Are you one of the millions of people who have received lots of promotional items from your business partners or potential vendors? Maybe you are beginning to design a marketing or promotional campaign and want to avoid adding to this situation, or maybe you are hoping to limit the amount of plastic or harmful materials used in your "giveaways". If so, you can find a good solution in the vast array of promotional recycled merchandise available.
Now, before you leap to the conclusion that your choices are going to be limited to a few items, you should know that recycled merchandise includes everything from fleece jackets and customizable umbrellas, to gorgeous mugs and all kinds of office supplies. This means that nearly any target group can have an ideally matched freebie available.
What is a target group? When you plan on using promotional products it is always essential to consider the primary audience of recipients in order to be sure that the merchandise they receive has some sort of relevance and usefulness to them. For instance, if your clients tend to operate away from their desk or office, you would want to give them promotional merchandise that could easily transition between their desk and their briefcase. This would mean that recycled note pads, writing implements, and mobile device holders would make for truly useful, relevant and meaningful giveaways.
Meaningful is also an important word in any discussion about the creation of promotional campaigns, and this is because it is a term that serves a dual purpose. For one thing, any promotional product has to somehow form a connection between the consumer and the business (such as a tech firm handing out imprinted USB devices to new clients), but it can also send a much more subtle message too. This is particularly the case where recycled goods are concerned.
For example, let's say that you have decided to hand out pencils to all of your new or potential clients since these are a very affordable form of advertising and promotion. This is a very practical approach to marketing, but if you also add another element to the message, such as giving out only recycled pencils, then you are telling your customers a bit more about your business ethic. By choosing a recycled product you are conveying a concern about the environment, the future, and the way that resources are consumed and used in the modern world. Simon Patnick, Managing Director of http://www.MerchandiseMania.co.uk mentioned such corporate responsibility initiatives in a recent blog entry, and affirmed that ethics and responsibility are two key factors in business success in the coming decade.
If this is the sort of message that you want to send to your potential customers or to an existing customer base, then it is always going to be the recycled goods to choose. You can, however, also consider handing out recyclable or biodegradable goods as well. What would these include? Generally, you will find an enormous array of shopping bags and totes that are made from recyclable or biodegradable materials and there are few people who don't appreciate such a promotional product. These can be used for weekly shopping, toting recyclables to the curb, and much more. They are also an excellent form of free advertising, and can serve as a core feature in any marketing plan.
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Monday 4 April 2011
Tuesday 15 March 2011
The Earthquake in Japan will Affect us all!
Ok, so first things first. The earthquake that struck Japan last week followed by the Tsunami and subsequent aftershocks is a terrible tragedy for Japan its people and all associated and affected by it. My heart goes out to the whole country.
I cannot see how anyone could not be moved by the images and the scenes of destruction shown by the media.
I have been asked by my team here how this will affect us over here and in our business. Clearly our hope is that our Japanese customers are ok and unaffected by the quake, however right now we are yet to hear.
Right now there is a huge shortage of electrical components due to the earthquake in Japan. The Financial Times (FT) states that 30% of the worlds flash memory (our USB’s included) are made in Japan! 10-15% of D-Ram which is a key component in every personal computer also made in Japan along with approximately 40% of the worlds technology components.
Toshiba Corporation, the world's second-largest maker of NAND chips after South Korea's Samsung, has halted operations at its plants in areas affected by rolling power outages. Also, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. and Sumco Corp., which both make silicon wafers needed to produce semiconductors, have temporarily stopped operations because of damage from the earthquake.
Clearly there will also be huge impact on the car industry with Honda, Toyota, and Nissan all having huge manufacturing plants making vehicle parts in North east Japan.
When supply goes down the price goes up, simple economics!
Any flash memory that was available to the market was brought in bulk by Apple, Dell and HP over the weekend leaving the world with massive shortages, hence the increases we are seeing daily in the price of USB’s. It is unlikely to end in a couple of weeks and my gut feeling is that prices have some way to go before they come down again. I would advise clients to buy when they need and to accept the increases, I don’t believe this problem will be going away anytime soon!
