A great title, like a movie teaser draws us into a story, leaving us wanting more... so what if there was one clue that would be a super power in surpassing your rival? Spoiler alert, there's not. However, over the years I have met some amazing super women. Captains of their industries; forces of nature- unstoppable and unforgettable. It's obvious when you are around them, here's a champion. I enjoy hovering at thirty-thousand feet, surveying the landscape because it shows possibility. It's a puzzle. Identifying and locating the final piece for the perfect fit. Life's part of a series of smaller choices that are punctuated by impactful moments like completing the perimeter of a puzzle. There's as much to learn from powerful set backs, as easily as finding that missing piece. When you approach life without boundaries, the choices are abundant, but it means the stakes are even higher. Anything. ANY THING is possible. Last week an engaging title compelled me to read more, "7 Pieces of Bad Career Advice Women Should Ignore" - I mean come on, you gotta look if you're a woman, so I did. Advice is like gossip, we cling to what we like and discard what we don't find useful. The first tip resonated with me. Don't find a mentor or find a champion. Mentors sit beside you, they coach- they cheer, while champions create moments from opportunities and expect YOU to be ready. A champion is someone you can trust. They are a busy person, who sees value in what YOU have to offer and is willing to extend their time and their reputation to advance YOUR career. Champions are purposeful people that don't waste time, easily identify talent and don't shy away from candid discussions about what's to be learned from their failures or successes. Where can you find a champion? In my experiences, through service. Champions have causes they care about and make sure those organizations thrive because they've chosen to invest their time, talent and energy. Why do you need a champion? Champions have navigated waters and aren't asking for anything in return. Through champions, I have learned that identifying target markets, means exploring the details of your business. Consumers want to know exactly how businesses differ from their competitors, when they appear to offer the same goods or services- the value proposition. An ability to profile your markets with your benefits is the difference between reducing transactional business and developing stronger relationship based business.

What's personal? Our relationship with you!! Sure, we e-mail & share digital materials with our clients, that's part of the modern workplace, but the relationships we form with our clients exist beyond a screen. We like to step away from the desk. The phrase "as plain as the nose on your face" applies to business challenges in any era. What seems obvious may be less so to your prospective consumers, despite your efforts. In 2022, our company will be 15 years old! Currently our business has a presence on 3 social media platforms to share our personality & engagement in the community. We have this blog to share expertise and we launched our current website platform in late 2019. We post. We tweak. We hope we convey our relationship advantages on our website but in case we missed the mark, we want you to know this about us! We Are Local We employ local people. We have around 2000 square feet of showroom space to collaborate in person & compare options with expert, certified, individuals. Yes, some products are hand-made or decorated in the triangle. We have NC partners, diversity partners, and global partners as part of our team because your brand deserves robust choices. Who's 100% local? Our collective, experienced an award-winning brand prowess, and design team. We appreciate being a trusted partner. We Are Community Invested We invest in the local community. Not only does it feel right to be part of the fabric of your community & work together to face challenges, but forming relationships builds stronger communities. The more we know about our neighbors, the more we can connect resources & people to the right program, agency or person. Our website will allow you to submit inquiries but not place your order. Why not? Keep reading! We Are Purposefully Not E-Commerce Enabled Our website is an effective way for us to share some preferred partners by category or campaign, but it's just a resource. It's not the best way to place an order. Why? Our industry has way too many variables that need vetting before an order. We prefer to manage all the aspects of your project so you can relax & focus on tasks that require your talents. Let's break down why our clients don't place orders on our website: We have too many partners to feature them all on our website. Plus, custom options don't exist until we design it to your specifications. Our partners load the product data through our web host - data might not be 100% accurate or some partners provide content that is easier to follow than others. If 2021 has taught us anything, import issues have created a volatile environment. Cost increases due to shipping & container cost, as well as unpredictable inbound stock. You've got important tasks on your desk, let us verify stock and lead time. No need to have you pay online, then be disappointed if your timeline can't be met or stock was not available. We've taken the time to get to know our partners' strengths and offerings. We can quickly determine if there is a similar or different product with a better price, quality or quantity for your project. Our trained eye for graphic design prevents challenges before you place the order. We have relationships with partners. We know which partners care about social & environmental issues or giving back to causes that matter to you. (Another reason to follow our blog!) We love sharing our expertise. Ordering through a website is impersonal. We are personal. We're all about collaboration! By discussing your goals, your objectives, your limitations & your expectations, a well-crafted marketing plan takes shape. We also love extras, like value-add services & options. Like what? We offer special events & client exclusive perks. Our services include: Marketing Services - designing your campaigns & social media assistance Graphic Design Services - developing logos, print materials, signage & display materials that fit your message. Did you know that we've won awards & created licensed designs? Comparing Products - nothing compares to the power of touch. Our showroom is an exclusive opportunity to compare product options, feel the quality, host your group, try on apparel, work with our design team, or build a curated kit. You're planning to invest your marketing dollars into tangible advertising because it works, so doesn't it make sense to make a similar investment in a tangible team? Certified Team of Professionals - each member of our team is certified with a least one industry degree, though some of our team members have multiple! What does that mean for you? Our industry recognizes us as experts who have the knowledge they need to thoroughly understand and navigate the promotional products marketplace while maximizing your profitability and producing campaigns that achieve results. That's a lot of expertise at work for you! What's your next brand challenge? Our passion keeps us here and we hope it leads you to form a relationship with us.

