Search Results

Often a new relationship starts because of a referral to us, usually associated with a specific product challenge or upcoming event. Once clients come in for an initial consultation, they realize our company adds value as a marketing partner. Nothing makes us smile brighter than hearing, "Wow this was helpful, you really know your stuff" or "I can see why I was referred to you, you're an expert." Collaboration provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and sharing goals, which lays a foundation of trust. Branding is personal, it's your identity we are helping to promote. Experience comes from longevity and practice, but expertise comes from listening, learning & adapting. Promotional Products Advertising International, PPAI, offers a professional certification program to the advertising specialty industry.  In 2012, our owner Olivia first earned her CAS, a Certified Advertising Specialist certification. This designation has been the industry standard for 50+ years. This certification is a respected professional designation signifying professional knowledge, deeper skill sets, capability as a marketing partner and requires on-going continuing education to remain a certified partner and leader in our industry. Beyond marketing expertise, it's exciting to have other business owners comment on how sharing best practices for growing and maintaining a business have been helpful to building their brand. A CAS certification is a comprehensive, robust body of education that contributes to smart business development choices. Our goal is for our ideas to generate results for your brand!

When I was a kid I loved watching the Jetsons! Flying cars, conveyor belts in your home, plates that molded before your eyes producing dinner and Rosie! Everyone loved Rosie- ready to handle all your challenges. I also read about "big brother" in school; what's the connection? Like it or not we are watched and tracked, "shades of big brother", but modern conveniences like Smart Devices are exciting us like an episode of the Jetsons! The is no doubt that smart devices make light work of many tasks. The popularity of technology offers numerous ways to keep your brand in front of your target audience. Clever marketing campaigns will integrate your message with the product selection to add more value to the promotion. Today is January 6th, National Technology Day. Let's take a peek at some new smart devices from our friends at Leeds! Click the links for videos about each product. Smart Plugs Control your devices from anywhere with this WiFi Smart Plug. Once you have connected the plug to your WiFi network you can turn things on and off from your smartphone or tablet via an app, Tuya Smart. You can also set a schedule on the app to turn on and off your devices at a set time. Say you forgot to turn off the iron, no problem. Arrive home late and want to turn on your lights before entering the house, no problem. The Wifi Smart Plug is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Interested in making your home a "smart" home? With this WiFi Smart Home kit, you'll be off to good start. Included is a Window/Door Sensor, PIR Motion Sensor, and Siren. The Window/Door sensor can be mounted on any window/door around the house. Once the window/door is opened an alert will be sent to your phone and to the siren. The PIR motion sensor can be mounted anywhere around the house. When the sensor is triggered an alert will be sent to your phone and the siren will activate. Both of these products can be set on a schedule to only activate an alert at a certain time. Controlled by WiFi with the app Tuya Smart. Compatible Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Smart Doorbell Ditch the old doorbell and get the WiFi Video Smart Doorbell. Once connected to your WiFi, it will produce a live feed that allows you to see who is at the door. The doorbell has a built in speaker and microphone so you can communicate with your visitor. The doorbell will also start recording once the PIR motion sensor is triggered. If your visitor does press the doorbell, an alert will be sent your phone. Capable of taking HD videos and photographs with 720P resolution. Infrared technology allows the camera to work in dark environment. Smart Lightbulb Equipped with the WiFi smart app control function, this bulb can be applied to standard bulbs in the market. It can be used anywhere. The bulb allows you to turn on or off your light remotely via the app,Tuya Smart. You can also schedule your lights on the app to turn it on and off. WiFi transmission model 2.4GHz, load current 3A and input voltage 100-240V. Transmission distance: 20-30 meter indoor, 40-50 meter outdoor- how does it work? All of these smart devices would make Rosie proud and make some of her work obsolete! Graphically Speaking - keep in mind that many technology products have small imprint areas, you may have to bend on the amount of content or modify your logo expectations for the best imprint. Looking for a way to link your message to the home? A smart device might be the vehicle to connect your message and brand to consumers. Are you ready for a smart home?

