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!

Steal this Presentation!

Slideshare is such an incredible resource.  Sometimes it feels like cheating when you find a great presentation and share it with others.  Not so with this presentation called, "Steal This Presentation" which is a compelling, engaging look at the Dos and Don'ts of presentations.  

http://www.slideshare.net/suhailmirza/steal-this-presentation-from-powered-by-c3-selectnyparis

 

 

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. 

 

NEW T-shirt Designs for the Graphically Challenged - NOW ON SALE

Every year we work tirelessly to come up with new designs for you to use on your staff, summer and event t-shirts.  We've put all these designs in a brand new catalog (Park Ink from A-Z) and can send it to you lickety split when you email your address to [email protected].  To give you a taste -- I've posted a few pages below. 

We offer use of these designs absolutely FREE for our customers so contact [email protected] about your upcoming apparel or promotional needs.  How's that for a super-simple solution for you to look like a creative genius with a little help from your favorite promotional experts at the ADVISORS.  These ideas are the latest in our ever-expanding logo gallery created especially for parks, recreation and camp customers all over the world.

If you're not familiar with our work -- why the heck not?  We are your one-stop shop to all things promotional and have worked in the recreation profession for almost two decades.  We understand everything from crazy deadlines to budget constraints.  Purchasing departments love us, too.  Did I mention that our shirts are on sale;  prices are AMAZING (white shirts are $3.95; colored shirts are $4.95 -- and that included a FREE THREE COLOR IMPRINT.)  How do we do it?  We've been in business for 51 years and have great relationships with our phenomenal suppliers.  So, give us a whirl -- we are at your service. 

Oh, yeah -- one more thing -- call us at 800.IADVISU (800)423-8478 and a real live, super smart person will actually pick up the phone (or call you back within minutes!).  It's almost like the good old days.  Sure you can email us, too.  But, I promised Andy the phones would ring off the hook -- so don't disappoint. 

Direct Marketing Leads Marketing Expenditures

Marketing expenditures are in a state of flux as illustrated by this chart which shows direct marketing leading the pack of media options.  Whether you are a park district, department, camp or other organization -- you are, no doubt, using direct marketinglike never before.  In the "olden days" of marketing before Twitter, texting, apps and wikis -- direct marketing was often synonymous with direct mail.  Today, however, direct marketing refers to an every expanding explosion of media options and applications.

I came across an interesting offer for a FREE "whitepaper"(sure, you have to fill-in some quick contact info) that does a good job exploring where direct marketing is headed in 2010 and beyond.  It explains how new technologies and changing  consumer preferences are impacting options and opportunities to reach your customers.   Download the paper to learn how you can leverage new trends to access the customers you want, gain more visibility, grow market share and boost ROI.  Some of the methods explored are:

• Mobile Marketing
• Social Media Integration
• Personalized and Tailored Marketing
• Marketing Automation
• Integrated and Targeted Direct Mail

Download your complimentary copy of this valuable whitepaper,
"5 Direct Marketing Trends to Watch," now.

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected].

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.