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“The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: Me too.” - Brene Brown Mental health issues have been behind the most disturbing stories we see featured in media, from the roots of addiction to unthinkable acts. Mental health however is not about front page stories, in the workplace & home, issues usually center around anxiety and depressions. The ability to provide a trusting, supportive culture within the workplace is the key to identifying ways to help manage stress among your team. April is National Stress Month, and while most of us work in teams- stress begins with self imposed rules or expectations in the workplace. In fact, we mold our behaviors based on the actions and reactions of others within the workplace. Common workplace stress revolves around work overload, a lack of support from managers, poor relationships with colleagues and unclear expectations. Similarly behavioral cues hint at stress-feeling too busy to take time off, working long hours or struggling to prioritize or focus on tasks. Everyone experiences life differently and faces different challenges. That why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting mental health. What are some easy ways to be part of creating positive impact in the workplace. I stumbled on these tips to reduce stress that you can implement yourself. Work in 90-minute increments, then taking a 20-minute break. Read more. Whether you reach for a book or a magazine, reading helps rewire how your brain works, plus you collect new ideas! Let the screens go dark at dinner. Enjoy the food or the company of those around you. Attentive eating can also help you balance your food intake. Exercise. Getting up and moving every day brings a host of health benefits. including increases your heart rate, which pumps more oxygen into the brain. This helps release hormones that allow for the growth of brain cells. You don’t have to run a 5K—just do something every day to move. Balance on one leg. Another small way to improve your life is to work on your balance. Balance becomes increasingly important as we age, and it’s something that is easily overlooked until an accident or injury occurs. Standing on one leg while you brush your teeth or wait in line. It doesn’t require a huge time commitment or much effort, but it can help you over time. Spend a few quiet moments alone. Slowing down for a few minutes also activates neural pathways to release feel-good hormones like melatonin, serotonin and oxytocin- besides I read it preserves your brain power as you age. How does our team destress? Keith likes to play games, Miranda likes to shop, Arien likes to craft and Olivia likes movies! What's your favorite way to reduce stress?

It’s no secret that the younger generation is full of creative, expressive, and eccentric individuals. More than ever before, we’re seeing a surge of tech-savvy, open-minded, and independent youth storm social media and build a name for themselves. Stickers have a huge play in this, and are often an accessory used by Gen Z’ers to extend their personality, and call attention to their passions and interests. Today, we’re taking a dive into why exactly this generation is sticker crazy, and how they’re leveraging stickers in their day-to-day lives! Turning blank objects into a vessel of self-expression Nothing is quite as satisfying as taking a simple object, like a Hydro Flask, notebook, or laptop case, and creating a stickerbomb’d masterpiece. Self-expression has proven to be very important to Gen Z, and stickers are a fun way to accomplish that. Your everyday possessions are a canvas, waiting to be decorated and adorned by you. Showcasing visual art and talent From painting and sketching to photography and illustration, a huge variety of visual art forms can translate beautifully as stickers. Many talented artists have used stickers as a means of getting their artwork out into the physical world and being seen. After all, 51% of Gen Z agrees that they’re more creative than their previous generation! Stickers can be thought of as a sticky portfolio of your work, allowing you to take your art with you anywhere you go. Use them as a conversation piece, and a means of making new friends and fans! Promoting side hustle and hobbies Gen Z makes up more than 40% of U.S. consumers. Digital platforms like TikTok, Etsy, and Instagram have opened a world of possibilities for the younger generation to channel their tech-savviness into business ventures and side hustles. Building brand awareness becomes that much easier with stickers. For example, business logo stickers can be given out as a gift with purchase, allowing customers to place the sticker anywhere they'd like, where it will continue to build a branding presence for years to come! No matter how you express your brand, the possibilities with stickers are endless!

