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Focus on what you can do, not what you can't do- after-all it worked for the ant & the rubber tree plant; right? We enjoy collaborating with our clients. Our discussions are not just about projects, but about what grows & sustains our business and sometimes what feeds our souls. In May we officially kick-off 14 years in business. What insights have we learned along our journey? Embrace learning something new. Always invest in your professional development. For example, have you tried using video? What's the worst that can happen? Start small- maybe instead of posting for the world to see, you make some short videos about new products or services you can share with your trusted connections or customers. Your YouTube channel does not have to be public, ours isn't. Learn from losses. Business owners are hard on themselves, often wasting time pondering why there was not a connection with a prospect. Usually, the question goes unanswered, but revisiting your core frequently matters. Staying focused on your value proposition is critical. Focus efforts on the types of client that brings referrals and raving fans- that's your value. Maybe it's time to survey your client base to affirm what makes them loyal. Pace your expanded services. Once your company is able to accomplish your core business with proficiency & ease, you're ready to layer in new products or services. Listen to your client base, their trust and confidence is usually the reason they are asking you to partner on a new venture. Congratulations, you're ready for the next step. Don't trash competitors, it does not speak well of your industry. Competitors can be allies. Establish trust and relationships among your industry partners to outsource products or services not in your wheelhouse; which frees up time to go after new markets and focus efforts on the areas where you excel. Besides every industry benefits from providers of all shapes & sizes to satisfy the preferences of consumers. The goal is to identify and target your ideal client; not your competitors. Ask for introductions. The answer is always no if you don't ask. What's the worst that can happen- inaction? That was already the result. Sharing our insights, highs and lows in growing our business is always part of the collaborative process with our clients. Follow more about our collaborative process in these blog posts.

Since Promotional Partners opened our doors in 2007, we have been community focused- meaning we volunteer, we sponsor, we mentor, we give of our talents & resources by serving on various boards & committees and we give seek out ways to make an impact in the communities that support us! In 2020, we decided to create an "annual give"- not at the exclusion of the areas we already support but an extra way to put a spotlight on local organizations, doing great work within our communities. Perhaps some organizations you don't know, but we think you should know. Since Olivia started in education, many of our community investments have been around youth. Over the years, we have stepped up to leadership positions in the community 25+ times, sponsored over 30 different organizations - most for years, mentored 18 students, and shared our expertise as a speaker/panelist 15 times because we are committed to paying it forward. During 2021, we have already supported the Apex Cougar Club, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Apex Police Torch Run, Children's Flight of Hope, NC Fire Safety Council, St Jude's and all year long....we are working to support The Poe Center! How much do you know about the work of The Poe Center? Learn more here. How easy it is to give back to Poe? A no-brainer! Watch here. Why support your local community? It's pretty simple- big problems become small when we work together to solve challenges. Strangers become neighbors, colleagues & friends. Besides, working together connects us emotionally and the outcome of our efforts leaves a mark on future generations. Like a storybook- we all want to live happily ever after right? If you follow our hashtag, #YourStoryOurWhy, yes, you'll see marketing campaigns unfold. However, keep in mind that marketing relies on connecting people to messages. By supporting our local communities your story becomes our story. Businesses provide the goods & services that our communities need, so working as partners we sustain & grow thriving communities. Thanks to individuals working with us in 2020- we were able to continue in business. Will you help us make a difference this year? Ask for products that Give Back to Poe!

You've likely heard the advice to save time, touch a basic task once. Businesses of every industry move at a rapid pace, so what types of products can free up more time in your workday? Custom Labels are the perfect solution for small business owners, event planners, and sticker enthusiasts as a promote unity and highlight a cause with a simple, eye catching and low cost marketing tool. For many, deciding whether to use label sheets or rolls can be difficult, so let's break it down. Custom Labels on Sheets Custom labels on sheets are printed on label paper. They're available in dozens of size and shape configurations making them the perfect solution for spirit sheets for non profits or in education settings. There are different choices for materials, including white matte, weatherproof, brown kraft, and clear. Printed sheets are a great option for shorter label runs, and testing out a new design. We can also do singles- perfect for community events and a hit with First Responders. Custom Labels on Rolls If you're looking for a labeling solution that's more cost-effective at a higher quantity, you may want to consider custom labels on rolls. Custom roll labels are also available in dozens of configurations. Finish labels with with a protective gloss or matte laminate for an extra layer of protection and durability. Ask for us to break up larger jobs into smaller rolls to make them easier to carry. Consider asking for perforated sheets to make it easier to tear off and distribute stickers to be applied later There are different types of adhesion based on the surface and elements where stickers will be used and applied. Custom stickers and labels are an inexpensive way to address envelopes, mark charts, apply rules/alerts to consumers, increase visibility for your message and have fun. Our design team can make the customization process simple. Labels and stickers are still product with a quick turnaround.

