Recently I was asked to speak to the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Young Professional's Group, the YP's. This OP had a great time sharing stories and fielding questions about what it means to be "in the trenches" as a woman business owner. Here's a summary of what I shared. It’s 1969, I’m in first grade and my teacher is absent. Our substitute left the room, back in the day we did not worry about being unsupervised, and one of my classmates was ready for the next worksheet in our series. I knew where the teacher kept the worksheets, so I went over to the storage cabinet, pulled out a stack, gave one to my classmate and placed the rest on the counter. When the substitute teacher came back to the room, I proudly shared how I’d solved the issue. Instead of praise, I found myself doing 100 squats in the corner of the room for pulling the worksheets from the cabinet without permission. Yep, I’ve been a rule breaker since way back. Why is someone a rule breaker? A desire to carve a new path Lack of clarity to rules? No  “buy in” to the established rules? Boredom? Probably all the above I challenge rules for the love of a new idea and poor leadership, but mostly because of learned behavior. Where does one learn behavior? I’m no physiologist, but longevity in life, parenting and multiple careers has taught me that “monkey see, monkey do” overrides verbal instruction every time. In my formative years: My grandmother divorced her husband, got a job and split logs to heat the wood stove. My dad encouraged me ask our minister why we had no women deacons, yet plenty of women leaders in the bible. My first student- teacher mentor showed me that it was easier to beg for forgiveness than ask permission. How will breaking rule contribute to success? As an educator I was surrounded by leaders. Teachers are the captain of their own classroom who are guided by administrators. I’d like to say that environment always fostered innovation, cultivated consensus building and rewarded questioning the norm; but not consistently. Leaders I admired: Made it safe to make mistakes Encouraged new ideas without scorn Sought input from the team before determining the course of action Leaders that were not threatened by their team, inspired my loyalty. In 2007 my husband and I opened the doors to our business Promotional Partners Inc. While my husband has been accomplished in his field and our bread winner, this time he wanted to push me forward. I became majority owner, he filed for our NC HUB Status and I became a woman business owner. My qualifications? I had no marketing degree, but sales experience; check I’d been an artist and an art teacher, creativity; check Problem solver- yep, remember those worksheets; check Educator-Presenter- 20 years teaching; check Life being the sum of ones’ experiences; check A career rule breaker; check What did I do to break my norm? Redefine my life as an owner- a new leadership role Embraced marketing education Applied my creativity to innovative business and sales strategies Earned a CAS (certified advertising specialist) certification in my industry- marketing degree, now: check Engaged the business community; join a chamber of commerce! Sure, I joined a chamber of commerce to find prospects, but I formed relationships via my service and incorporated the best practices I learned from serving with others- monkey see, monkey do We are a small company, only 5 employees and rotating interns. Our office is set up in a contemporary fashion, no cubicles; an open format. It’s open not by design, rather by the constraints of our physical space. However, what I found was working close proximity invites a transparent atmosphere; which is probably why larger companies are embracing that model. Think about it, walls offer privacy, but they also keep us in our own world. Removing walls allows us to see, hear and experience what our team experiences; we are starting from a shared perspective when tackling team challenges. "Close quarters" also provide us access to more information, see all experience operational issues in real time, we hear and see the frustrations of our team members, our proximity allows for quickly interjecting a comment or sharing a needed laugh. As a one who likes to push boundaries, I’ve found that close quarters create an environment that: Invites feedback from your team Makes business obstacles a shared challenge Defines what’s needed for growth or changing operational systems or client management I’ve also learned that an effective leader must paint the picture for the team, reward initiative in the workplace, make it safe to ask questions or fail, share their own vulnerabilities with the team and project their vision from 30,000 feet; accountability and ownership will naturally occur. Being an entrepreneur is more than owning a business, it’s creating your own mission and supporting the systems that support your team. Your team in turn helps guide, amplify and project the “why” behind your company to your target markets. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset is a “monkey see, monkey do” proposition. Making it safe to breaking the rules allows team members to contribute their talents and voice rather than becoming disengaged, desperate and doubtful. Ready to break some rules?! I love that bird!

