The Promo Blog

QR Code Teleseminar

2011-05-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

QR Code Webinar Wednesday May 25th at 11:00am11:00am til 11:30am

Phillip Baker, CAS, of the Baker Creative Agency, will present a webinar on "How to Use QR Codes In Your Business" this Monday, May 23rd, 2011, at 11:00am Central.

With the explosion of smart phones, QR codes have become a cost effective and efficient way to disseminate information and powerfully accelerate your marketing.

Nothing will be sold! This is the first in a series of monthly webinars that will teach businesses and organizations about creative marketing ideas and how to market your products and services more effectively.

To register, please send an email to phil@bakercreativeadvertising.com and I will email you back with a link to the webinar and the password you will need to join in, or you can call me at 850-995-9557.

Phillip W Baker, CAS
Baker Creative Agency
3584 Pleasant View Court - Pace, FL 32571
(850) 995-9557 or Toll Free (866) 227-7445
Fax (480) 393-4029
www.bakercreativeadvertising.com

I'm issuing you a Traffic Ticket

2011-05-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Trying to figure out ways to get new customers into your location for a grand opening or special promotion? You need to get Traffic Tickets! Imagine getting a 35% response to your direct mail and absolutely FLOODING your location with customers! If you're frustrated by only a 1% to 3% response to your direct mail (and many would call that a success!), then let me show you how to boost that dramatically. Examples: Green Giant - 35% response, Safeway Foods - 32%, Circle K - 14%, Chevron/McDonalds - 12% to 16% (multiple runs), AmSouth Bank - 22%, First Federal - 20%, Norwest Bank - 20%, Falls GM (auto dealership - usually very happy with a one half of one percent response rate to direct mail) - 3%, and the results were 37 units sold and 300 "ups" - very profitable for them. Let me show you how a Traffic Ticket program can benefit your business - call me today!

PPT2VideoPro Review

2010-11-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

I recently tried a new program from Wondershare that allows you to make high-definition video straight from your Microsoft Powerpoint files - PPT2VideoPro. It really couldn't be easier - launch the program and just follow the simple instructions - takes about a minute to go through the options, and then just click on start. The time it takes to render the video is dependent on the video settings you select and the capabilities of your computer - I rendered a 4 slide video on a high-def setting and it took about 2 minutes. The quality is outstanding! You can also make videos that are compatible with iPhone, iPod, iPad and numerous other formats and settings.

Here is the video that I produced :

Here's a description of the software from the publisher:

"Wondershare PPT2Video Pro is an all-in-one PowerPoint to video converter to convert PowerPoint presentation to video of up to 130 formats such as AVI, MOV, WMV, MPEG, FLV, 3GP and HD videos of excellent quality with all the original animations and sound effects retained.

After the PPT to video conversion, you can play your presentation video on most video players, share on video sharing sites like YouTube and Hulu, and distribute on portable devices like iPod, iPhone and iPad."

Featured highlights:

"3 Clicks to Convert PowerPoint to Video

Convert PowerPoint presentations to video in simply 3 clicks, no complex skills are needed.
Superior Batch Conversion

Up to 12 PowerPoint files can be converted to videos at one time.
Up to 130 Output Video Formats

Provide up to 130 video output formats such as AVI, WMV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, MOV, FLV, 3GP and multiple HD video formats.

PowerPoint to AVI: Play PowerPoint on YouTube, Pocket PC and Blackberry
PowerPoint to WMV: Play PowerPoint on YouTube, Pocket PC, Blackberry and Zune
PowerPoint to MP4: Play PowerPoint on iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, PSP, Zune, Blackberry and YouTube
PowerPoint to MPEG: Play PowerPoint on YouTube, or further being burned to DVD
PowerPoint to MOV: Play PowerPoint on iPod, iPhone, iPad, Pocket PC, Apple TV, Blackberry and YouTube
PowerPoint to FLV: Play PowerPoint on Pocket PC and YouTube
PowerPoint to 3GP: Play PowerPoint on Pocket PC, Blackberry and YouTube
PowerPoint to HD video: Play presentation as High-definition video of higher display resolution"

They offer a free trial if you would like to try this excellent software - available at http://www.ppt-to-dvd.com/ppt-to-video-overview.html

Bic Clic Stic Free Goods Offer

2010-02-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

From now until April 30th, 2010, get 25% free goods on the ever-popular Bic Clic Stic pen! Buy 4, get one free.

