Have you ever taken a few minutes to think about the referrals that you receive? Referrals are a major way to grow one’s business. In fact, many companies do not advertise and grow simply from networking and referrals.

Labels: Customers, gifts, Kristie's Kreations, promotional product, Referrals

Recently I attended a monthly luncheon which was very well attended. At this luncheon there were a couple of tables where a select few companies could display their information as well as the key members of the company were present for questions and conversation.

As I stood back, I observed the display tables and how efficient they were. Of course the efficiency depends on what the goal for the company was but that is not what I want to talk about this time.

I did observe something that is very common for this type of event. After checking in, the attendies make their way to the main room where they will eat an listen to the presentation. While walking to their tables, most people quickly glanced at what companies were in the ‘display table’ area. Their eyes started at top of the display reading who the company is but then quickly moved down to the table…..of course to see what was spread out on the table up for their grabbing. Most attendees quickly moved closer to the table so they could reach out their arm and just as fast, grab either one of the items or one of each item if when multiple options were present. Others would actually have small talk with the key member there but most just walked away with their ‘prize’ in hand.

Once the attendees entered the large room, their tables contained had even more ‘pass outs’ for each person sitting at the table. Some of these items were the same as what was out front but others were different. Most of the key table presenters had flyers of some sort spread around the table explaining their business a little bit more in depth. This was a great idea because as I already stated, most attendees were more interested in getting their ‘prize’ and sitting down then they were actually talking to the person standing at the table.

Once we were seated, the presentation began. Each display table had a few minutes to talk more about their company. One of the businesses explained why placed a blank envelope at each person’s seat. In this envelope was a crisp, new one dollar bill…..Interesting idea but how memorable is it? It is very memorable in the fact that someone just gave me a dollar bill, that I can now go buy a large coke with J, but how memorable in the long run?

Will I remember who gave it to me? Actually I don’t. I only remember what industry the business was in but not the business name itself.

When you are choosing what promotional product you are going to pass out, there are many things to think about! You, of course, want to be remembered but how long do you want to be remembered?

Labels: Display Table, Dollar Bill, promotional product

Be sure to consider what freebie logoed item you give out!

There are some items that are not very expensive but can leave a lasting expression. You need to be creative and think out of the box when considering your promotional product give away.

Who will you be giving this away to? Will you be giving the item to everyone who enters your booth? A totebag is a great give away because after the show, the attendees are then advertising for you!

Give away promotional products can also express your brand’s quality. There are several items that would qualify for this give away! Often times, these can be more expensive though. In this case, it might be a good idea to qualify who will receive these gifts. One idea is to give them away as a ‘thank you’ gift even after a conversation.

Labels: Logoed, promotional product, Trade Show

Last week I attended a Holiday Promotional Product Trade show. The suppliers had many ideas for the holidays as well as some new items.

One of the unique items that I saw was a called a Smashlight™! I thought it was great because it looks like a typical flashlight but it is really flat! This makes it perfect to put into your pocket or purse, therefore you will always have light with you.
The Smashlight™ also includes:

• a wrist cord
  
• magnetic back, making it easy to keep this light around.
• 2 LED Bults to make super bright light
• 2 Lithium Batteries
• Product Size: .3125" x 1.5" x 5"
• 1 or 2 color Imprint
• Imprint Area: .75" tall x 2.25" wide
  

Another great thing about the SmashLight is that it is made by a local, Indianapolis company called Bentcil! I have a sample one of these as well if you would like to see one!

Labels: Bentcil, Flashlight, Holiday Gift, Logoed, promotional product

Have you ever thought about putting you logo on toys?

Are you a fan of Rubik Cubes?

Did you grow up trying to figure out how to make all sides the same color?

Did you keep it original or get frustrated and change the stickers so they were the right color?

This game game has came back into popularity!  Just go to Target and you will see them available in different sizes.  Guess what, you can now have ones made in what ever color you want with whatever imprint you want on the different sides.

Here are two of the many different styles available.  I just love Rubik Cubes!  In fact, we have my old one as well as a new one. . . which the stickers have not been removed and replaced! :)

[caption id="attachment_445" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Rubik Cube"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_447" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="4 Boxes Cube"][/caption]

One more thing that I always loved playing with and still have my original one. . . The snake!

