Latest Posts

Delicious Picture Cookies

April 30, 2010

3M Post-it NotesWant to create come buzz with your next promotion? How about imprinting your logo directly on to some delicious chocolate or vanilla cookies? Custom imprinted with edible inks in vibrant full color, these 3″ cookies are as tasty as they are beautiful. Each cookie is individually wrapped and can ship standard ground even in warm weather. They are certified Star-D kosher, and are proudly made in the USA.

But wait, there’s more! Regularly priced beginning at $1.79, these cookies are on sale through the end of  July for $.99 each.

My mom always understood that the quickest way to my heart was with a plate of cookies. Now you can utilize promotional cookies to get to the heart of your top prospects! Call us for details.

Note: Minimum order of one case required (180 cookies) and must be ordered in case increments. Prices do not include setups, S&H or applicable taxes.

Product Spotlight

Using Brands to Build Brand Awareness

April 20, 2010

Utilizing promotional products is a great way to build brand awareness for your organization. There are thousands of products available at virtually every price point imaginable. So where do you start? How about leaning on somebody else’s brand to help build your own brand awareness. When a name brand product is used as part of your promotional campaign, the good will of the name brand will help support your own brand. And a name brand product typically provides for a higher perceived value than other promotional gifts. Here are a few of my favorite brands available through promotional marketing.

3M Post-it Notes3M
This is a company with a great history of innovation beginning in 1902.  3M invented a number of interesting products from waterproof sandpaper in the early ’20s to Post-it Notes in 1980. You know that a product has achieved a great level of success when the name of the product is ingrained into our consciousness like Post-it Notes. We offer some less expensive alternatives such as BIC Sticky Notes, but in our opinion, 3M’s Post-it Notes are still the best adhesive notes on the market today. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be imprinted with your company information.

Nalgene and Camelbak Water BottlesNalgene and Camelbak
Two of the most recognizable brand names in drinkware, Nalgene and Camelbak produce the best water bottles available.  They’re nearly indestructible and are now made from BPA-free materials. Durable water bottles are also eco-friendly. Did you know that 8 in every 10 plastic water bottles end up in a landfill? And that we use more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually to make these water bottles? Just imagine if we all started using refillable water bottles instead. And then imagine if everyone had a refillable water bottle with your logo on it.

Buck Knives and Swiss Army KnivesBuck Knives and Swiss Army Knives
There are a number of name brands available, but when it comes to knives, give me a Buck or a Swiss Army every time. Buck makes a great assortment of hunting knives and folding pocket knives that can be engraved with your logo. And haven’t we all had a Swiss Army Knife at some point in our lives? Their multi-function knives make awesome gifts. I’ve got a couple of them. They are still among the most popular knives in the industry.

Fossil WatchesFossil Watches
Another name brand I have a personal fondness for is Fossil. I wear a Fossil watch, as does my wife. At my last business, we used to give Fossil Watches to our employees on their fifth anniversary with the company. They offer a nice variety of high-quality watches. Most brands of watches including Timex and Callaway are available and can be decorated with your organization’s logo.

Coleman CoolersColeman
Yes, that Coleman. The makers of Coleman coolers! Coleman was founded more than 100 years ago in Wichita, Kansas. Originally a manufacturer of lanterns, Coleman expanded into leisure and camping products when they introduced a galvanized steel cooler in 1954. By the ’60s, Coleman had become the biggest name in the camping business. A great and trusted brand. And a great promotional gift that can be imprinted with your brand.

Nike Promotional ProductsNike
In our book, Nike is a winner all the way. The brand carries more oomph than virtually any other brand on the market today. The Nike swoosh is possibly the most recognizable logo ever created. And there are a number of Nike products available to the promotional products industry including apparel, golf balls, golf bags, sunglasses, golf shoes and golf clubs.

M&MsM&Ms
Edibles are often overlooked as promotional gifts, but there’s typically no faster way to a client’s heart than through their stomach. And it doesn’t stop with the M&Ms. We’ve got Skittles, Jelly Belly, LifeSavers and much more. Yum. Great packaging and decoration ideas. All you’ve got to do is ask.