Free full color imprints on all Hotline calendars

2009-10-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Not much time left to take advantage of free full color imprints on Hotline calendars - this offer ends on October 31st. Make your selection and call me as soon as you can so you don't miss out!

Galactic Line Holiday Ornaments

2009-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a variation on the theme of holiday gifting - give an ornament that someone will keep forever! These quality ornaments will remind them every year just how much you care. Click to enlarge ~

I love my Canon HV20 camera!

2009-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I've owned this camera for over 2 years, but I'm just now learning how to use it to it's fullest potential. The manual settings work a lot better than the automatic settings, giving you a really fine picture quality. These images were shot in my front flower bed under cloudy skies.

Last chance for great pricing on mini footballs

2009-09-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Now through the end of September only, get great pricing on these mini footballs and other football related items. Click on ad to enlarge.

Interview with Tony Guerra, National Sales Manager for Maple Ridge Farms

2009-09-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite suppliers for business and holiday gifts is Maple Ridge Farms. I recently called Tony Guerra, their National Sales Manager, and asked him to explain to you why you should choose Maple Ridge for your holiday gift program for your employees or customers. Listen to this interview and see why 75% of the Fortune 100 companies use Maple Ridge! Click here

Hotline Calendars - Free Shipping Until the End of October

2009-09-17T21:38:00.001-07:00

Some of the most popular promotional calendars of all time, Hotline calendars offer excellent quality and selection, and now free shipping on orders of 300 or more! If you haven't ordered your calendars yet for next year, then this is your best opportunity. See the entire line at http://www.hotlineproducts.com/ - make your choice and call me to order.

Just heard on the news that banks are on the rebound!

2009-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well then now would be a really good time, if you're a bank or credit union, to use one of my marketing programs called the "Traffic Ticket."

The Traffic Ticket program can be used as direct mail or point of purchase, and is very effective. Results range from 5 to 30% response depending on industry! The cost per response compared to similar campaigns is incredibly low.

Here's some more information from the manufacturer's website:

"How TrafficTickets Work"
"TrafficTickets requires the customer to physically respond in
order to participate in your event by going to a specific
location, with ticket in hand, and inserting it into the
strategically positioned display that contains the Electronic
Decoder. This amazing decoder evaluates our secret
patented "Magic Ink" and reveals (turns on a light) what the
customer has won. We now have the customer where we
need them to be.... At a retail location, a product display
within retail sites, at Trade shows, Mobile Marketing Events,
or with an added feature - moving traffic to websites. Your
creativity will run wild with all the possibilities. History has
proven that TrafficTickets does what all other tactics don't
do.... "
"TrafficTickets" Gets BIG Results
CONSISTENTLY!"

So if you want super results on your next direct mail campaign, call me and we'll put together a proposal for Traffic Tickets!

Awesome Employee Benefit - Grand Vacations!

2009-08-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Baker Creative Advertising is proud to announce our new affiliation with Grand Incentives, Inc. of Sarasota, FL, to represent the latest innovation in employee benefits programs - Grand Vacations!

The Grand Vacations Savings Program is a new and unique voluntary employee vacation benefit program that is really two high quality components in one. If your family takes a vacation each year, Grand Vacations is a program you should get to know better. Our Savings Program, with multiple plans to choose from, and based on set monthly payroll deductions, provides an affordable and structured way for members to save for a premium resort week from among more than 3,500 preferred destinations around the world. Our Member Travel & Entertainment Benefits Program is a comprehensive travel and entertainment discount program, offering an extensive menu of popular travel and concierge savings, benefits, and services.

The Savings Program is designed to help members improve the quality and reduce the cost of their family vacation. We provide members and their families an easy, affordable, and structured way to save for and save money on a top quality resort vacation each year. With this program, members can affordably commit to putting a little bit aside each month towards their guaranteed family vacation each year, and have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a quality destination awaits them.

Membership in the Grand Vacations Program allows our members to reach higher, and achieve great savings over what they would have paid for the same resort destination on their own, and to achieve a real improvement in the quality of their destination and accommodations compared to what they would have gotten outside the program for the same money. All the while, members enjoy year-long, significant, and unlimited savings on travel, dining, leisure, and entertainment, as well as a host of top-tier travel related services through our Member Travel & Entertainment Benefits Program.