Last Friday's earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 10,000 people, while millions remain without power or adequate food. Near-freezing temperatures have forced 450,000 Japanese into shelters. Concerns continue to rise about radiation leakage from Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Despite the Japanese government pumping $183 billion of emergency funds into its economy, the country's stock market has fallen more than 10% in the last two days.
Take some time out of your day and say a prayer for the people of Japan.
Simon
I cannot see how anyone could not be moved by the images and the scenes of destruction shown by the media.
I have been asked by my team here how this will affect us over here and in our business. Clearly our hope is that our Japanese customers are ok and unaffected by the quake, however right now we are yet to hear.
Right now there is a huge shortage of electrical components due to the earthquake in Japan. The Financial Times (FT) states that 30% of the worlds flash memory (our USB’s included) are made in Japan! 10-15% of D-Ram which is a key component in every personal computer also made in Japan along with approximately 40% of the worlds technology components.
Toshiba Corporation, the world's second-largest maker of NAND chips after South Korea's Samsung, has halted operations at its plants in areas affected by rolling power outages. Also, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. and Sumco Corp., which both make silicon wafers needed to produce semiconductors, have temporarily stopped operations because of damage from the earthquake.
Clearly there will also be huge impact on the car industry with Honda, Toyota, and Nissan all having huge manufacturing plants making vehicle parts in North east Japan.
When supply goes down the price goes up, simple economics!
Any flash memory that was available to the market was brought in bulk by Apple, Dell and HP over the weekend leaving the world with massive shortages, hence the increases we are seeing daily in the price of USB’s. It is unlikely to end in a couple of weeks and my gut feeling is that prices have some way to go before they come down again. I would advise clients to buy when they need and to accept the increases, I don’t believe this problem will be going away anytime soon!
Last Friday's earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 10,000 people, while millions remain without power or adequate food. Near-freezing temperatures have forced 450,000 Japanese into shelters. Concerns continue to rise about radiation leakage from Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Despite the Japanese government pumping $183 billion of emergency funds into its economy, the country's stock market has fallen more than 10% in the last two days.
Take some time out of your day and say a prayer for the people of Japan.
Simon
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Top Tips for Surviving Challenging Times
I mean, come on, why would we not manage our cash better. It makes sense, doesn't it? Lets be absolutely clear things have improved, but this country and our people are far from safety yet. The government has mountains to climb in reducing debt, we the people are paying more in stealth tax than ever. Diesel yesterday at £1.3299 per litre. Or in old money.....£6.05 per gallon. Personally I thought extortion was illegal!
Where is it going and where will it end, I have no idea.....but what I do know is that we all need to toughen up and accept the road will not be straight and lovely, there will be some serious deviations along the way......ultimately as the scouts say....Be Prepared!
Monday 11 October 2010
Brand Merchandise: The Best Advertising Ideas
Is your company still leveraging on newspaper, magazine, radio, Yellow Pages or TV advertisements? No doubt, such advertising media do reach the right target audience and the success of such advertising is well documented through the years. However, the reality today is that people are bombarded with advertisements through these traditional means all the time. Therefore, businesses are looking towards newer and more effective means of reaching out to their existing and potential customers. For instance, with the rising popularity of the online medium and the roaring success of social media platforms, more and more businesses are turning towards promoting their products and services through popular social networks online.
However, if you are looking for advertising ideas that are novel and will definitely create a long-lasting impact on your target audience, you should consider using promotional gifts in the form of brand merchandise. Promotional gifts and giveaways stay with your customers for a long time and work as reminders of your products and services.
Brand Merchandise: For Effective Long-Term Recall
Promotional brand merchandise gifts are the most effective way to arouse interest in customers about your products. The first thing such gifts do is create recognition of your company name, brand and logo in the minds of your potential customers. Moreover, since these gifts are handed over without any charges, the potential buyers are more than ready to accept them.
