Little Red's Big Ideas

Halloween Help is Here -- Boooray!

After Christmas, Halloween is the biggest retail holiday of the year.  Over 37 MILLION kids will take to the streets begging for -- oops -- I mean trick-or-treating for candy.  And whose treat bags will they be holding to carry all that loot?  Yours, of course!  If you are savvy enough to take advantage of screamin' great deals on imprinted treat bags!

So, after combing our resources, we've found a fantastic, super-speedy supplier that is as reliable as they are affordable.  Take a look at this flyer and as soon as you're ready to place an order or request a sample email [email protected]or, better yet, give him a howl by calling 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478.  Check out these other Halloween ideas, too.  From lip balm to glow sticks we've got what you AND your customers want!

 

Great Branding is in the Bag!

Procrastinators Wanted for Marketing Webinar

If you're one of those people who suffers from a bit of ADD,tends to procrastinate a tad OR just can't seem to find a time to focus on your marketing -- Have I got good news for you!

I am thrilled to begin the California Parks and Recreation Society Parks Make Life Better!® Webinar Series this Tuesday, May 8 (with a second session on May 15).  And YOU are invited!

The cost to attend is only $10 and we are filling up fast! Whether your agency is currently involved in the Parks Make Life Better!®  branding campaign, or you are considering becoming involved, I strongly encourage you and your staff to grab a spot at this interactive session.

 For more information or reserve your spot -- click here. 

You can also cut and paste this link into your address bar:  http://www.cprs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=749:the-make-a-take-marketing-plan-webinar-parks-make-life-better

If you have any questions please give me a call at 760-809-3231.

Addicted to Strangers

I must admit that I love strangers! I love learning about new people and hearing their stories.  I'm not afraid of asking questions.  But I also know that this is an unusual trait since most people don't love the idea of striking up conversations with complete strangers.  So when I read this story, Rules of the Road: The Quick Guide to Better Networking by Tom Searcy (an accomplished salesperson who admittedly hates face to face networking), I was curious about the ways Searcy has gotten more comfortable with the process.   

The article from CBS Moneywatch shared four specific rules for effective networking.  While I think I adhere to these roles pretty naturally, I thought others might benefit from the short list:

1. First and foremost, it's not all about you. Keith Ferrazzi's book, Never Eat Alone, taught me a lot about networking, and the most important point is that it's not about you. If you spend your time meeting people and trying to see if there is a way you can be of help to them, you put your mind in the right order, and it is easier. Why? Because you may not be a great networker, but you are a great problem solver. If you can help someone else with an issue, idea or contact, you are working in the sweet spot of your skills. Along the way, good things will happen for you, too.

 2. Set your goals. When I attend an event, I typically have between one to three people I specifically want to meet who I've picked out in advance. If they are not there, or they are completely encumbered, I go to my back-up goal. Set a number of new people, let's say five or 10, who you are going to meet, ask two questions, and swap cards with. Once you have hit your number, you are off the hook. You met your goal and you can go home, see a movie, catch the end of the game at the bar, it doesn't matter. You set a goal and you hit it. These networking events are not a prison-sentence if you don't make them one.

 3. Ask good questions. "What do you do?" "Tell me about your company" and "How long have you been with your company/this industry/this association?" are all typical openers and they get typical answers. Boring. Try a few other questions instead:

 -- "What business problem does your company solve? What is the best example you have of how you are doing that?"

-- "What has been the biggest win for you/your company in the last six months? What do you think it will be in the next six months?"

-- "What is the most interesting initiative you have planned at your company this year? How will that change your company the most?"

The point is that you want to pose questions that provoke and initiate conversation out of the normal routine. These questions should help you achieve that. Once people have answered your questions, you have just one more to ask: "That's great. Is there some way I can help you?"

 4. Exit gracefully. I watched a real pro work a room at a cocktail party the other night. She would introduce herself, ask a question or two, ask if she could help, and then she would simply put her hand out to shake and say, "It has been so nice to spend a few minutes getting to know you. I hope you have a great spring." She would smile graciously and just move on. She took the initiative to introduce herself, controlled the conversation with a few questions, and then she left. There is a courtesy to be observed at a networking event that involves not monopolizing someone's time. The rhythm she set was at just the right tempo to accomplish what a networking event should do.

Share your networking secrets below or share a story about a memorable networking experience!

You always ask me: What is the best marketing tool? It is...

Calendars!

Every year I sing the praises of using custom printed calendars to keep your name/brand and contact information in front of your customers. With budgets tighter than ever -- this is DEFINITELY a great marketing investment.  This year I've even posted an order form to make it super simple for you to jump on this once a year opportunity!