For more information or to apply for membership in our program, contact Baker Creative Advertising.

SPPA Holiday Showcase of Ideas Invitation

2009-08-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a video I produced about the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association Showcase of Holiday Ideas coming up October 5th and 6th in Birmingham. I hope all promotional products distributors, suppliers and multi-line reps will join us for this special event.

Flori-duh

2009-07-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, living in Florida is great until the dermatologist has to start freezing pre-cancerous lesions off your face :) I really like my dermatologist - her name is Dr. Amy Pote Watson on Grande Drive in Pensacola!

Who is most likely to buy your products and services?

2009-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I worked at an ad agency in Birmingham that exclusively handled automobile advertising. You wouldn't believe how much dealerships spend each month on advertising – sometimes up to $250,000 a month! This advertising money was spent on trying to find that elusive “new” customer – someone that had never bought from them before or hadn't bought from them in a long time. Most businesses spend WAY too much money trying to find “new” customers.

What would happen if you changed your strategy and spent a bulk of your marketing budget on the customers you already have? It is a proven fact that a customer who has bought from you before is 7 times more likely to buy from you again than a new prospect! In that case, wouldn't it make more sense to spend a larger percentage of your marketing budget on past customers than it would trying to develop new ones?

OK, so how do you market to your past customers? You have to know who they are! Develop a system to collect your customer's contact information. A lot of businesses collect this information as a regular part of doing business. But do you run a restaurant or a retail store? Those types of businesses don't normally collect client information (notable exceptions – Radio Shack, CVS Pharmacy, Winn-Dixie, Sticky Fingers).

So what's the easiest way to get the information you need? Just use one of the “Baker Basics.” Take a legal pad and write “Join our mailing list” or “Guest Book” on the top, and set it out on the counter. Then mention it to your customers as they are checking out. You'll be amazed at the number of folks that will write down their name and contact information. Once you have that info, then it's easy to market to them via direct mail, telephone or email. Restaurants should also collect information about birthdays and anniversaries and send out coupons for a free appetizer or dessert for their special day.

Other restaurant variations would be a fishbowl for people to drop their cards in (Win a free dinner!) or a pad and pen on the table with a survey to fill out (How Are We Doing?). By the way, you WANT them to steal the pen, but that's a whole other column. Anyway, do whatever it takes to get their contact information.

One other thing – people who are referred to your business from someone else are 5 times more likely to buy from you than a new prospect. Where do referrals come from? Your past customers! Now it even makes more sense to market to them, doesn't it?

This works for all types of businesses. Collect your customer's contact information and market to them. Your business will grow faster than you ever thought possible.

Galactic Baseball Sale

2009-03-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ready for spring? What's more American than baseball! Choose from any of these 12 baseball items from Galactic at special prices until 6/30/09.

Patriotic Eco-Tote Special from Debco

2009-03-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Less than EQP on this non-woven USA tote! Show your patriotism with your logo printed on the front pocket or on the back. Perfect for your 4th of July celebration. Minimum 100 - regular price $4.16. Offer good until March 31, 2009.

Proinnovative Cha-chas for Cinco De Mayo

2009-03-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Bring Cinco de Mayo to life with Cha Cha brand maracas from Proinnovative. Choose from the Lil' Cha Cha, the Micro (which includes a key chain), or the Pop It Cha Cha that has a built-in bottle opener! The Proinnovative web site describes these Cha Cha's as: "Delivering the sound of professional maracas, they sound as good as they look. Patented, blow-molded construction means superior strength, durability and aesthetics. Outstanding for tradeshows, themed events or any place where you want big percussive energy! Similar sounding maracas are used by musicians worldwide." Minimum order is 200 - offer expires May 4, 2009.

Bic Clic Stic Pen

2009-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

The most popular retractable pen in promotional products history! 1.2 miles of ink in a rainbow of colors. Lightning fast 5 day service so you can use them in your promotions in a hurry! Offer good until 4/30/09. Minimum quantity 300 - regular price $.71. 24 hour service is available - call for pricing!

BEBCO Full Color Poly Journals

2009-03-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

Choose from one of these translucent colors: blueberry, clear, frost, grape, lemon, lime, mango, raspberry, sky blue or teal; or one of these opaque colors: black, dark blue, green, orange, red or yellow. Free full color cover imprint - guaranteed lowest prices! Minimum quantity 100 - offer good until 5/31/09. Regular price $4.19.