There are thousands of products that can be given away as advertising specialties. Additionally, there are numerous different branding processes to get your company name and logo printed or embossed on your marketing merchandise. The best part is that you have virtually endless choice for advertising your logo on promotional material.
Using marketing merchandise, companies can come up with innovative ideas and designs to gain an edge over their competitors. Some of the widely used promotional items are key rings, calculators, golf products, puzzles, stationary, watches, mugs, computer accessories – including USB memory sticks, mousemats and countless others, paper weights, caps, torches, pens, umbrellas and many more. Here is a list of product ideas for brand merchandise:
• Some companies hold contests, especially for women, at public places, such as malls. Winners are rewarded with promotional household products, including air fresheners, food items, knives, etc.
• Outdoor and leisure items with the company’s logo printed on them also make excellent marketing merchandise. Such products are used over and over again and keep reminding users about your brand. For instance, a Frisbee makes an interesting gift and is sure to promote you brand to a wider audience as the customer is likely to use it outdoors.
• One of the widely implemented ideas, which is very popular with customers, is promotional clothing. A T-shirt with your company’s slogan and a personalised message saying, such as “Always at your service”, successfully creates a feel good factor about the company. You can also promote a cause that you believe in through such a message. For instance, on World Health Day, you could gift your customers t-shirts printed with your company’s logo and a health-related message.
• Seasonal products, such as Christmas greetings, with a personalised message complimenting the occasion make interesting giveaways.
• Trophies and crystals embossed with the company’s logo can be given away during award functions, conferences and seminars.
• Brand merchandise gifts that are environmentally friendly are sure to win you accolades from buyers and non-buyers alike.
It is important to keep your target audience in mind before deciding on the brand merchandise you want to gift. This is because the product that customers cannot relate to may not strike a chord with them.
However, if you are looking for advertising ideas that are novel and will definitely create a long-lasting impact on your target audience, you should consider using promotional gifts in the form of brand merchandise. Promotional gifts and giveaways stay with your customers for a long time and work as reminders of your products and services.
Brand Merchandise: For Effective Long-Term Recall
Promotional brand merchandise gifts are the most effective way to arouse interest in customers about your products. The first thing such gifts do is create recognition of your company name, brand and logo in the minds of your potential customers. Moreover, since these gifts are handed over without any charges, the potential buyers are more than ready to accept them.
There are thousands of products that can be given away as advertising specialties. Additionally, there are numerous different branding processes to get your company name and logo printed or embossed on your marketing merchandise. The best part is that you have virtually endless choice for advertising your logo on promotional material.
Using marketing merchandise, companies can come up with innovative ideas and designs to gain an edge over their competitors. Some of the widely used promotional items are key rings, calculators, golf products, puzzles, stationary, watches, mugs, computer accessories – including USB memory sticks, mousemats and countless others, paper weights, caps, torches, pens, umbrellas and many more. Here is a list of product ideas for brand merchandise:
• Some companies hold contests, especially for women, at public places, such as malls. Winners are rewarded with promotional household products, including air fresheners, food items, knives, etc.
• Outdoor and leisure items with the company’s logo printed on them also make excellent marketing merchandise. Such products are used over and over again and keep reminding users about your brand. For instance, a Frisbee makes an interesting gift and is sure to promote you brand to a wider audience as the customer is likely to use it outdoors.
• One of the widely implemented ideas, which is very popular with customers, is promotional clothing. A T-shirt with your company’s slogan and a personalised message saying, such as “Always at your service”, successfully creates a feel good factor about the company. You can also promote a cause that you believe in through such a message. For instance, on World Health Day, you could gift your customers t-shirts printed with your company’s logo and a health-related message.
• Seasonal products, such as Christmas greetings, with a personalised message complimenting the occasion make interesting giveaways.