[caption id="attachment_446" align="aligncenter" width="175" caption="Snake"][/caption]

Have you ever thought about a Rubik style UPS drive?  Those are also available.   I just do not have the picture available right now.  If you are interested, let me know!

What do you think about the toys listed?  This can also be imprinted with you logo on it.

Labels: Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, promotional product, Promotional Products

Today has been quite the day!  As I am typing this, the snow is coming down.  Depending on where the front goes, we could get almost a foot of snow by tomorrow afternoon!

Today I started out my day at a Confluence Board Meeting.  Tomorrow is the first event for the Confluence North Side Network!  It will be a great event, I just hope that the weather will not detour people from coming!  This event will focus on Social Media. This is an area that I have really gotten involved in.  I love all the different things involved in social media.  I am not sure how it will help my business, but I am more than happy to learn!  One of the ways is with this blog.  Another is Twitter. . . which I am totally addicted to!

After the Confluence Board meeting, I headed to Starbucks.  Erik Deckers and I had a short meeting before my next with Greg Cooper.   Both were excellent meetings!   I found myself talking to both of them about social media!

They are both very active in social media.  Erik is across the board active.  He has started his own business, Deckers Marketing.  He has been trying to help me with my blog.  He has a wealth of information and is always giving me suggestions on what I can do to improve my business blog and website.  We also have great conversations about kids!  He has a very interesting story about his three great children!  I loved hearing about it!

After meeting with Erik, I had my scheduled meeting with Greg.  I basically met Greg via Twitter and then in person last week at the Smaller Indiana 4,000 Member Event.  He is also very active in social media but takes a different approach.  He is a local Realtor here in the Indianapolis area and understands how important social media is to businesses.  Not only is he very active but he is trying to get other Realtors involved as well as he is a speaker about the importance of social media.  He has a great story about a house he sold yesterday and twitter had a huge part in it!  It is a great story and you should ask him about it!

Greg suggested that I add a videos to my blog.  I do not know much about this so I am definately going to look into it!  It sounds like it would be fun and a great way to actually show off embroidery and promotional products!!

So what do you think about Video Blogs?  Should I start adding them to my blog?

Labels: blog, blogging, Embrodery, Embroidery, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, promotional product, Smaller Indiana

What are you doing to promote your business?

This is a question that I like to ask when I am networking.  When I meet someone I begin by saying, "I help companies increase their name recognition."  Sometimes I continue that sentence with "with embroidery and promotional products." other times I leave it at that.  Then I am usually ask, "How?"  If not then I try to remember to ask, "What are you doing to promote your business?"

There are so many ways to do this.  Some of the ways include:  social media, blogs, advertising, coupons etc.  My favorites are of course embroidered apparel and promotional products.  Within these two categories the options are endless!

The simplest and most common way is by wearing a shirt with your logo embroidered on it.  You can expand that simple promotion by adding your website on either the sleeve or the back of the shirt.  Another very simple way is by carrying a portfolio and or bag with your logo on it.  I have carried a portfolio for years with my logo on it.  It is always recognized and of course is a great example of my work.

Another simple and inexpensive way is to keep a handful of pens with you at all times and pass them out.  How many times are you with someone and they cannot find a pen or are rummaging through their bag trying to find a pen?  You can always be 'Johnny on the Spot' with a pen to hand them.  They will be very grateful and you just passed on your company information.  Let them keep that pen and they will remember you the next time they grab to use it. . . your pen!

If you are a looking for something a little bit more expensive then why not give a nice jacket to your clients or employees? 

Why not give them some nice chocolate or food that they can snack on with your company logo on it?  If you put it in a nice logoed tin then they can keep the tin and always have your logo in front of them when they go to use it again.  Another thought. . . why not give them a nice coffee mug that they can carry around with them on a daily basis?  Everywhere they carry that mug or wear your jacket they are advertising for you.

So. . . back to the first question. . . what are you doing to promote your business?

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Name Recognition, promote, promotional product, Promotional Products