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14
Jan
2020
What to Remember When Selecting Trade Show Giveaways

What to Remember When Selecting Trade Show Giveaways

Have your sights set on a trade show? The prep work that goes into planning a trade show has many moving parts. From venue fees to nailing down a booth set up to finalizing sales resources that have been approved up the corporate ladder, brands such as yours can spend several months actively developing their trade show marketing strategy before executing it. 

While there may be more pressing matters in your sea of to-do’s, don’t forget that trade show giveaways are a significant facet that can influence the success of your strategy. Promotional products with thought and purpose can create buzz, drive foot traffic, and keep prospects engaged while visiting your booth. 

More goes into choosing a promotional product than just slapping a logo on something cheap. For promos to be their most effective, they need to be strategic and customized for the intended audience. There are several factors to consider. Cost is a major one for most buyers, but there are both tangible and intangible components that can greatly influence your decision. 

Influencers That Can Affect Your Trade Show Giveaway Decision

  1. Location of Venue

    Where your venue is located can affect your selection and trade show budget. Shipping long distances will likely increase your shipping cost and inflate overall spend unless you partner with a supplier that provides no-added-cost rush production services. 

    The actual setting of the host city can influence your buying decision. Say you and your team are attending a trade show in Miami, FL. Instead of giving out common giveaways like USB chargers and pens, opt for something more noteworthy like branded visors or a cool beach towel. 

    Items with ties to not only your brand but also the city lifestyle can do wonders for your marketing strategy. Plus, it’s something fun and unique that your prospects can use during their trip as well as back home! 

  2. Size & Weight of Merchandise

    Large and heavy items generally out-cost small, lightweight ones. The size and weight of merchandise can also play a role in your booth traffic and brand visibility. Bigger items may seem more extravagant but can be difficult for an attendee to carry around the event, so make sure you consider the size and weight of a product before purchasing. 

    Just think: If it can’t fit in a tote, it probably won’t make it back to the prospect’s hotel room. 

  3. Product Value

    It’s more about the audience’s perceived value of the giveaway rather than the dollar amount spent by the exhibitor. Does the audience find the promo useful or is it popular on the market? Practical items are high-value in the eyes of the attendees, so utility is key when making a selection. 

    However, if you’re on the hunt for something with a wow-factor, an item with unique features may be more valuable to pursue.

  4. Product Durability

    When it comes down to it, high-quality products will reflect better on your brand than ones of low-quality. If the item lacks durability and falls apart quickly, your lead may have a negative impression of your brand based on the quality of the giveaway, or they may have trouble remembering your brand entirely due to having to discard the item prematurely. 

    While cheap products may benefit your bottom line, ideally they should last well after your prospects get home from the event. 

  5. Target Audience

    Does the trade show you’re attending cater to a specific audience? Or are you casting out your marketing net to get the attention of a certain demographic or group? 

    Promos that resonate with your target are a must! Items such as a promotional Popsocket may help to draw in prospects and keep them engaged so you can gain those qualified leads. 

  6. Brand Alignment

    The messaging on giveaways will reflect on your trade show strategy results. 

    Make sure the message you’re sending is what you want to convey. As mentioned before, if the product can’t be linked back to your brand, it isn’t the right giveaway. 

    Consider the industry that you’re in, who you’re trying to convert, and what your product or service does to help customers. This can help you narrow down the choices and discover the best trade show giveaway for your brand, which can benefit your strategy and strengthen your brand’s marketplace prominence.

  7. Campaign or Event Theme

    Draw prospects to your booth display with branded merchandise giveaways that complement a campaign or trade show theme. 

    You can do a lot with giveaways that go with a theme, but again, you’ll find it more effective if the item is relevant to your brand. 

Winning the Trade Show Through Audience Engagement

As with any marketing strategy, your giveaways should always tie-in to your brand to achieve the desired results. 

Giveaways that enrich your brand can help attract more qualified leads that can lead to higher conversions. Active participation at the booth is a necessary component as well and can be accomplished through interactive content like quizzes, videos, and contests plus take-home marketing resources that prospects can review when they’re back in the office. 

You can achieve much success in your trade show strategy by remembering these details when making a promo purchase. At Pinnacle Promotions, we excel in trade show giveaways and have helped numerous customers find the right promotional products for their marketing strategy. 

Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
17
Dec
2019
Encourage Employee Wellness & Increase Productivity with Promotional Products

Encourage Employee Wellness & Increase Productivity with Promotional Products

Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Investing in employees and keeping them happy in the organization can make for a highly productive workplace, aiding in the overall success of the business. 

Because they’re your biggest asset, it’s important to keep employees educated and engaged so they can make the best decisions regarding their health. A wellness program or campaign can help there. When a staff member falls ill from sickness or stress, workplace productivity may decline due to a lack of energy and concentration. 

Employee wellness programs are a multi-billion dollar industry that’s estimated to grow even more next year. Your team members work hard, but ailments can take a toll on productivity. With more demanding work cultures, executive leaders are looking into modern ways to encourage wellness through work health programs. 

Promotional products that support employee health goals can make them feel appreciated while reminding them of the rewards that come with focusing on their well-being. Ready to re-energize your employees? Take a look at some of the items we recommend to support your health campaign. 

