Little Red's Big Ideas

Cookie Cutter Giveaway Adds New Shape to Events - FREE Sample Offer

I love to bake -- I love experimenting with recipes to try to make them healthier (my latest kick is putting spaghetti squash in my oatmeal cookies instead of oils).  I know it sounds weird but it's really good and gives the cookies great texture.)  But, since this isn't a baking blog and IS a marketing blog I wanted to share an idea that came across my desk today: 

The Holiday Trifecta (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah) are right around the corner.  Even people who don't like to bake find themselves invited to participate in Bake Sales and Cookie Exchanges (why not host one at your community center?) 

Why not help out your customers by giving them a tasty promotional product this holiday season.  Check out these custom - or stock - cookie cutters that can turn your logo into cookies! Add a custom recipe card for healthy holiday treats that includes agency information, a cookie recipe and a special message and you've got a special giveaway that can be shared with the whole family.

Children, moms, grandmas (I'm not being sexist here -- but more than 90% of comsumer holiday backing is done my women)and even the family pet will eat this idea up!

Get a FREE Sample -- If you like this idea and would like a free cookie cutter with sample "romance" card log onto http://www.annclarkpromo.com/category/stock-shape/ to search over 100 shapes perfect for any event theme.  Once you've selected the perfect shape for your next event, call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and he'll get your samples shipped right away.  Or if you don't have time to search -- just email andy@advisorsmarketing.com and let us know about your upcoming events or activities and we'll find a bunch of promotional ideas to fit your budget and theme -- for FREE.

What's Driving Back to School Marketing?

Typically a time to weigh the merits of pens vs. pencils, markers vs. crayons and which after-school program to choose; this year's back-to-school marketing is dripping with a different type of message -- FEAR.  Today's AdAge.com features an article: "Swine Flu Fear puts Disinfectant Brands on School Supply List."

So what does this have to do with you?  A couple of things -- as you already know, what trends in schools often translates to changes in after-school and recreation programs.  Summer camps already know the impact of the real threat of swine flu -- as both a medical and economic malady. "Where kids gather, the flu is sure to spread," the media seems to warn.  So, as children, students and athletes return to your programs and head back indoors this fall, consider these three ideas: 

1. Keep lots of over-sized bottles of disinfectant on hand. You can even order half gallon bottles imprinted? How cool would it be to have that sitting on your school nurses desk ALL YEAR LONG?  Talk about a good use of limited funds!
2. Educate children and parents about the preventative measures you have and will be taking to protect children from all types of communicable disease.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has all sorts of information you can download, print, post and share.  They even have PSAs (public service announcements you can post right on your web site) as a measure of goodwill.
3. Order some personal hand sanitizer (with prices starting at about .25 each there's something for every budget) imprinted with your program name as a wonderful reminder that you are part of the health and safety team in your community.  Consider giving these as a back to school gift to teachers, school nurses, parents, students -- just about anyone who has a child or children in their lives.  To get some free samples or look into this timely idea call/email andy@advisorsmarketing.com or 1-800-IADVISU (800-423-8478).  He's at your service!

Halloween is only Weeks Away! How Scary is That?

Did you know that after Christmas -- Halloween is the biggest retail holiday of the year? For those in summer seasonal "businesses" such as camps and aquatics, Halloween is perfectly timed to reconnect with your summer customers once they are back to school and buried in the books. 

Whether your agency or camp currently hosts Halloween activities, you're looking to add a new event to your calendar, or you just want an excuse to increase off season awareness, NOW is the time to plan for this spooktacular marketing opportunity.  Classics such as trick-or-treat bags (yes! kids still trick or treat.) or new-fangled items such as glow sticks are sure to shed light (the puns keep coming -- I can't make it stop!) on the idea that you care about kids!

BIG SAVINGS ON Trick or Treat Bags - A Halloween Staple that can be given and used before and after Halloween Night, IMPRINTED (of course!) Trick-or-Treat bags are a wonderful marketing tool.  Whether you are looking for bargain basement pricing (about 25 cents each) or something a little more novel like bags that glow, reflect or light-up) there's something for everyone.  Check out this flyer for super savings.

Don't be afraid (get it? I know the puns are getting painful)to try something new this Halloween season.  Items such as reflectors, flashlights, glowsticks and educational coloring books are great promotional tools to show your customers that you care about the safety of their little ghouls and goblins wherever they haunt this season.

FREE SPOOKY SOUNDS CD - This is one of the most innovative promotions I've heard all year.  CDs are a fantastic way to literally say "We're dying for you to come to our Halloween Party: or "Howl are you?"  (I told you I can't stop myself -- this is so fun!)  CDs, cases and mailing cards can be customized and sent for about the same price as a boring invitation or thank you ( About 2.75 each including all your art and set-upSpecial sale price ends Sept 18.  But this is a special price and ends Sept 18).  Click here for more information.