The evolution of a tee shirt is pretty amazing. It's no longer grandpa's undershirt to his workday button down, it's even transcended advertising to become a reflection of our significant moments and statements around where we connect in life. Tees are literally a walking billboard to what matters in our lives. Here are some quick facts about logoed tees*: A logoed tee that costs $7.00 will have a cost per impression of 2/10 of a cent Promotional tees are kept on average for 14 months Over its lifetime, a logoed tee will generate 3,400 impressions 2021 was a typical year for our design team - we designed & produced a variety of tees for all types of purposes: Here's looking back at some our clients' big tee moments! Fundraising Leisure fun - reunions, beach houses, wedding parties, boating School Spirit Commemorative - high school seniors Positivity - essential workers or back to school team goals for staff Growing Non-profits Political Campaigns Employee Branding Sales Team Kick off Promoting Social Change Rewarding Brand Enthusiasts Creating contest Retail Sales Races - walks Festivals Sponsorships Brand Launch - limited edition tees Whatever the message, research leaves no doubt the appeal of tees delivers on brand engagement. What does your collection of tee shirt designs convey about you? Let us know in the comments! * ASI Study

Every year for the past two decades, color authority Pantone has combed the world to assess influences, new behaviors and trends in travel, home décor, music, commerce and more to champion the perfect color to reflect a global culture. Pantone’s insights influence product development and buying decisions across a broad range of industries including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. For the first time in their 21-year practice, Pantone has created a brand new shade. Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri is a vibrant periwinkle blue with violet-red undertones to lead us into 2022. “Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions”, says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Fans of purple can rejoice as this friendly blue hue evokes a carefree confidence and joyful attitude and emboldens uninhibited expression and experimentation. Futuristic in feeling, Very Peri takes on distinct appearances through application to different materials, finishes, and textures, from shiny metallics to soft knits to smooth synthetics. Sure, a primary hue Very Peri is not, but we’re not short of peri-like colored apparel and accessories to update your product assortment. From the tees, tanks and polos that form the foundation of any outfit to the bags, hats and face masks that add that finishing touch, plus added layers of sweatshirts and fleece, you’ve got all the elements you need to incorporate this year’s color in your team’s look. Whether it’s for a bold feature or a subtle accent, be sure to peruse all the purple and blue hues with our partners. Looking for something new, we can partner to produce custom designs & projects for you, bringing your business goals and event promotional product to life. In fact, that's what our showroom is waiting for - you to come by and try out the latest projects for fit & feel! * Source- SanMar Contributor Michelle Pizzuro