ETS Express Line Tumblers

2009-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Maui, Laguna or Atlantis stainless steel double wall foam insulated tumbler with either a push-on or threaded lid until 3/31/09. These are the latest modern designs from a company that does a fantastic job - both on their customer service and their decoration! Multi-color imprint designs are no problem. Setup $50 per color, minimum 144. Ships from a location near you so you can save money on freight! Regular price $10.39.

Prime March Madness

2009-03-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Choose from a basketball can holder (with option to include a bag or ball inserted), a basketball or hockey puck stress reliever, a basketball key tag (on clearance), or a really neat game time basketball clock. Get ready for the madness!

Thermoserv 8 oz Curvy Tumbler

2009-03-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

The new Thermoserv Curvy Tumbler has double-wall insulation, a spill-proof flip-top lid and fits most car cup holders. The full-color paper insert means you can print just about anything. Offer good 'til 6/30/09.

Pencoa Antimicrobial Products

2009-03-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Germs don't stand a chance against these! Gel Packs, towelettes and their new ballpoint pen are great ways to fight those nasty germs.

Pioneer Line Economy Line Balloons

2009-03-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Pioneer's AdRite Balloons priced unbelievable low, so now is the time to see how balloons can help stimulate your business!

Atchison by Bic Squared Away Mini Tote

2009-03-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

This trendy item features custom print detail on both the main body and attached zippered accessories pouch, integrated carry handles and boarded bottom. Frames any logo with style! 25% off until June 30, 2009.

ETS Express Line C-Handle Mugs

2009-03-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

The mug that doesn't know it's a mug! Yes, you can drink out of it, but you can use it as a pencil holder, candy jar, party invitation, paperweight - just let your imagination run wild!

Prime Stress Reliever Clearance Savings

2009-03-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Have a lot less stress in your life because these stress relievers are half off! Act quickly because these are only available while supplies last.

Americanna Recycled Rubber Jar Openers

2009-03-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Made in USA of 100% post consumer recycled tire rubber with your message on one side and "green" tips on the other side. Perfect for Earth Day!

Gold Bond Green Promotions

2009-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Fitness bottles, mugs, and a recycled pencil available now at a special price until April 30th. All of these items are biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Magnetic Power Clips Below EQP

2009-03-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

The lowest price ever offered on their family of magnetic power clips. Choose from several different colors and styles.

Megafast Basketball and Bike Bottle Sale

2009-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

The 4 1/4 inch mini basketball and the 20 ounce white bike bottle with push-pull lid on sale 'til March 31st. Need 'em fast? No problem!

Numo Ceramic Bistro Mug

2009-02-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Choose from white, black or cobalt. Price includes a one color imprint on one or two sides. Beautiful mugs at an amazing price - order today!

ETS Express Line Water Bottle Clearance

2009-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Two 20 ounce and a 24 ounce polycarbonate water bottle at a special price for a limited time. The Spree, Spree3 and Zumo water bottles include a one color imprint.

Unbelievable offer from the Webb Collection

2009-02-26T21:35:00.000-08:00

Visit www.webbcompany.com for 30% off of the end quantity price on EVERY item in their catalog! This massive inventory reduction sale is only good for 2 weeks - offer expires on March 15, 2009. Act quickly!

Authentic Plush Flying Monkeys

2009-02-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

Each monkey comes with a red, black or blue cape and matching goggles. Just insert your fingers in his front paws, pull back on his legs and tail, and let him fly!

Dart Eco Friendly Pens

2009-02-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

Slim one-piece opaque barrel with 95% recycled content retractable pen, includes one-color imprint.

Galactic Basketball EQP Sale

2009-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Beverage coolers, Root-N-Toot Horn, banks, backboards and more! Everything on sale at end quantity pricing.

Cap America X-Series Caps

2009-02-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

6 panel low-profile, 100% cotton twill, plastic snap closure. Price includes 10,000 stitches of embroidery.

Numo 4 Color Process Items with Personalization

2009-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Scuba foam, neoprene, mousepads and ceramics can all be printed in 4 color process then personalized with individual names. This is the only company that offers this type of personalization.

White 100% Recycled Sticky Pads

2009-02-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Free setups and free proofs, soy based ink on 100% recycled paper. 25 sheet pads - offer expires 3/31.