More and more people are powering up their devices without plugging in. Now that major phone manufacturers are integrating wireless charging, there is no need for different cables that fit in various phones. Below is everything to know to determine the best wireless charging device for your next promotion. Why should you pay attention to this new technology? Wireless charging is growing fast. The global wireless charging market is expected to reach $37.2 billion by 2022, representing growth of 44.7% from 2016 (Allied Market Research). Much of its increased attention and popularity came when the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus became the first Apple phones to integrate wireless charging. This gave demand for wireless chargers an immense boost, and doesn't appear to be slowing anytime soon. A wireless phone charger is becoming a pretty universal way to promote a brand – it is not limited to just tech companies and trend-focused organizations that market towards younger audiences. Almost everyone has a phone, and with the new iPhones in circulation, wireless charging is everywhere. Let's also recognize the awe created when simply placing a phone on a pad recharges it, without cumbersome wires. So where do you start? To help you understand the technological differences in this trend, a few products are pictured below. Wireless Charging Pads A wireless charging pad is a small platform you place your phone on to charge it. Though not entirely wireless, because it needs to be plugged into a wall outlet, they free you from having to plug a cable directly into your phone. Wireless charging pads come in a variety of colors and materials, so whichever appearance suits your fancy will work. Wireless Charging Power Banks These power banks charge phones without requiring an outlet. Simply charge this device as you would a traditional power bank, and your phone can charge on the go without any cables. Qi Standard Qi (pronounced "chee") is THE universal standard for wireless power transfer. It's the only standard that can be built into phones from the major phone manufacturers. More than 140 phone models from major manufacturers are Qi-enabled. Qi is not the only wireless charging method available, but it is the first to be supported by the largest and most influential smartphone manufacturers: Samsung and Apple. Multiple-Function Wireless Chargers These wireless charging pads and power banks have additional features such as Bluetooth speakers, car mounts, phone stands, and mouse pads, making it a versatile product. The Bottom Line: Wireless charging is one of the most important movements in tech right now. These new products from our friends at Leed's will help you to align your brand with this cutting-edge technology. What's your favorite?

To proclaim that tech is the must-have accessory for this season is no revelation. Every year, consumers continue to shell out for the latest trending technology and digital innovations continue to permeate more of our everyday tasks.  Most consumers depending on their  smartphones to stay connected, so it’s no surprise that complementary products are at the top of shoppers’ wish lists. To take advantage of the tech boom, add these Prime Line, in-demand products to your lineup. Bluetooth® Devices With smartphones dominating the market, consumers are seeking more ways to expand on a smartphone’s capabilities. One way to achieve the ultimate in connected living is with Bluetooth® technology. These wireless devices continue to draw fans and promise to be a part of technology that is here to stay. According to Statista, Bluetooth®-enabled  devices worldwide will grow to 10 billion  devices in 2018. ReportsnReports.com stated that the global Bluetooth® speaker market is expected to reach $7 billion by 2019- how's that for increasing your brand awareness? In addition to speakers, Bluetooth®-enabled headphones are growing in demand, thanks to shoppers looking for wireless tech experiences, as well as Apple’s elimination of the headphone port. Need more evidence? The NPD Group found that Bluetooth®  headphones saw a 42 percent year-over-year increase in sales in 2017. When it comes to promotional applications, Bluetooth® headphones are great for the  entertainment industry or for business travel applications. Bluetooth® speakers are also popular for college students and holiday gifts. Smart Devices The connected home, the connected wrist, the connected water bottle—we’re living in a  connected world, and it’s smart devices that run the show. In the coming years, there will  be no shortage of smart products driving profits in the digital world. According to Gartner Inc., there will be 20.4 billion  connected products by 2020. One of the hottest sellers this year will be the smartwatch. Consumers love using them to track their fitness regimes, send quick texts and monitor their sleep. In 2018, unit sales are expected to almost double to 141 million,  according to Statista. In addition, fitness tracker revenue is expected to reach $2.57  billion by 2018, making connected wrist  accessories a smart bet for corporate meetings and wellness programs.