And -- just cuz we want you to get in the mood we'd like to send you a FREE Sample CD.  But hurry -- our freebie supply is limited so call or email ANDY NOW at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478 or andy@advisorsmarketing.com.

Blog Readers Special - Order Early and Save!  Place any Halloween Order by September 30, 2009 and save 10% off our already discounted pricing.  Call Andy at 800-IADVISU (800- 423-8478) for free Halloween samples, ideas and all your promotional needs.  Items pictured above represent thousands of Halloween items that are on sale this month and all can be imprinted with your message, logo and contact info. 

The Lowest Prices I've Ever Seen on Items You're Gonna Buy Anyway!

Click here to go directly to the best promo product prices in 30 years on items you will or should buy to permanently build top of mind awareness

 

Rarely do I use my blog as a place to blatantly and boldly promote the promotional products side of my business, but sometimes I see deals that are just too good NOT to share.  Every day I receive dozens of ads from my suppliers (people who imprint everything from t-shirts and totes to hand sanitizer and helium balloons) explaining that they are ready and willing to bargain; some are offering savings up to 80%!  Many have overstocked warehouses full of everything from pens and water bottles to bags and backpacks and must be cleared for goods (probably ordered a year ago) that are ready for delivery. 

I've been in the advertising specialty business since the 70's (YES, I did start as a child) and I don't remember EVER seeing prices as low as these for staple items like:

• really nice pens - like these three sided sided pens  for 19 cents (that's 500 imprinted pens for $100!) Price includes all THREE sides of printing.  At these prices, colors are limited so call today for options. 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478)

• luggage/bag tags for 75 cents (put these on daypacks to easily differentiate one from another; require traveling campers to use on lugguge)

• padfolios and CD/DVD Cases for under two bucks

• carabiner keytag/bottle openers - .99 (that's half off!)

There are also lots of unique and novel items, too! (check out the  "bubba kegs" in the shape of soccer and footballs; insulated drawstring backpacks perfect for day camps, canteens and safety.

•  

• But -- when I say -- call us now if you're interested in these great prices -- I really mean it.  Because, when they're gone they're gone (that's kind of the point.)  We have a special promo code that we can offer to any of our customers, group members or blog readers.  And, if you're a little busy getting ready for camp (gotta love that little red sarcasm) and don't have time to figure out what you want or need for upcoming events CALL US.  It doesn't cost anything to brainstorm for goodness sakes AND we'll even get you FREE SAMPLES to help you decide. 
  
  Here are some of the upcoming activities that you need to order for:
  

Staff Training and Orientation

• Patfolios/Notebooks - imprintyour mission statement, customer service commitment, safety procedures on the inside of the padfolio and your camp name on the cover

• Water bottles

• Travel mugs for coffee/tea

• Pens

• Highlighters

• Lanyards

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm and much more

Community Festivals and Camp Fairs

• Pens

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitizer -- a must with the flu scare

• Sunscreen Packets- Protecying Your Child From a Boring Summer

Canteen Items (Finally, prices are low enough so that you can keep prices low enough for campers AND make the profits you deserve!)

Call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and we'll do all the work for you!  We'll even get you free samples, help get your artwork ready for production and make sure everything is delivered on time, every time.

I know times are tough which is all the more reason you should invest in marketing tools that have the lasting and long term memorability of these promotional items.  Spend the money to add your brand to items you use every day and throughout the year and people will think of you when it's time for fun.

Make Me an Offer I Can't Refuse

The American Camp Association's Tri State Conference is a highlight of my spring speaking schedule.  I love the east coast honesty, passion and confidence.  This year I participated in a pre-conference event aimed specifically at those in the day camp business, especially those in parks and recreation.  During regular conference hours I am thrilled to present two new programs, both which address critical marketing strategies for these tough economic times. 

For the first time ever, I've put together a program that focuses solely on one very important part of developing more effective marketing materials -- the offer or call to action.  I'm happy to share the enhanced version of these handouts from this session for those who attended the session as well as those who with they had. 

This document includes more than 60 specific compelling offers to inspire your prospects to try, buy and re-buy your products, camps and services. By incorporating just one of these ideas into your next marketing campaign you will likely motivate those that might need a friendly nudge (or a really big push) to check you out. 

 Download Make Me an Offer with Definitions

After reviewing the list, please add a few of your own! Sharing is good for the soul.

Have a Ball Watching this Video

I just recieved a link to review a very fun and creative YouTube video promoting Oceanside, California's greatest natural resource and tourist magnet.  See for yourself how adding a little humor and some special effects can transform a basic marketing appeal into a dynamic, memorable message.