A lot has changed over the past year-and-a-half. Working remotely became a way of life – and even when people weren’t on the clock, they were still spending more free time at home. It all created interest in products that make our homes more comfortable, which is why we’re so excited to expand our housewares with collection with the introduction of a new brand partner: Good & Well Supply Co. Good Smells Done Well Good & Well Supply Co. crafts candles that celebrate nature, using the business to advocate for and support public lands through donations. The Good & Well Supply Co. mission is to bring the best of nature to your home, and we’ve got three new candles that do so – just in time for gift season. Made in the United States and inspired by national parks, each one is ethically sourced and handcrafted from all-natural soy. Great For Gifting And just in time for gift season, we’re excited to introduce three new Good & Well Supply Co. candles – with plans for more in the future! Each one is eco-friendly, ethically sourced and hand-crafted from all-natural soy. They’re made in the USA and inspired by U.S. National Parks, making them the perfect gift for anyone who loves the smell of fresh air. Zion National Park 14oz Candle | 6000-06 Inspired by Zion National Park, the scent is composed of desert lavender, sage and dried herbs. Rainier National Park 14oz Candle | 6000-05 Inspired by Rainier National Park, the scent is composed of balsam fir needle, balsamic woody crushed pine needles and citrus. Redwood National Park 14oz Candle | 6000-04 Inspired by Redwood National Park, the scent is composed of oakmoss, sage, citrus and damp earth. Like we mentioned, Good & Well Supply Co. supports the public lands that are the company’s inspiration, making annual donations to the National Park Foundation and others. So it’s more than a thoughtful gift – it’s one you can feel good about giving, too.

QR codes offer a way for your audience to gain access to valuable information without much effort. Content is king and in a rapidly changing environment your ability to pivot is easy with the configuration of lines and dots that make up a scannable shortcut - a map to any destination. You know this adaptable symbol as a QR code! There are numerous applications and mediums that are basically made for QR codes; read on to learn! Ready to incorporate QR Codes into your marketing strategy? Reach out to us!

Sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a new way of doing business. People everywhere have made it their responsibility to become greener consumers, and many companies are answering the challenge by offering more environmentally friendly products. CamelBak® is one company taking huge strides to shrink its carbon footprint, in part by making all its plastic water bottles with Tritan™ Renew, an eco-friendly material composed of 50% recycled content. Here’s why it’s such a game-changer. A Better Life For Old Plastics Much of what gets recycled ends up in landfills and incinerators or is mechanically chipped and recycled into new products that don’t always have the durability needed for daily use. There is science in the solution. Polyester Renewal Technology (PRT) is more efficient than mechanical recycling and produces new material made with 50% recycled content. Less virgin plastic needed for new products means saving precious environmental resources. Tritan™ Renew is highly durable, dishwasher-safe, and free of BPA, BPS and BPF chemicals. Reusable Bottles Made Better The science behind the process is fascinating. Here’s how it works: First, polyester waste plastics are collected for recycling. They’re then broken down into monomer building blocks, creating new copolyester plastic. Next, bottles are made with recycled material, creating less demand for finite resources, like virgin petroleum. You still get the same awesome product, but with less impact on the environment. It’s a win-win.

