The so-called fiscal cliff, a date in 2013 when tax increases and budget cuts will go into effect, is approaching. The Washington Post recently reported that negotiations between President Obama and the Senate have not been been going well and almost no progress has been be made.
Americans are concerned about how the fiscal cliff will affect them and are turning to financial planners for assistance. These businesses must raise their visibility to capitalize on the increased interest in their
Friday, November 30, 2012
Hotels must market to holiday guests
The demand for hotel rooms is stronger than ever. USA Today recently reported that in July 2012 consumers booked approximately 106 million rooms. That number is likely to be even higher for November and December due to holiday travelers, because, as CNN points out, some vacationers would rather stay in a hotel than with family.
Hotels compete for seasonal customers every year, but these businesses can find an inside track by distributing promotional giveaways to their guests. Travelers always
Hotels compete for seasonal customers every year, but these businesses can find an inside track by distributing promotional giveaways to their guests. Travelers always
Helping parents keep school costs down
According to The New York Times, school lunch prices rose in 2011 due to nutritional guidelines set forth by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The School Nutrition Association (SNA) recently reported that 78.3 percent of schools have seen increases in food costs.
Parents might not be able to afford these rising prices, but must still provide their children with nutritional lunches. Businesses can help by giving away branded lunch boxes. These promotional items can help mothers and
Parents might not be able to afford these rising prices, but must still provide their children with nutritional lunches. Businesses can help by giving away branded lunch boxes. These promotional items can help mothers and
Dentists should advertise around the holidays
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), holiday food can lead to poor dental health. In 2010, URMC found that many common holiday foods contain sugar, which is eaten by microbes found in the human mouth. Bacteria sticks to teeth and chips away at enamel as it ingests the sugar particles.
Dentists can capitalize on the amount of sugar eaten around the holidays with their promotional giveaways. Patients may not realize the oral damage they're doing during their
Dentists can capitalize on the amount of sugar eaten around the holidays with their promotional giveaways. Patients may not realize the oral damage they're doing during their
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Survey: Americans not reducing donations this year
The American Red Cross recently conducted a survey and found that the majority of donors do not plan to reduce their "charitable givings" this year. The organization reported that 90 percent of the 1,010 poll respondents will not cut their donations because of political contributions, while 78 percent said they still plan to support charities even after giving to Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.
The holidays are traditionally a busy season for nonprofit organizations. Consumers
The holidays are traditionally a busy season for nonprofit organizations. Consumers
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Unique promotional products for travel agencies
According to The Washington Post, consumers are hiring travel agencies again after online services have proven difficult to use. The newspaper notes that travelers enjoy having someone with contacts and resources to plan trips and reduce some of the hassles associated with traveling.
Agencies must raise their brand awareness and ensure that vacationers hire their services. Making a strong first impression is important in a business relationship, so employees have to put their best feet forward
Agencies must raise their brand awareness and ensure that vacationers hire their services. Making a strong first impression is important in a business relationship, so employees have to put their best feet forward
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Advertising for pet services
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that over $4 billion will be spent on pet services like grooming and boarding in 2012. Owners love their animals and clearly are willing to spend the money to find the best care possible.
In such a lucrative industry, it's important that a business uses its marketing campaign to differentiate itself from the competition. Pet services can give away unique promotional products to help find leads and then turn them into new
In such a lucrative industry, it's important that a business uses its marketing campaign to differentiate itself from the competition. Pet services can give away unique promotional products to help find leads and then turn them into new
Phone cases can make great business gifts
During the holidays, business owners and managers look for personalized business gifts that are appropriate to give to clients. With smartphone ownership increasing, a protective cover may be a great surprise for customers this season.
In its Internet and American Life Project, the Pew Research Center estimated that 35 percent of American adults own smartphones. These mobile devices are growing in popularity due to their increasing utility and intuitive features, but they're also very
In its Internet and American Life Project, the Pew Research Center estimated that 35 percent of American adults own smartphones. These mobile devices are growing in popularity due to their increasing utility and intuitive features, but they're also very
Pedometers can help keep gym-goers active
With winter coming, gyms may face a problem as clients would rather stay warm at home than work out. Some consumers may believe they're healthy enough and don't need to continue their exercise plans, while others are averse to journeying into the cold. Fitness centers can use their promotional items to keep customers motivated as the temperature drops and snow piles up.
Gyms can give away pedometers to track how active clients are by counting their steps. During the winter, it's
Gyms can give away pedometers to track how active clients are by counting their steps. During the winter, it's
Monday, November 26, 2012
Study: Consumers remember smaller gifts
Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) conducted a study in December 2011 about what kinds of promotional items consumers remember most. The trade organization divided giveaways into four categories based on their perceived values and found that gifts that cost $5 or less are most memorable.