Consumers look for high return on their marketing dollars. Our industry "works" because we offer high engagement and recall using branded promotions. Technology pieces are among the most requested items; they're hot! Because of the popularity of tech items as a promotion, there are many choices for product solutions. Our clients often find the choices confusing when comparing options. One of the most confusing products on the market are the popular multi-prong adapters; often referred to as squids. Let's breakdown what we've learned. Early models copied the Apple certified lightning chip MFi and offered this tip as one of the ends for use. The copy-cat adapter tip would allow the user to charge Apple products using that cable tip, but unlike the Apple certified tip, users could not transmit data. Currently the multi-prong adapters usually come with 3 to 4 tips. The tips allow users to cross between products, connect to phones, power banks or laptops to re-charge as well as move data. Consumers are enjoying these products because they serve a valuable function for connecting both old and new tech products. You'll never have to worry about which phone your audience uses when it comes to this product - it covers Apple and Android! A popular product is the 7141-68 (pictured) having sold out of over 15K units as soon as it was released. Consistent feedback from users of adapters indicates that the longer length is preferred for easier access to connecting products. Do you need an adapter with a lighting tip? Maybe, maybe not- keep in mind not everyone has the latest technology! Besides, if you receive an adapter that does not work with your iPhone it is not useless. There are still ways to use the adapter to connect other technology devices. We've read reports from "techie folks" advising the C Cable is the cable to watch going forward in 2019. Why? Apple has started using the C tip in newer versions of iPad and will likely make the transition to this tip on the 11 series iPhone. Once this transition happens, the MFi lightning tip will become obsolete. Technology is quickly securing a spot in the top 5 most valued and kept promotional items because products cross all demographics. We have a white paper outlining the differences in popular technology pieces, ask us to send you a copy prior to purchasing your next tech piece to review.

March 20th is the first day of Spring - it brings to mind flowers, picnics and festivals. At Apex's annual Peakfest local business owners line the streets in their booths. Before pitching your tent, there are several factors to consider. Location – Use -Set Up How frequently will this tent be used? Will you need a case with wheels for easier transport? Will the construction of the frame be a factor for weight to carry around and durability? Longevity – Is this a long-term or short-term application? Things happen: so if you are planning to use this tent for multiple events a year, then you may want to consider an option with a longer warranty. Most suppliers offer between six and eight color options with UV and weather protection. Where will you store this item? If it is in a hot storage warehouse, the heat may adversely affect a heat transfer image over a sublimated image. Message – What is the desired impact of your promotional message? Depending on your audience and event goals, you have multiple locations to place your messaging; each side of the canopy peak and valance gives you eight places to place an image. There are additional options for branding such as leg cuffs and tent walls give a modern look for more strategic placement. Budget -- What is your total budget? We help guide you through comparing your choices, which includes set up fees, design time fees if required, shipping costs and accessories. In some cases, there are package options that include tents which provide you a better overall cost with more display products. Timeline – When do you need this item in hand? Depending on your event date, we consider the total time to produce, walking you through the steps. The most frequently purchased tent size is 10 foot. There are many options to choose from, one of our suppliers has made a great comparison chart. For a variety of tent options, check out our event tents section of the website. You've got a tent but how will draw in the crowd? We have game solutions, coolers, prize wheels and interactive displays. Our in-house graphics team can create a booth that will engage attendees and share your message.

If we are to understand the value of a team, perhaps we should start with what's the meaning of the word team? As a noun- noun: team; plural noun: teams 1. A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport. Synonyms: group, squad, side, band, bunch, company, party, gang, selection, crew, troupe, set, lineup, array As a verb- verb: team; 3rd person present: teams; past tense: teamed; past participle: teamed; gerund or present participle: teaming 1. come together as a team to achieve a common goal. "he teamed up with the band to produce the album" Synonyms: join (up), join forces, collaborate, get together, come together, band together, work together Hum...there we go again, breaking rules, at Promotional Partners we are a team that is both a noun and a verb! We work as a "group, unit or crew". We join forces, applying our collective talents and roles, collaborating with you and working together to put your brand first. Here's an example of what happens with a team effort: A local business needed a giveaway for their clients. They knew they wanted something techy, but none of the pre-built tech kits offered them the product selection in the colors they needed. Why not build a custom kit? We worked with the client to find the items they had always envisioned and tech case that would hold the products perfectly. Once the selections were made, we ordered the pieces; then our team kitted the items together saving time and delivering a great package piece! Part of creating a great campaign starts with the imprint on the product. You've got a product and a logo, but you want to add a bit more? Perhaps your want to add phone numbers, websites, taglines......but do they work with your imprint area? Unfortunately many products have a limited imprint space. It’s important that the content be readable and have no printing issues. We worked through the challenging, suggesting an art change that created stayed within brand standards but provided a better imprinted result. Our ability to guide you through the art process before placing the order, saves you time and creates a happy outcome- a great reason to take advantage of our in house design services! Our graphics team is top notch! Keep following our blog for more behind the scenes stories!