It’s an exciting time of year. Big events are back, which means the return of tradeshows, conferences, year-end employee awards and holiday celebrations, just to name a few. The coming months are filled with gift opportunities, and whether you’re buying for a big group or a small handful of people, you’ll want to choose something everyone can use – like power banks, speakers and earbuds. Popular tech items check all the boxes, and we’ve got some of the best brands in the industry. When it comes to tech accessories, a popular retail brand strongly enhances the perceived value. Here are four brands to focus on this gift season: mophie® - Designed To Power Inspiration The mophie® suite of portable power products, charging is simplified & designed to complement your life. An in-house design team selects materials that have the right combination of aesthetics and durability. Materials are vetted for durability as well as high-quality looks. Not only will mophie® products charge your phone fast, they’ll look good doing it and last for many more charges to come. Our pick: mophie® Power Boost XL 10,400 mAh Power Bank Bose® - Audio For Life When you think about high-end audio, one name comes to mind: Bose®. The brand is known around the world for being an innovator of sound technology. Whether it’s used for rugged adventures or backyard BBQs, a Bose® speaker delivers unbeatable sound quality and durability that stands the test of time. This year, give the gift of superior sound. Our pick: Bose® SoundLink Micro Bluetooth® Speaker Skullcandy® - Sound Without Boundaries There’s no doubt about it – Skullcandy® has been making some noise in the promo industry. The mobile-audio brand has carved out a niche as an edgy alternative for headphones and earbuds, combining a youthful spirit and underdog attitude. Skullcandy® products are designed for people who don’t want to just hear the music, but actually feel it. And with our selection of 18 great Skullcandy® products, there’s something for everyone on your list. Our pick: Skullcandy® Indy™ Evo True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Popl - Instantly Share Anything You only get one first impression. Make it pop with Popl, a business card that makes it easy to share your information instantly by tapping another person’s phone. Popl is compatible with both iPhone® and Android™, and the other person doesn’t need to have a Popl or app to receive your info. More connections, more leads, more sales. It’s the future of networking. Miss our recent post about this product? Need more inspiration for gifting? Check out these electronic catalogs or set up time to visit the showroom. Holiday Guide Allure of Retail Brands Eco & Sustainable Solutions- Making a difference for the planet By the way, what's your favorite retail brand?

Do you recall making a paper weaving in school? The papers lock together by threading the horizontal strips of paper through every other vertical strip, using an over-under repeating pattern. Modern machinery makes weaving cloth seem "effortless." Fabric has an allure. Consumers are drawn into various textures, colors, patterns and weaves. However the foundation of fabric is practical- providing us items to wear for protection against the elements or to make our day or night more comfortable. Connecting with consumers within their daily routine is truly the essence of strong promotional campaign. When a marketing campaign fits like a glove to your target markets, the product transcends advertising, becoming-excuse the pun- part of the fabric of your life. At our recent show we share one of our favorite textile partners. Keep in mind many items are also USA Made! What types of products do they offer for your next campaign? Socks! Woven, fuzzy grippers for healthcare settings or home, work socks, athletics socks, fundraisers- fun runs and team building. Shoe tags or zipper pulls- add a unique way to showcase a sponsor, commemorative event or VIP with these colorful editions to outerwear and shoes. Patches- of course for identification on uniforms, but also for spirit, collectibles, recognition and unity. Gloves- Gloves protect our hands from the elements, can be colorful to show spirit or add additional function by allowing us to access our smart devices without having to remove our gloves. Instant Images and Patches- peel & stick to apparel for an instant team or add to hard goods for a permanent branded image. Add these to a post card for a pre show mailer or alumni connection. An adaptable item that's very affordable. Beanies- a gift that fits everyone! What additional items should you consider- watch this quick video for inspiration.

Do you check your email frequently? How about these stat's: According to a 2018 study by Adobe, individuals born between 1981 and 1996 spent a total of 6.4 hours a day on email. Statista, who tracks marketing data, states there were over four billion email users worldwide in 2020 with over 305 billion emails sent and received globally. Email marketing allows you to easily send a message & communicate with an audience who has opted-in to hear specifically from you, anytime and anywhere. What types of emails can incorporate promotional marketing? Promotional: Outreach to your target market with a new product announcement, a seasonal sale, special offer or exclusive content. Consider offering incentives to win a curated kit with branded items that fit your message. Transactional: If you’re a frequent shopper, using a digital marketplace the order confirmations, e-receipts and updates about your account activity are part of the customer experience. Why not track and reward loyal consumers with gifts? Use tiered levels to each points to redeem branded items or simply add gifts to their orders when shipped or picked up curbside. Drip: Automated responses, as a result of an action the consumer has taken. These types of increase sales by suggesting, if you liked this product, you will love this one. This item completes the set. If you are selling sustainable clothing or hand made products, then a promotional gift that also has a greater good is the perfect place to start for this type of reward. Loyalty Program: Everyone enjoys feeling special, create VIP options with exclusive loyalty programs. Turn key ways to reward could be food gifts on their birthday or anniversary perks. We can apply our industry knowledge to design turn key single items, even personalized, for your signature program series. Change up the items from year to year. Put our graphic & marketing talents to work as your partner, we can design the right program to maximize consumer or employee engagement.