When respondents were asked if they remembered receiving an inexpensive product like a promotional magnet or pen, 32 percent responded affirmatively. None of the other categories, gifts
When respondents were asked if they remembered receiving an inexpensive product like a promotional magnet or pen, 32 percent responded affirmatively. None of the other categories, gifts
How promotional items can help payday lenders
As the economy struggles to recover, an increasing number of consumers have begun to take payday loans. The Pew Center on the States recently reported that an average of 12 million Americans take cash advances from short-term lenders annually.
As more borrowers seek their services, financial institutions must raise their visibility. Without a proper marketing campaign, a payday lender may lose potential customers to its competitors. One of the advantages these businesses have is the ability to
As more borrowers seek their services, financial institutions must raise their visibility. Without a proper marketing campaign, a payday lender may lose potential customers to its competitors. One of the advantages these businesses have is the ability to
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Giving golf gifts
It's the season of giving and business-to-business (B2B) companies have to find the perfect gifts for their clients. While some may enjoy office items, other recipients want something that doesn't remind them of work, but some owners may feel uneasy about giving personalized presents to customers.
Giving golf gifts may be a happy medium between items that are used in professional and recreational settings. As Bloomberg Businessweek points out, business can be conducted on the course
Giving golf gifts may be a happy medium between items that are used in professional and recreational settings. As Bloomberg Businessweek points out, business can be conducted on the course
How to Effectively Market Your Brand Using Social Media
Advertising through social media has become increasingly popular in recent years because websites like Facebook and Twitter provide establishments with direct access to customers. Marketers create pages to instantly advertise and develop brand awareness among consumers.
Not every business is taking advantage of the digital marketing platform, thus missing out on potential avenue to raise visibility. Social media is new compared to some of the more established advertising tools, like direct
Not every business is taking advantage of the digital marketing platform, thus missing out on potential avenue to raise visibility. Social media is new compared to some of the more established advertising tools, like direct
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Using solar power
Sustainable energy has long been an important topic, but it seems that homeowners are looking to lessen their carbon footprints now more than ever. The New York Times recently reported that Greentech Media, an eco-friendly research firm, found that the number of houses and businesses using solar energy has doubled in the last two years.
Unfortunately, not all of your customers can access renewable energy. Some live in apartments and condos and can't make building-wide changes. There are
Unfortunately, not all of your customers can access renewable energy. Some live in apartments and condos and can't make building-wide changes. There are
Restaurants must prepare for the holidays
Stores aren't the only establishments that are busy over the holiday season as restaurants usually have more diners to serve as well. In 2011, payment processing firm First Data found that the food service industry earned 11.7 percent more than it had in 2010.
The holidays can be a lucrative time, but the season is also very competitive. Shoppers are focused on buying gifts, but they also need to find places to eat during those long trips to the mall. Restaurants cannot afford to count on
The holidays can be a lucrative time, but the season is also very competitive. Shoppers are focused on buying gifts, but they also need to find places to eat during those long trips to the mall. Restaurants cannot afford to count on
Monday, November 19, 2012
Promotional gifts can help your Black Friday sales
Thanksgiving is almost here, which means that the holiday shopping season is close. Black Friday has become busier with each passing year as retailers attempt to capitalize on consumers who want to finish shopping sooner, but financial concerns may hurt this year's sales holiday. The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently conducted a survey and found that 147 million people plan on shopping online and in physical stores the day after Thanksgiving, while 152 million consumers bought
Reminding returning students of your business
For some college students, Thanksgiving is the first time they'll visit home in nearly three months. While sons and daughters are glad to be reunited with their families, not all children spend their time in their houses. The Washington Post notes that degree-seekers are used to a certain amount of independence and want to visit their old haunts without restrictions.
Returning students, who will be home for longer periods of time in December and January, should be the targets of local
Returning students, who will be home for longer periods of time in December and January, should be the targets of local
Friday, November 16, 2012
How to use effectively use promotional items during the holidays
Promotional gifts are effective marketing tools that small businesses can use to raise visibility for their goods and services. The items are usually small enough that they can be distributed to many consumers without over-extending a marketing budget.
However, without effective distribution strategies, giveaways may not help owners increase awareness for their brands. During the holidays, it's vital that independent companies make the most of their advertisements to attract seasonal
However, without effective distribution strategies, giveaways may not help owners increase awareness for their brands. During the holidays, it's vital that independent companies make the most of their advertisements to attract seasonal
November 17 is World Prematurity Day
Welcoming a child into the world is a beautiful thing, but carrying a newborn to term is physically strenuous for mothers. Various health factors can cause a premature birth, which is dangerous for a baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently wrote that a half million children are born prematurely each year in the United States.