Does art need geometry? Sadly, at times yes. That's sad because many creative individuals are not a huge fan of math. However, creating art that's going to be reproduced on paper, fabric, plastic, metal and leather will require some math. Why? We are alluding to the importance of a vectored file. A vectored file is a critical part of your business tool kit. Your logo is the first impression of your business, and that logo needs to be adaptable to any challenge. When we design logos, we also play out how a logo will translate on promotional products. Your design should hold up visually in one color, because a single-color imprint is still the most affordable and requested format for decoration. Besides, a single-color imprint can also be used to etch, deboss or laser an item. The more versatile your logo, the less expense down the road to modify the design for a specific application. We need vectored files- that file that you typically can't open because you lack the software program to open it. When it comes to versatility a vector file is "the boss". Vectored files don't pixelate, instead the file is made up of geometric lines and curves, which means they can be scaled to any size while keeping its shape. Often individuals refer to a vectored file as an AI file because many vectored files are created in Adobe Illustrator. However, Corel is also a vectored based program. Both software packages create amazing art. Your graphics professional can export an ESP file from either to share between vectored programs or save a PDF file to import into the other program. These files are usually part of the brand guide created for you when you finalize the logo and receive all your file formats for printing. The three most common file types for web-based images are .jpeg, .png, and .gif. Here’s a rundown of what makes each one of them different. JPEG – JPEG images are ideal for files with gradients and allow for a smaller file size through compression PNG – PNG images are lossless, so they do not lose quality during editing, support transparency, and tend to be larger than a JPEG GIF – GIF images can maintain a low file size while being able to support animation A few other common file types like .pdf, .psd, and .ai, refer to where the specific file was created. PDF PDF – Incorporates all the elements of a printed document as an image that you can view, print, or send to someone else PSD – Refers to a file created in Adobe Photoshop AI – Refers to a file created in Adobe Illustrator CRD- Refers to a file created in Corel- our company preference. What type of file will you be asked to provide when you're a sponsor that will be included on the tee design for the charity run or the banner that will hang in the stadium? Vectored files! * Bonus fun- How much do you know about our logo? When we started 15 years ago, it looked very different than it does today. How did we borrow from the original to adapt to our current logo? Enjoy this flashback image from 2007 on a sweatshirt!

The origin of embroidery can be dated back to 30,000 BC, with fossilized remains that show evidence of hand-stitched clothing, boots and hats. Embroidery involves stitching thread into a garment or accessory, creating a dimensional effect with minimal fading. February is National Embroidery Month, so let's explore this popular decoration method. What are some key factors in determining if this is the right method for your next project? We start by reviewing your logo file to determine the number of stitches required for a quality reproduction as well as to avoid challenges. For example, complex logos with small lettering, details and shading are difficult to recreate. Since threads themselves can add bulk to a design, it’s better to choose this decoration method for thicker fabrics. Keep in mind that embroidery isn’t suitable to recreate all logos & artwork. Our design team can modify your logo, with your permission to create a better digitized design. The next step in the process is digitizing. Not all digitizing is the same. Too few stitches to recreate the logo and the outcome will look incomplete. Too many stitches or too large, the price per unit will be expensive. Expertise matters. Take a look at this image, then watch the video clip to learn the back story behind this Tostitos design. The next step is selecting your garments from our showroom collection and determining what type of embroidery style will fit your project needs. Which trends are hot for embroidery this year? Varsity Block Lettering for the preppy look, Monograming and Unique Placements. What types of apparel are trending? Unisex- gender neutral, comfy casual and sustainable. Our blog discusses trends for decoration and apparel styles, but our showroom offers you the ability to try on apparel for size, feel the fabric, compare the options and of course check out embroidery options to select the garment & decoration that's right for your project. Which trends and embroidery methods appeal to you?

