Recognizing “Sweet” Clients and Volunteers with “Heart”

 

Heart-Shaped Jar Opener

For years, corporations and organizations have followed a tradition of sending holiday cards and gifts to their clients, vendors and volunteers. The end of the year is recognized as a good time to acknowledge relationships and relect on the past year. But because so many companies honor this practice, recipients are flooded with cards and the gesture loses some of its impact.

Consequently, in recent decades, companies started sending Thanksgiving cards and gifts in lieu of Christmas or New Year greetings.  After all, Thanksgiving is a holiday devoted to giving thanks for the good things in life, and that includes our clients, vendors and volunteers.  Furthermore, the Thanksgiving holiday is not associated with any specific religious faith.  As a result, Thanksgiving now brings a  lot of client appreciation “traffic”.

Heart-Shaped Magnetized Power Clip

 Have you ever considered sending Valentine’s Day gifts to your customers and volunteers?  If you want to stand out from your competition and be recognized and remembered by the people who make your business run, this is a great time to express your affection for them.   It’s also a creative way to remind your clients that you are here for them, and bump up your “middle-of-winter” sales.

It’s the thought that counts, so Valentine gifts and goodies for customers, vendors (and even employees) do not have to be costly to make an impact; tokens of appreciation will work just fine.  Cookies, brownies, chocolate and other sweets are a timeless representation of the holiday. You can buy them in the individual boxes, attaching your business card or a branded postcard with a ribbon.   Send a card in an envelope and you can even include an extra -a small flat promotional item like a magnet with your company logo.

Heart-Shaped Sponge

 If you don’t want to send boxed chocolates or sweets, coffee mugs are a great vehicle for candies, individual packets of coffee, or gift cards.  Here’s a great idea– include a printed “coupon” for coffee with you. This gives you an opportunitiy to follow up and set coffee dates, giving you some one-on-one time with your most valued customers.

And don’t forget things that are shaped like hearts!  Did you know that A Creative Touch has more than 4,800 heart-themed promotional products?  Here are just a few of the heart-themed products we offer:  aprons, auto accessories, baggage tags, blankets, books, calculators, cameras, clipboards, coasters, coin purses, compact discs, cookie jars, dishes, flashlights, picture frames, highliters, ice scrapers, jewelry boxes, key holders, key chains, magents, heart-shaped measuring spoons, mouse pads, notepads, playing cards, salt and pepper shakers, scarves, shopping bags, soaps, spa products, sponges, stress relievers, stuffed animals, tape measures, and tote bags!

But, if I had to choose my favorite heart-inspired gift, it would be a customized book such as the one I created for my customers.  It’s called:  The Heart of a Volunteer.  Click here to read more about it.

Promote Your Business with a Book!

If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

It is has been said that we all have a book inside of us.  But how many of us actually have the ideas, the inspiration, the time, the knowledge, the courage, and whatever else it takes to sit down and write one?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if you could have a book for your business or organziation that was at once polished, well-constructed and meaningful?  Not only would it be “the ultimate business card”, it could also be used to position your company as an expert, reach a new audience, and leave a lasting impression everywhere you go!  Wouldn’t it be even better if this could happen without the blood, sweat and tears most authors shed when trying to create a masterpiece?  (As Gene Fowler once said:  “Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”)

You’ve probably guessed by now that I’m writing this blog post to tell you that it is possible to create your own beautifully branded book!  Many of my clients work as Volunteer Specialists, coordinating volunteer programs for nationwide organizations that honor our country’s heroes.   That’s why I decided to create a book in their honor, entitled the heart of a volunteer.  The jacket of the book features my logo, my branding, my bio, and other custom features.

For example,  next to my photo on back of the inside jacket, there is a personal bio that reads:  “R. Renee Jones isn’t just a company CEO, she is an active volunteer for the Disabled American Veterans Association and other deserving groups. She strongly believes that “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

The inside of the book features carefully selected inspirational quotes related to volunteer service.  Looking for a different topic?  No problem.  You can choose from more than 3 million book titles!  There is a book for every audience that covers every theme and topic  from 365 Ways to Live Green to The Pocket Guide to Wine to motivational business books like Good to Great.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by so many choices, I’ll be happy to assist with suggestions that would be a perfect fit for your business or organization.