Blender Bottles

People love their Blender BottleⓇ, and your team will too! Each bottle comes with an agitator whisk which allows users to mix their drinks with just a few good shakes. It makes an excellent employee wellness gift and is primarily used for blending (or re-blending) protein shakes, meal supplements, and flavored water. 

The side-bottle measurement trackers allow your team to monitor their liquid intake. They can take their customized Blender Bottle anywhere: gym, car, on a hike – you name it! 

Yoga Mats

Yoga has a breadth of healing qualities. Not only does it benefit you physically, but it also helps improve mood and mental health. It’s a great stress-reducing activity. Yoga brings calm to the mind through meditation and breathing exercises. 

Incorporating branded yoga mats into your health and wellness campaigns can help boost worker productivity. A well-rested mind can bring about new motivation, increasing output in the office.

Sports Duffel Bags 

A duffel bag serves many purposes. It can be used as an overnight bag when visiting friends and family, as a gym bag to carry workout clothes, or as carry-on luggage on your next vacation or work trip. 

Providing your employees with a custom sports duffel bag may motivate your team to work wellness activities into their daily routine. It could encourage them to participate in group walks around the office park, or give them the drive they need to finally book a much-needed getaway to refresh the mind and see the world! 

T-Shirts

T-shirts and athletic apparel make wonderful employee wellness gifts. Sweat-resistant and breathable style shirts are great to workout in, and the popular sleeveless shirts may be the wearer’s go-to weekend shirt for events like fun runs and outdoor festivals. 

A t-shirt branded with your company logo not only supports your workplace wellness initiatives, but it also makes a kind gesture to thank your employees for their hard work and dedication. 

Headphones 

Make headphones and earbuds part of your corporate wellness plan and improve work efficiencies. Music provides listeners an emotional boost, curbing stress and increasing happiness around the office.

Headphones and earbuds are an easy promotional product to give away. Provide your employees with a feel-good gift to encourage health and increase workplace productivity. 

Journals

Journaling does wonders for mental health. Penning thoughts down on paper can help manage anxiety, improve cognitive processing, and lower stress. Journals can help users prioritize their tasks, projects, and identify issues that need to be resolved.

However your team uses their promotional journals, they make an excellent employee wellness gift and can do wonders for productivity, too! 

Fitness Tracker

Work productivity is likely your main goal here, which is why you and your team can benefit from fitness activity trackers. These devices allow your employees to manage individual and company wellness goals by syncing with an associated health and fitness monitoring app. 

Fitness activity trackers can monitor the wearer’s heart rate and track sleep patterns. Energy levels can have a major impact on work output, so tracking said functions is an excellent way to improve mood and employee performance. 

Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is an alternative solution that can help brighten employee moods. Essential oils have a ton of health-improving qualities and make great wellness promotional gifts. They create a relaxing and zen environment, influence brain activity, and boost job performance. 

Many oils feature antimicrobial properties that can keep spreadable illnesses at bay. Different scents are used to alleviate a variety of health issues: lemon is used for concentration, stress is managed with lavender, and peppermint acts as an energy booster. 

Does your workplace have rules against scents and aromas in the office? Gifting essential oils can be just as beneficial for home use, too. 

What You Can Do Today

Even if you’re in the early stages of your wellness campaign, companies that are committed to their workforce can inspire brand advocacy throughout the organization. 

Immerse yourself in the wellness goals of your employees. You can do this by setting up friendly fitness competitions among departments, making health and nutrition education easily accessible across the organization, and using promotional products to encourage a healthier lifestyle. 

promotional products that encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst employees

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Posted by Admin, 0 comments
15
Nov
2019
3 Steps to a Successful Corporate Apparel Program

3 Steps to a Successful Corporate Apparel Program

The supply and management of corporate apparel are challenging when going at it alone. Without an effective merchandising solution, the task of outfitting an entire group of employees can be overwhelming and near impossible. 

When your responsibilities include inventorying apparel, a corporate apparel program could be the right move. It’s a great way to coordinate a group while reinforcing your brand at the same time. 

What’s a corporate apparel program?

Also called a uniform program or a professional dress program, a corporate apparel program is an initiative to coordinate the selection, production, and administration of branded apparel for an organization. It’s designed to keep the driver of the operation in full control of their brand, logo, apparel, and imprint areas at all times. 

The program drivers influence what employees wear to work, whether it’s during a sales pitch, teleconferencing with clients, just around the office, or at a corporate function. 

Why do I need one?

A corporate apparel program provides an efficient online solution for easy ordering and inventorying of personalized uniforms and custom work attire. This program helps facilitate apparel needs for all types of industries, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, retail, and corporate environments. 

Supplying custom workwear requires more attention to detail than just routine purchases of the same items and sizes. It’s also about maintaining consistency across the entire organization by incorporating the most current logo, colors, and keeping up with imprint guidelines on your company-branded employee merchandise.  

When successfully executed, a corporate apparel program helps increase brand visibility and can integrate with employee engagement and incentive initiatives, too. Corporate apparel programs help administrators overcome the pain points of inventorying large quantity orders and reorders, alleviate the stress of manual reporting, and help users securely purchase their apparel needs.