Hands down! Custom-printed calendars are one of the most functional and cost-effective of all advertising tools. Even in this age of smartphones, Blackberries, Outlook and other electronic calendar systems -- there's nothing like a visual wall calendar when it comes to planning time, recreation activities, sports schedules and events.  While you can purchase calendars for as low as low as .25 each, I always recommend a 12 month appointment-style wall calendar with beautiful photos that align with your mission -- Healthy Kids, Going Green and Motivation are this year's favorites.  Click here to page through an online catalog where you can explore over 100 different calendar themes and styles -- all with GUARANTEED INVENTORY through the end of the year.

The Farmer's Almanac first published in 1818 was the very first promotional product making calendars the original ad specialty. These classic promotional power-tools have stood the test of time AND technology for good reason -- they are a necessity in the office and at home. But don't take my word for it; here are some statistics, based on an independent study conducted by the Calendar Marketing Association,  that will further convince you that, when looking for a place to put your logo, web address and contact information -- nothing beats wall calendars.
 

• 83% of customers purchase products or services from the company that gave them their calendar. And 94% of calendar recipients can recall the advertising message on their calendar.
•  The average person working in an office looks at a calendar 12 times a day. Multiply that by 5 business days a week and then by 50 weeks a year. That's 3000 ad impressions a year!

At home the average family views their calendar about 5 times per day. When multiplies by 7 days per week, 365 days a year and your message will be seen (wait, I need to grab my calculator) well over 12,000 times each year.

Think about all of the time, energy, money and paper used in the attempt to get your brochures or flyers in front of your customers throughout the year... compare that to the annual cost of keeping a calendar in front of key contacts day in and day out!

By getting a calendar on the walls of your customers, volunteers, gatekeepers (teachers, real estate agents, doctor's/dentist's offices, etc) you are getting priceless exposure for a teeny tiny price.

One of the best things about calendar marketing is your ability to order very small quantities.  Think of 100 people who most influence you customers -- AKA gatekeepers.  These might be teachers, school nurses, pediatricians, real estate agents, coaches, sponsors, the list goes on and on.  Choose as few as 100 of these influencers.  Order 100 imprinted calendars with your web address, logo, tagline or call to action and send or deliver these useful gifts to these gatekeepers.  You can even attach a Holiday Letter to the front of the calendar with a special offer, coupon or invitation. 

Not only will your calendar be viewed as a kind holiday greeting, but it will hang around for an entire year!  But, like all good things -- the window closes on this marketing opportunity.  The best time to give calendars is NOW through the end of January.  So contact Andy right away and he'll get your order processed right away -- in plenty of time for year-end delivery. 

Special Offer for my Blog Readers - When you contact Andy by December 9 (That's this FRIDAY), mention that you're a blog reader and we will pay for your shipping!  FREE shipping, big exposure, little price -- it's a perfect year-end promotion!  But call NOW - 800-IADVISU - (800-423-8478)!

 

Promote Parks with Promotional Products - Your message won't get trashed!

It's so hard to break through the clutter and get your message noticed these days.  Advertising pops up (literally) all around us -- on our screens, in our homes, driving down the freeway, walking through the grocery store aisles -- it seems everyone wants our attention.  So, how do you get your message, not only noticed, but remembered?

That's easy! Put your message on an item that your recipients WANT to receive.  Give them something they need, want and appreciate.  That's the age-old idea behind using promotional products to build brand recognition and tell your story.  

Parks Make Life Better!(sm) is a branding campaign developed by the California Park and Recreation Society which, from its launch, understood the importance of adding promotional products to its branding toolkit.  

Who can use the Parks Make Life Better! Brand?  If you are a member of CPRS then your agency can use the brand.  It's as simple as that!  All you need to do is sign the "Logo Use Agreement" which can be downloaded here.  About half of all California's Park and Recreation agencies have already signed the agreement.  To see if your agency is a Branding Partner click here.

What if I'm not a CPRS member? What if I'm not even in California? I love the logo, can I still use it?  

If you are not a CPRS member but would like to take advantage of this fantastic campaign and the entire PMLB toolkit, simply send an email to [email protected] and we'll get you started. There is a nominal membership fee (usually $85) for out-of-state agencies which entitles you to the extensive toolkit and templates associated with the campaign, as well as the entire CPRS online resource center.   

Once you have become a Branding Partner you can use the Parks Make Life Better!(sm) logo on all of their marketing tools from brochures and web sites to t-shirts and water bottles.

CPRS and the ADvisors Marketing Group have teamed-up to offer ANY promotional item with the Parks Make Life Better! logo.  Of course, the idea of the campaign is that you ADD your agency name/contact information to the Parks Make Life Better! logo to make it yours.  

Did you know that there are over 250,000 promotional items ranging from A to Zipper Pulls!  You can view/download/print a useful Parks Make Life Better!(sm) Promotional Products Catalog with the most popular items (t-shirts, water bottles, key tags, pens, balloons) by clicking here.  However, the real power of the program is your ability to put the logo on any of more than 250,000 items that fits your budget, theme or audience.