The production process moves quickly.  I will help you customize the cover imprint, the promo page, the belly band wrap, and the entire jacket!  Books can be delivered as soon as 15-20 days after proof approval.  All orders are delivered and and completed on-time; they can be shipped to hotels, convention centers, conference centers or your office.

As the Queen of Promotional Products, I’ve “written the book” on the best promotional products ideas in the industry, and I assure you that this one is a home-run.  Contact me for help creating your own branded book.

Promotional Product Touchdowns!

Whether you’re a fan of football or not, you can’t help but feel the tension and the excitement that builds as the NFL playoffs lead up to the annual Super Bowl.  After all, Super Bowl Sunday is  practically a de facto American national holiday. 

Even if (like me) you don’t really understand the game, it’s a great reason to host a party.  In fact, Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption after Thanksgiving Day.  And, when it comes to television ratings, the Super Bowl doesn’t play second fiddle to anybody.  Watched by more than 111 million viewers, it is not only the most watched American sporting event, but the most watched television program of the year.  Even those who aren’t interested in the game want to see the half-time show (complete with the promise of fireworks and wardrobe malfunctions) as well as the creative commercial spots that everyone will talk about ’round the water cooler on Monday morning. 

Many people say that football is like life, and if you’re a Vince Lombardi fan, you can’t help but agree.  The legendary football coach is famous for his quotes like: “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work;”  ”If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm;” and “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” 

But, if I had to choose my favorite football quote, it would be this one:

 ”The reason women don’t play football is because eleven of them would never wear the same outfit in public.” ~Phyllis Diller.

 Ms. Diller, I hear you!  No self-respecting lady wants to be seen wearing an outfit that looks just like somebody else’s, and as the Queen of Promotional Products, I don’t want you to have run-of-the-mill football themed promotional products either.  That’s why A Creative Touch offers more than 4,200 football-themed products to help you celebrate Super Bowl Sunday (and every other football game that leads up to it from Pee Wee football to college football to NFL league games). 

Here are just a few of the unique, creative football themed promotional items we can customize for you:  a football-shaped USB (great for tracking the office betting pool or keeping Fantasy football spreadsheets in one place); car antenna and auto accessories;  noisemakers, pom poms and cheering accessories; tailgating accessories; backpacks; football schedule magnets;  mini footballs; collapsible water bottles; sweatshirts; rain ponchos; spirit gear; lapel pins;  bobble heads and so much more.

Creative Problem Solving with Promotional Products

One of the most important parts of my job as the Queen of Promotional Products is to find creative solutions to my clients’ challenges.  Here are a few examples of our approach to problem-solving at A Creative Touch:

Challenge:  A homecare company wanted to generate referral business via existing clients.

Solution:   Find a product that would have high visibility in the homes of existing clients.  This nightlight shaped like a CFL bulb provides safe nighttime light and a whimsical modern touch. With an energy saving sensor and a swivel plug, it is the perfect addition to a bathroom or kitchen. Just plug it in and it works. No need to turn it on or off; the sensor automatically turns the light on and off based on the light level in the room.

Result: Increased client referrals!

Challenge:  A city convention center was holding an all women’s conference.  The facility was undergoing a massive remodel and most of the walking paths were made of uneven gravel.  The convention center knew that this would be an inconvenience for women dressed in business attire and high heels.

Solution:  Flip flops in a variety of sizes were delivered to the convention center in time for the conference.  Each attendee selected at the conference was invited to select a pair of flip flops for easy walking around the convention center. 

Result:  The women in the group were thrilled–their ankles and shoes were spared and they re-booked the facility for future meetings.

Challenge:  An independent coffee shop and bakery wanted to drive traffic to their website to build brand loyalty.

Solution:  A resuable, double-sided coffee sleeve was the perfect solution!  One side featured the company logo; the other side encouraged customers to go to the website for a special offer.  On the website, customers learned that they would receive a great discount on pastries when presenting the reusable coffee sleeve.

Result:  Website traffic and pastry purchases both sky-rocketed!

Top 5 Most Creative Promotional Products

We aren’t called A Creative Touch for nothing!  Over the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to work on many interesting promotional product orders.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Custom Bobble Heads

What’s cooler than having your own custom bobble head?  You don’t have to be a famous politician or a Hollywood celebrity to commission a bobble head; A Creative Touch can design one for you!