How do corporate apparel programs work?

A corporate apparel program is easy to navigate and consists of 3 main parts: selection, production, and administration. To simply put it – you pick the items, we make the items, and you control the output. 

Let’s break it down in 3 easy steps:

  1. Selection

    When it comes to the selection of corporate apparel, there are hundreds of available pieces to choose from that can be customized and implemented in your program. With so many options, how does one choose? Well, it depends on your brand, industry, and budget. 

    • Brand. The apparel you choose should reflect your brand’s identity. How your business presents itself in the public is essential for building out your online store. Think about corporate messaging, brand visuals, and market position when selecting your merchandise.
    • Industry. The type of industry you’re in will play a major role in the apparel choices you make. A company in a corporate or retail environment are likely to select more dress shirts and promotional outerwear since those employees are more client/customer-facing, whereas those in more labor-intensive jobs may be more inclined to purchase logoed polos, branded hats, or company uniforms. 
    • Budget. Your budget will determine what purchases you make. At Pinnacle Promotions, we help companies with various budgets outfit their employees with comfortable and on-trend merchandise.   

    Keeping your store up-to-date with new ideas is an excellent way to keep employees engaged and happy. Expanding your offerings to include travel bags and accessories can go a long way, too. Merchandising and corporate apparel program experts can help curate workwear apparel specific to your company’s needs.

    Also, look for someone who can simplify the inventory hold process. From client-owned inventory to partner-owned inventory to a drop-ship order from the manufacturer, make sure you discuss all of the options with a partner you can trust. 

  2. Production

    Once you’ve selected your corporate apparel, it then goes into production! This is where your clothing is decorated with your company message and logo. Apparel can be decorated in a variety of ways, such as embroidery, screen-printing, laser-etching, heat-transfer, and debossing. It’s important to find a partner who’s an expert in imprint methods, so you can keep your merchandise coordinated and up to brand standards. 

    Proper inventory management and warehousing are extremely important in creating an effective corporate apparel program. It’s one of the main challenges you face when managing the logistics alone. Having a partner who has expert knowledge of how to run a smooth corporate apparel program can take away the headache that comes with doing it yourself.

  3. Selection

    With apparel selection and production out of the way, now is the time to see first-hand what a corporate apparel program can do for your business. 

    Group buys in the company – per department, office locations, etc. – can consolidate spend and improve efficiency. Easy online payments, or a subsidized employee allowance, can do a world of good for engagement and store use. 

    As the administrator, you can pull reports on inventory levels, buy-ins, and shipping costs/tracking just to name a few. Having a custom-branded online portal makes it easy for everyone to purchase their apparel on their own time. Set manager approval rules, group buys, and show what items you want to whom you want to. There are dashboard customization options to make reporting even easier, from order histories to shipping locations to flex payments and more.

    The administration step is the keystone of your corporate apparel program: the easier to administer, the more effective your program will be.

Implementing an apparel program into your company

For more than 25 years, we’ve created corporate apparel programs for brands within the banking, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Pinnacle Promotions has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands and has the experience, know-how, and moxie to put together the right apparel program to suit your needs. 

Our tech experts build custom portals, and our knowledgeable merchandising experts help find the best custom apparel pieces that reflect your brand. So if you’re looking to coordinate your team, find a professional partner who can take the guesswork out of the process by providing a cost-effective sourcing solution.  

See our video below for more of our corporate apparel program capabilities. 

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
29
Oct
2019
5 Retail Drinkware Alternatives to YETI You’ll Love

5 Retail Drinkware Alternatives to YETI You’ll Love

We know there are a lot of drinkware brands out there that you can buy, and you probably have a few favorites. YETI® is a well-liked brand among consumers, often inquired about during promotional gift buying. 

Did you know that there are YETI alternatives that are similar but have unique features of their own? These retail brands generally cost less, yet still, maintain the high-quality materials and production standards that YETI is known for. 

Buying alternative drinkware brands in bulk can help you save on your annual marketing budget, too. We think you’ll love these cool, alternative brands and their stories! Here are our 5 best drinkware brand picks:

MiiR®

If you’re seeking a drinkware brand that gives back to the earth and to communities in need, then you’ll love MiiR and its selection of modern products. 

MiiR got its start in 2009 when it began designing its products with four concepts in mind: minimal, sustainable, functional, and enduring. Its cups and tumblers are made of premium grade stainless steel, and its lids are comprised of no-leach chemical plastic. MiiR is an excellent, alternative drinkware brand to YETI because of its double-wall vacuum insulation, similar heat- and ice-retention, and giving projects.

When you buy a MiiR product, such as the insulated camp cup or an insulated wine tumbler, you’ll receive a unique code. Once the code has been registered, 3% of the sales revenue is donated to a non-profit committed to sourcing clean water, a healthier environment, and building strong communities around the world. 

Since its inception, hundreds of thousands of dollars have funded social responsibility efforts in 26 countries. MiiR users can follow in the journey and see how their contribution is making a difference here.  