Last Minute Holiday Gifts - 24 Hour Service

Yes!  It's still posible to get last minute holiday gifts for staff, commissioners, coaches, volunteers and others on your gift list.  There's hundreds of items to choose from AND -- call it a miracle -- but many can be imprinted, too!  Click here for tons of options for every price point.  Better yet, call Andy at 760-730-0333 now and he'll hook you up and remove the holiday stress.

It's Time to Order the Best Promotion of the Year - FREE Sample Offer

You want it all, don't you?  Promotional ideas that are super-cheap AND ultra-effective.  There IS a single marketing tool that you give out once and stays in front of your customers or campers for a whole year -- calendars.  Beginning at .25 each calendars can be  imprinted with YOUR logo, website, important dates -- whatever you want. 

 

 

Today we need calendars everywhere -- on our walls and computer monitors and in our purses, pockets wallets, cars and backpacks. Click here to look at a wide variety of calendars....  Then place an order to send to your customer base or use as a unique end-of-the-year fundraiser.

FREE 2009 Calendar 4U -No Catch!  Choose from36 different styles(GoingGreen, Inspirational, Wellness, Golf, Cute Kids, America's National Parks, Scenic Americana -- even Fishing.  When it comes to calendars there's something for everyone and everywhere. Be one of the first 25 people to click here, make a selection and email Andy your choice TODAY.

The Technology Paradox

I’m very excited to be going to a seminar on Wednesday in conjunction with the Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) show called, “The 21st Century Paradox; Technology Used Efficiently to Get Nothing Done.”  (I don’t think they did it on purpose, but even the title is stressing me out.)

 

From what I can gather by the description, the speaker, Tom Vann, is going to help us “tame the beast” of anxieties associated with the real or virtual need to obsessively checking email, “crack”berries, iPhones, LinkedIn, voicemail and other communication channels. 

 

I’d write more about this topic, but I’m feeling like an enabler right about now.  After all, isn’t my blog just one more thing you know you should read?  Okay – here I go.  I’m signing off (for now, only! don't panic loyal readers) and sending you on your merry way to enjoy the endless benefits of parks and recreation.  

 

Even if your workday is not over – take a quick break to walk around the block or grab some work-related reading materials and read it outside.  If the weather isn’t cooperating where you are (I live in

San Diego

so I forget it’s not room temperature and sunny in other parts of the world) move to a spot in your building where you can at least SEE the outdoors.  Take a couple of really good, deep, cleansing, yoga-style breaths and I promise, you’ll feel better. 

 

On Thursday – I promise to give you a summary of what I learned in

Long Beach

during the “Technology Paradox” seminar.  Unless, of course, I'm compelled to unplug entirely --- hmmmm -- I doubt it.

 

And, more importantly, since I’ll be walking the largest promotional products show on the West Coast – let me know if you want me to find something special for your next event. 

 

So, are you feeling tangled in technolgy?  Comment below.

Ice Cream, You Scream We all Scream for... Parks

Breyer's Ice Cream truly understands the value of parks and recreation and is luring people to their website by offering the chance to win a FREE trip for four to one of America's treasures.  No I'm not talking about Disneyland -- I'm talking about our spectacular parks. 

The grand prize winner of the Breyer's Ice Cream contest can choose from the following four destinations -- Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Central Park in New York City or Park City, Utah. The trip includes airfare, hotel, and a $1,000 gift card to be used for meals or other travel expenses. 20 first-prize winners will each receive a Naturally Cool Family Pack, which includes a picnic basket filled with board games, printed Breyers all-natural ice cream recipes, and printed family activity ideas, worth $75. Entry is open to US residents aged 21 or above. It only takes 30 seconds to enter when you visit the contest link.  But hurry, thee sweepstakes expires on August 5, 2008.

Contest Link

Two Ideas to Steal- First, I love that Breyer's lures visitors to their site with the sweepstakes prize and then gets people to share simple contact information on the first page of the entry and asks brief marketing research questions on the second page of the entry.  The questions help them determine which coupons to send to which people.  You have spectacular parks in your system, that if packaged with a gourmet picnic (find a sponsor for the food -- sandwich shop, caterer, supermarket, etc) would make a great prize to motivate visitors to share information with you, too.

The second idea is the soothing nature sounds that play from their website.  I've been listening to it the entire time I've been writing and am feeling all "ohm-like."  Sound is a nice addition to a website as long as it's not intrusive and the visitor can control or mute the sound.  (Notice the little wind chime on Breyer's site, bottom right allowing you to control the audio). Children laughing, birds chirping, waves gently crashing, crowds cheering, pool splashin -- could all be a fun way to bring your parks to someone's desktop.