We've been focusing on entrepreneurship stories this week and here's one that is truly homegrown! Cotton sourced from NC farmers is going into the fabric to make these amazing sweatshirts. When it comes to quality and durability, not all clothing is created equal. The same goes for the companies that make the clothing. Some apparel brands are content with compromising quality or relying on overseas labor to cut costs and boost profit margins. American Giant™ is different. With straightforward style that endures beyond trends, American Giant™ makes clothing that’s durable, not disposable, right here in the United States. Combined with a focus on local supply chains that create opportunities for people and communities, American Giant™ is a perfect fit for our industry-leading portfolio of socially and environmentally responsible retail brands. Make Things Better, Make Better Things American Giant™ was founded at a moment of opportunity, where its dissatisfaction with the way clothes were made met new technologies that enabled smaller supply chains. The brand jumped, confident in its belief that, through American ingenuity and innovation, it could go against the current and do better. It started by making a better hoodie with honest, human values built in – a signature piece that would soon be dubbed “The Greatest Hoodie Ever Made” by Slate. Made To Last, Made in the USA American Giant™ makes clothes in the United States because keeping things local means it can understand the whole supply chain. That supply chain includes the people who touch the product and make it better. In turn, they gain skills and opportunity, and their communities are revitalized. It's a virtuous cycle of good and humanity. Durable, Not Disposable From materials to manufacturing, every hoodie, jacket and tee is designed and produced for maximum comfort and durability. American Giant™ apparel is made to be worn – not end up in a landfill. We couldn't be prouder to partner with American Giant™. Get a look at the new styles here! Soon these will be added to our website & showroom collection. Make sure to open your March newsletter for some client exclusive perks!

Everyone has a name and introductions always start by sharing an exchange of names. Besides social etiquette, knowing one's name adds security. For industries like retail, hospitality & healthcare identification is a critical component to their service. Badge options are also USA Made Products! We even have NC- Local options. Reusable options- provide an ability to use the badges for different employees reduces costs and waste. Three reusable name badge options include a full color imprint with different functions: Chalkboard Stickers Window-badge - insert window Click it Engraved Name Badges- offer supreme durability. Choose from plastic, metal or wood. Engraving is permanent and long lasting. Full Color Print & Sublimation Name Badges- These specialized printing processes can be used with plastic, metal or acrylic for a polished appearance. These badges are ideal for customers with intricate or colorful logos. Ask for something different- trendy items such as leather patch badges like the one in this blog post or even the natural look with wood. Special events are perfect for light up badges! Photo ID Badges- Custom ID badges are beneficial to workplaces where additional security is needed. They help distinguish between employees and non-employees. Name badges are a useful tool for all types of businesses. Ask about integrated technology or holographic stickers that are tamper proof. Badge Talkers- sharing information about your team, your services- certifications and special events using a dual sided laminated card as part of your badge program. VIP- Speakers- ask about ribbon tags we can add to badges to highlight speakers or VIPS at conventions and Chamber of Commerce events. As well as badge backers. Holographic ID badges can't be duplicated or forged- a quick and easy way to identify who has access to an event or is allowed to leave campus for lunch. As vaccinations continue to take centerstage as a requirement for entry- vaccination card holders are a smart investment. Whatever type of badge program you need, we have options. Even wooden ones, that plant a tree after every order! Don't see exactly what you need on our website? No problem, we have samples of options in our showroom including custom shapes and more unique options. Our website is not intended to limit you, only to inspire. We can create turnkey badge release programs which offer you a lower price and quick turn, plus design your badges too! Ask our certified team for solutions that fit your needs.

It's a tangelo! It's a citrus fruit, but it's also the inspiration behind the Tangelo brand. Tangelo is a group of cutting-edge products incorporating modern trends yet designed with timeless design principles. The founders of Tangelo have been manufacturing technology products for over 20 years. Every Tangelo product adheres to the most stringent product safety standards at each stage of design, development and production. Tangelo products are rigorously tested, and quality inspected to ensure that you have a world-class experience. Tangelo is more than a quality company; they are also committed to donating a minimum of $10,000 worth of Tangelo products annually for education purposes. They partner with the Kids In Need Foundation to provide school supplies to under-resourced teachers, students, and teachers and students affected by natural disasters, because the founders of Tangelo believe that education is our country’s best resource in fighting poverty. Learn more about the impact here. Because education is one of Promotional Partners' core values, we find this foundation's objective extremely meaningful. Everyone deserves access to quality education, and teachers deserve tools that are relevant to the modern workplace. Our 2022 Cares Program will raise money for the Wake Tech Foundation. For every order with a Tangelo product between March 28 - April 30, Promotional Partners will donate $15.00 towards our Cares Program initiative. Keep following our social media and blog for April Showers directed at the Cares Program and leading up to our 15 year celebration! *Note: Kids In Need Foundation (KINF), is a non-profit organization that believes every child in America deserves equal opportunity and access to a quality education, and provides the support and tools needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn. Through its national network of 40 organizations, KINF is able to serve an estimated 5 million students, 200,000 teachers and provide over $100 million in product each year at no cost to schools and teachers.