Ello®

Is the use of eco-friendly products and materials a part of your brand’s identity? Then you’ll be happy to know that Ello does just that and is focused on reducing single-use plastic waste. Ello products are safe, clean, and green – perfect for your office space or business associates.

Its product line consists of materials like bamboo, cork, silicone, stainless steel, and glass to give it a beautiful and unique style. Glass is one of the greenest materials you can get, and it doesn’t stain, smell, or leave an aftertaste. Designed with drinkware technology like FDA silicone and anti-microbial spouts, you’ll enjoy all of the modern styles of Ello drinkware that Pinnacle Promotions has to offer, such as the Ello Riley Vacuum Stainless Bottle and the Devon Glass Tumbler. 

RTIC® 

RTIC (pronounced “arctic”) was founded in 2015 in Cypress, TX by twin brothers John and Jim Jacobsen. Its drinkware line was designed for use in the great outdoors, just like its popular line of coolers. 

While the structure and shape of RTIC are similar to YETI, the price is much more affordable. According to Jim Jacobsen, regarding his brand, “It’s about the adventure and how you can take RTIC along – you spend the money on the adventure, not on the gear.”

Its familiar design – like the 30 oz. stainless steel tumbler – and brand name, in addition to its excellent quality and value, make the RTIC collection perfect employee appreciation gifts and swag for corporate outings.

CamelBak® 

CamelBak was founded on its signature hydration pack before expanding into water bottles, outdoor gear, and accessories. Michael Edison founded CamelBak in 1989 by stuffing a water-filled medical sack into his backpack before competing in a 100-mile cycling competition in Wichita Falls, TX.

Today, they continue to innovate and build up the hydration sector with engineered products that exemplify quality and durability. Just like its counterparts, CamelBak is focused on doing good for the environment by eliminating the use of disposable plastic water bottles.

CamelBak drinkware products are top-notch, featuring an ergonomic drink interface, spill-proof lid, and an easy-carry handle. The CamelBak Chute Mag Copper VSS makes for a wonderful employee wellness incentive because of its endurance and sleek design.

Tervis®

Tervis was founded by two engineers, Frank Cotter and G. Howlett Davis, by combining the last three letters of their last names. The company made its debut in 1946, and the double-wall insulation tumbler was born.

That’s right – Cotter and Davis were the brains behind this new (at the time) technology that forever changed the drinkware industry. Tervis is popular with companies because of its numerous drinkware styles and social responsiveness to keeping our oceans free of plastics.

Tervis drinkware has tumblers, cups, and mugs for all occasions in a variety of colors and materials. Its drinkware collection, cool designs, and color options make this a great brand for promotional products. We think you’ll love the 20-ounce Tervis full-color stainless steel tumbler (also available in 30-ounce) as well as its classic tumblers.  

Why Choose YETI® Alternative Drinkware Brands?

The options for promotional drinkware are endless. At Pinnacle Promotions, we’ll help you find the best tumbler, cup, or mug for your upcoming event. These retail brands are quite impressive and can stand on their own because of their cool features, ergonomic styles, and corporate sustainability efforts. You’ll love the look, feel, and value of these custom drinkware brands and your clients will love them, too!

Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments
21
Oct
2019
9 Companies Getting Employee Engagement Right

9 Companies Getting Employee Engagement Right

Engaged employees are happier and more productive, but putting together a suite of employee engagement ideas that appeal to a wide range of workers is a complex undertaking. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, here are nine companies that are doing employee engagement right:

Pinnacle Promotions

Pinnacle Promotions delivers a stellar range of employee engagement opportunities outside of general company benefits. The Smile Squad and Doing Good, Feeling Good are two employee-driven groups that give back to our local community through volunteerism and donations.

We also believe in recognizing our employees for their hard work. The Pinnacle “Hall of Fame” recognizes a couple of standout employees and teams every month, from a recommendation made by a colleague or a supervisor. In addition to employee recognition, Pinnacle employees enjoy internal and external office events and bring-your-dog-to-work Fridays!

L’Oréal

Company culture can be tricky for new employees to navigate, especially if they work at a multinational corporation with thousands of employees around the world. That’s why L’Oréal launched the Fit Culture App, which the company describes as a “one-of-a-kind mobile app that helps newcomers in decoding, understanding and mastering the company culture.” Conceived as a type of digital employee welcome kit and designed to be used over the course of a month, the app takes employees through daily lessons that last five to 10 minutes and utilize texts, videos, employee testimonials, games, and real-life missions to familiarize employees with company culture.

Instacart

Instacart is a tech company offering same-day grocery delivery and pick-up in the U.S. and Canada. All full-time employees get a free Instacart Express membership, so their groceries get delivered for free. Instacart also offers free lunch and dinner, annual retreats, weekly events, and even a yoga room in its San Francisco office to keep employees engaged and productive.

Trupanion

Trupanion is a pet insurance company, so it makes sense that many of its unique employee engagement examples revolve around animals. The company offers free pet insurance for one furry family member, a free on-site dog walking service, discounts on pet care, and bereavement leave for pets as well as humans. As an added bonus for the humans, Trupanion also gives new hires stock grants as well as opportunities to purchase company stock with bonus payments.