Click here to search for any item/theme/event/budget you can imagine in real time. It's a totally free service! 

OR if you want to get moving on a project lickety-split call/email Andy 800-423-8478 (800-IADVISU) to talk to a REAL person who can help you with anything you might need.  

Calendars are the Best Marketing Tool for any Budget

Hands down! Custom-printed calendars are one of the most functional and cost-effective of all advertising tools. Even in this age of smartphones, Blackberries, Outlook and other electronic calendar systems -- there's nothing like a visual wall calendar when it comes to planning time, recreation activities, sports schedules and events.  While you can purchase calendars for as low as low as .25 each, I always recommend a 12 month appointment-style wall calendar with beautiful photos that align with your mission -- Healthy Kids, Going Green and Motivation are this year's favorites.  Click here to page through an online catalog where you can explore over 100 different calendar themes and styles -- all with GUARANTEED INVENTORY through the end of the year.

The Farmer's Almanac first published in 1818 was the very first promotional product making calendars the original ad specialty. These classic promotional power-tools have stood the test of time AND technology for good reason -- they are a necessity in the office and at home. But don't take my word for it; here are some statistics, based on an independent study conducted by the Calendar Marketing Association,  that will further convince you that, when looking for a place to put your logo, web address and contact information -- nothing beats wall calendars.
 

• 83% of customers purchase products or services from the company that gave them their calendar. And 94% of calendar recipients can recall the advertising message on their calendar.
•  The average person working in an office looks at a calendar 12 times a day. Multiply that by 5 business days a week and then by 50 weeks a year. That's 3000 ad impressions a year!
• At home the average family views their calendar about 5 times per day. When multiplies by 7 days per week, 365 days a year and your message will be seen (wait, I need to grab my calculator) well over 12,000 times each year.

   

   

  Think about all of the time, energy, money and paper used in the attempt to get your brochures or flyers in front of your customers throughout the year... compare that to the annual cost of keeping a calendar in front of key contacts day in and day out!
  
  By getting a calendar on the walls of your customers, volunteers, gatekeepers (teachers, real estate agents, doctor's/dentist's offices, etc) you are getting priceless exposure for a teeny tiny price.
  
  One of the best things about calendar marketing is your ability to order very small quantities.  Think of 100 people who most influence you customers -- AKA gatekeepers.  These might be teachers, school nurses, pediatricians, real estate agents, coaches, sponsors, the list goes on and on.  Choose as few as 100 of these influencers.  Order 100 imprinted calendars with your web address, logo, tagline or call to action and send or deliver these useful gifts to these gatekeepers.  You can even attach a Holiday Letter to the front of the calendar with a special offer, coupon or invitation. 

  Not only will your calendar be viewed as a kind holiday greeting, but it will hang around for an entire year!  But, like all good things -- the window closes on this marketing opportunity.  The best time to give calendars is NOW through the end of January.  So contact Andy right away and he'll get your order processed right away -- in plenty of time for year-end delivery. 

   

  Special Offer for my Blog Readers - When you contact Andy, mention that you're a blog reader and we will pay for your shipping!  FREE shipping,big exposure, little price -- it's a perfect year-end promotion!  But call NOW - 800-IADVISU - (800-423-8478)!

Bright Ideas to Light up the Night

 
 
I've worked in the promotional products business for a long, long, time.  Way before there were fax machines ("What's a fax machine?" my younger readers ask.)  Way, way before the Internet and iPods.  If you've heard me speak (as many of my readers have), you know that I've sold promotional items (they were called "advertising specialties" back in the day) since I was a little girl.  I share this history with you, not to bore you to tears, but as an introduction to one of my favorite suppliers. 

Clegg has been delighting me for over 10 years.  I remember my excitement the first time I ever opened a "rnging phone card"and am still thrilled by their multi-sensory innovation and creativity.  Today it's not too novel to come across greeting cards that talk, sing and light-up.  However, Clegg still continues to deliver unique promotional products that add light and sound to any event or campaign.  If you'd like to see a sample of ANY items on the flyer above (or any of the hundreds of items on the Clegg website) please contact [email protected] or give him a ring at 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478. He's at your service!

Hauntingly Great Deals on Halloween Bags

Halloween is big business.  Besides Christmas, it is the "biggest shopping day of the year."  Nothing is more adorable little ones parading through your community centers, schools, camps and neighborhoods dressed as little ghouls and goblins, wizards and vampires. Whether at an event you sponsor or during neighborhood trick-or-treating one thing is universal -- everyone needs a goodie bag.  So, why not make sure that the goodie bag your community carries is one that includes your agency's contact information and safety tips.  As an act of goodwill or an event souvenir, treat bags are an inexpensive, much appreciated necessity. 