2. Pet Bandanas

Promotional items aren’t just for people; they’re for pets too!  A hospital rewarded its volunteers with promotional products, including pet bandanas as a gift for pets who also “volunteer” at the hospital.

3. Boxer Shorts

T-shirts and sweatshirts and jackets are tried and true promotional products, but why not put your branding on boxers?  A racing company that targets a large male audience did just that when it gave away boxers at a new product launch.

4. Pillowcases

When an assisted living facility opened a new location, we helped them design promotional product pillowcases, a useful product for everyone, including new residents!

5. Chip & Dip Bowls Shaped Like Race Car Helmets

For a large banquet with a racing theme, we suggested chip & dip bowls shaped like race car helmets. The helmets served double duty as a centerpieces at each table.  Famous NASCAR® drivers autographed the helmets.  The drivers’ car numbers served as table numbers.  At the end of the banquet, one person at each table was selected to receive these creative centerpieces.  What a great conversation piece for their next at-home party!

With more than 850, 000 promotional products to choose from, we’re ready to add a creative touch to your next product launch, store opening, banquet, volunteer appreciation event, or trade show.  Give us a call!

Promotional Products & The Royal Wedding

On the eve of the royal wedding, I couldn’t help but share the role promotional products have played in the festivities.  From beer to pizzas to underwear to tea, the royal nuptials have shown us that there is no limit to the creativity of promotional products.  The Telegraph newspaper reports the sale of royal wedding merchandise could top $42.5 million.  Now, there’s something to celebrate!

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) said that manufacturers are churning out mugs, plates, commemorative pens, compacts, ashtrays, shot glasses, book marks, reusable bags and car flags–all with a Will & Kate Royal Wedding theme.  Irreverent promotional products such as branded paper crowns and a commemorative plate reading “Thanks for the free day off” are also in high demand. 

Why are people buying promotional products?  Mostly to incorporate into personal and corporate events being hosted as a part of the celebration.  In fact, promotional products companies in the United Kingdom say that Will and Kate’s Royal Wedding has been the biggest occasion for promotional product consumer sales since the New Year’s Eve millennium in 2000.

Here are a few of the unique royal wedding promotional products that tickled my fancy:

 

And for those of you who are just plain sick and tired of hearing about this wedding:

 

15 Reasons to Reward Employees and Customers

Lapel pins are a great way to reward people.  They may be little, but receiving lapel pins feels like a lot of recognition.  When you recognize and reward employees and customers, you promote a positive, productive, and innovative business climate.  It’s a proven fact that motivated employees and happy customers are critical to a company’s bottom line. By recognizing their dedication, commitment and initiative, you boost their morale, increase productivity, build enthusiasm and create powerful profits.  Here are 15 great ways to use lapel pins and other promotional products to reward your employees and your best customers:

You can reward:

1.  Employees ‘caught’ giving outstanding customer service to your customers

2.  Employees who come up with the best cost-saving ideas

3.  Salespeople who meet or exceed their sales goals

4.  Employees (or even customers!) who come up with the best name for a new product or service

5.  Employees who achieve a year (or 5 or 10 or more) of service with your company

6.  Salespeople who make the most cold calls in a day

7.  Managers who inspire their teams to achieve new heights in their respective departments

8.  Customers who give the most or the best referrals

9.  Customers who give good suggestions

10. Employees who refer or recruit new employees to your company

11. Employees who contribute to workplace safety

12. Employees who complete additional training to enhance their knowledge of your industry or product line

13. Employee of the Month or Employee of the Year

14. Employees who receive praise from customers

15. Customers who buy from your frequently or spend lots of money on your products or services

If you need to thank someone for excellence in one of the categories above, then contact us for creative ideas on products and pins that will be the perfect reward or motivational tool for your organization!

No Cookie Cutters, Please!

What do cookie cutters and lapel pins have in common?

Absolutely nothing!

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all products.

These days, you can build your own burger, design your own shoes, formulate your own perfume, and even name your own price for airline tickets.  The same is true with lapel pins.