What's the influencer driving consumers? This influencer is more than an "everybody" wants one rumor. There are stats gathered from real consumers, by real research teams that confirms everybody is influenced by- the power of touch. Try this fact- Millennial's make up over a 89.2 million of the US population and they ARE influenced by the power of touch, watch here. The influencer is promotional products in the hands of consumers. It's simple, product campaigns grow brands! Here's a quick run down of the facts: By Recognizing Achievement. Identifying & rewarding your best employees for a job well done. By touching the senses, you are triggering a ‘Thank You’ response, because everyone appreciates being acknowledged. Becoming Remembered. Promotional Products are designed to trigger brand recall, because the products align your brand with your customer’s lifestyle. Interaction inspires future action, creating the advertising results you want, because everyone remembers them. Creating Conversation. Everyone talks about promotional products they enjoy & find useful. We can help you cut through the clutter and make a lasting connection with your clients & customers. Get Noticed Increases Brand Awareness. Everyone keeps quality, useful, attractive promotional products. We can help you create personalized brand experiences that stand the test of time. Energize Your Business. Certified professionals can save you time and money, because we have both the experience and expertise to design campaigns with products that produce results! In fact, our Promotional Partners team won a Pyramid Award for our work designing the logos & producing the products decorated with the the trademarked phrase, The Peak of Good Living. This popular Town of Apex Peak Promo Store, elevates their brand and offers enthusiast's a way to secure their own Peak of Good Living gear. So, the rumors are true. Everyone asks for promotional products, which helps you reach your target audience in a way that no other advertising medium can touch. Our award winning, certified team puts our collaborative & creative approach to work for your brand. By touching & comparing options in our showroom, brainstorming with our talented team and utilizing our in- house graphic team, our clients save save time & money. Eager to learn more about the power of touch? Take a look at this video Keep an eye on our social media leading up to Promotional Products WORK Day- October 20, 2021!

Creating an advantage is often associated with the term "a leg up." Getting a leg up on your competition might be as simple as focusing your purchasing choices for apparel around sustainability. We recently found a blog post from an industry partner that concisely captured how sustainability is changing fashion. Let's take a look at the article: There are two main pillars of sustainability, ecological responsibility and social responsibility. On the ecological leg, clothing is made from renewable materials or manufactured in conditions that preserve natural resources. On the social leg, sustainable clothing is manufactured under fair labor conditions, including paying workers living wages and not employing sweatshops or slavery practices. When it comes to promotional apparel, the majority of available options fall into the middle part of the sustainability spectrum. When helping your customers choose sustainable uniforms or promotional clothing items, look for the following things: What materials are the items made of? Synthetic fibers like polyester can take over 200 years to break down naturally. Look for fibers like linen, hemp, or Tencel™. Organic cotton is another good option; but keep in mind that cotton is very water-intensive, making it less sustainable than some other options. Where are the items manufactured? Different countries have different labor laws, so locating where your items were made is a reliable way to determine how socially responsible their manufacturing processes are. Look for countries of origin that have stricter labor laws and higher wages where possible. Does the company have any green certifications? Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Global Recycled Standard, GoodWeave, or Certified B Corporations that indicate a neutral third party has reviewed the company for its sustainability practices. How easy is locating the above information? Transparency is essential to sustainability. If you’re having trouble finding information about a brand’s labor or environmental practices, consider why that might be. Determining what products are and aren’t sustainable can seem overwhelming but know that every step in the right direction is just that – a step in the right direction. No one brand is perfectly sustainable, and it’s not realistic or reasonable to expect perfection. However, choosing items that satisfy some sustainability qualities is better than choosing products that have none, and every effort made to strive for sustainability makes a difference. How do you feel about sustainable efforts in your apparel? Let us know in the comments! *Source: Caitlin Flynt Marketing Coordinator at our industry partner SAGE

Support For Ukrainian Refugees- we have a number of partners offering proceeds from your orders to humanitarian efforts overseas. Our partner PCNA will donate up to 1% of March sales revenue to assist with humanitarian relief efforts benefiting Ukrainian refugees in Poland, where their European counterpart, PF Concept, has operations. In addition to financial support, PF Concept continues to donate products such as blankets, clothing and power banks for those in need. Around the world, the situation in Ukraine has united people who want to help. Together, we have an opportunity to make a difference. Ask us to share products from this line that will align with your marketing needs.