November 17 is World Prematurity Day, which is supposed to raise awareness for this growing health concern. Obstetricians and family doctors
November 17 is World Prematurity Day, which is supposed to raise awareness for this growing health concern. Obstetricians and family doctors
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Fountain pens remain popular in the digital age
Some people may assume that physically writing notes with pens and paper is being replaced by typing. Smartphones, tablets and laptops have made it easier to stay in touch, but recent reports indicate that handwriting is still popular, particularly with fountain pens.
In May, MSN reported that Amazon sold twice as many fountain pens in 2012 as it did during 2011. Unlike their ballpoint counterparts, the writing utensils are easy to write with as they don't require as much pressure to work,
In May, MSN reported that Amazon sold twice as many fountain pens in 2012 as it did during 2011. Unlike their ballpoint counterparts, the writing utensils are easy to write with as they don't require as much pressure to work,
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Making tires safer
Properly inflated tires are an important part of vehicular safety. Without the correct amount of air pressure, wheels can be unreliable and prone to damage. Safer Car, a subsidiary of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recommends that drivers check their tires once a month, but not everyone follows that practice.
Local mechanics can help clients stay safe on the road with unique promotional products. Garages can distribute tire gauges so their customers know when they
Local mechanics can help clients stay safe on the road with unique promotional products. Garages can distribute tire gauges so their customers know when they
Calendars can help animal shelters raise awareness
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that "[a]pproximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year." Sometimes volunteers cannot find permanent homes for animals that must then endure long stays in uncomfortable environments.
Promotional wall calendars can help shelters find families for pets by increasing awareness for the organizations. Some people don't know about local animal adoption
Promotional wall calendars can help shelters find families for pets by increasing awareness for the organizations. Some people don't know about local animal adoption
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Great gift ideas to thank your customers this holiday season
The holidays are the season of giving. People exchange gifts and well-wishes throughout November and December to display their appreciation and affection for each other. Gift-giving is a beloved tradition that everyone can participate in, even if only small tokens are exchanged.
It's considered good business etiquette to distribute presents to clients. Some businesses, however, can't afford extravagant giveaways for all of their loyal patrons, but that doesn't necessarily mean
It's considered good business etiquette to distribute presents to clients. Some businesses, however, can't afford extravagant giveaways for all of their loyal patrons, but that doesn't necessarily mean
Monday, November 12, 2012
Small Business Saturday is less than two weeks away
November is flying by and once Thanksgiving passes the holiday shopping season begins. Small Business Saturday is less than two weeks away and retailers are already preparing for a hectic day. Independent merchants plan on using the sales holiday as part of their advertising campaigns to motivate customers this season.
If you haven't prepared for Small Business Saturday, there's still time. Two weeks may not seem like much, but if you plan accordingly you can still make the most of
If you haven't prepared for Small Business Saturday, there's still time. Two weeks may not seem like much, but if you plan accordingly you can still make the most of
How to use promotional products for employee recruitment
Not all promotional items are geared toward consumers - the marketing tools can also be used to find new employees. In 2011, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) conducted a survey on how businesses market positive images to job seekers. The poll, which surveyed human resources professionals, revealed that 56 percent of respondents said that giveaways are distributed to create associations between companies and candidates.
As with advertising sales, owners and managers must take careful
As with advertising sales, owners and managers must take careful
Friday, November 9, 2012
Small first aid kits can help pediatricians
Parents take every possible precaution, but children still find ways to hurt themselves. From scraping their knees to bumping their heads, kids have fresh injuries almost every day. For serious problems, parents bring their young ones to pediatricians.
As with all other health services, client referrals go a long toward finding new pediatric clients. Doctors can endear themselves to families by distributing first aid kits as promotional items. Parents appreciate pediatricians that go the extra
As with all other health services, client referrals go a long toward finding new pediatric clients. Doctors can endear themselves to families by distributing first aid kits as promotional items. Parents appreciate pediatricians that go the extra
Promoting your business alongside college hoops
Though the professional season has been underway for about a month, some basketball fans have been waiting for November, as it brings the beginning of the college season. According to Sporting News, 347 schools will compete for the NCAA Division I title this year. Spectators from every region will cheer for their favorite teams until a champion is crowned in March.