Airbnb

Airbnb offers comprehensive health insurance plans, family and parental leave, paid volunteer time off and, of course, healthy food and snacks. However, the company also offers a quarterly annual travel and experiences credit so employees can travel and stay in Airbnb listings all over the world. Glassdoor reviews say the credit is $500 a quarter, or $2,000 a year, which is a pretty great perk that makes total sense for the homestay marketplace.

World Wildlife Fund

The mere mention of this wilderness prevention NGO probably brings to mind its logo, a lovable panda. While you’ve surely heard of WWF, you might not have heard of its “Panda Fridays” practice. The company gives employees every other Friday off to encourage work-life balance and employee retention. The practice also reduces the organization’s carbon footprint, since the office isn’t burning electricity and employees can keep their cars off the road instead of commuting.

Netflix

Netflix doesn’t just make some of the best TV shows around—it also offers awesome employee benefits. In addition to insurance and unlimited PTO, employees can apportion some of their salary to buy stock options. The company subsidizes transportation for rideshares, offers a shuttle service, provides Zipcars for free checkout, and offers both valet parking and charging for electric cars. The onsite theater can seat up to 200 people and is used to pre-screen shows before they debut on the streaming service.

Genentech

If you’re looking for great employee engagement example, biotechnology corporation Genentech is an excellent company. The company offers full-service cafeterias, on-site childcare, educational seminars and learning opportunities, tuition assistance programs (up to $10,000 per year), concierge and travel arrangements, sponsored employee sports teams, discounts to area museums and attractions and other on-site amenities including car wash facilities, bicycle repair, haircut services, and spa treatments.

Pinterest

The social media company is serious about helping its employees live Pinterest-worthy lives. The company offers family parties for pumpkin carving, Valentine crafts, BBQs, and Santa-sitting. Pinterest also provides pin-inspired recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Employees can learn new things from each other during studio nights and they also host clubs so employees can hang out with people who share their interests, whether that’s a cappella singing, running, soccer, or wine tasting.

We hope you’re as inspired as we are by these companies’ employee engagement examples! If you’re looking for more ideas, we recommend our collections of welcome gifts for new employees and covetable corporate apparel.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
26
Sep
2019
An Employers Guide to Job Fair Recruitment Strategy

An Employers Guide to Job Fair Recruitment Strategy

Finding new talent at a job fair is kind of like speed dating. Both parties (employers and job seekers) arrive at a predetermined location, where they chat with one another in a given amount of time before the job seekers move on to the next employer. 

And just like speed dating, you hope to find that ideal person. Only in this case, it would be a highly qualified individual who adds value to your team and can get things done efficiently. A job fair is an excellent channel for recruiting new employees.

Having a solid job fair recruitment strategy can help your business stand out. An engaging team, a great looking booth, and the appropriate materials and promotional items are all important elements of your recruitment strategy.

The Steps to Recruit Talent at a Job Fair

Great employees are invaluable resources. Talent is hard to come by, and when you find someone brilliant, you hold onto them. Employees who work hard and efficiently are beneficial to your bottom line. A job fair recruitment strategy is important to define before the event. Here are our tips to do it successfully:

      Before the event…

  1. Set recruitment goals

    Whether you’re filling one position or 10, be sure to set recruitment goals before committing to a job fair. These goals should be attainable, so you can get the most out of the event as an employer. 

    A job fair that’s been vetted will be worth the time and money. Filling niche jobs will require a bit more attention. For example, if you’re filling a position for an internship, then you might want to look into college job fairs. Are you trying to hire vets? Veteran career fairs provide employment opportunities for those who’ve served in the military and their families. 

  2. Select the dream team

    Having the very best team to represent the company can attract new talent to the booth. The team selected should be knowledgeable about the organization, company culture, products and services, and the mission statement. It’s all about putting the brand in the best light. 

    While the dream team is your call, below you’ll find some employees you might want to consider bringing to the job fair:

    • Recruiters. Seeking out talent is what they do daily. A human resources recruiter can assist in collecting resumes and cover letters, and they can facilitate screening questions of candidates. 
    • Hiring Managers. The hiring managers know the details of the position. They can conduct on-site interviews, talk more thoroughly about the role, and answer any questions the job seekers may have about the organization. 
    • Team Members. Your staff can provide insight into the work culture, team dynamics, and the day-to-day details of the job. 
    • Designers. Having a designer present is essential for updating digital art files in a flash. If you’re showing a presentation, a video, or digital marketing materials, then you’ll be glad to have a designer as part of your recruitment team if you need to make quick changes. 

  3. Get marketing materials and promotional items purchased

    Order your marketing materials and promotional items before the event date. Items you might need to purchase include brochures, flyers, table covers, fun giveaways, and wall kits. If it applies to you, verify with the event coordinator that all sponsored advertising placements are on-brand and in their contractual locations at the venue. 

    Giving out promotional products is a great way to thank job seekers for stopping by your table. Swag items that serve a purpose and are easy to carry make excellent job fair gifts. Marketing yourself also means coordinating outfits. Be sure to get with your team about corporate apparel to wear during the event. 

  4. Prepare a list of questions

    Your time is short with each job seeker, so prepare a list of general questions to help field candidates. Asking about their experience with specific tools, past jobs, and skills is an excellent place to start. 