All of this is just the beginning. We’ve got Alicia Klein, Baden, BIC, Case Logic, Cutter & Buck, FootJoy, Jockey, Munsingwear, Pinnacle, Prang, RCC Koozie, Sharpie, Slinky, Tervis Tumbler, Thermos, Titleist, uni-ball, Wilson, Zippo and much more. Utilizing a name brand will help you build your own brand awareness.

Eco-Friendly Products, Sales and Marketing

Recommended Reading: First, Break All The Rules

April 16, 2010

First, Break All The RulesLike many people, I’ve continued to look for ways for self-improvement. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, much of what I have learned about business has come from experience. Learning on the job. And a lot of trial and error. A few years ago I was faced with running a business that had rapidly grown from a staff of five to more than 40 full-time employees in a few short years. My duties and responsibilities changed significantly. And I quickly realized how little I knew about managing people. I was glad to have found First, Break All The Rules, What The World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.

While I enjoy reading about business, leadership and motivation, I’m particularly drawn to books that have a legitimate methodology to their process and conclusions. First, Break All The Rules does this as well as any book I’ve ever read. This book is based on data from ongoing surveys conducted by the Gallup Organization over a 25 year period. They’ve interviewed more than 80,000 mangers across many industries trying to determine what makes a great manager. And some of the results will certainly surprise you. It did me.

What rules do these great managers break? “Before they do anything else, they first break all the rules of conventional wisdom. They do not believe that a person can achieve anything he sets his mind to. They do not try to help a person overcome his weaknesses. They consistently disregard the Golden Rule. And, yes, they even play favorites.”

Are you a great manager? Would you like to be a better manager? Understanding what creates a satisfied and productive staff is a great place to start. Find out what really motivates employees. Whether you’re a small business owner with a handful of employees, or a corporate executive at a Fortune 500 company, I highly recommend First, Break All The Rules.

Business Development

Gotta Love Flying Monkeys!

April 9, 2010

My Flying Marketing MonkeyI used to work with a programmer who whenever the conversation turned to marketing would say “There just aren’t enough monkeys in advertising”. When one of our suppliers gave me my own Flying Monkey, I immediately thought of Randy and named my monkey the Marketing Monkey. He still sits on my desk. (The monkey, not Randy.) I take him to all of my marketing meetings. And I occasionally shoot him across the room just to hear him scream his monkey sounds.

My children have often attempted to steal my monkey.

The Flying Flingshot Monkey wears a cape that can be custom imprinted with your logo and promotional message. It includes a sound chip that when activated makes monkey sounds. And it’s stretchy arms allows it to be shot like a slingshot. It’s a great gift. Just ask me!

Click here to open the full sales literature (145kb PDF).

Product Spotlight

Eco-Friendly Promotional Item Promotes Water Conservation

March 26, 2010

The Eco Water Saver™ Shower Timer is a fun way to promote water conservation. This eco-friendly product is a twist-action five-minute shower timer with suction mount. Perfect for hotels, water districts, cities, schools, plumbers and conservationists. Made from a shatter-resistant timer and 70% recycled plastic body.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-QcDGfVClQ[/youtube]

Eco-Friendly Products, Product Spotlight

Snuggies Available with Your Logo

March 25, 2010

Snuggies Available with Your LogoQ. What looks like a blanket, has sleeves, keeps you warm from head to toe, and has sold more than four million units worldwide?

A. The Snuggie.

And now you can order the Snuggie decorated with your logo. A fun gift for your employees and favorite clients. It certainly will get them talking.

If your budget doesn’t work for the Snuggie, remember to ask us about the Hugme and the Couch Cozie!

Product Spotlight

Promotional Products Increase Trade Show Traffic

March 23, 2010

According to PPAI (Promotional Products Association International):

• 72% of trade show attendees who received a promotional product remembered the name of the company that gave them the product.

• 76% of attendees had a favorable attitude toward the company that gave them the product.

• Including a promotional product with a pre-show mailing increases the likelihood of an attendee stopping by the booth.

• As a rule, promotional products of greater value generate more sales leads than products of lower value.

