Admin

Oct

2009

Promotional Gifts to Lift Any Grouch’s Spirits

According to Sesame Street, today, October 15, is National Grouch Day. Obviously in honor of the famed Sesame Street character, Oscar the Grouch, it is said to be a day for grouches everywhere to revel in their way of life, spreading grouchiness and misery far and wide, and only ever shedding happiness upon the misfortune of others.

Oscar the Grouch is a Muppet character that has been a part of the celebrated television series since its very first season, which aired in 1969. He has a green body, no nose, and lives in a garbage can (I can only infer that designing the character without a nose was a strategic move on the part of the creator, enabling him to be well suited for his place of residence). And while he is characterized by his petulant nature, and purports a desire to spread his ill-tempered ways to everyone around him, Oscar is actually used to teach children about respect and tolerance, rather than enforcing his poor behavior. Through Oscar, children are meant to learn that people with different outlooks and lifestyles can not only coexist peacefully, but actually be friends. In fact, Oscar is quite friendly with many other characters on the show, including the trash man Bruno, his girlfriend Grunfgetta, and even Big Bird.

So while this day does provide free reign to express one’s ultimate grouchiness, it also can make one aware of the negative effects grouchiness can produce in the office. Recurrent displays of a poor attitude and “grouchy” behavior can certainly lead to discontent throughout any workplace, as it is easy to spread to others, even resulting in overall reduced productivity and a general feeling of discontent. While the office is one of the easiest places to fall victim to this with the prominence of stress and pressure typically overarching a corporate culture, it is important for companies to examine the presence of such moroseness in their business and take steps to amend it if need be. Offering promotional gifts to show appreciation for employees’ hard work and efforts is one way to do so. A promotional gift can have a greater impact than one realizes and is sure to halt any grouch’s foul mood, and bring a more positive overall aura to the workplace. Even Oscar can exhibit feelings of happiness in regards to his favorite thing – trash. But go ahead and be grouchy for today…

Fun grouch fact of the day: Did you know that during the first season of Sesame Street in 1969 the character Oscar the Grouch was orange? A green Oscar appeared on The Flip Wilson Show in 1970 and explained that he had recently vacationed at “Swamp Mushy Muddy”, where the slime and mold had turned him green overnight. Here he is in his original orange, singing his classic hit, “I Love Trash.”

Jaime
Team Lead – Multimedia

Oct

2009

“So then we put a tourniquet on the CEO…” What Happens When You Forget Promotional Products

There have been a lot of posts on here lately about television shows, but… well, there’s going to be one more.

I just started watching Mad Men this season, after I caught a few episodes on a Delta flight and got hooked. (I have no idea what twist of fate dropped this gem in my lap and spared me several hours of Two and a Half Men or Jon and Kate Plus Eight, except that I have a history of fortunate flying, and have been seated next to more than my fair share of wildly attractive strangers. Don’t worry; I’ll get what’s coming to me.)

Everything I had heard about Mad Men is true: The episodes progress as slowly and meticulously as chapters in a Dostoevsky novel, Don Draper is an unequivocal womanizer, and the dresses are real pretty! Wardrobe aside, I enjoy the slow pace and rich shots because I watch television very closely and can’t stomach the shaky cameras of reality shows. After following the show for only a short time, the characters have become fixtures in my life, and when I clicked over to the Emmys directly after an episode last month and spotted Betty Draper standing on stage, she looked as still and deathly serene as she always does, and I couldn’t get it through my head that she is an actor, not a housewife.

As Mad Men received the Emmy for Best Drama that night, on another channel at the same time the show was throwing a bomb at its unsuspecting viewers.

The episode was more boring than most. For 45 minutes it had waded through corporate meetings, reorganization flowcharts, quiet conversation after quiet conversation, and was about to arrive at a long-awaited conclusion during an office going-away party for Joan, replete with birthday cake and bounties of booze, per usual at Sterling Cooper Ad Agency. Peggy and Joan were talking about something boring, a few people in the background were playing around on a lawnmower on loan from John Deere, and then — then, the totally unbelievable happened:

Warning: If you get offended or nauseated easily, do not watch this video. If you are a good parent, do not let your child watch this video.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why you invest in promotional first aid kits.

Acree
Creative Writing Intern

Oct

2009

Promotional Products Around The Office

I’m not a big television watcher, but I have to admit that I have an unhealthy obsession with The Office. It’s the only show I watch, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. My roommate knows not to talk to me during that special half hour on Thursday nights and my parents have learned not to call at that time. I sit on my couch, talk to my TV and act like I am a part of the funny office pranks and lunchroom gossip. In fact, when Jim and Pam got married last week, I was almost a little hurt that I wasn’t invited to the wedding.

