Thursday, September 20, 2012

Ultimate in Promotional products

Brand recognition is an important area for any business.  Following a trade show or even something like a meeting – your business has to make a great first impression.  If you want your company to remembered, you have to go above and beyond the “norm.”

Promotional products offer that type or recognition.  If you’re thinking big, there is one option that should be considered: USB drives.

Why are USB drives one of the best types of promotional products?  They offer something that is unparalleled in terms of usability.  After all, many business and home users take advantage of USB drives for backup and transport purposes.  Having customized USB drives gives others something that is usable – and something that will last.

That part is important as well.  While pens, bags and other items are nice as well, something like a USB drive will get maximum use out of it, for quite some time.  You don’t have to worry about people throwing away a USB drive – which can be the case with items that other companies offer, those that are not only undesirable, but lacking in quality.

Consider how your company can make its mark in Lakeville or Burnsville.  Something that can not only make that great first impression – but that lasting impression, as well – is found in our selection of promotional products.  USB drives and other options are great choices for companies that want to go that extra mile.

Interested in promotional products for your business?  Contact us to learn more or to ask us any questions that you may have.

           

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Your Promotional Marketing Advisor

    

     Ross Rosenthal

     Phone:  952-906-2894 Show room

     Web:      www.embroidme-edenprairie.com

     E-mail:   sales@embroidme-edenprairie.com

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

What's your file size

o    Many art files and embroidery files are very big in size of bytes.  and e-mailing them some servers do not accept big files or just take much time.

We’ve all been there before; in a rush and scrambling to send or transfer large electronic files only to be rebuffed with extreme prejudice by the limitations of technology. “File size is too large” barks your email client. “Go make dinner or something, and come back in an hour!” laughs your remote connection as you try to upload large files to it. In the last few years, however, several creative entrepreneurs have begun offering services that address the need to quickly and efficiently exchange large files across multiple devices.
 Needing help with your art or vector file contact EmbroidMe Eden prairie.

§  Media Fire (www.mediafire.com)

§  Share File (www.sharefile.com)

§  Drop box (www.dropbox.com)

§  Box (www.box.com)

§  Microsoft Skydive (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/skydrive/home)

§  Google Drive (https://drive.google.com/start#home)

§  YouSendIt (www.yousendit.com)

§  SugarSync (www.sugarsync.com)

Promotional Items Clients May Use

Small businesses have to use every tool available to them when it comes to reaching new clients and keeping established ones. Creating a brand identity and making your vision clear and accessible to clients is necessary for every small business, but how that is done is likely to vary on a case by case basis. Businesses should be aware of what they offer and who they want to reach.

Promotional products are a unique way for businesses to reach clients by offering them something they will use. It is best if companies tie these gifts in with a particular promotion or if the products have something to do with the services offered. Consider the following business gifts to make you stand out in clients' eyes. EmbroidMe Eden Prairie carry 8000 choices.

Promotional pens
Pens are needed every day by a majority of workers. Companies can have pens or other writing implements customized to carry a business logo or contact information. Pens are likely to be circulated widely, and people that come across them may have their attention piqued. Excellent companies specializing in promo items can also offer pens fitted with tools or flashlights, which should make a significant impression on clients.

Technology-related items
Many workers today are engaged in technology-based production for which computers and tablets are central. Think about reaching these clients with a promotional USB flash drive adorned with a corporate logo. These items are designed to transport data easily and efficiently, and workers are therefore likely to use them often, increasing brand visibility. For an upgrade, consider an environmentally-friendly solar powered smartphone charger. The recipient of this gift will likely think highly of the company and consider them forward thinking and concerned about green enterprise.

Roadside emergency kit
For an important client who is often on the road, an automotive emergency roadside tool kit makes a direct statement that the company is looking out for its clients. Kits come with jumper cables, screwdrivers, socket sets and glass shattering tools. The case can be customized with the company's logo, making for a unique and desirable corporate gift.

Businesses may see benefits from choosing several different price points for corporate thank you gifts by distributing them to clients according to different levels of involvement. Companies should always consider clients' needs when determining marketing strategies so they may best take advantage of opportunities to make their services known.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Small Business owners review strategies

In a significant change from 2010, 43% of small-business owners are now optimistic about the current sales climate, largely because of their own efforts at reinventing their selling strategies, a Citibank survey shows. Two years ago, just 24% of small-business owners thought conditions were positive, leading to serious adjustments in running their companies.

"Small-business owners risk everything to pursue their dreams and are willing to do what it takes to make it," said Maria Veltre, Managing Director, Citi Small Business. "Their personal sacrifices, passion and ability to adapt have positioned them to capitalize on improving business conditions."

Data shows a full 53% of survey respondents "reinvented" their businesses in recent years to survive in a competitive sales environment. About 47% of business owners said they have overhauled the products or services they offered, while 24% have adjusted their technology or staffing infrastructure. Approximately 18% increased their marketing spend, and 7% said they reduced pricing and took less profit.

"Small-business owners are especially adept at reinvention – whether because of obstacles or new visions for growth," Veltre said. "Change is never easy, but neither is starting and running a business. We see our small-business clients embracing change and reinventing themselves to secure a rewarding future."

Additional data provided by Citibank shows one-third of respondents said their own business is better than it was a year ago, up from 26% in January of 2012. Another 33% expect their business will grow by more than 10% during this year. To boost their standing, 65% expect to increase marketing, 56% will work to get better pricing, 52% plan to work even longer hours and 50% will introduce new products or services.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Get a Return on Your Promo Investments

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It shouldn't be surprising to learn that some promotional items fare better than others in the consumer marketplace. A number of factors go into determining the success of each giveaway – how well it's advertised, the practicality of the item being gifted and the existing perception of the brand or business. These details all weigh heavily on how many customers a business gets after they've finished handing out free merchandise.