There is something special about an empty journal; it's the possibilities. We've been talking a lot in our last few blog posts about the power of wonder and artistry. For many the blank page is daunting. Write or draw what? For our creative team, the blank page represents - possibility. Before you can craft an award-winning campaign you need the WRITE ideas, which often means the right partner. A journal allows you to explore ideas and keep a record of your progress. It doesn't matter if the only Dear your communicating with in a journal is yourself. A journal's purpose is to reflect and record. Perhaps that's why journals continue to be such a popular product in marketing. Since a journal is bound paper, with a spine or spiral, it's simple to insert: Ruled or graph paper Calendars with the bonus of tools to schedule or prioritize your day Custom pages that include strong visuals, maps, or reference materials How about SmartPicx technology? Premium Sketch paper- for those that think in pictures, love to doodle, or just love the feel of a thick piece of paper in the hand Puzzles, games, color me images to reduce stress Bookmarks, writing instruments, pockets and other value add accessories Eco-friendly? Of course! In fact, we have journals that give back 1% For The Planet! Don't limit the potential of your imagination with a journal that does not fit your needs. Selecting the numbers of pages, cover materials and method of decoration can be an important part of the journey to wonder. We love putting our imaginations to work to create kits- simple, low cost, high impact inserts with a journal- a pencil, bookmark and lip balm. Don't forget to have those kitted and shipped for you. Presentation matters. Ready to WRITE a brand story? * Fun fact, we have over 13 pages of posts with reference to the keyword- CUSTOM!

Spring is a tricky time of year. Depending on where you live, the transition from winter chill to warmer temperatures can be incredibly unpredictable. Some flurries, a downpour, maybe just a cool breeze - anything's possible. So it makes sense that Mother Nature's ups and downs during spring would make choosing the right jacket a challenge. There are plenty of options and features to consider and it can be a little overwhelming. To make your life easier, we've identified five key things to look for and think about as you choose a jacket that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable - regardless of how crazy the weather gets. Let's go... 1. Protection From The Elements Spring showers are the real deal and usually arrive without much notice. If water protection is a priority, you'll definitely need to know these terms and look for a jacket with these features: Critical seam sealed On these pieces, the most exposed seams like the shoulders, back, and front are waterproofed to keep you dry. Fully seam sealed These jackets have 100% waterproof seams throughout the entire jacket for maximum rain protection. Waterproof breathable membrane This additional layer is bonded to the outside jacket material. It blocks water, while still allowing moisture to escape from the body. Water repellent finish This is a coating added to jacket fabrics to make them water-resistant. 2. Convenience Features These items make your life easier and make your jacket more fun to wear. Here are a few of our favorites: Detachable or roll-away hoods Want a hood only when you need it? Look for a jacket with a hood that can be removed or hidden in the jacket collar. Packability Be prepared if the weather gets ugly. Grab a lightweight jacket that packs away into a pocket that forms a pouch. Toss it in your bag or trunk, and you're good to go. Media Pockets These hidden phone pockets give you access to your music while you're on the move. 3. Style What look are you going for - professional, casual or somewhere in between? Regardless, there's a jacket for you. The Oracle Softshell delivers a professional, sophisticated look and scores major style points with on-trend graphic camo patterned interior. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Roots73 Hargrave Jacket, a laid-back casual jacket with a classic varsity style. Need something versatile that's ready for both 9-5 and 5-9? The Vernon Softshell's clean lines are refined enough for the office but also look right at home while grabbing drinks after work or running weekend errands. 4. Breathability This one's big - just ask anyone who's worn a jacket that doesn't "breathe." They'll tell you firsthand that it feels like wearing a garbage bag on a warm day. For ultimate comfort, look for a jacket that features the breathable membrane we mentioned earlier. The key to how membranes can be both waterproof and breathable lies in the fact that water in the shape of a raindrop is thousands of times larger than water in sweat-vapor form. Micropores in your jacket's membrane or coating are large enough for sweat vapor to escape but too small for the rain to get through. Strategically placed venting also increases airflow to keep you comfortable. Look for this on lightweight packable jackets. 5. Weight This one comes down to personal preference and Mother Nature. What do you want your jacket to feel like? Are you looking for a more substantial softshell with a three-layer, bonded-fabric construction like the new Bergamo Softshell, or is an ultra-lightweight, packable jacket like the Egmont Jacket a better option? A hybrid knit like the Panorama has the best of both worlds - the warmth and protection of a softshell with the mobility and comfort of an active knit. Ready to begin your quest for the perfect jacket? You have a lot of options when choosing a spring jacket and the weather-related variables definitely add some challenges. We have many of these new styles in the showroom. If you're still not sure about the value of a branded jacket for employees, clients or fundraising, consider this: 67% of consumers own a branded jacket, and that jacket generates 6,100 impressions over an average life of 16 months- making a $20 jacket only 3/10 of a cent! How's that CPI? ( cost per impression)