The plus side of not actually knowing Jim, Pam, Dwight and Michael is that my work life is much calmer, more enjoyable and productive. And while Pinnacle certainly doesn’t have employees as extreme as any of the individuals on The Office, over the past six seasons I’ve come to appreciate that these characters are based on universal office truths.

With that being said, here are a few recommendations for promotional gifts to increase brand visibility among clients and employees who resemble the following characters:

Pam- Pam would love a custom journal so that she could practice her drawing any time inspiration hits. Or, keep her warm and stylish by giving her another classic cardigan sweater to wear.

Jim- Now that he has earned a well-deserved promotion, Jim would benefit from a personalized, executive-style briefcase. And of course, he can never have enough office toys in his desk to help him annoy Dwight.

Dwight- Nerdy and hard-working, Dwight would appreciate an ID badge to ensure that his identification never gets lost during adventures on his farm or a calculator (in particular one that fits right in his pocket) so that he can always maintain efficiency.

Michael- Where to even begin? He would go crazy for an acrylic award, especially one imprinted with the words “best boss” (think The Dundies episode) and he is definitely in need of a digital or atomic clock so that the employees of Dunder Mifflin can never set the time forward again.

No matter what you choose, personalized promotional products will win you awards for your marketing campaign.

Oct

2009

Live from Atlanta… Its Promotional Products Live!

The word “promote” generally encompasses the acts of advertising for, making publicity for, or trying to sell something, namely a product, service, or idea. There are many ways to promote a product, service, or idea, including through the use of media coverage, networking, and/or the distribution of promotional products.

Television is one particular media outlet that has proven to be effective at promoting individuals and brands, and Saturday Night Live has been an integral way for up and coming musical artists, actors, and other celebrities to gain widespread exposure through weekly guest appearances and performances. On October 11, 1975 Saturday Night Live premiered with host George Carlin. This sketch comedy and variety show has reached legendary status, and has featured such prominent figures as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Candice Bergen, and even several former American presidents!

Whenever I am in need of a good laugh, I often turn to reruns of classic Saturday Night Live episodes for comic relief. One of my personal favorite segments on Saturday Night Live is Weekend Update, and with the upcoming holidays, I thought the following clip would be appropriate.

Please note: Christmas is NOT cancelled this year! In fact, you can make this holiday season even more memorable for valued customers and staff by giving them promotional Corporate Holiday Gifts imprinted with your brand’s name and logo.

Oct

2009

Pinnacle’s Lyrics Lounge: Promotional Products Inspired by Music

Today featuring: Where the Streets Have No Name by U2 – the opening track from their album The Joshua Tree, released in 1987.

I have chosen to feature U2 specifically because this past Tuesday night U2 held a concert at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and two of our Pinnacle employees were lucky enough to go! The tickets were purchased by Pinnacle as a reward for meeting company sales goals and Pinnacle employees Shelley and Jodi won the tickets in a company drawing! Here’s some pictures they took at the concert!

I wanna run, I want to hide
I wanna tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I wanna reach out
And touch the flame (1)
Where the streets have no name

I want to feel, sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace
I want to take shelter (2)
From the poison rain
Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We’re still building, then burning down love
Burning down love, and when I go there
I go there with you, it’s all I can do

The city’s a flood and our love turns to rust
We’re beaten and blown by the wind (3)
Trampled in dust
I’ll show you a place
High on a desert plain
Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We’re still building, then burning down love
Burning down love, and when I go there
I go there with you, it’s all I can do

Our love turns to rust
We’re beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind, oh, and I see our love
See our love turn to rust

Oh, we’re beaten and blown by the wind
Blown by the wind
Oh, when I go there, I go there with you
It’s all I can do

Lyrical References:

1 – A Promotional Candle to feel a real, as opposed to a metaphorical, flame.

2 – A Promotional Umbrella to take shelter from the poison rain.

3 – A Promotional Windshirt to handle all weather elements.

Oct

2009

Promotional Drinkware with Personality

Today my promotional words of wisdom are inspired by a fun, hooded little fellow who is currently occupying a prime spot on my office desk. Almost too cute to utilize for his intended purposes, my trendy friend, the Biodegradable Sweatshirt Water Bottle, is looking down over my keyboard from my paper tray.