    Other questions you may want to ask include their interest in the company and future goals. These questions allow you to gain further insight into if they’re right for the job, and if they’re in it for the long-haul or may jump ship after a year. 

  5. Advertise where you’ll be

    Get the word out that your company is hiring by advertising the job fair. Promote this through social media, campus flyers, email blasts, etc. to reach as many qualified people as possible. Clearly state the event, venue location, time, date, booth number, and any other important information you think job seekers need to know. 

    You may want to include a statement about bringing a resume and cover letter, if on-site interviews will be conducted, and if job applications are available at the event.

    On the day of…

  6. Arrive early to set up the booth

    You never know what may happen on the day of. Give yourself and your team plenty of time to arrive at the venue to set up. You’ll need all hands on deck to unload the cars, assemble branding elements, connect computers to the network’s Wi-Fi, and layout the marketing materials and promotional items on the table. 

  7. Engage everyone while exercising good time management

    Engage with everyone, but do so with good time management. This can be tricky with a big turnout. However, make sure you’re not ending the conversation prematurely. Allow everyone an equal opportunity (in an appropriate amount of time) to learn about the job position, and let it end organically before moving on to the next person. 

    If you’re running interviews at the event, just be cognizant of the allocated time for each interview. Unlike chatting with job seekers at the booth, going overtime during interviews could result in another candidate not getting a fair interview. Jot down notes and relay any next-step information to the interviewees.

    After the job fair…

  8. Begin contacting the standout recruits

    If you met some exceptional talent, make sure you contact them quickly to set up a time and date for an in-office job interview. If there is still preliminary screening to do, you may be reaching out to candidates for a phone interview, skills assessment assignment, references, portfolio, etc. 

  9. Report on the results of your recruiting strategy

    Since it generally costs money for a company to participate in a job fair, corporate leadership will likely want a report on the turnout. You’ll want to measure the success of your recruiting strategy, which may also lead you to decide if improvements or amendments need to be made for the future. 

    There are tons of metrics you might be asked to report on. Here are a couple of examples:

    1. How many job seekers came to the booth?
    2. How many were interviewed at the event?
    3. How many resumes and cover letters were collected?
    4. Were positions filled with talent from the job fair? How many?
    5. What is the timeframe from the job fair to hire?

Why Job Fairs are Beneficial for Businesses

Job fairs are a great component of a business’s recruitment strategy because they open up the company to a large group of job seekers. Job posting sites can be expensive – especially for a small business or startup – and may not have the most intuitive technology to filter applications based on exactly what the hiring manager is looking for. 

Looking for talent to fill job positions at a job fair can save you time and money. Job postings on the web can sit for months, increasing the company’s expenses with nothing to show for it. At job fairs, you get to meet the job seekers in person, talk about their resume at that moment, get a feel for their personality, and see how they vibe with the team. You can say that the recruitment process is expedited. 

Questions Employers Need to be Asking

It can be quite a challenge to come up with a list of questions to ask job seekers at the event. See below for some of our suggestions that can help you spot talent!

  • Can you describe your experience as it relates to this field?
  • Why are you interested in this company and job?
  • What’s your preferred work environment? 
  • What are your salary requirements?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
  • Why did you leave your last job?

With a solid job fair recruitment strategy in place, you’ll be able to attract qualified job seekers to your booth and fill open positions. Remember to act quickly when there’s a great candidate in your presence, as other companies are probably interested in him or her too. Bring them in for an interview and hopefully, you’ll be onboarding a new employee at your company soon!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
18
Sep
2019
7 Employee Appreciation Ideas to Recognize Your Team

7 Employee Appreciation Ideas to Recognize Your Team

7 Employee Appreciation Ideas to Recognize Your Team

Your employees have put in a lot of time into company projects, and you’d like to reward them for their excellent work. You begin to brainstorm ideas to recognize your employees, but you’re not exactly sure what will truly communicate your appreciation. There are tons of options out there, but it can be tough to narrow down the list to a select few. 

At Pinnacle Promotions, we’ve helped hundreds of companies select the perfect employee appreciation gifts to help managers recognize their team and team members for their hard work and successes. 

Employee Appreciation Is Key: Use These 7 Ideas to Boost Morale and Recognize Your Team

Host a quarterly event 

Annual award seminars are pretty common in organizations, but since they only happen once a year and typically recognize just a small group, your employees may feel left out from all of the work they’ve put in over the past 12 months.
Instead, host a quarterly award recognition event for your department that highlights a team member for their accomplishments. You can opt for something traditional like an “employee of the quarter” award, or you might consider going bold and creative with a “superstar award.” Whether it’s surprising your employee with an achievement ribbon or presenting them with a custom recognition award, it sure will make your employees feel appreciated for doing a great job.

Give a shout-out on social media


Don’t keep employee acknowledgment in-house. If your team member is comfortable with a shout-out on the company’s social media pages, go ahead and give them one! A simple “Congratulations!” accompanied by the employee’s name, job title, a brief explanation as to why they were selected, and a photograph should suffice.
As a courtesy, you might want to get your employee’s permission before uploading his or her company headshot. If you want to take a new photo or have your employee provide a personal one from home, make sure you give them a heads-up on when the picture will be taken or when you need the photo by.