Nationwide Stress-O-Meter Cards

2009-02-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

A thermo-sensitive square and helpful hints for stress reduction make these items unique and popular. Use these for a "We'll reduce your stress" promotion for whatever it is you sell! They work great!

Authentic Plush Bears, Clark & Klondike!

2009-02-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

Price includes one color, one position imprint with free setup! Plush animals make outstanding premiums for lots of different companies! Call me for ideas on how to use these to make your next promotion rock!

Sound Specials from Clegg Promo

2009-02-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Pre-program your 10 second message, song or jingle on these 4 items that are on sale now! Less than EQP on every item. Choose from the CD/DVD Case, the Answer Ball, the Glitter Lamp or the Gavel.

Niagara Falls Rain Suit from Vitronic

2009-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Save 33%! Zippered jacket, elastic waist pants, imprint on left chest. Expires 3/31/09.

Aakron Line specials

2009-02-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Do you need inexpensive items for your next promotional project? Get one of these Aakron Line quality products on sale now for a limited time!

Glass America Adobe Collection mugs

2009-02-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

Hand-dipped and expertly imprinted, these mugs are guaranteed to be loved and appreciated! Get these beautiful Glass America Adobe Collection mugs on sale now.

Megafast megaphones and basketballs special

2009-02-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

Megaphone and basketballs from Megafast on sale. Click to enlarge, and email me to order!

Frogger BrushPro golf club cleaner

2009-02-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

An exciting new golf accessory from Frogger! Keep your golf clubs clean and in tip-top condition!

Free $50 gift card with Callaway golf ball purchase

2009-02-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

An unbelievable offer from Callaway - for each dozen golf balls you order, you'll get a $50.00 gift card for other Callaway merchandise! Some restrictions apply - call for details.

ETS Express Ellipse Stainless Steel Tumbler

2009-02-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Ellipse stainless steel tumbler from ETS Express. A 15 oz, double-wall insulated tumbler that comes in a variety of colors custom imprinted with your advertising message or logo. ETS Express is well known for their excellent customer service, quality, and on-time delivery. Order today!

SPPA Winter Trade Show, Day 2

2009-02-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning was cold and clear when I arrived at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center for day 2 of the SPPA Winter Trade Show.

The first event of the morning was a class called "Distributorship 101" taught by Danny Sirmon, MAS. Danny is a very experienced promotional products professional from Mobile, Alabama, a past Chairman of the Board of PPAI, and I can't think of anyone more qualified to help new people in our industry get started on the right foot! You could tell that his class was very effective - the people attending asked lots of questions and were totally engaged in the material he was teaching. Thanks again, Danny, for a job well done!

The exhibits opened at 10:00am. There was a crowd standing outside waiting to get in, and they promptly went to work checking out all the supplier booths and talking with the reps. The show was slightly smaller than years past because some of our regular suppliers weren't able to come for various reasons, but it was still almost a full house. Show traffic was steady throughout, and as I talked to the suppliers, I didn't hear a single negative comment about the show. Seems everybody was able to make connections and get some good business going. I have several projects going myself, so I guess they were glad to see me coming, too! :)

Even in this slower economy, I think the potential for our association is great, and I'm looking forward to working with the board to make the SPPA the best RAC affiliate in the country!

2009-02-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

Up to 60% off these writing instruments and accessories from Prime Line while supplies last.

Springy Senator pen on excellent sale

2009-02-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

This unique springy pen from Senator on sale. Click to enlarge.

Evans basics on sale

2009-02-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

These basic items (useful items) from Evans on sale now.

Tommy Bahama less than half price

2009-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

These nice Tommy Bahama shirts for less than half price from Eagle Dry Goods. Call me for selection, colors, etc. Click to enlarge ad.

SPPA Winter Trade Show, Day 1

2009-02-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

SPPA stands for Sunbelt Promotional Products Association. I am a member of the SPPA, and for the last two years, I've served in various voluntary capacities - last year as a member of the board of directors and this year as vice president. The association exists to help the members further their careers in this industry, network, receive continuing education, and allows them to participate in the industry in a manner that makes our profession stronger and more credible.

We have two "shows" per year - the Winter Trade Show, usually in February, and the Holiday Showcase around October. Today was the first day of this year's Winter Trade Show taking place at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center off highway 280 in Birmingham, Alabama.