Now I know that it would be practical to sip cool water from the BPA-free plastic bottle that is so uniquely insulated by the oh-so-cute pocketed hoodie sweatshirt he is wearing, but currently I’m enjoying dressing him up to fit my mood for the day. With a drawstring hood that actually does cinch up, cinch down and tie – for purposes that I can only assume are to keep the wind out of his face – I’m finding this water bottle to be a perfect stress relieving, smile-inducing addition to my desk.

This brings me to the overriding point of this blog. Promotional drinkware is not the lackluster promotional item it was sometimes seen as in the past. With new and unique drinkware pieces popping up everyday, it is easy to find the innovative piece that fits your brand and corporate personality perfectly. While a traditional ceramic mug, tumbler or travel mug is always a great way to promote your brand, sometimes you want to spice up your mix a little. With football season in full swing right now and everyone relaxing a little more as they enjoy the few short weeks before the chilly winter weather sets in, it’s a great time to incorporate a little youthful personality into your promotions. The Sweatshirt Water Bottle is a great place to start. Fun and functional, this promotional piece is sure to put a smile on the faces of recipients while landing a spot on their desk and as a prime member of their drinkware repertoire.

The hooded beverage holder a little too youthful for your upcoming promotions? Colorful travel mugs, stylish desk mugs and drinkware accessories are other great ways to personalize your campaigns. Think outside the norm and add some personality and fun to an ever-popular and practical piece of promotional drinkware.

Kim
Marketing Coordinator

Oct

2009

Plan Your Halloween Party with Promotional Products

As the weather gets drearier and the stores rearrange their aisles to accommodate candy and costumes, I can only think about one thing: the Halloween party my roommate and I are throwing at the end of the month. I love playing hostess, and anyone who’s ever thrown a party with me can testify that I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to the music, the invitations… even the cocktail napkins. For my 22nd birthday party, a friend who was born on the same day and I threw a “Wine and Cheese Liberals” theme party. We crafted boxes of Franzia to look like ballot boxes, hung up posters of the Kennedys, and offered a delectable spread of organic cheeses. I even recruited a baker friend to slave over a batch of bleeding-heart cupcakes, upon which she frosted anatomically correct hearts, and which bled red icing when you bit into them. Additionally, I am such a voracious mp3-jay that I have transformed other people’s quiet gatherings into all-out dance parties, to the bewilderment of the hosts and the delight of their guests.

So, after sending out save-the-dates via Facebook and ensuring that no one I knew would be hosting a competing party, I have begun to see everything through the lens of this Halloween Party. What’s the best way to turn the upstairs bedrooms into a haunted house? Will Nosferatu be checked out already from the video store? How will we keep the cat from taking off her costume?

This obsession has of course followed me to the workplace, where I’ve been browsing Pinnacle products for anything party-themed: coasters, because even though my furniture is ring-resistant, nothing says class like a coaster beneath the glass; glassware for serving the pumpkin punch; and candles to cultivate a spooky ambiance.

I inherit my love for entertaining from my mother, who used to fill journals with accounts of all the parties she threw, meticulously recording the theme, guest list, and menu from each party, and taping relics like cocktail napkins or invitations to the pages.

As we enter the months of holiday primetime, chances are I’m not the only one with entertaining on the brain. Now would be a great time to break up the monotony of office doldrums and offer your customers some products for the buffet table.

To get you in the mood, here’s a clip from F.W. Murnau’s 1922 film, Nosferatu.

Acree
Creative Writing Intern

Oct

2009

Hit a Homerun with Promotional Products

Since regular baseball season is over and the postseason schedule begins tomorrow, I thought now would be a great time to write about utilizing promotional baseball products to hit a home run for your marketing campaign. After all, from stadium sponsorships to game day giveaways, baseball and promotional products have always gone hand-in-hand. And, it just so happens that today, October 6, is an important day in the history of Major League Baseball.

The New York Yankees won three World Series on this day in history, beating the Dodgers twice. On October 6, 1919, White Sox catcher Ray Schalk was the 2^nd man ejected from a World Series. And, in 1959, a single game World Series attendance record was set with 92,706 people attending the Dodgers-White Sox game in Los Angeles.

October 6 has marked an important day in baseball history since 1882, when the first World Series was played between Cincinnati and Chicago. Cincinnati beat Chicago 4-0, starting Chicago’s long history with baseball. In fact, the Chicago Cubs have not won a World Series in over a hundred years, perhaps due to a curse cast on the team on October 6, 1945. Tavern owner “Billy Goat” Sianis cast the curse after being escorted out of Chicago’s Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the World Series for buying a seat and bringing his goat.