Pass out swag items


Swag is a common employee appreciation gift, but it all comes down to the swag items you choose that make a great reward.
Branded corporate apparel, such as high-quality jackets, polos, and dress shirts, can make your employees feel special.  If you’re on the hunt for unique non-clothing ideas, drinkware – like custom wine glasses and engraved beer mugs – will also show your employees that you’ve noticed how hard they’ve been working and appreciate their commitment to resolving issues and completing assignments.

Celebrate birthdays


Some employees don’t like to make their birthday a huge deal around the office. If those employees still want to celebrate, a one-on-one lunch outing is an ideal way to recognize them (in a way that’s more comfortable for them). An employee-boss lunch trip can make an employee feel appreciated on their birthday.
Special treats like cupcakes and brownies are always a good choice for team-inclusion birthday celebrations. Before you order food for the party, make sure you ask your team about any dietary restrictions and food allergies.

Recognize work anniversaries


Employee engagement and recognition is a great way for companies to promote retention. According to
Psychometrics, 58% of employees say recognition is how leaders can improve employee engagement.
There’s an opportunity for recognition when it comes to anniversaries and tenure. Gifting a promotional reward for the number of years they’ve been at the company is an excellent way to say thanks. For example, provide a free lunch for all employees celebrating their first anniversary. Reward those who’ve been with the company longer with a custom jacket that they can wear both in and out of the office.

Schedule a pet day at work


If it’s not against company policy, scheduling a day that allows an employee to bring in his or her pet into the office is a great way to boost morale. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, allowing a recognized employee to bring their fur-baby into work will be worth it. Afterward, let them finish up the remainder of the workday at home. Your employees will love that, too!

As a bonus idea, give your employees pet-related gifts if you know they love pets.

Write a “thank you” note


Sometimes, a simple handwritten “thank you” note is all it takes for employees to feel appreciated. Giving a thank you card is a tangible reminder that their hard work has been acknowledged. Don’t forget to add a few sentences about what you’re thanking them for, and how it helped achieve a team goal. 

Employee Appreciation Is Important. Here’s Why:

Employees who feel recognized and appreciated for their work successes in the company are more likely to stay at their current place of employment. Bersin by Deloitte found that companies with recognition programs that are highly effective at improving employee engagement have less voluntary turnover rate. With a reward program in place, employees will feel like their work is making a difference – that can make a big impact on team morale, confidence, and more!  

Posted by Admin in Contests and Promotions, 0 comments
18
Feb
2019
2019 promotional product trends

2019 promotional product trends

We're well into the new year, and it's time to get your marketing plan into gear for 2019. The right promotional giveaways are a key part of that plan, and with the new year come some new product trends...

2019 promotional product trends - recharge | Pinnacle Promotions

Recharge

This trend encompasses mental wealth, positivity and physical well-being. It encourages a more holistic focus on the mind-body connection and inspires your best self by creating a better balance between your mental health and physical well being. This trend sparks a collection of products ready to nourish your spirit, reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and recharge and unwind with quality time.

Over the past few years, we have seen more and more companies offer office perks to make it easy for employees to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, while on the job. According to Working Mother, “Most employers know that one of the keys to workplace productivity is having happy and healthy employees.” Companies such as Nike, Google, and Microsoft have taken this concept to the next level and offer wellness zones such as quiet places to meditate and napping to fully functional gyms.

Today’s culture is particularly intrigued (or borderline obsessed) with the practice of genealogy. People use the DNA test, 23 and me, or Ancestry.com to not only find out how it relates to health but they also use the results to feel included and part of something “bigger.”

With all the surrounding chaos and commotion during our everyday lives, people are looking for mindfulness and seeking happy places. As discussed in the 2019 apparel trends blog, hygge – a Danish word describing a comfortable feeling that engenders contentment or well-being – is an ongoing lifestyle trend. It promotes one to enjoy cozy time; whether that's snuggling up in a soft sweatshirt, taking a candlelit bath, or enjoying sofa-side chat with a loved one, glass of wine in hand. This also speaks to the athleisure fashion trend. Athleisure clothing is designed for athletic activities, but can be worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions.

The Recharge trend translates to the promotional product world through the warm, happy, and fantasy color palettes, various journal options, and active accessories such as yoga mats and travel pet gear bags. Products will feature pops of color that highlight warm and happy hues such as the the Pantone color of the year, Living Coral. Journals can be used to write down your thoughts, reflections, or doodles to ease your stress – some journal options are composed of lined paper and coloring pictures to add another element of relaxation. And yoga mats and travel pet gear urge one to keep fit and active, promoting mental health, positivity and physical well-being.

2019 promotional product trends - connected outdoors | Pinnacle Promotions

Connected Outdoors

From climbing mountains to walking in the park, consumers desire to reconnect with nature, and the Connected Outdoors trend celebrates items inspired by the great outdoors. With these product options, you can pack it all in — from business to leisure, and satisfy your sense of adventure and exploration, no matter where your travels take you.