There is power in the pen, in written words. Written correspondence is the new distinguisher in communication channels. Instead of an email, a polished presentation that includes quality branded envelopes, letterhead or greeting cards is an essential way to add a personal touch to your brand communication and build relationships. The blank page holds opportunity for design elements & conveying your personality with the appearance & feel of the paper. By working with our design team, we are able to coordinate your efforts across the various media you select, creating a suite of products that reflect your brand identity. Coordinating stationery pieces create a professional look and suggest that your brand considers every detail in the relationship, setting a tone. Beyond Stationery Envelopes aren’t just the finishing touch for your customer’s stationery suite, instead these simple items are an identifier with the stack of mail. Business envelopes Printed with your logo are a great way to bring their brand to everyday mailings like invoices and account statements even before the envelope is opened. Even better, consumers will know exactly who sent their mail. For those with larger mailing needs, we can assist with catalogs, booklets and pamphlets. Business forms, invoices, checks and specialty documents Yes! As part of our design suite, we can create forms, checks and other documents, stickers, labels or envelopes unique to your industry. We have samples in our showroom; plus a quick scan of your current documents will allow us to easily source the best option for you printing needs. While you are in, compare pen options. According to our partners at ASI 69% of recipient keep a pen for the quality. The WRITE touch & feel for your visual communications is the key to a successful campaign that includes a writing instrument.

Daydreaming certainly leads to inspiration, but rarely do dreams become realities without planning & consistency. Did you know December is National Write a Business Plan Month? Since opening our doors in 2007, we've always used December as the month to reflect on what's worked & what needs to be retooled for the following year. Before you can articulate your vision to others, it's important to compile ideas & organize your strategies; which is the backbone of a business plan. Make sure your plan: Identifies the national dates that relate to what your business offers, your charitable efforts, your core values and let that showcase the personality of your brand Outlines the networking/pipeline/sales strategies around your yearly goals Reviews & evaluates which methods were previously stale or unproductive to replace with innovative approaches, while building on the success of promotions Has ways to highlight the value you offer consumers Offers interaction with your consumer base through events Recognizes employee efforts & milestones of achievement Highlights your industry events & merits Demonstrates your footprint within the community Outlines your monthly, quarterly and yearly financial goals - with qualifiable strategies Create dates as touchpoints to assess your yearly goals - track & analyze your progress Includes us! We love it when our partners ask us to create a framework or include us in their marketing & sales team meetings. Why? Promotions run smoother and we are proactive to your needs. Most of all, take action now. Dream big, then apply pen to paper or fingers to a keyboard to start drafting your ideas for a cohesive and actionable for 2022.

Gift season is in full swing, and when you can find something everyone will enjoy, the holidays become a lot easier. Cozy gifts like blankets, fleece and scented candles are an easy choice. And with people spending more time at home this year, they’re in especially high demand. After all, everybody loves to be comfy. No matter who they’re for, these holiday favorites are sure to be a hit. Made*Here New York Basketweave Cotton Blanket Give the gift of comfort. This luxurious throw blanket is made from soft cotton and knit in Long Island. Dayton Classic Fleece Hoody A relaxed look with lots of style. And it’s made from a super soft cotton-poly blend, so it’s comfy to wear all day. Redwood National Park 14 oz Candle Who doesn’t enjoy a room that smells great? Good & Well Supply Co. candles are ethically sourced and handcrafted in Seattle from all-natural soy. Inspired by Redwood National Park, this eco-friendly candle’s scent is composed of oakmoss, sage, citrus and damp earth. And it’ll burn for over 80 hours, so it will last a long time. Bronx 12oz Ceramic Mug Nothing beats a cup of joe from your favorite mug. This one features handsome outer-ring detailing near its base. It is microwave safe.