After combing our resources, we've found a fantastic, super-speedy supplier that is as reliable as they are affordable.  Take a look at this flyer and as soon as you're ready to place an order or request a sample email [email protected]or, better yet, give him a howl by calling 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478.  Check out these other Halloween ideas, too. 

 

Think Outside the Trophy! Better Awards and Recognition Gifts

Fall means football -- not to mention, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, volleyball and some sports I've barely heard of (pickleball, anyone?) 

Besides driving athletes to and from practice, games and tournaments; the people on the sidelines are just as important to your programs as the athletes themselves.  Most park and recreation and community sports programs wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers -- team managers, moms, dads, coaches and referees.  This year, rather than the typical trophy, why not look at a functional appreciation gift for your volunteer MVPs (Most Valuable Parents)?   

Folding Chairs - Help people relax in style on the field, at the game or at the beach. More than a chair, it features 2 cup holders, a zippered pocket and its own carrying case. At about $20 including your custom imprint it is a perfect gift or award for coaches, team   managers and volunteers. 

Warm their hearts with Stadium Blankets - Cool, even frigid temperatures can turn a fun  sporting event into an uncomfortable outing for those on the sidelines.  Stadium blankets are a natural and greatly appreciated thank you gift or fundraising item for anyone involved in autumn and winter activities.  Starting at around $15.00 in small quantities, blankets come in many varieties from woven tapestries to fleece.  Call Andy to brainstorm which blank might be right for your budget and climate. 

Rainy Day People - Don't let the rain dampen the spirits of spectators or volunteers.  Rain ponchos and umbrellascan be custom printed with your agency name, website and tagline and make a wonderful gift, concession or fundraiser.  Email [email protected] or call (800)423-8478 to learn more about any of these ideas OR to request a sample.  He's got you covered (sorry -- I couldn't resist!)

Snacks, Anyone? - Often it's the job of the parents to provide drinks and snacks for players.  Here's a fun idea that will keep your agency name and contact information in front of parents throughout the  season. Give each team manager, coach or captain a large insulated cooler (imprinted, of course, with your name and website.)  The cooler rotates among the Snack Moms/Dads who fill it each week with nutritious treats. 

These ideas are just the beginning.  As a current team mom (currently volleyball) I know that I would love a functional gift rather than another certificate or trophy.  You can search our huge database of promo items OR give us a call.  Again, Andy's your guy if you want ideas, pricing or samples.  He at your service and loves a challenge.  Get in touch by calling him at 800-423-8478 (that 800-IADVISU). 

Unique Halloween Giveaways Any Dentist Could Love

Park and recreation agencies across the country will be creating boo-tiful haunted houses, trails and hikes this month.  Along with the parties, carnivals and fall festivals you'll be filling goodie bags with tricks and treats.  While I'm no party pooper, I do believe that park and recreation agencies are an important part of every community's health and wellness team.  This being said, instead of filling Halloween bags with sugary treats, consider these unique giveaways to enhance this year's event. 

Silly Bands - They're all the rage AND you can get these popular fashion accessories (boys and girls love them equally) custom packaged in a variety of ways.  Contact [email protected] for samples and pricing.

Halloween Shaped Pens, Pencils - I looooove the Bentcil Company for so many reasons.  Not only is there a Bentcil shape for every state, theme, holiday, interest, sport, letter of the alphabet -- you get the idea -- they also give the best customer service of any supplier in the industry.  Check out their Halloween selections at their on-line catalog and when you find something you like -- contact [email protected] and he'll rush you out whatever samples you'd like to see.  No charge!

Halloween Bags - Not only can these be used at your event but they can also be used as glow-in-the-dark billboards on Halloween night.  Click here for bundles of bag ideas just waiting for your imprint!

Temporary Tattoos - Whether you choose a stock shape (so many to choose from) or order tattoos customized with your agency's logo -- temporary tattoos are fun and long-lasting (not to mention super inexpensive) making for great conversation pieces all weekend long.

Reflective Stickers - Safety should be one of your primary messages.  Keep little ghouls and goblins safe with these fun, Halloween themed reflective stickers.

Coloring and activity books - A perfect way to keep young children engaged and entertained at your   Halloween event. So many educational and holiday selections. 

Flashlights, Glow Sticks and Buttons - Light up the night with these popular Halloween necessities.  Staff and volunteers will be easy to find if wearing a glow buttons during evening events.  Parents and children alike will appreciate glow-sticks or flashlights, which, when dropped in the bottom of trick or treat will insure that children are easily seen by passing vehicles.  Click here to search flashlights by price point (starting as low as .38)

Click here to see hundreds (it's really thousands -- but I didn't want you to feel overwhelmed) of Halloween ideas and decorations.  But don't wait too long to place your order.  Halloween is only a few weeks away!