to have a trained staff there, representing your business and ready to sell.  When you are flooded with new customers, new clients, and new contacts, it can be pretty overwhelming, that is why you will need a trained staff there to help you manage the booth.  You’ll want to move quickly, but be thorough with your conservations and dealings.  Also, have a note taker or a secretary nearby writing down different people’s numbers and names to keep track of all the information.  Train your employees accordingly so that they can deal quickly with customers, yet be able to explain your business inside and out.

At a trade show, whether you are there promoting your business, or looking to sell off some merchandise, make sure you don’t underestimate the importance of free handouts.  If you have the right promotional item or gift, it can do wonders for your trade show presence.  There are so many different products to grab people’s attention that something free, but interesting, might just be what it takes to put your booth over the top, and give your business great success at the next trade show to come.

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