Generating a buzz and keeping in the forefront of your markets, without pushing products is a balance in marketing brands. A brand identity relies on loyalist, which is rooted in commonalities. The more our values and needs are aligned, the experience benefits both the consumer and the business. Creating a cohesive experience, among a group of related businesses will help define the story to the target market. Today is National Mom & Pop Business Day and while Olivia and Keith will be working today, they'd like to share some insight into what they've learned about owning a small business! 2020 put a spotlight on the term, shop local, with an urgency to save main street businesses. Consumers found their neighbors struggling for sales and basic needs. Every thriving downtown, aka the main street sector, has a vibe and numerous commonalities. Besides being independent businesses, not usually associated with franchise assistance- each of those businesses is then responsible for their brand identity. Connecting circles and unifying information doesn't have to be a daunting task. Start simple, with goals you can manage and don't overcomplicate the process. Set goals you can manage Limit your number of posts per week Established patterns for posts Consider populating your calendar with monthly reminders for how your brand gives back, has evolved ( throwback days) and behind-the-scenes stories are popular. Use a management system to track your progress, including programmed posts. Vary your message delivery- use polls, trivia questions or use video If you are part of a collective group such as the main street, determine how you are similar and develop stories around that content. Never underestimate the power of a list. Make a list of unifying factors, that will easily cross-promote your stories and increase new followers to your business by getting to know your neighbor's customer base too. Consider this example, April is National Volunteer Month. By sharing the total hours each of your businesses spends volunteering, serving, or sponsoring local organizations in your community is a powerful story. Woven together, if your main street businesses collectively give back 10,000 into local community organizations, lend 250 hours a month to local organizations a volunteer, supports 20 different groups as a volunteer, then you've put a face to the phrase shop local. Similarly, highlighting the number of accolades earned by local businesses suggests to individuals unfamiliar with your district, that collectively you represent a thriving location, with something special to offer. Creating the call to action, come check us out. How about the economic impact- highlight the total number of jobs created by businesses in your district. Enhance the impact of your message by repeating stats throughout your signage within the downtown area. Visual communications are an excellent tool for layering your message, making impressions count, and reinforcing the value of your local businesses. Looking for more small business tips? You’re in luck- we’ve shared over 5 pages of posts using the keywords- small business.