We first posted about QR Codes in 2012- since that time we've added them to: Bags to learn which merchant's were participating in a shop local program. Microfiber Cleaning cloths to launch recipients to website, videos, applications and event details. What is a QR Code? Quick Response (QR) Codes have seen a rise in popularity in the advertising sector. They have quickly gained recognition as an effective advertising strategy – beyond the convenience to the consumer, QR codes increase the conversion rate by coaxing prospects further down the conversion funnel without any delay or effort, bringing viewers to the advertiser’s site immediately, where a more targeted and detailed sales pitch can continue. It’s no doubt these codes are effective – but how can we use them effectively? For starters, some websites you can use to shorten links for QR codes include Kaywa, a quick and easy resource to generate the link and QR code image; ScanLife, which covers the broadest number of mobile phones/smart phones as well as some very valuable analytics; and pbSmart Codes, which boasts a series of steps including custom mobile web-page design (linked from your QR code), mobile surveys and a function to track and monitor the success of your QR code marketing campaign. As far as where to place your QR code, almost anything with a large enough space can work! A QR code needs to be at least 1 ¼ inch x 1 ¼ inch to scan properly. For products, tech gadgets, apparel and drink ware all make sense - but don't just think products! Tradeshow displays and printed materials like newsletters work as well. Don't be afraid to get creative, though. QR codes on business cards, labels on food/drink/other items for sale, storefront displays, laptop stickers and t-shirts are just a few ideas. Speaking of creativity, you can “hack” your QR code’s design with your own personal touch. While their square shape can’t be altered, you can insert your own logo in the center (as popularized by the BBC’s use of QR codes) as well as images using image editing tools like Photoshop. Always be sure to test out your QR code before printing a few thousand copies! You can also get creative and innovative with how you use QR codes. In the realm of social media, you can create mobile friendly landing pages with Facebook “like” buttons or lead them to your Twitter for a quick follow. QR codes can also be linked to e-mail subscription pages (make sure the consumer knows that’s where they’re headed!), make phone calls, and generate text messages. The name of the marketing game is engagement – QR codes allow you to engage your consumers in a variety of new, exciting and all-around convenient ways! They’re a short stop to a long-term marketing goal, one almost any business can use effectively.

Wouldn't it be nice to literally drive individuals to the doorstep of your business, your trade show booth or your festival fundraiser? It's easy with temporary floor graphics! These foot graphics come in sets of 10 and each set can be different! These feet can be applied to hardwood, linoleum, vinyl and carpet- we have documentation for your venue space! Outdoors or high traffic areas, we have a different product that can also be made into stock shapes and custom shapes.

Cotton costs are going to rise, and you will feel the pinch in tee shirt pricing. When? Probably by late Q2 & into Q3. Why? Inventory due to COVID conditions, importing issues have led to large gaps in the supply chain, inventory on tees this last year could change as quickly as a day- pivoting an order to another brand or color due to sizing- which impacts price. Additionally, Gildan’s supply chain took a major hit, which is going to make additional brands with less choice for stock. Stock-inventory is affecting orders of all sizes, both large and small. We may quote an order and stock may be gone as quick as the next day. Stock issues are not just for tees- it's across all types of products making American Made choices smart for 2021. Especially for company store programs, which rely on the ease of stock being available for choices. Reallocating event or in-person HR training budget for drop shipments. Our largest suppliers said they did more drop ship kits in the month of December 2020 than the entire year of 2019 or the first 11 months of 2020. The beauty of a kit is choice. You select products that reflect your need, such as home office, comfort, appreciation, or an event. Greater good- cause-related product choices continue to be popular, making it easy to align your company values to the impact of a greater good. Personalizations & small quantities- this year's industry show was full of choices for no setup, low qt (as few as 1 unit) and personalization of the recipient's name added. Gifting this past year soared, as budgets for onboarding, training, recognition, and events were now allocated to showing support, care and appreciation. The low qt and single options were welcome additions to our partner list.