Did you know that 73% of Americans own promotional bags?  That is over 246 million people! Bags make great advertisements as they can be taken just about anywhere. 52% of bag owner say the bag is kept because it's useful. Being useful, bag owners use their bag about 9 times a month over the course of 11 months. They have large imprint areas allowing many options for your brand message. They're a great way to reach people, creating 3,300 impressions over their lifetime. Continuing our penny-wise focus, did I mention bags are super affordable? Totes are great for trips to the grocery store; are used unlike a plastic bag offering an environmentally friendly campaign. See more grocery totes The focus on fitness and healthy eating has inspired people to take their lunch to work, which saves money and helps people stick to wellness goals. See more lunch totes For traveling, duffel bags often replace the suitcase and conform to overhead bins. Soft sided duffels work well for work to gym and back. For the ultimate sports fans, this tailgater trunk cooler organizer would be perfect for game day or business parents with kids in after school sports programs or weekend travel teams. See more duffels, trunk organizers and travel bags We can help design a bag campaign for your next community event, trade show, fundraiser or employee retention program.  There are price points to fit any budget- this low cost per impression, your dollars go a long way. Ready??

An increasing number of our clients are asking about environmental responsible products. I ran across this blog post from our friends at PCNA and decided to share. Reusable promotional products are crucial tools for delivering an eco-friendly message. This is big - a significant culture shift is taking place. Consumers today, especially millennial's and Gen Z, place a much higher priority on environmental issues - and they are demanding that the companies and organizations they interact with uphold these same values. Fully 92% of consumers have a more positive image of a company when that company supports environmental causes (Forbes). To resonate with these customers who care, organizations are adopting environmentally-friendly policies and practices as a real revenue-driving business strategy, not simply positive PR moves. We're looking at you Patagonia and Unilever. The implications for promotional products are enormous. Products made from recycled materials, like our new Parkland backpacks and duffels which have exteriors made from 100% recycled water bottles, are soaring in popularity and ideal for promoting a pro-environment message. Also, reusable products that can be positioned as swaps for disposable products like plastic bags or paper coffee cups are vital for modern brands. Hands down, one of most asked about new PCNA products at this year's PPAI Expo is Las Vegas was the FinalStraw reusable straw! This infographic demonstrates not only the waste that's eliminated when we switch to reusable products, but also the idea that major institutions see Eco-friendliness as non-negotiable operating strategy. Promotional products that eliminate a reliance on disposable items are ideal for promoting and advancing that strategy. If reading this blog post makes you wonder about more eco-friendly products; no worries we have suppliers to customize your needs- apparel, playing cards, custom wood products, seed papers, bags, drinkware, plastics (yes plastics, ask us how), paper products, journal, ink, pens.....as you can see the list is extensive. Let us share some ideas with you.

There's a reason our tagline is a place where ideas get results- we don't sell products, we provide marketing strategies that utilize the proven "power" of branded advertising. As a marketing vehicle tangible products stick around, but WHY? Using tangible products is an effective way to brand, but if the imprint is not a blob! An "unreadable" imprint will put your product in the trash bin regardless of the quality, usefulness or appearance. Our company invests in our clients behind the scenes, with a team of expert professionals. This year we will be weaving in some of the "behind the scenes" stories into our blog that showcase why we are a "go to partner" for brand management. Internally we offer graphic design services. While many imprints only require resizing your logo or suggesting how much content will fit well in the imprint area; some projects require more expertise. There are times when we need to suggest subtle changes to a logo that will not damage the brand standard, but will insure a proper imprint of the logo. Challenge: A new client had a logo that was not going to reduce well in small imprint area. Elements of the logo would either fill in with ink becoming a “blob” during printing or run together with other elements of the design creating an even larger "blob". Solution: We suggested to the client we thicken some lines in their logo, reduce the number of fine lines in an area that would not be missed by the recipient and to slightly open up the spacing in an arch to slightly increase the detail in that area. In a side by side comparison of the logo, the modifications were so slight to the eye that the changes did not make noticeable difference to the logo. However, the changes had a huge impact in the print quality on the power bank. Because we have in-house graphics we were able explain our concerns with visuals , provide options prior to ordering, making the client more comfortable with the order process- ending with a happy client and no blobs! Craving more success stories? Make sure to keep following the blog!

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.