Search our extensive database of promotional products, and you’ll find more than 12,100 lapel pins!  Still can’t find what you’re looking for?  Give us a call and we’ll help you custom design whatever you’re looking for!  In fact, read these testimonials from customer who went for custom designs instead of cookie cutter lapel pins:

 ”It is tradition in our organization that each year the highest elected official creates a commemorative collectible to mark his or her year of service. One year, our National Commander wanted something unusual—a military identification tag. We’d never done anything like that before, so we asked Renée at A Creative Touch, Incorporated to help us source and create the piece. Renée was extremely responsive; she assisted us with the initial design work and then carefully negotiated about six weeks’ of detailed back and forth communication as we finalized the image, the placement, the wording, and each detail of this highly customized piece. The final product was gorgeous; Renée’s attention to detail and strong follow-up were key to another successful collaboration and another happy National Commander!”–D. Tannenbaum

“Our Maryland-based volunteer service organization wanted a collectible lapel pin. We hadn’t had one for years and with just a few weeks before our group’s national convention, we didn’t know how we were going to get one designed, approved, ordered, produced and delivered on time. I had learned that the normal production time for such a project is 6-8 weeks, but we needed them in just 10 days! After a few discouraging phone calls to other vendors (You want it when????), we thought we’d just have to wait another year….

Then, somebody told me about A Creative Touch, Incorporated. I called Renée and explained that we wanted a collectible pin to represent our state, but we hadn’t gotten any further than a few ideas to include in the design. Perhaps a crab and our state flag?

Renée responded immediately and within just a few hours, she sent us a design proof, pricing, and all of the information we needed to make a decision. Our group approved the pin just two weeks before our annual meeting. When I placed the order, Renée asked: “Do you want it in time for the national convention?” I hadn’t dared hope that would be a possibility!

A Creative Touch arranged to ship the pins straight to the hotel where the convention would take place. As promised, the order was waiting there when I arrived. Our new lapel pin was a huge success, and the beginning of a wonderful working relationship with Renée and A Creative Touch, Incorporated. Thank you for your wonderful service!”–L. Gregory

Ford and Their Lapel Pins

While surfing the net one day, I stumbled across a wonderful story about a promise and a lapel pin.  It’s an excellent example of the power of marketing with lapel pins. 

But it’s more than that.  It’s about having a face for your brand, about delivering what you promise, and about staying true to old-fashioned grassroots efforts like word of mouth marketing (everything old is new again!) to grow your business. 

The story involves an exchange between two people: Robbin Phillips, president of Brains on Fire and author of the original blog post; and Scott Monty, the head of social media at Ford, celebrated for his work in word-of-mouth marketing.  When Robin met Scott Monty for the first time, they had a brief conversation where she asked for a Ford pin that Scott was wearing on his lapel. He took her card and took a minute to discuss cars with her.

When the pin arrived in the mail (with a note from Scott), Robin was so impressed she talked about it and she wrote a blog post about it.  Perhaps one day, she’ll even buy a Ford!   All because of a lapel pin….

NASCAR Lapel Pins

If you live in the South, you’ve always known NASCAR.  But over the past ten years, NASCAR  has become a household brand across the country. Nowadays, almost anybody can identify NASCAR as those guys racing at 200+MPH around an oval track. 

It’s a pretty extreme sport, and the drivers are usually great sportsmen and celebrities in their own right. As with any popular sport, memorabilia and collectibles are important to the fans. NASCAR is no exception.  NASCAR fans aren’t shy about showing their lovel of racing.  You can find shirts, hats, posters, and of course, lapel pins that feature favorite drivers for this beloved sport.

NASCAR collectible lapel pins (like the one shown here) are gaining in popularity and are a great idea for any lapel pin collector. You can focus on collecting a pin for each driver, and even past drivers, which could make for some more valuable collectibles.

In fact, lapel pins have been the linchpin of the NASCAR Foundation’s fundraising activities.  Each year, the foundation creates a new pin, making the pins a great collectible item.  The foundation offers official NASCAR Day pins (NASCAR Day is May 15th)  in exchange for a $5 donation.  The pins are sold at events and online as well as at select retail locations.

The NASCAR Foundation, is a non-profit organization that seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation.  Their emphasis is placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. 

Celebrities likw Will Ferrell, Kelly Clarkson, and Kevin Costner have all contributed their star power as spokespeople for the NASCAR Foundation.  The NASCAR Foundation began in 2004, and has already raised more than $6.5 million for the Children’s Miracle Network and other children’s charities. 

Looks like it’s not just NASCAR race cars that have lots of power; so do lapel pins!