Brr… It's getting cold out there. The weather in our area has been cold and dreary for a while, whether it's Phil's fault or mother nature. The perfect winter jacket will indeed help you stay both warm and dry. What features should you consider? Three must-have features to keep you warm and cozy all winter long. Waterproof Exterior Rain and snow are a big hassle. Nobody wants to walk around cold and wet. A waterproof coat that stands up to snow, sleet, and rain can be the difference between a good day and a miserable one. A Cozy Lining A good winter coat will have a nice, warm lining to protect you from the elements. Whether it's a super soft fleece lining for extra comfort or an ECHOHEAT lining that reflects your body heat to keep you toasty on freezing cold days, the lining is critical for staying comfy. Special Touches We've covered what makes the jacket comfortable to wear, but the extra features are what makes you excited to wear it. Which of these special features would be important to you? Packable for extra portability? Smooth sleeve linings to keep your shirt from bunching up when you put them on? An LED light in the zipper pull to keep you safe when walking or jogging at night? A touch-less key attached to your pocket for opening doors or using ATMs? A remove-abe or stow-away hood? Whatever your needs are, we've got a jacket to match them. Our showroom is the perfect place to come out of the cold and compare the choices to find the perfect jacket for you. Interested in looking now? Here are some options to keep you warm.

Teamwork- how many times has that word required in my lifetime? Many! It's not a new word or concept; individuals have been picking teams from red rover to baseball for years. Group projects in an education environment are also not a new concept. I will be the first to admit I hated group work in school; teachers assigned teams and there was always a weak link. However, the word team seems to have reached an elevated status in the workplace.  In the modern office environment teamwork is often defined as 2 or more people tasked with a common goal; brainstorming ideas. By collaborating on the shared task, solutions are provided from collective input from the team.  Collaboration is one of our core words, because it's a key ingredient to campaign success. My oldest son played football in college. He once stated that his team was only as strong as the weakest link. He'd seen that by assisting the player he liked the least, a glory hog, the ball advanced. Helping him be properly positioned on a play, created the potential for success in the moment and offered then future opportunities to score. In order for a team to be effective collaborating there must be a blend of talents and perspectives, as well as trust and respect among the team members. If individuals don't feel valued for their contribution, then why contribute? Dominant personalities will always make sure their input is heard, while more introverted members of the team may need to be asked to share. When your office has only 4 people, the ship either rows together or it sinks together. One of the many things Keith and I enjoy about owning our own business is the ability to pivot anytime. If a process needs tweaking, there is no need for numerous meetings or memos- we talk as a group and implement a new strategy. While each member of our team has titled roles and individual space to work, picking up the client's needs along the processing journey is a little like successfully passing the baton in a relay. The more we know the timing and rhythm of our teammate, the better equipped we are to execute a task once it's handed off in the process. We all have our strengths and weakness as individuals. Working together effectively as a team requires we pick up or slow down our pace to make sure we have smooth transitions. A smooth hand-off also requires repetition and communication; a rhythm that develops over time. Communication is key Establishing where are we in the process? What do we need to know before interacting with our client? Do we have the details needed for a quote or the right files mock up the order?  Have we appropriately shared the options and assessed the timeline for an upcoming campaign? Do we know what's critical from the supplier before placing an order? When should we check on the status of an order in the production process? Who's our internal crew? Me- I am usually your initial face to the business. I love generating new ideas and considering ALL the options; after-all there is talking and creativity involved. If I even look at technology, it malfunctions; it's a gift. By the way, I love fried chicken, mashed potatoes and biscuits. Keith- understands safety like no one else on the team, he takes care of all of the non- glamorous sides of the business which are critical tasks, including: special deliveries, trash patrol, accounting and compliance.  He usually partners with Miranda to try to figure out what I've done to my computer! He loves Mediterranean food. Miranda- hates fried chicken and bacon, but loves Taco Bell and ice cream! Her fingers are super fast on a computer; whether a search, a quote or creating art. She is always game for a work-walk and she is great with math; lucky for me.  Sara- tends to like citrus flavors, loves plants and nature- both animals and the great outdoors. She's the quieter one of our bunch at work. She's always on time and is the queen of spreadsheets and our web stores- a master with all those fine details. Arien- an avid coffee drinker, loves organization, a pun, trivia night and her fur babies. In fact, if you look up the definition of a Labrador Retriever, you might find her photo. Her friendly, outgoing and ready to try something new spirit makes a great fit for our ever changing task list! Our team rows together! We share ideas, we learn from one another, we support each other and our teamwork helps our clients receive the best result.