Aren't we ready for a thaw? A little kindness melts the heart and after many brutally cold days or dreary skies in January & February we could use some self care. Yes, we can spread kindness. Warm the heart with small gifts of appreciation to others in our community. March 30 is National Doctor's Day, Volunteer Appreciation Week starts April 18 and May 6 starts National Nurses Week. A kind, thoughtful gift, that pampers & protects our skin is both a popular and low cost option for all of these national dates. Lip balm, lotion and soothing sticks are great for individuals wearing masks for long periods of time. Creating custom curated kits or simple collections to layer into a gift basket is all part of our service. Besides lip balm makes a great mailer, since it won't melt until 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind, when it comes to skin care, it's not just about pampering. Safety and quality are also concerns for consumers. Our partners have the experience and reputation you can trust. Besides selling to your favorite retail outlets, they partner with us for your branding campaigns. FDA registered partners, of course. Certified to manufacture USDA organic products? You bet. How about being a Certified B Corporation, which the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and social and environmental performance. Not a problem Choices? Absolutely there, are so many favorites or ask for a custom flavor. Pamper your sense of touch and smell with premium blends made from Beeswax, Aloe Vera, Coco Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojba Oil and Sunflower Oil. What makes these blends premium choices? Learn more here. In fact we offer mineral free sunscreen, which is the perfect way to save your skin from cancerous rays and premature aging- learn more in this post. We're always excited to infuse our graphic talents into your projects. Skin care products offer personal care messaging, demonstrate a kind heart and the full color digital labels make sure your brand message is "spot on" for consistency. Looking for a twist? As us about options with glow in the dark , our new chrome or matte labels; even double wrap labels as an economical way to make a smooth introduction.

Clearly, for this guy, the box is a seat. Surely in grade school, you used a shoebox to make a diorama. Transforming an average container into a story by capturing the essence of a moment within the walls of a box. The diorama became a three-dimensional house for the story or message you wanted to convey. A savvy marketer realizes that every part of the consumer experience tells their brand story. The story of your brand starts as soon as your consumer sees the box- does the appearance make them want to open it? Sure a box is just a container, but the walls don't have to be boring. Adding words, images and color will transform an ordinary box into a three-dimensional story. You got your consumer to open the box by adding intrigue to the packaging, but once they open the box, what's next? Touch is an important part of the sensory experience. The quality and construction of the box matter, as well as the contents inside. Do your box and the contents invite touch? Creating a cohesive marketing plan is about the ability to elevate a story to a moment of wonder for the consumer- generating a desire to engage and eliciting a response that causes a consumer to take action. Marketing starts when "this guy" doesn't see the box as merely a convenient seat. Getting a seat at the table to talk about your brand, often starts with a box. We thrive on creating WONDERful moments.

Every line starts with a dot, when the writing instrument makes contact with a surface- it's the creative point. Once the point starts to move, it becomes a line and the line can move in any direction becoming a random- irregular shape when the points meet or forming a shape we recognize like a letter, symbol, or geometric shape. Those shapes either transform letters into words or shapes into images that create pictures-but both tell stories. We love how the simplest tools can become powerful messengers in the right hands. We have hundreds of pencils on our website. Everything from scented, to recycled, to glow in the dark, to color changing, to those associated with sports or work- like golf card scoring pencils and carpenter's pencils. However, a pencil can be part of a strong marketing campaign. Like what? May we pencil in a consultation.... Record this date for... Get the lead out of..... Let's draw up.... Cross the line and...... Use this to mark...... Fill out..... Pencils are also easy to mail and a simple way to start a dialogue, some common ground to draw a parallel between your product or service, so your ideal consumer can connect the dots.

A bookmark! Sure, a bookmark can merely be seen as a thin object used to mark a place in a book or a shortcut to locations you visit frequently on your computer. However, if those are the only possible outcomes you see for its purpose; you're overlooking some possibilities. Since a bookmark is made from materials like plastic, paper, and leather- those raw materials can be formed into unique shapes. In most cases, these options can be USA Made, so stock is not an issue and the surface- has so many ways to inspire. When you're looking for a low-cost way to connect your message to consumers- take a second glance at the bookmark. A bookmark with sticky flags- is useful to anyone that frequently needs to mark pages for reference to signatures or access to specific information. A business offering services to a college student can suggest their sticking with that student, while a closing attorney might appreciate a partner that makes their life easy- like quick access with sticky flags. A book made of wood that addresses sustainability and forestry issues by planting a tree with your order is a perfect medium to convey your company's focus on the environment and the greater good. Do you have an innovative new product, that solves a challenge that merely needed a new perspective? A bookmark that can also be stored on a pen serves a dual purpose and increases the strength of your message. Are your consumers part of the senior community or like many of us suffering from eye strain and screen fatigue? Do you have a service or product to magnify around eye-care? Is your message unique? Maybe a school that needs an instructional tool for reference, tips on where to find municipality information, maybe a snapshot of the parks to enjoy in your area, or local restaurants with take-out or upcoming events? Custom books can have anything added to them- images, words, and QR codes always create a way to reduce the clutter but add more value to a simple, low-cost marketing tool like a bookmark. By the way, did you bookmark our blog as a reference and resource to better marketing campaigns?