Small businesses can capitalize on college hoops' massive popularity by tying their promotional products to the sport. In
Small businesses can capitalize on college hoops' massive popularity by tying their promotional products to the sport. In
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Staying organized at the office
Offices are usually very hectic environments. Workers complete their daily tasks, managers ensure operations are done efficiently and clients may call in or visit at any moment. Staying organized is a key contributor to success in an office environment, but not everyone has the ability to do so.
There are some tools that can help keep things in order, but some office workers may not want to spend their hard-earned money on these items. This gives businesses opportunities to market themselves to
There are some tools that can help keep things in order, but some office workers may not want to spend their hard-earned money on these items. This gives businesses opportunities to market themselves to
Helping through stormy weather
Mother Nature decided that Hurricane Sandy wasn't enough and gave the Northeast another storm featuring plenty of rain and sleet. States in this region aren't the only ones to have been hit by increasing levels of precipitation, as much of the United States has seen stormier weather. The U.S. Drought Monitor recently reported that drought levels in many states have been reduced as a result of the weather.
While precipitation is good news for the environment, it's not always
While precipitation is good news for the environment, it's not always
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
How to create an employee recognition program
Employees are the backbone of every business. Without a team of dedicated staffers, owners wouldn't have anyone besides themselves to ensure that daily operations are handled properly and running smoothly.
Continued success and hard work should be rewarded. Recognition programs can motivate employees and, as recent findings have pointed out, lead to better business. Bersin & Associates, a human resources firm, found that companies with established recognition plans are, on average,
Continued success and hard work should be rewarded. Recognition programs can motivate employees and, as recent findings have pointed out, lead to better business. Bersin & Associates, a human resources firm, found that companies with established recognition plans are, on average,
Using magnets for brand exposure
The refrigerator is one of the most frequently used appliances in a house. People open their fridges dozens of times per day and while the food stored inside is always different, the door is always the same.
Because refrigerators are generally plain, many consumers use magnets to spice them up. Usually these items aren't large, but they're noticeable and can draw a significant amount of attention if they're colorful.
Business owners who want to increase their brand recognition
Because refrigerators are generally plain, many consumers use magnets to spice them up. Usually these items aren't large, but they're noticeable and can draw a significant amount of attention if they're colorful.
Business owners who want to increase their brand recognition
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Travel gifts for the new year
In 2012, a record number of Americans traveled and recent forecasts predict that number will be surpassed in 2013. The U.S. Travel Association expects a 1.1 percent increase in domestic travel and a 4 percent increase in international trips.
As more people start to travel, they'll need accessories to bring with them. Not everyone has the the provisions they need for their trips and may be surprised if they can't buy certain goods when they arrive at their
As more people start to travel, they'll need accessories to bring with them. Not everyone has the the provisions they need for their trips and may be surprised if they can't buy certain goods when they arrive at their
Eco-friendly giveaway ideas
An increasing number of people are concerned about their impact on the environment. In a 2012 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & Press, 67 percent of U.S. respondents believe there is a direct correlation between their activities and global warming, a four percent increase over 2011's totals. Small business owners can help their customers go green by making their promotional giveaways eco-friendly and encouraging clients to recycle.
Reusable gifts
People use
Reusable gifts
People use
Monday, November 5, 2012
Listing the essentials
The holiday season means that shoppers will be out in full force buying gifts and groceries for their celebrations. Not all consumers are well-organized, however, and many rely on lists to remember everything.
You can help your customers keep their wish lists in order by distributing promotional pens and notepads. Patrons can use the giveaways while they walk around your establishment and check off any gifts they purchase or write down new presents to buy later.
Consumers won't use the
You can help your customers keep their wish lists in order by distributing promotional pens and notepads. Patrons can use the giveaways while they walk around your establishment and check off any gifts they purchase or write down new presents to buy later.
Consumers won't use the
Friday, November 2, 2012
December is AIDS Awareness Month
Every month not only has major holidays, they also have important causes that require increased levels of awareness. December 1 is World AIDS Day and the rest of the month is AIDS Awareness Month. The goal of the month is to educate people about the prevalence of this deadly disease that has infected millions of people globally and is still a major threat.
This can be a very important time because, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, a growing number of people
This can be a very important time because, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, a growing number of people
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Minor December celebrations to use for advertising
One of the worst things a small business can do is limit its marketing opportunities to major holidays. While this may seem like an effective strategy for reaching out to consumers due to associations with popular celebrations, almost every company uses those days for promotional purposes. While it's never a good idea to skip a major holiday entirely, advertising on smaller ones can build brand awareness as well.
If you want to advertise your business and stand apart from your competitors,
If you want to advertise your business and stand apart from your competitors,
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