promotional products

09
Dec
2009

How the promotional products industry can avoid bad press in social media

promotional products social media

I’d like to continue the discussion that my coworker Sarah Fell began , about the role that social media can play in delivering bad press.

Sarah mentioned two PR disasters that occurred because of negative reviews on social media sites. In one, a manager at Honda failed to disclose his position when positively reviewing a Honda product and was called out by users. In the other, a YouTube video showed rats scampering around a New York Taco Bell.

Sarah is right in her conclusion that social media can be “a potentially risky and destructive tool.” But only if you have something to be afraid of.

In both of the disasters mentioned above, social media only exposed existing problems in the companies; it didn’t create them.

If the Honda manager had been transparent in his use of social media — making it clear that he was an employee of Honda, as bloggers are now required to do by the FTC — the social media community would not have responded in outrage when they discovered his true identity. In this case, the manager tried to manipulate a tool that he didn’t understand.

If Taco Bell had been more diligent in its efforts to keep franchises clean, they wouldn’t have had rats running around their stores in the first place. The person who posted the YouTube video didn’t libel the chain; he or she only spread the truth about it.

Any medium that can provide better and more accurate information about a company to consumers is a good thing. And it’s not just consumers who can benefit from it; companies can as well. Take, for example, Coca-Cola, who embraced its user-created Facebook page. Rather than shut down the page for copyright infringement, Coca-Cola purchased it, and left its creators in charge. What better way to make a statement that you are confident in your fan base?

At Pinnacle, we WANT people to post reviews on our Facebook page because we are confident about the quality of our service to promotional products buyers. If we were afraid of what our customers would say about us, wouldn’t that fear speak to deeper issues at our company? We would need to consider reorganizing and improving our customer service instead of trying to suppress the free flow of information about it.

Social media will always belong to your customers. Facebook has already taken steps to ensure that the site remains in the hands of people, not businesses. That means you are a guest on social media sites. So loosen the reins, because you don’t have control of them anyway. You need to be asking not how you can keep customers from controlling your online identity, but how you can make sure what they say about you is good.

Posted by Admin, 0 comments
07
Dec
2009

Football, Promotional Products, and the Stories They Tell

RonAlmogThe Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC title game this past weekend earning them the title of No. 1 team in the nation and a spot in the national championship game Jan. 7 in Pasadena. But unless you were not one of the 70,000 plus fans in the Georgia Dome Saturday night, nor one of the 30 million CBS viewers, you already knew that. Despite growing up within the borders of the Southeastern Conference, and with a father and older brother who both spend the majority of the fall in front of a television screen watching college football, I have never been a huge fan of the sport, or any sport for that matter. My indifference toward the game was probably further established due to the fact that I went to Emory University – a college that has never had a football team yet proudly boasts, under the symbol of a football on school apparel, “Undefeated Since 1836.”

Thus I was recently drawn to an article I happened to see in the December issue of Allure Magazine, entitled “How to Enjoy Football.” The article, based on an interview with Andrea Kremer, a reporter for NBC Sunday Night Football and a correspondent for HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, explores several ideas for how one can get more “into the game.” One of which me struck me more than the others:“Study up on the story lines. Knowing the main dramas of the season helps you see games as a series of interrelated events, not one-offs, and a lot of these stories come down to the quarterback. How is Tom Brady doing after his injury, and will his Patriots make the playoffs after falling short last year? How will Brett Favre perform when his new team, the Vikings, plays his old team, the Packers? And there’s big drama in Dallas with Tony Romo. You may know him as the guy who dumped Jessica Simpson, but the Cowboys also dumped his star wide receiver, Terrell Owens. The team has a new billion-dollar stadium and a head coach who’s in the hot seat—can they thrive under all that pressure?”

This tactic of following the story behind the game holds true in the marketing arena as well, which Acree very clearly outlined in her blog posting from last week, “Tell your brand’s story with promotional products.”  in which she described the power of promotional products in reference to their ability to communicate a company’s story to their consumers.

Posted by Admin in Sports News and Stadium Giveaways, 0 comments
02
Dec
2009

Tell your brand’s story with promotional products

Recently I visited my friend Brian, who was looking for bikes on Craigslist. Now, Brian already has two bikes — a fixed gear and a tandem — but he wants more. Brian’s not the kind of guy to be satisfied with a practical fulfillment of his needs; he obsesses over things. When he adopted a cat a few years ago he wasn’t satisfied with that, either. He let the cat have four kittens in his house, then he adopted a ferret and brought his childhood pet snake from his parents’ house. The animals all live in harmony with his roommate’s hedgehog. Brian is neither greedy nor rich. He doesn’t have a television set and you’d be hard pressed to find a suitable water glass in the house, but he proudly owns a 100-piece collection of vintage mushroom pottery.

Brian’s actually not that different from most people. We like to think that we buy based on price comparisons and consumer reports, but most of the time we act on gut feelings. I may be looking for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a balcony, but if I fall in love with the quirky floor-planned 1 bedroom with poor insulation, I’ll start talking myself into the buy. “That screened-in porch could totally work as a second bedroom… and the real estate agent said it used to belong to an heiress in the 1920s!”

We often choose story over sense. In a globalized market there are too many choices, and we’ll pick the one that stands out. That’s why it’s important to think of your brand not as a transaction maker, but as a storyteller. Coca Cola designates its entire museum to telling the story of its product, and their ads too. This commercial turns a simple transaction — buying a coke from a vending machine — into a complex narrative. Notice the ending:

Back to my friend Brian. During our conversation he remarked that he likes the Craigslist bikes with a story behind them. “I want to know why they’re selling them,” he said. “Maybe it’s the guy’s daughter’s bike, and she’s going away to college, and she’s not going to use it anymore. Maybe they’re moving out of the country. Whatever it is, I want to know.”

I found similar responses when I was selling my couch on Craiglist earlier this year. “Why are you selling the couch?” people would ask, even before they started haggling the price. Putting a story behind your brand lends it authenticity. And the power of promotional products is that they communicate that story to your customers.

So what is your brand’s story? And how will you use promotional products to tell it?

Posted by Admin in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, 0 comments
24
Nov
2009

Promotional Products on the Road (Trip) to Success

Nicholas_T-empty-roadAs a kid growing up with divorced parents, my holiday season was much like the lives of Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn in last year’s blockbuster “Four Christmases.” Witherspoon and Vaughn play an engaged couple that both have divorced parents and- due to some unfortunate weather- are forced to visit all four adults on Christmas. While this might be an extreme situation for the sake of comedy, spending copious amounts of time in the car during the holidays is no joke.

In fact, 91% of Americans will drive to their Thanksgiving destinations, according to studies by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the Department of Transportation. Whether they are planning a visit to all four parents or traveling across the country to visit friends, the average person drives 214 miles over Thanksgiving weekend. As a result, I’ve come up with a few ways to pass time in the car, as well as some great promotional products to take along for the ride.

To start with, consider listening to a podcast or a book on tape. This is a great way to stay alert during long drives (especially if you aren’t fortunate enough to have the companionship of Witherspoon or Vaughn). If you do have a friend or family member along for the ride, play geography word games or share your favorite holiday-themed memories to pass the time.

And, don’t forget to pack well because nothing spoils a good road trip quite like a cramped car. Consider filling sports bottles and coolers with food and drinks to eliminate the need for multiple snack stops and bring a promotional CD case to keep your music within easy reach. If you and your employees are like most Americans and planning to travel via car this holiday season, customizing and distributing these promotional products will put your brand on the road to success!

Be sure to check out the whole film to see Reese clutching her travel mug at many stops along the trip.

 

Posted by Admin in Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
20
Nov
2009

Promotional Products at the Movies

So in case you haven’t heard, New Moon is out today.

For any of you that don’t know, New Moon is the second – highly anticipated – installment of the Twilight Saga.

Centering on star-crossed vampire/human lovers, Edward and Bella, the Twilight Saga has quickly grown from a favorite young adult series to a nationwide phenomenon.

I have to admit, I am a pretty serious fan.

Yes, I’ve read the books. Yes, I own Twilight the movie. Yes, I feel a little guilty. And no, I’m not a stalker of any of the cast members. I just happen to really love fictional/fantasy movies and books, and this series fell right into place among the other witches, wizards and romance (no not harlequin) that decorates my bookshelves. I mean, who doesn’t need an escape from the real world now and then?

So even with all the hullabaloo focused around the release of New Moon, I cannot help but be amazed by the multitude of promotional products that are being used to generate buzz about the movie. Everywhere I turn there is another poster, another magazine, another t-shirt, another candy bar featuring the cast’s young faces!

I am amazed and absolutely in awe of the promotions for this movie. While it may be next to impossible to generate this type of excitement about a typical product or service, the power of promotional merchandise cannot be denied.

This movie has gone far and above the typical promotions surrounding a new release.

Everywhere I turn, there is an image of Edward or Jacob. “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” t-shirts are being worn by millions. There are thousands upon thousands of imprinted items available for “Twi-hards” to display publicly their eternal love for these mystical characters.

This my friends, is one of the greatest promotions I have ever seen.

This movie has successfully surpassed all previous records for advanced ticket sales, and is quickly on the way to other box office records. As I said, the books are great! The first movie was definitely good. But is New Moon record numbers good?

I’m sure everyone in the world of marketing and advertising can attest that you should never underestimate the buying power of teens and young adults. But I have to think. Would these numbers have ever come close without the posters, tees and ringtones – and of course Rob Pattinson’s appearance on the cover of oh so many magazines?

I think not.

So for all of my fellow Twilight fans out there, here’s the trailer to the movie to hold you over until you make it to the theater – that is of course if you haven’t already seen the movie!

Oh, and who plans to purchase an aluminum water bottle with Edward or Jacob on it? Anybody?

Posted by Admin in Product Placement in the Media, 2 comments
18
Nov
2009

Twitter puts @promotional products in its new digs

Twitter has done a great job with branding. Every encounter I have with Twitter leaves me feeling light and refreshed. Their monochrome blue is relaxing, and their subtle clouds and sun rays somehow work without being cheesy.

Remarkably, Twitter has even managed to incorporate a mascot: its little bluebird.

Everything that Twitter communicates visually about itself is consistent with the content and practices of the business.

Twitter is fresh.

  • …in its content. Beyond being the hot new fad, Twitter has stayed relevant with innovations like # and retweet. Brilliantly, however, Twitter lets its members do most of the work, and people are constantly discovering new ways to use the site.
  • …in its appearance. Light clouds and sun rays make you feel you’re tweeting in a meadow.
  • …in its digs. Twitter’s new space even includes a DJ booth. And what’s fresher than music created on the spur of the moment?

Twitter is transparent.

  • …in its content. There are very few places to hide on the Twitter site. Most accounts are public, meaning your tweets are instantly available to the entire Tweetdom.
  • …in its appearance. Twitter’s sky blue website is so airy that you feel you could reach your hand through the screen.
  • …in its digs. Exposed rafters and light bulbs, vast spaces and large windows make the headquarters feel open. And like Gawker, Twitter employees sit at communal drafting tables with no cubicle walls.

Twitter is simple.

  • …in its content. 140 characters. That’s it.
  • …in its appearance. One color. No clutter.
  • …in its digs, with bird decals on the walls and a modern, minimalist design. The colors of the walls and floors stick to Twitter’s monochrome scheme.

I love how Twitter has translated its brand to its new offices, even — wait for it — using promotional products in the décor. They even showcase an embroidered promotional pillow that reads “Home Tweet Home.”

For a company that exists on the internet, they’ve seamlessly extended their brand to their physical surroundings.

Posted by Admin in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, 1 comment
11
Nov
2009

Promotional products are having a wild rumpus in Hollywood

Promotional products in the entertainment industry are no longer limited to Hannah Montana beach towels. Hollywood is finding more and more that, in order to make money off big-budget films, they’ve got to have the swag.

Been in an Urban Outfitters store recently? Partnering with Warner Brothers and director Spike Jonze, for months the store has featured Where the Wild Things Are promotional products in anticipation of the movie’s October 16th release. Hipsters everywhere could shop for slippers, coloring books, t-shirts, keychains, books, CDs, toy figurines, wall art, movie stills, shadow puppets, pillow cushions, dolls, designer clothing, and even a Viewmaster themed after Dave Eggers’ hip-terpretation of the classic children’s storybook. (The Viewmaster reminds me an awful lot of the short-lived television show Wonderfalls, about a Gen-Y sales clerk who hears the voice of God in promotional products, but that’s a story for another day.)

Warner Brothers isn’t the only studio looking to promotional products to save its profits. Hollywood has recently witnessed two major firings: 1) that of Disney’s studio chief, and 2) the sacking of Universal Pictures’ two top chairmen. Disney then hired Rich Ross, who had been the head at Disney Channel, a network famous for spawning young superstars like Miley Cyrus and Hillary Duff. Universal promoted their marketing chief, Adam Fogelson. In both cases the studios opted for people with experience promoting films beyond the box office.

Kim Masters of KCRW’s The Business had this to say about the entertainment industry broadening its marketing efforts:

In the case of Disney, they went with the TV executive who’s not a movie guy, and the idea is brands, brands, brands — sell it across the platforms. Look at High School Musical, sell it as a concert, sell it as a stage thing, sell it as a — any — a t-shirt. You know, that’s the idea that they’re pursuing at Disney.

“Economy, Viewer Habits Transforming Hollywood,” npr.org

Movies failing to make enough money at the box office are old news. But with the popularity of DVR and other technologies, films are now floundering in DVD sales as well. Marketing strategies that worked for High School Musical and other children’s films are starting to look pretty attractive to grown-up movies.

Thus, Where the Wild Things Are throw pillows.

In the case of Urban and Jonze, promotional products are not only marketing a film; they are making profits in and of themselves. And record labels have been doing the same.

What do you think about all this?

a.    I hope Pinnacle starts offering promotional products for A Christmas Carol! I really want a Scrooge-shaped shadow puppet lamp to adorn my living room.
b.    Ugh. Please don’t Hannah Montana-fy my favorite movies.
c.    What’s a Dave Eggers?
d.    It’s complicated. (Please elaborate.)

Answer in the comments section! (Until we get a poll installed.)

Posted by Admin in Product Placement in the Media, 3 comments
28
Oct
2009

6 mildly scary films about promotional products that never made it past storyboarding

1. The Cinchpack of Notre Dame

The pitch: A String-A-Sling backpack sold to tourists at the Notre Dame Cathedral is hired to kidnap the beautiful Esmeralda. The cinch pack ends up falling in love with Esmeralda and attempts to save her from her captors, at his own risk…

Why the film was never made: Producers claimed cinch packs weren’t pitiful enough to inspire sympathy in audiences.

2. The Hills Have Ice

The pitch: Deranged ice scrapers descend from the hills to attack and cannibalize a family of innocent tourists. In the end, however, the ice scrapers feel remorse and decide to help the tourists by clearing the frost from their car windshield.

Why the film was never made: Producers argued that the ending was too postmodern for a box-office slasher.

3. Pirates of the Carabiner

The pitch: Keychain thieves hijack a college bookstore and take a pretty co-ed hostage, in hopes that her magic carabiner will free them from an ancient curse.

Why the film was never made: Studios felt the college football tailgating crowd was too small of a target audience.

4. Kites of the Living Dead

The pitch: Hordes of the undead wreak havoc on post-apocalyptic suburbia. After successfully turning all human survivors into zombies, they organize a worldwide day of kite flying that unites zombies in global peace… until the sequel.

Why the film was never made: Studios couldn’t predict that in 2009 zombies would rival even vampires in popularity.

5. The Fan-tom of the Opera

The pitch: After her father dies, a singer at the Paris Opera House hears the sound of whirring fans when she sings. Finally, a ghostly figure of a fan emerges from the shadows and declares its love for her.

Why the film was never made: Producers were unable to cast a fan with a decent singing voice.

6. Poltermice
The pitch: Promotional mice begin communicating with a five-year-old girl in suburban California through static on the computer screen. Eventually they travel through the computer monitor and into the house. “They’re here…”

Why the film was never made: Studios felt the story would be too traumatic for post-9/11 audiences. Maybe in 2010.

Posted by Admin in Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 1 comment
20
Oct
2009

Motivate and Reward Employees With Promotional Awards!

glass awardsWhile salary and benefits certainly are factors in regards to motivation for employee productivity, research has shown that a personal sense of accomplishment and being rewarded for hard work are more powerful motivators when it comes to output in the workplace. In fact, the Wall Street Journal found that 4 out of every 5 employees stated they would switch companies for the same salary if they knew that they would receive praise and recognition for their work in the new company. Thus, companies today are beginning to create corporate awards programs for their companies as they realize the magnitude of the effects recognizing and rewarding employees has on their performance.

Awards can be presented to employees for a range of purposes from simple recognition or appreciation awards, awards for service or anniversaries, incentive or achievement awards, and even awards for the attainment of specific goals like those relating sales. When giving these awards to employees, companies just need to make sure they maintain fairness and consistency regarding the efforts that delineate receiving such honors. Each person who makes the same or similar contributions should have equal opportunity to receive an award for these efforts. Each month at Pinnacle Promotions for example, we give out beautiful glass awards for the “Employee of the Month,” a worker nominated by their peers for the hard work and dedication, as well as a “You’re So Money” Award to the sales employee with the highest gross margin for the month and an “ABC – Always Be Closing” Award to that employee with the highest total monthly sales. (Katie Barnes, this month’s “Employee of the Month”  is pictured with her glass award above!)

Additionally, companies should also consider giving awards that acknowledge certain groups of employees or even the entire company, as it is the dedication of all employees that contributes to a business’ success. At Pinnacle Promotions, in addition to our monthly individual awards, we have a monthly sales contest that sets goals for the company to achieve as a whole. If we meet these particular objectives, we are all awarded with a company-wide prize that ranges from a catered breakfast, to a cash grab bag drawing, to a balloon popping contest like we had last Friday for attaining our September goals! Pinnacle employees gathered to the front of the office and chose a balloon to pop. Inside each balloon was a gift certificate with a variety of offerings. In this way, the company created a fun, motivating event and everyone was a winner!

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Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
16
Oct
2009

Building Business Relationships with Promotional Products

I was driving to work the other day when I noticed a billboard featuring an advertisement for a popular company. It (not surprisingly) boasted how much money I could save by switching to their company. I couldn’t help but think about this statement and wonder what it is that makes these advertisements so common. Simply because you attract a new customer based on price doesn’t mean that you have secured a life-long business relationship.

I know that times have been tight, but I greatly value and respect the long-standing relationships I have with some of my service providers. Take my car insurance provider for example. I’ve been faithfully with the same company since I was old enough to insure my own car. We have a relationship. I know whom I can call if I’m in an accident – or if say a tree falls on my car. I wouldn’t trust my car, home and most prized possessions to just anyone. I want a dependable and trusted ally to fight for me. The same principle is applied to all of my service providers all the way down to our pest control company – Larry and I are on a first name basis. My dog, Sadie, greets him warmly every time he comes to spray around the house. Even my favorite shoe and clothing stores keep me hooked with specials “just for me” and free gifts with purchase. I wouldn’t switch from these companies just to save a buck or two.

Now, when it comes down to it, I’ll admit that money is important. But when it’s a dollar difference – and it isn’t in your favor as the product or service provider – what have you done to insure that that additional dollar won’t cost you your business? This is where relationship building comes into play. When you nurture your relationships with your current customers, you have a greater chance at overcoming the smaller obstacles when they arise.

One of the best, and easiest, means of building business relationships it to express your gratitude to your customers. When you thank a client after the close of a sale or simply for being your customer for another year, you show them that you are more than just another company. You reinforce a personal connection that is oftentimes stronger than a business association with a foundation based only on price. Distribute promotional products to your clients after the close of a sale. Or send out a promotional giveaway to all of your customers as the year winds down. You give them a tangible reminder of who you are, what you sell and what service you provide. And don’t forget to give corporate holiday gifts to your top customers (and employees of course). No matter how large or small the gesture may be, helping to reinforce that connection with your clients helps keep your business strong enough to weather the tough times.

 

Posted by Admin in Giveaways on a Budget, 2 comments