Besides our punny side suggests you can always "bag more", by incorporating a smart-looking bag into your advertising and marketing campaigns. There are 2 key drivers for the demand in bags. Both key factors share an environmental connection. Eliminating waste, combined with bans on plastic and paper bags has increased sales in this category as well as a shift to purchase trendy, retail-inspired details & fabrics. Even among your commodity priced bags, often referred to as grocery totes, we are seeing higher quality materials, greater attention to detail and unique construction. Popular options we stock in our showroom for comparison include environmentally friendly solutions such as organic cotton, jute, and bags made from recycled plastic water bottles. We’ve seen an increased demand for the ability to add full-color imagery to that extra-large imprint area associated with bags, including edge-to-edge full sublimation. Your brand identity shapes the choices we suggest for your campaign. Defining the user of your bag promotion is critical. Imagine a consumer sitting at the table with you when making product selections; what features will connect with that market? Our showroom and collaborative style make it easy to compare options and reach a decision without tons of emails! Bags are more than a place for storage or utility to the consumer, which makes them a go to item when crafting your yearly marketing campaigns. Check out these compelling stat's from our partner at ASI. (Advertising Specialty Institute International) A $5.00 bag will generate over 3,300 impressions over it's average life span of 11 months, which means that your cost to advertise is less than 2/10 of a penny per impression. That's an economical cost per impression or CPI, making bags a smart return on your investment; even smarter as an Eco Solution that gives back to global efforts!

There is no doubt 2020 has changed the way we live. During this pandemic, people everywhere are shifting focus to the things that matter most, like our health and an appreciation for our basic needs. Spring has the ability to capture the story of innocence, rebirth, and rejuvenation by bringing color back to our landscape. April 22 is Earth Day, but efforts to protect the planet are a 365-day focus. We've only got one planet and the fight against climate change has become a conversation that's greater than one day. What are some easy ways to change behavior? Reduce plastic waste with easy product swaps like reusable drinkware, straws, and recycled material products. Responding to the focus and demand for sustainable & environmental solutions, we've added numerous Eco products to our website and in our showroom. We've partnered with suppliers supporting organizations like: 1% For The Planet The Ocean Clean Up Project OneTreePlanted Organizations like these highlighted increase the impact and value of your purchase. In fact, we've dedicated an entire section of our blog to Eco stories. "The Earth is what we all have in common.” —Wendell Berry

We love stories about small teams making a big impact in their industry. Bonus points for woman-owned and creative pursuits. Making their home in Pittsburgh, PA, Moop Shop is a small, female-owned, ethically manufactured brand that designs and manufactures canvas and waxed canvas bags in their downtown storefront. Fourteen years of bag designing and building experience has given them a global reputation within the maker brand category for quality and ethics in manufacturing. Moop Shop is a small team, making bags start to finish every workday. The pandemic year led them to develop a line of wholesale-only premium canvas tote bags. Available in three sizes and intended for embellishment. By printing your logo onto a Moop Tote Blank you are signaling your support for small, female-owned, ethically manufactured businesses. These bags are highly customizable via screen printing, embroidery, and logo patches, as well as 31 custom colorways. Cut and sewn in the US also means lead times are quicker, quality is trusted and jobs are being created. Search Moop bags on our website, this market bag is perfect for scooping up all the local deals in your neighborhood.