• Trophies and crystals embossed with the company’s logo can be given away during award functions, conferences and seminars.
• Brand merchandise gifts that are environmentally friendly are sure to win you accolades from buyers and non-buyers alike.
It is important to keep your target audience in mind before deciding on the brand merchandise you want to gift. This is because the product that customers cannot relate to may not strike a chord with them.
Wednesday 21 July 2010
The Ipad is affecting my life!
Ok so Apple is taking some heat right now on iPhone 4. A great deal of the heat is directed at Steve Jobs, which i guess is because he is who he is! However, i don't think he has bargained for the grief he is soon to take from Mrs. P, the 4 little P's, colleagues and friends of mine. I have a problem, i am addicted to the iPad, i find myself on it all the time. I could be blogging, reading blogs and tweets, networking, watching Telly,playing games, surfing anything on the iPad. It is without doubt one of the finest things i have ever bought!
This weekend i am up at St Andrews watching The Open, security will take my mobile off me when I enter but not my iPad. I will be blogging, tweeting, watching the Telly, even following on The Open app. Heaven!
The little p's always want to play on it, watch Disney etc and of course paint. Clearly they can't as daddy is on it!
Does anyone know a cure?
Cheers
Simon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This weekend i am up at St Andrews watching The Open, security will take my mobile off me when I enter but not my iPad. I will be blogging, tweeting, watching the Telly, even following on The Open app. Heaven!
The little p's always want to play on it, watch Disney etc and of course paint. Clearly they can't as daddy is on it!
Does anyone know a cure?
Cheers
Simon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday 12 June 2010
Corporate social responsibility
Ok so here I am on the train back from the city trying to recall the seminar I have sat through this afternoon on CSR and ethics. Personally I think the 2 things are absolutely intertwined and we need to be sure they are both adhered to. It was interesting listening to Tom from Sedex, Martin from ETI delivering content based on our clients demands. Both organisations grow based on the basis of peer pressure, if so and so does it en we nuts also do it. How many of these organisations are doing it from a philanthropic base rather than a what's in it for me base remains to be seen? It is this that concerns me the most because I really do care, but I am being forced to comply with oodles of red tape that is really difficult to understand. Anyone tried to supply goods to LOCOG?(London Olympics 2012) If so you know what I mean! Somewhere along the supply chain must come the sharing of this data to allow more than one company to benefit from the social audit that has been carried out by an independent assessment firm of a particular factory. Rather than all of us doing the same audit over and over again. This is where Sedex really could come into it's own. The cost to industry of compliance is huge and still growing, so come on big business do you really need that extra bit of Social Accountability or will the one carried out a few months ago by another company suffice?
So interestingly in a room of 40 or so people only around 10-12 promotional products distributors were represented. Does that mean that only 0.5% of our industry cares about this topic or is it just those that are being forced to comply that were there? It scares me a little about the cost of these compliance issues, who will pay. Will it be the end user who may be driving down the price of a product whilst asking for more and more compliance and quality. With a 'grown up discussion' it may well be, but this will only be true of certain corporate who really do get the whole 'partnership ethos.'. I guess in reality it will be the distributor who will continue to have their margin eroded to conform to our clients needs.
Listening to both a supplier and distributor ( direct competitor but a really good firm!) give a presentation each on what it means to them, I can see that it is not just me that is fearful about the reasons why we are being asked for so much compliance. This is going to be one hell of a learning curve with many companies doing it differently to one another. Clearly this means that the client will have options, but not necessarily being able to compare 'apples with apples'. As with most things in life there are many companies out there offering different levels of compliance, this is due to the different market forces but ultimately with audits you get what you pay for! So beware of people offering really cheap audits because if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!
We must all remember that Social Accountability is not just about child labour there are many other aspects and we at Merchandise Mania check for them all.
I would be really interested to hear back from anyone with experience in this area.