There were several things on today's agenda - an excellent education session by Dave Fellman (www.davefellman.com), the yearly general meeting, and a mixer. I was fortunate enough to get to hear the first half of Mr. Fellman's session on prospecting and I got 2 or 3 ideas from him that I can implement immediately. I wasn't able to hear the second half however - we had a board meeting during that time.

The general meeting went very well. Randy Scott, our current president, presented several new items on the agenda and moved through the material quickly. Of course, everyone was anxious to get to the mixer! Once again, the Cahaba Grand crew did an excellent job of preparing our hot hors d'oeuvres (I especially liked the crab dip!) and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

I received an award for board service for last year that I wasn't expecting! Thank you once again for that.

Tomorrow is the 2nd and last day of the show. Danny Sirmon will be teaching the Promotional Products 101 class at 9:00am, and all the supplier exhibits will open at 10:00am. Tradeshow day is always exciting! I'm looking forward to it.

Posh Padfolio

2009-02-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Save almost 30% on this nice padfolio from Posh.

Jobee Bookmark Pen

2009-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

A unique pen from Jobee.

What I did in Las Vegas

2009-02-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

I was right up next to the stage. Tommy Shaw (pictured) and James Young are the only two original members of Styx still with the band. The concert was awesome even though they didn't play Mr. Roboto. I held up my iPhone with the Zippo lighter app for the encore! LOL My how times have changed.

Thermo Serv mugs

2009-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some nice mugs on sale from Thermo Serv.

For you Barack Obama fans...

2009-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama fans. When are they gonna add his name to my spell checker?

Under a dollar

2009-02-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

Quite a few promotional items from Beacon for under a dollar.

Balloon blowout

2009-02-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

Balloons at EQP pricing for a limited time. This factory uses a special imprint process so the imprint stays on longer and is more consistent. Fine for helium, too. Click to enlarge.

Free laser setup on these unique star awards

2009-02-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Unique and beautiful! Get free laser setup on these awards for a limited time. Click to enlarge.

Beautiful glass eggs

2009-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Perfect for a recognition program or high perceived value business gift, these beautiful glass art objects are very unique and much appreciated! Click to enlarge.

24 ounce stainless steel water bottle

2009-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for a stainless steel water bottle for your next promotion? Click to enlarge.

What is marketing?

2009-02-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

OK, what is marketing? In short, marketing is any activity that allows your customer to find out who you are and what you do. Is advertising marketing? Yes. Is sales marketing? Yup. Is your service department involved in marketing? You better believe it. Does your janitorial staff market for you? Absolutely. Whoa, now wait a minute. How is that? How does your janitorial staff market for you? Well, the staff at Disney World is the best example. You can ask anyone – a maintenance worker, a bus driver, anyone – a question, and they either know the answer or they'll find out for you.

It's very important that you examine every aspect of your business with regard to marketing – from the person that answers the phone to the boxes your product is shipped in. Each aspect should make a positive, or at the very least, a neutral impression on your customer. It's the negative impression that you need to avoid.

Take a look at your business. Are all aspects of your business geared toward making a positive impression on your customer? When they drive up, do they find a nice, clean parking lot? Is your entrance clearly marked? Do they feel comfortable with or are they intimidated by the person behind the counter? Is the person that answers your phone friendly or gruff?

Fix those negative aspects of your business first. Make sure your parking lot and building are clean, painted and well lit. Train your staff to put the customer first. If you're an auto mechanic, don't make grubby prints on your customer's cars. If you're a plumber, wipe up your spills. If you're a restaurant, make sure the bathrooms are spotless! If people get a positive impression of your business, they are more likely to come back and buy from you again. Good luck!

Got any Irish in ya?

2009-02-14T07:03:00.001-08:00

How about some strobe shamrocks for your St. Patty's Day party? Click to enlarge the flyer.

CUL8R

2009-02-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

This was recently pointed out to me as quoted from Media Tree's website - some cool new text messages :)

IMAO - In My Arrogant Opinion
BSBD&NE - Book Smart, Brain Dead & No Experience
FDGB - Fall Down Go Boom
HIOOC - Help, I'm Out Of Coffee
IIIO - Intel Inside, Idiot Outside
WAG - Wild Ass Guess
WOMBAT - Waste Of Money, Brains And Time

See more at http://www.transl8rcards.com/abbrev.php

March Madness prep

2009-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Basketballs on sale. Get 'em and throw 'em out at the game!