Despite this long losing streak, fans still love going to Wrigley Field to enjoy the ambiance, including beers, hot dogs, and of course a pre-game promotional product giveaway. From custom imprinted towels to key chains to baseball hats, promotional products are traditionally handed out to the first 10,000 attendants, guaranteeing wide brand exposure for corporate sponsors.

But promotional products can also be great assets to a marketing campaign without breaking the bank. You can personalize company T shirts or jerseys to promote unity throughout the office, and even imprint or your company’s name and logo on a coach’s jacket to honor a top executive. Or, give clients and employees promotional baseball player stress balls and Hacki Sacks to alleviate office tension. No matter which item you choose, you clients and employees alike will surely have a ball!

Oct

2009

Win a trip to the fabulous Playa del Carmen with Pinnacle Promotions’ Mexican Getaway Contest!

Dreaming of hot, sunny weather as the winds of fall are starting to blow? Well that dream can become a reality with a trip to fabulous Playa del Carmen with Pinnacle Promotions’ Mexican Getaway Contest! We are offering a 6-day/5-night vacation package to one lucky winner that includes flight and accommodations for two along with a Pinnacle Gift Pack complete with towels, sunscreen, and all of your beach essentials – a $5000 value! The winner and his/her guest will stay at the exclusive Magia Playa resort, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and just steps away from sandy, white beaches. Register online for Pinnacle’s Mexican Getaway and with each order your place in 2009, you will be entered to win*. The more orders you place…the more chances you have to win! The contest will continue to run through the remainder of 2009, and the winner will be drawn in January of 2010.

Continue reading →

Oct

2009

Congratulations to the Winner of Our Promotional Products IQ Test!

The odds were in her favor to win, as she happened to be the only entrant, but all joking aside, this contestant did happen to score 100% on yesterday’s Promotional Products IQ Test! Congratulations, Cameron; you will receive your goodie bag shortly.

As for the answers:

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS IQ TEST:
1. Which former president of the United States is often associated with the start of the promotional products industry?
Answer: That would be George Washington, the first ever president of our country.

2. What item affiliated with (1) is credited with being the first promotional product?
Answer: The promotional products industry in the United States is said to date back to 1789, when George Washington incorporated commemorative promotional buttons into his political campaign.

3. Name three imprint methods that can be used to customize promotional products.
Answer: Any number of answers would be considered correct for this one, but to name a few promotional products imprint methods: screenprint, laser engraving, deboss, emboss, and embroidered.

4. What does the acronym “EQP” stand for?

Answer: End quantity pricing. When purchasing promotional products, some items are offered at special pricing plans. EQP is one such offering, where customers can buy a given product at the price given for quantities of the largest denomination, even when they may in fact be purchasing the lowest available quantity. ie for t-shirt A, the price for 50-99 items may be $4.00 each, but for quantities of 1000+, the price may be $2.50 each. If t-shirt A is being sold on EQP, a customer is able to pay $2.50 even when they may only be buying 75 shirts. Many products sold by Pinnacle Promotions are offered at EQP pricing so be on the lookout for these great deals!

5. What is the approximate estimated annual value of the promotional products industry?
a. $15 million
b. $150 million
c. $25 billion
d. $18 billion
Answer: According to the 2008 PPAI Estimate of Promotional Products Consultants Sales, the answer is closest to d. $18 billion.

6. What was the top-selling category of promotional products in 2008?
a. Writing instruments
b. Wearables
c. Tote bags
d. Padfolios
Answer: That would be b. Wearables. In 2008, this category comprised a whopping 30.68% of total promotional product sales!

For those of you who ran out of time before you had the chance to enter, I hope you learned something about promotional products by reading this answer guide, and next time we hold a contest make sure to submit your entry before time runs out! :)

Admin

Promotional Gifts to Lift Any Grouch’s Spirits

“So then we put a tourniquet on the CEO…” What Happens When You Forget Promotional Products

Promotional Products Around The Office

Live from Atlanta… Its Promotional Products Live!

Pinnacle’s Lyrics Lounge: Promotional Products Inspired by Music

Promotional Drinkware with Personality

Plan Your Halloween Party with Promotional Products

Hit a Homerun with Promotional Products

Win a trip to the fabulous Playa del Carmen with Pinnacle Promotions’ Mexican Getaway Contest!

Congratulations to the Winner of Our Promotional Products IQ Test!

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