Brands are continuing to make great strides to show their care for the environment and the measures they are taking to protect the earth. According to Waste 360, 70 percent of millennials said a company’s environmental focus impacts their purchasing decisions. For example, The North Face is committed to creating durable products that stay out of landfills as well as incorporating more recycled fabric into its clothing. The brand also has a Clothes the Loop program, which rewards customers for donating old clothing and shoes.

Additionally, brands are joining the “give back” movement by donating to or partnering with major charities in an effort to raise awareness on various causes. The company Brandless believes in making better products accessible and affordable for more people, and has partnered up with the Feed America organization to donate meals to people facing hunger. Their mission is deeply rooted in quality, transparency, and community-driven values – on their website, they have three defined sections; 350+ High Quality Products, Simple Fair Prices and Tangible Acts of Kindness. Brands will continue to catch on to the the vibe of doing good, especially with members of the upcoming Generation Z demographic expecting it. Consumers believe that our world needs a lot of help right now, so there are plenty of causes to support.

You can see the Connected Outdoors trend in promotional products through rugged, earth-tone travel-style backpacks, drinkware with a purpose, and activewear or sports gear that exceeds expectations. Vendors are offering backpacks that encompass nature's colors such as olive, tan and brown. These styles of backpacks allow wearers to travel with ease due to their quality, structure and portability. Additionally, consumers today are more inclined to help protect the planet, and many companies are offering products that will benefit the environment – for example, metal drinking straws to help eliminate plastic straw waste and backpacks made from recycled plastic water bottles. These outdoor-inspired products connect consumers with their passion for outdoor experiences, no matter where they travel.

2019 promotional product trends - work on the move | Pinnacle Promotions

Work On The Move

Non-traditional workspaces demand products that allow consumers to work anywhere. These versatile options make it easy for digital nomads, on-the-road warriors, and sprinters running from meeting to meeting to stay nimble, organized, and productive wherever they meet to connect and collaborate.

Working remotely, sharing workspaces, and desk hopping are the now the new norm. Companies are embracing flexible workspaces with hoteling desks and conference rooms. According to ZDNet, Georgia-Pacific realized that many of their employees work remotely or from different facilities, so they removed offices on its 24 floors to create open layouts with lots of natural light. Mobility was a key factor in the decision to create the hoteling desk system. Employees have the ability to move around the floor as well as between floors, and will have the technology to connect seamlessly from any location. A mobile application allows them to book desks or rooms from any location.

The products that mirror the Work On The Move trend include technology infused into fabrics, portable and multi-purpose items, and sleek, simple designs. These products reflect the new ways we are working such as cohabitant work spaces or coffee shops. The office has transformed and the cube walls are coming down so we are adapting to a functional mobile office. Apparel and backpacks are being offered with headphone and USB jacks and power bank outlets. Multi-purpose products empower consumers to adapt to the environment while still being able to get the job done.

When buying custom products to promote your brand, staying on-trend is often the right move, as your customers and employees will appreciate seeing your branded items matching up with current retail looks. Each product and trend on this list gives you fantastic options that your company will love to give away.

Posted by Admin, 0 comments
25
Jan
2019
Save the planet with custom reusable straws

Save the planet with custom reusable straws

It’s not just a straw, it’s a movement.

You may not have heard of California Assembly Bill 1884 by name but chances are you’ve heard of the plastic straw ban that’s taking the country by storm. According to the bill, when you dine at a full-service restaurant in California, you are getting your beverage without a straw – unless you ask for one, or it is a to-go drink.

While California may be leading the charge on the ban, plenty of restaurants in other states have followed suit. And while restaurants in violation will be fined $25, it’s perfectly legal to hand out reusable straws. Better yet, you can even brand them with your logo.

Reusable straws are designed to last for many years, are easy to clean with a straw brush, are generally dishwasher safe, and they are made from high-quality, plastic-free recyclable materials. Also, they can be used with hot and cold beverages, which is perfect if you prefer to sip your hot coffee or tea in the morning and want an iced beverage for the afternoon.

So, if not plastic, then what are they made from?

Environmentally-friendly straws are generally made from metal or silicone, and often come with their own carrying case or pouch – this stainless steel straw also includes a cleaning brush! Since straws themselves don’t have very large imprint areas for your logo, the branding is done on the pouch or the case. This reusable silicone straw comes rolled up in a convenient travel case.

If the idea of having to clean a straw after every use is not appealing, you can give out paper straws. Restaurants and bars nationwide have started to implement this change with great results  – paper straws are biodegradable (and marine degradable), and this doesn’t require a change in behavior, just a change in materials. This five-pack of paper straws comes in its own brandable pouch – a simple and effective eco-friendly giveaway.

Similar to disposable plastic bags, straws are only used for a few minutes but remain in the environment forever. They end up on our beaches and in the oceans. So while straws may not be the one contributing problem, many companies including Starbucks, Hyatt and Hilton have pledged to do their part in cutting back.

Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used in the U.S. every day, enough to wrap around the Earth 2.5 times. Now is the time to switch from the one-time-use plastic straw to the reusable straw. Fortunately, the switch is easy.

Promotional reusable straws: Saving the planet + a brand opportunity = a win-win.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments