Frothing might not always be associated with something good, but in this case- yes! Let's explore this idea. Whip up something cozy & delightful with your own hand held mixer! A unique and versatile item for the home or office to quickly froth cream, make lattes — even mix drinks! On a dreary day like today, it's a useful accessory that’s perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, hot chocolate, mixed drinks, aerating wine and more! Convenient for the break room- the single-press on/off button is perfect for one-handed use, while the sleek metal stand keeps your frother neatly organized and ready for use. It make a perfect companion at home or in the office break room! Whip up something unexpected this holiday season, pair this with mugs. Maybe even layer in some signature hot coco blends ! Another one of our quirky enough to work ideas for branding & marketing your company.

Large life moments fill a space in time, making us want to reshare the story. When we are captivated, we stop checking our phones; we're in the moment. Being present means that we're "all in", drawn into the plot. A well crafted event delivers a story. The secret to crafting a legendary story starts with the planning. Through collaboration we define the narrative. The narrative forms by knowing the purpose, the people and the why behind an event. Without defining the story, it's impossible convey the essence of your story to the attendee. Strategic choices fuel conversation and compel us to re-share our experience. Here are two recent partner's stories. Wake Tech Foundation's annual IGNITE 2024 focused on the heroes in their hallways, igniting students to achieve goals. United in purpose! Super heroes wear wristbands. Through the testimonials, attendees heard stories that underscored the importance of community partners & champions. Bonded to the narrative, the bands become a symbol. Each individual then becomes an ignitor in the community, using our inner hero to create a positive effect on others to achieve. The Town of Fuquay-Varina recently opened and dedicated their newest fire house. A capacity crowd of residents, business leaders and first responders came together to remember the past and celebrate a milestone moment of growth. This fast-growing Southwest Wake Town has brought increased access to services for residents and the business community with the opening of station 4. In 2023, the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department responded to 5,786 emergency calls! This new station is a model for firefighter health & safety with a separate decontamination building to help prevent harmful, cancer- causing products of combustion from entering the main building. Additionally, there is a history room, shown here, to highlight the FVFD's rich history. The centerpiece is a fully restored 1945 Mack Truck, the first new fire truck bought by the Town of Fuquay Springs. The truck is featured on the coin. Attendees received a signature coin as a keepsake to the past & present. We love how this design captures that story. Storytelling is a craft. We create for products that keep turning the page of your story.

On October 1st, National Sarcastic Awareness Month begins. Sarcasm is defined as using irony to mock or convey contempt. Apparently sarcasm goes back to the Viking era, and was passed along to the British in 1050 A.D. For some it's too edgy, but comedians use it all the time. For me, I'd agree it requires quick wit and an ability to turn the conversation- but you also know I love a double entendre and a pun! What's humor got to do with promotions, marketing and branding? Know your audience. Some brands are known for going out on a limb- look at the success of Liquid Death, a brand that took over the water market simply by projecting a cool, edgy vibe in concept, design and target audience. Visuals make our brain respond faster- 60,000 times faste r. Brand engagement is about connection & experience. What do major brand do to build that loyal following? Crafting a brand message requires quick wit & creativity to immediately see the connect you want to make - the story you want to project. Creativity combined with other talents, skillsets, knowledge & experience helps. Thinking "on your feet"- it's an acquired skillset seeing pathways & opportunities to turn a narrative. Perhaps this blog post will make you think differently about sarcasm, and how humor can be a sign of creative thinking at work.

RIGHT BRAINERS RULE! Am I suggesting there is a wrong brain? Nope, plenty of my friends & family are left brainers- but, as a right brainer I love the power of that side of your brain's hemisphere. October is Right Brainer Month- but it takes both sides of your brand to function. The human brain is divided into two hemispheres. Although the two halves look alike, they have some large differences. They do work together for some functions, but the theory is that in most people, one half is more dominant. The left side of the brain is prominent in facts and logic. The right side of the brain is considered to be the creative side. Pursuing creative activities like sewing, drawing, painting, singing, writing or playing an instrument are all ways to embrace your creative side. Sometimes individuals need a boost to get their creativity going. A creative spark noteboo k or journal might help you unlock the right part of your brain and sometimes being square , might also be the secret to unleashing your creative side! When you are ready to develop something truly unique- let's collaborate. We have numerous examples in our showroom & case studies we can share with you that showcase the limitless ways the creative mind can solve a challenge. Embrace the unconventional !

October is self- promotion month- and sometimes you should become your own promoter! There is an group of individuals or companies that needs to know more about you- it's called your target audience! Often individuals aren't comfortable with self-promotion viewing the result as bragging or pushy. There are times that you should share your worth- yes, it's part of marketing . A larger company has an internal PR & Marketing team ready to generate social media, print ready bio's, blogs and submits regularly to publications, press & local awards. If you don't have your own dedicated team - get outside your head. Put yourself in the third person for a change and promote the great work you are doing personally & professionally. Still feeling a little timid, start with signage in the office, windows, doors, countertops, walls- really anywhere you have space to share good news. It's a strong visual reminder of your value. We have a variety of affordable graphics, including aluminum & acrylic signs, as well as easy to swap out SEG displays and floor mats to help shape your narrative. Not sure what any of those products we suggest look like or how they will work for your space? Set up a time to visit our showroom.

Perhaps you saw our earlier post this year about FEED and Terra Thread bags, both partners responding to the needs of food insecurity among our youth. Did you know the 2nd full week in October, is National School Lunch Week? The week is designed to put a spotlight on the programs & nutritious food. Since 1946, national school lunch programs have been available, but the programs & offerings vary by state & district. Around the triangle, we are fortunate to have a program for offering both breakfast & lunch and some schools have created their own pantries, summer programs or weekend snack packs for students or families that might be struggling with food insecurity. Programs that feed students not only make it easier for these students to concentrate & focus in school, because they are not hungry but the programs lift up spirits & demonstrate compassion for others. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a joint proclamation by Congress designating the second full week of October to be National School Lunch Week. The National School Lunch Act became United States federal law in 1946 and created the National School Lunch Program. It provides low-cost or free school lunches to qualified students. Lunch bags, boxes, sandwich & snack keepers and utensils are all products that are popular to brand. Perhaps the next time you brand one of these products, you might consider allocating some funds to a local food pantry or program in your area. Ask us to share some connections for programs in the area.

What does it mean to have a sunny disposition? Positive Attitude Month is observed in October. Beyond optimism, an individual that sees the glass half full, being positive makes you more fun to be around. We all know a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy; however, being positive has health benefits! 6 Lasting Benefits of a Positive Attitude Longer life span because of overall lower stress levels Lower chance of depression More resistance to sicknesses like the common cold Increased physical and mental well being Less risk of death from cardiovascular disease More developed coping skills during challenges. What are some ways to reward team members? A silver lining set to show appreciation for positive vibes at work. A snack treat Wear a positive attitude Need some gentle reminders? Try renewal affirmation card s. Remember, think positively. Expect great things. #PositiveAttitude

The Poe Center! The work of the mighty organization is amazing. Today we borrow from their website to share about what they are doing for kids and families across NC right now- making a real difference. Since opening in Raleigh in 1991, the Poe Center has educated more than 1.7 million participants from 95 counties . Who is Poe? Their expert health educators partner with schools and organizations across the state to provide health education to children and adults. Engaging programs are available on nutrition & physical activity, adolescent development, general health, substance use prevention, dental health, bullying prevention, mental wellness, and cooking and gardening education. Poe’s field trip destination in Raleigh is a one-of-a-kind- immersive experience featuring unique teaching spaces. Health educators can also bring programs directly to a school or organization and supplemental resources are available online. Over 87% of program participants report making positive behavior changes after a program with the Poe Center. Starting tomorrow, the Poe Center kicks off it's annual meeting to support the mental health and well-being of youth. The Poe Center’s 2024 annual conference will focus on emerging information on youth mental health and well-being, the impact, and what we all can do about it. Experts in the field who are problem-solving and taking steps to help young people stay safe and experience healthy development, and who will providing guidance on how to support our youth every day and in times of high need will be speaking to attendees. According to the most recent North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey: According to our friends at Poe, there are things we can do to support our youth in our communities, at school, and at home. The conference empowers attendees with knowledge, tools, and resources that they use to make a difference, and raises money in support of the Poe Center’s mission and work. If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support now, call or text 988 or chat  988lifeline.org Since the conference starts tomorrow, it might be too late for you to get involved this year but if this topic speaks to you, read more here and please consider a donation!

Yes- we think you should always have your own signature identity at work for your brand. It's visionary assurance, united purpose at work for you- our team is up for the task. Smart marketing is about making sure what you offer, your values & your originality show through in your product selection, decoration, design and distribution. Be thoughtful. What's trending among many brand partners? Words like sustainability, inclusive, social responsibility and holistic approach are part of a modern vocabulary. Stories however are now front & center, as a necessary & relevant part of marketing. Being aware of story behind your product selections from supply chain, workforce and where your brand partners are aligning their charitable outreach has become part of market strategy. Similarly your footprint is captured by choices. Your company's brand identity is easier than ever to trace and someone is always looking. Stories that are going to continue to trend include: A push for USA Made, reducing the need for shipping goods & generating more local jobs. Purpose Driven Partnerships- the why behind a brand. Asking about the certifications, the alliances and the environmental footprint from production to consumer. Construction of goods- knowing that products are reusing materials that otherwise would become waste. Diversity of partnership- woman- owned, veteran owned, black-owned and the list goes on further. Customization- private labeling your brand to not only curate the collection that best represents you. As you head into year-end. Remember to go back to resources like your monthly newsletters and VIP options for more complete details about programs we craft. After-all the showroom & design studio are the perfect location to start, build and craft a well rounded story.

Are you into strength and conditioning? Is quality a top priority? When you want a product that works as hard as you do, we have solutions. An extra large fitness towel, perhaps one with a special magnetic clip to keep it off the gym floor and equipment is the perfect solution. Use the same concept on beach towels or add to golf towels to increase the value of your promotion. Do you know what else is cool? Using water reactive ink on towels that will be on the beach, at the pool, in the gym or on the links. The change will add surprise and suspense, as well as showcase your logo when there is moisture around. Another quirky enough to work idea. Watch this video . Pretty cool right? No matter the problem, we have solutions!

Spend some time doing what you love, giving back and making a difference- that's the giant wave of success two guys that love to surf are enjoying thanks to this idea. Ocean lovers, this product removes 1 pound of trash from ocean's, rivers and coastlines. Handcrafted by local artisans on the tropical island of Bali, the bracelet is made from 95% post- consumer recycled glass beads with silica added for strength & durability. A 100% recycled 4ocean plastic cod, 100% recycled stainless charm and comes in a 4ocean hemp bag. Read about the mission of 4ocean here . The back story starts with 2 friends that love to surf, and love the ocean. Their passionate startup became a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines every year. As business, 4ocean is a B-Corp, voluntarily meeting high standards of accountability & transparency around employee benefits, supply chain practices, and includes a company's impact around governance, workers, community, environment and customers. As a wearable, this fashionable item is lightweight, stylish, unisex & fit with an adjustable band and of course, surfer's made sure it's waterproof!

Get ahead of your competition by offering a name brand that offers more value. Take a look at these stat's from our 2023 post and compelling reasons to market your brand using a cap here. How can a cap do more? The melin Custom Program was created to make premium, collaborative headwear with the world’s most prestigious partners leaving our shared customers blown away by the details and quality of the products they receive. Elevate your premium brand creating a next level headwear experience never before available until now with superior technology and relentlessly testing you know the quality will be a fit! What should you expect? Custom molded trim Water & sweat will bead off the repellent exterior Resin based visor core makes the cap buoyant, which keeps it floating & holds shape Moisture wicking interior, repels sweat and water, adding comfort A hidden pocket for stowing cash Thumbnail undervisor seal, designed to land your thumb and reduce oil & grime build up Padded comfort band, soft fabric Hand wash, but quick dry and UPF protection! Ask us about where their foundation gives back! Co- founders Brian McDonell and Corey Roth have this to say about their cap story- "For us, a hat isn’t just an accessory that we occasionally throw on as we’re leaving the house. It’s the most critical part of our everyday wardrobe. It’s the first thing someone sees when they look at your face and their first impression of your personal style. It’s the billboard that tells the world who you are, what you value, your passions, where you’re from and how you live your life. Being from Southern California, we grew up a part of many different cultures. We skated & snowboarded, played baseball & football, and were surrounded by some of the most influential music, art and fashion in the world. We’re equally comfortable in boardshorts at the beach as we are dialing it up to go out on Sunset Blvd. The one constant, is that we never go anywhere without wearing a hat. As our tastes evolved, we wanted something more than another cheap cap with our favorite team’s logo or a cap from an apparel brand that didn’t put any effort or thought into their headwear. We wanted something better, but it didn’t exist for us…so we decided to create it. We spent four years learning how to build, improve and elevate the ball caps that we loved. We researched the most iconic fabric mills in the world and sourced the best materials available on the planet. We tirelessly worked on improving our fit to be sure they were the most comfortable caps we’d ever worn. We looked at every single detail in our caps and figured out ways to innovate them. Our entire life was focused on building the most premium caps that the world had ever seen. Finally, in 2013, we were ready to show what we had created. Inspired by the art of millinery: the craft of bespoke hat making which dates to the 16th century in Milan Italy, we are proud to present Melin." This brand is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want a hat that they can wear to the beach, the mountains, and everywhere in between.