Sales and Marketing

Take Time to Listen

March 22, 2010

Just Shut Up and ListenWhat is the number one complaint customers make about salespeople? According to a survey conducted by the Purchasing Manager’s Association of America, it’s that salespeople talk too much and listen too little.

Poor salespeople dominate the talking. Top sales people dominate the listening.

Here are some tips for active listening:

1. Avoid distractions. Listening is best done in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

2. Interact through body language. Stay alert and interested in the conversation.

3. Don’t interrupt. Sounds easy. It’s not.

4. Don’t be afraid of silence. If you ask a question, wait for the answer. Don’t feel as if you have to fill every void in the conversation.

5. Make sure that you understand what the customer is saying. Paraphrase and repeat what the customer has said to make sure that you’re both on the same page.

6. Ask pertinent questions, and don’t be afraid to clarify.

7. Avoid arguing and stay focused.

8. Summarize points that have been made at key moments.

Your customers want to feel like they are the most important thing in your world. They deserve your undivided attention, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Sales and Marketing

Promotional Ideas for Earth Day — Part Two

March 12, 2010

As Earth Day quickly approaches, we continue to look for interesting items that fit well within an eco-friendly promotional campaign. This week we’ll focus on products made from recycled content.

There are two types of recycled material available for manufacturing: post-consumer and post-manufacturing. Post-consumer is previously used material that comes directly from products such as used water bottles that have been shredded, purified and reformed into another product. Post-manufacturing material comes from scrap raw material left over from producing another product. This material otherwise would be thrown away.

Did You Know: Recycling plastic saves 70% of the energy used to create new plastic. Paper recycling saves 40% of the energy required to make a new product.

Eco-Friendly Recycled Promotional Products

Recycled Piggy Bank
A fun promotional novelty, take your pick from piggy banks made partially from retired currency, denim scraps, yellow pages or electronics.

Recycled Notebook Jotter SetRecycled Notebook Jotter Set
Take note – on recycled paper, that is! The natural, 60-page, top spiral bound mini jotter and matching pen are held neatly in a transparent snap pouch.

Recycled Duffel Bag (made from water bottles)
Carrying this black duffel will feel so natural! Eco-friendly, the overall bag is made of 90% recycled material, 80% post-consumer recycled pet, has 26″ handles, 56″ adjustable webbed shoulder strap, zip closure, and a front pocket.

Recycled 4” x 6” Photo Frame
Eco-friendly frames are as meaningful as the photos within them. This one is 4”x6” and has a hinged easel back made from recycled Kraft paper and backing board.

Recycled Messenger BagRecycled Messenger Bag (made from water bottles)
Be the messenger for going green! This black messenger bag is made of 90% recycled material, Fabric: 80% post-consumer recycled PET. The removable/adjustable webbed shoulder strap makes it easy to carry all the items you tuck into the front flap pocket with Velcro closure, zippered front pocket, side elastic pocket and side pen holders.

Recycled Sport Bag (made from recycled PET)
A bag worth sporting! Perfect for the gym, sports field or any adventure, it features a drawstring closure, front pocket, and comes in black, blue and red.

Recycled Notebook Journal SetRecycled Notebook Journal Set
Writing has never felt this natural! This eco-friendly spiral notebook, equipped with a matching pen and transparent snap pouch, is filled with 60 pages of recycled paper.

Recycled Note and Flag Set
Post it again! Made of recycled paper, this flag and note set appeals to an eco-friendly lifestyle. It comes with five colors of flags (20 each) and a 65x65mm light yellow note pad with 20 sheets.

Eco-Friendly Recycled Pencils

Encore Recycled Pens & Pencils
A great line of pens and pencils made from at least 30% post-consumer waste. These items are made from recycled denim, currency and newspapers. Get write on it.

Newsprencil
Made from 75% recycled newspaper and 25% new paper, five colors to choose from and brass-colored ferrules with green erasers make this an ecological sound investment in our future. Easy to sharpen and splinter free. Taper reveals recycled newsprint!

Recycled Tote BagsRecycled Tote (made from water bottles)
Promote the three R’s with this eco-friendly tote! Reduce, reuse and carry around this bag made with 98% recycled material. Fabric: 80% post-consumer recycled PET. It has 26″ handles, 4″ gusset and comes in classic black or white.