Thanks
Simon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So interestingly in a room of 40 or so people only around 10-12 promotional products distributors were represented. Does that mean that only 0.5% of our industry cares about this topic or is it just those that are being forced to comply that were there? It scares me a little about the cost of these compliance issues, who will pay. Will it be the end user who may be driving down the price of a product whilst asking for more and more compliance and quality. With a 'grown up discussion' it may well be, but this will only be true of certain corporate who really do get the whole 'partnership ethos.'. I guess in reality it will be the distributor who will continue to have their margin eroded to conform to our clients needs.
Listening to both a supplier and distributor ( direct competitor but a really good firm!) give a presentation each on what it means to them, I can see that it is not just me that is fearful about the reasons why we are being asked for so much compliance. This is going to be one hell of a learning curve with many companies doing it differently to one another. Clearly this means that the client will have options, but not necessarily being able to compare 'apples with apples'. As with most things in life there are many companies out there offering different levels of compliance, this is due to the different market forces but ultimately with audits you get what you pay for! So beware of people offering really cheap audits because if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!
We must all remember that Social Accountability is not just about child labour there are many other aspects and we at Merchandise Mania check for them all.
I would be really interested to hear back from anyone with experience in this area.
Thanks
Simon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday 10 June 2010
Why you never wash a rental car?
So on Tuesday I was at my Academy of Chief Executives Group meeting and the speaker was a guy call Mark Fritz. The subject was, 'Why you never wash a rental car.' Immediately my alarm bells went up as I was expecting some kind of brash American telling me what I was doing wrong and what I needed to do to put it right.
Well, that couldn't have been further from the truth. The takeaway value of his session was huge and I think I ranked him the highest speaker I have heard at #ACE.
Why was it so good I hear you ask???......There were so many nuggets to takeaway and I don't mean chicken ones….actual golden ones!
In delegation…….."Deciding what you don't need to know"
Become Outcome focused rather than activity focused - is it important to make 50 cold calls a day or 5 calls and secure 5 appointments. The outcome outweighs the activity. It is all very well being too busy being busy rather than being busy and productive!
Our job as leaders is to create the conditions that enable success, whether it be the processes, the people or the behaviours.
We also spent some time talking about bringing an outcome approach to meetings and to do this what would need to happen. Well he showed us that before we even think about an agenda for that meeting we have to decide what the successful outcome of the meeting would be. This would take place well before setting any kind of agenda. In fact setting the agenda would be at step 6 meaning there are 5 more important things than the agenda in preparing for a meeting!
'Lightbulb' moments were plentiful in this invigorating and educational session and my thanks go out to Mark Fritz for his presentation, and to Brian Chernett for having the belief to book him.
If you want to hear what Mark has to say contact him at mark@markfritzonline.com
Thanks guys!
Best
Simon
Well, that couldn't have been further from the truth. The takeaway value of his session was huge and I think I ranked him the highest speaker I have heard at #ACE.
Why was it so good I hear you ask???......There were so many nuggets to takeaway and I don't mean chicken ones….actual golden ones!
In delegation…….."Deciding what you don't need to know"
Become Outcome focused rather than activity focused - is it important to make 50 cold calls a day or 5 calls and secure 5 appointments. The outcome outweighs the activity. It is all very well being too busy being busy rather than being busy and productive!
Our job as leaders is to create the conditions that enable success, whether it be the processes, the people or the behaviours.
We also spent some time talking about bringing an outcome approach to meetings and to do this what would need to happen. Well he showed us that before we even think about an agenda for that meeting we have to decide what the successful outcome of the meeting would be. This would take place well before setting any kind of agenda. In fact setting the agenda would be at step 6 meaning there are 5 more important things than the agenda in preparing for a meeting!
'Lightbulb' moments were plentiful in this invigorating and educational session and my thanks go out to Mark Fritz for his presentation, and to Brian Chernett for having the belief to book him.
If you want to hear what Mark has to say contact him at mark@markfritzonline.com
Thanks guys!
Best
Simon
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