Who says the holiday celebrations only happen in December? Holidays are as much about cultural & family traditions as they are about fun. Why limit fun to the last few weeks of the year? By expanding your view of the holidays and selecting dates for distributions that mean something to your company values, you are demonstrating what matters to you, providing fun and not getting lost in the shuffle. For example, if education is important to your company, ship out custom books or popular titles on National Book Day in September or consider new desk supplies for the office- like a back-to-school bundle for each employee. Companies that want to thank their loyal client base might consider Thanksgiving or combine & increase the value of your gift. September is National Back to School Month- gift employees with a new work backpack, then donate to an organization in the name of your top clients or help support a local backpack program by volunteering or set up a bin at your office to collect supplies from employees or patrons. Are you more inspired by visuals? Considering there is a national date for virtually everything- create your own holiday celebrations. Do you have any unique traditions?

Promotional Partners has had many interns over the years, and with July 28th National Intern Day, I figured there's no better time to introduce myself than today. Hi, my name is Connor and I'm Promotional Partners summer intern this year. I am a student at Apex High School and am a part of their AOIT program. As a member of the AOIT program, I am required to have an internship. I had been searching for one and then the Promotional Partners one popped up in my inbox. I knew this was one I definitely wanted to apply for because I was interested in how a small business works. Being part of AOIT I have learned a lot of soft skills, interview skills, and how to create a resume. Learning these skills definitely helped me get the internship. During the internship, I have seen a lot about how a small business works and how it is different than a larger business. Knowing what I have learned during the internship will help me going forward in my life when deciding if I want to own my own business or work for a larger one. Promotional Partners has had many interns over the years. In fact, Miranda was an AOIT intern when she was in high school and wrote this blog, and Angela interned with Promotional Partners when she was in AOIT as well as when she was in college. Being a part of AOIT will help me a lot going forward in my life. Although AOIT is technology based, I think what will be even more helpful is the soft skills I have learned through the program. If you live in Apex, you'll see an article soon in a local publication about the AOIT program and the academy at Apex Friendship High School. Angela and I worked with an intern from that program to provide a perspective about the benefits of the program for businesses and students in the academies.

From year-end employee awards to celebrating the holidays, the final months of 2022 are full of gifting opportunities. It’s always a good idea to beat the rush – so if you can, order now while inventory and product selection are strongest. What 4 trends are hot right now? Inventory & Lead Time There is no way around stock issues and lead time issues for the 2022 holiday season. Our preferred partners have stocked up on top selling items like beanies, blankets, backpacks and bottles to hoodies, jackets and polos – all in stock now, and ready to ship. Lead times are still pretty normal, but our industry has been hit like many with supply chain issues getting containers imported, moved from the dock storage to trucks to warehouses and workforce staffing issues in the production area. This year more than ever you need to plan for the holiday early. Explore these 4 hot new trends, in these curated collections featured in our digital lookbooks Then have us create a custom package based on your preferences. Perfectly Packaged™ Our Perfectly Packaged™ fulfillment service is an easy way to deliver a memorable gift experience, allowing you to create fully custom gifts. Pick a single product or mix and match multiple items – either way, the service includes decorative packaging that gives gifts a personal touch. Unlimited drop shipments are included, too, so you can deliver gifts directly to homes or offices instead of in bulk to a single location. This service saves you valuable time, money and adds the personal "unboxing" experience we've all come to love. Retail brands are popular for gifts because of the quality. Search for more stories around gifting here.