Still need more ideas? Just give us a call. We’re full of them!

Eco-Friendly Products

Eco-Friendly Promotional Items for Earth Day – Part One

March 7, 2010

Founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day was created to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. On April 22nd we will celebrate another Earth Day and recognize there is still much work to be done. We continue to strive to protect our planet and our resources. We’ve been happy to watch our industry move towards utilizing more eco-friendly materials and renewable resources.

The key to sustainable resources is that they naturally replenish at a quicker pace than other resources. Good examples include products that are made from bamboo and cotton.

Eco-Friendly Bamboo Promotional Products

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth. It has been clocked surging skyward as fast as 121 cm (47.6 inches) in a 24-hour period. Here are some of our favorite bamboo products:

Turkish Bamboo/Cotton RobeTurkish Bamboo/Cotton Robe
Environmentally friendly bamboo has many qualities that make it an excellent choice for fabric. More absorbent than cotton, bamboo is soft to the touch and exceptionally durable. A choice that is certain to make a lasting impression.

Bamboo Pen
Write down more ways to recycle, reduce and reuse with this eco-friendly pen! The bamboo gives it a natural feel, while the black, blue or green plastic parts are completely biodegradable.

Bamboo Keyring
The key to being eco-friendly! Give any set of keys a natural, earthy feel with this rectangular bamboo keyring.

Bamboo USB DriveBamboo USB Drive
USB drives have been among our most popular corporate gifts these last few years. And this Bamboo USB Drive is a great addition to our bamboo line of products.

Bamboo Frame and Clock
Candid – a natural moment of time! Capture that idea with this bamboo photo frame and clock. With its neutral appeal, it will look lovely anywhere you put it.

Bamboo Kitchen SetBamboo Kitchen Set
The natural way to cook! This eco-friendly, 4-piece bamboo kitchen utensil set will keep you cooking for years. It includes an FDA compliant fork, spoon, spatula, and tongs in a matching bamboo holder.

Bamboo 4-Coaster Set
Any drink will sit naturally on one of these bamboo coasters. This eco-friendly set includes 4 coasters and a matching holder.

Bamboo Card Holder
Your business cards will fit naturally in this eco-friendly, arch design desktop business card holder. It is carefully constructed from sustainable bamboo.

Bamboo BBQ SetBamboo BBQ Set
Fire up the grill and cook el natural! The utensil handles and even the case in this eco-friendly, 5-piece BBQ set are made of bamboo and steel. It includes a serrated-edge spatula with bottle opener, BBQ fork, tongs, knife, and a basting brush.

Bamboo Pen Holder
A natural look! This eco-friendly, two-tone striped desktop pen holder is made of sustainable bamboo. Your favorite writing instruments will be sure to stay secure.


Cotton is another great example of a sustainable resource. And like bamboo, there are plenty of great promotional items made from cotton.

Natural Cotton and Organic Cotton TotesNatural Cotton and Organic Cotton Totes
Lots of natural cotton and organic cotton totes available in many shapes and sizes. The Pulire Organic Cotton Tote is one of our favorites. This lovely tote has 29″ strong rope handles secured with durable metal eyelets, an extra wide 8″ gusset, and a nice black trim.

All Cotton Oven Mitts
No need to play hot potato with this oven mitt! It has a thick quilted texture and a small hanging loop for easy storage. Available in classic black, blue and red.

All Cotton Aprons
Keep clean while you whisk around the kitchen or grill! This eco-friendly indoor/outdoor apron has two front pockets, a neck strap and waist tie straps. Choose from three great colors: black, blue and red.

Cotton Canvas Messenger BagsCotton Canvas Messenger Bags
Military inspired messenger in more ways than one! Durable and eco-friendly, it has a zippered pocket on under the front flap, several more pockets with Velcro and zip closures for accessories, and a large main compartment.

Organic Cotton T-Shirts
There’s nothing more comfortable than a good cotton t-shirt. And apparel is still the most purchased of all promotional merchandise.

These are just a few of the unique and innovative earth-friendly products you can tie into your next promotional campaign. Next time we’ll talk about some great products made from recycled content!

Eco-Friendly Products