The kind of items are integral to the success formula. Unsurprisingly, some of these will be more widely embraced than others, but research shows that there are consistent winners in the race for best promo item.

Putting it in writing

One of the most popular giveaways is promotional pens according to the Promotional Products Association International's (PPAI) most recent research. This versatile and ubiquitous advertising item is not only popular with consumers but cheap for companies to buy.

Getting custom promo pens can help easily spread a business image quickly by leaving these conspicuously in public areas of the business. Banks can leave them near checking and deposit slips to encourage use. Book stores, private gyms and other establishments with signup sheets can leave a container in the vicinity of paperwork. Businesses can even give them away quickly at trade shows or other public events.

The best part yet again is the price. Promotional pens are affordable, easy to distribute and get highest visibility.

Toting it around

Custom logo tote bags are a portable and fashionable way to get your business message into the public eye quickly and cheaply. They're another popular giveaway, according to Resource Nation's printing of a Quality Logo info graphic. The publication also pointed out that the sheer size of potential advertising space is much greater than other items like umbrellas or baseball caps and more likely to be seen.

People carry a bag regardless of the weather, but a consumer isn't always going to need or want to carry an umbrella or wear a hat. Providing customers with an item that fits everyday needs ensures their desire to own and maintain it, as well as use it where others are likely to see the brand.

Making it digital

Another highly flexible and versatile promo item also ties in the move toward new technology that so many consumers are looking for. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, USB flash drives were not only low-priced but helped boost the number of impressions a company got every day by introducing the items to a different environment.

The idea here is that promo USB drives will be given to and used most by those with access to computer technology, a growing percentage of the population. These memory sticks will travel to work, school and professional locations with the recipient, attracting a different kind of clientele than street views would normally bring in. Due to its innovative attraction style, the USB flash drive is an important tech tool for drawing more business.

Many other kinds of promotional giveaways are available for companies to purchase for advertising and gift purposes, all of which provide a measurable benefit to revenue when used properly. Custom note pads, coffee mugs and calendars all communicate a business' brand and boost visibility, making them valuable tools.

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Monday, June 25, 2012

Branded wearable's make mobile marketing

Just walking down the street you're likely to encounter a variety of branded T-shirts, polo’s, hats, bags and other worn items that consumers choose to buy on their own. Since they're already interested in representing the brands they love on a regular basis, giving away promotional hats and shirts is a sure way to increase your market saturation.

From the top down

The best thing about wearable logos for business is that they create instantaneous recognition in viewers. As soon as customers see a certain image or phrase, they will think of the company and services it represents.

A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) found that more than 80 percent of consumers immediately commit to these connections, recalling brands just by seeing a promotional product with an image or phrase they associate with that company. One benefit for small businesses here is multi-tasking with these promos. Not only can you gift them to customers and increase outside visibility, you can institute them as part of your employees' wardrobe, making the product visible and increasingly desirable for those who come into your location.

More than half of those who got such an item, be it a shirt, hat, pen, notepad or other branded token were likely to do business with the company afterward, showing that customer loyalty can be fostered just by extending a promotional gift. The best part for a company investing in these giveaways is that most recipients will hang on to them. More than 80 percent find use in the items they are given, and the best part is they're also shown to think more favorably of the company from that point on.

Dress for impression

Shirts faired the best among an array of potential items according to the ASI survey. They're kept a long time, used frequently and seen by a large number of other consumers on a regular basis. These items are popular and desired by consumers when asked about the kind of promotional items they want to get, according to a PPAI research study, and more than 85 percent of those who encounter them have immediate recognition of the company.

If you want a product that's affordable and highly visible, investing in promotional items that your customers can wear should be a marketing move to consider.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Stay on the cutting edge

Using modern promotional giveaways will ensure consumers equate you with technology, innovation and progress. Giving away tech and trendy gifts will dictate the way recipients will use and show off their swag, and making sure your company comes across in a memorable and positive way is easy when you use promotional flash drives and other popular items.

Doing new things

Not only are USB memory sticks a sign your company is aware of current trends for data storage, portability and sharing, they prove that you have a vested interest in giving your clients something they can use for more than just business reasons. The more uses a recipient can find for a promotional item, the more people will see the product and be likely to inquire about your business and services.

Promotional Products Association International conducted a survey to determine how effective giveaways are when it comes to reminding consumers of the company that provided it. The study found nearly 70 percent would only be interested in a product if they could think of common uses for it and weren't willing to bring home an item that didn't seem to have a purpose. Only 5 percent would be interested in taking a promotional product simply because it looked interesting, and barely 1 percent were intrigued by collectability.

Making promos work

In some ways the shifting of industry is like the seasons – if you don't adapt, you might die. As technology moves toward smaller sizes and enhanced compatibility, it's important for companies to pursue that trend and make promotional items follow suit.

Offering logo tote bags epitomizes the modern consumer's desire for portability. It also will be something worn and used frequently, meaning visibility will be considerably more enhanced by this practical item as compared to a customized rubber stamp or something of that nature which while directly related to the company and does serve as a marketing tool doesn't encourage practical use.

In an interview with the Northwest Herald, small business owner Pat Gibbs explained that following the market and adapting to change can mean the difference between successful advertising strategies pulling in more business, and failed promotional giveaways costing the company money and failing to assist it in any measurable way.