You gotta love closeouts!

2009-02-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some super closeout deals from one of my favorite suppliers, PrimeLine! These are good only while supplies last, so if you're interested, get your orders in quickly!

Free 24 hour service on magnets

2009-02-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Magnet LLC now offers free 24 hour service on their business card magnets - good deal! Full color, excellent quality, shipped fast. Order today. Click to enlarge.

Must be drinkware day!

2009-02-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

Friday the 13th turns out to be drinkware day for specials. ETS Express, Advantage and Numo sent these this morning. Enjoy, and click to enlarge.

Free embroidery

2009-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

I just got a flyer in from Dunbrooke Apparel offering free embroidery for 24+ pieces. Go to dunbrooke.com, pick out what you would like to buy, and send me an email with the details. The offer is good for up to 6,000 stitches and is good until April 30th 2009. I've personally worn shirts that were decorated by Dunbrooke and I know that they do a good job.

Over 40% off on this Pentel pen

2009-02-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

A decent pen from Pentel over 40% off.

Free setup offer from Gold Bond golf

2009-02-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

This will save you some money if you need golf accessories for an upcoming tournament.

Mag Lites on sale

2009-02-12T09:16:00.001-08:00

This just in from Beacon Promotions, the infamous MagLite on sale now!

Keeping clean and sanitary!

2009-02-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

EQP special on these sanitary sprayers.

Laptop sleeves

2009-02-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a new product from Numo Manufacturing. If you want something sleek and sexy to carry your computer around in, it would be these new laptop sleeves from Numo. Choose from a number of colors and sizes, and all can be imprinted up to four color process if you want. Click to enlarge.

Magnetic baseball schedules

2009-02-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea if you live in a city that has major league baseball - an inexpensive giveaway for trade shows or mailouts.

Eagle Dry Goods

2009-02-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you run across specials that are almost too good to be true! Check out this jacket offer from Eagle Dry Goods on a leather and wool Mike Ditka jacket! $60.00 plus free embroidery if you order 24 or more. Of course, you can just get one if you like. Also, some really nice half-zip pullovers from Tommy Bahama are on sale. Click either one to enlarge.

Drawcord bags

2009-02-10T14:58:00.001-08:00

Vitronic drawcord bag special - 30% off. Good deal, neat colors. Click to enlarge.

Chocolate

2009-02-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Some free setups and special pricing from Astor Chocolate.

Trendy Travel Set

2009-02-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a deal on a travel set that includes 2 bag tags and a passport case in a really cool color combination. Use these for employee gifts, or premiums for a travel agency or transportation service. Amazing low price while supplies last. Don't delay if you're interested...

Ball Pro

2009-02-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just got my new Ball Pro catalog in the mail. They have some coupons included - let me know if anybody want to use these - good through 12/31/2009.

Buy 24 dozen or more of any Callaway golf ball and get 1 dozen personalized golf balls free.
Buy 24 dozen or more of any TaylorMade golf ball and get 1 dozen personalized golf balls free.
Buy any beach towels, Fitness Towels or Rally Towels & receive a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad free.

www.ballpro.com for more information on BallPro products.

2009-02-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

I sent 12 photos to 2 separate Walgreens stores today to be printed for my mother and brother. In each case, I got messages from them saying that the orders were ready to be picked up significantly less than an hour from when I placed the orders. That's pretty cool, sending photos all over the country, ready in less than an hour, and they were $2.68 cents each. I'm impressed.

Later this evening, we went to WalMart to do some grocery shopping. I will do just about anything to avoid going in WalMart, but tonight I couldn't get out of it. Bummer.

Thinking putty

2009-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

I saw this at the PPAI show and thought it was really neat. Crazy Aaron makes this "thinking putty" that is a huge upgrade to the old "silly putty" that we used to play with when we were kids. There are a ton of unique colors and textures, and they even have a magnetic putty that will attract itself to a metal cube and form around it! These would be great gifts for people to use at conferences or sales meetings. They can be customized with your company's colors and the tins can be custom imprinted. Picture is from their website.

New person that I admire

2009-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't think it would happen this soon, but I am a new granddad to a beautiful new 5 day old baby girl named Emalyn Ann.

She was born on February 3, 2009 at 1:45pm. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, and was 20 inches long.

I think we'll get along just famously :)