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October is National Cyber Security Month. Financial industries and tech industries can benefit by connecting their brand message to consumer products that offer protection. What is RFID? Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. The RFID tag provides a unique identifier for the object using a bar code or magnetic strip that must be scanned to get the information. What’s the Big Deal? RFID tags are showing up in some credit cards and newer U.S. passports. These “contact-less cards” are designed to be more convenient than traditional credit cards because they don’t have to be swiped. A payment industry newsletter, The Nilson Report, says 35 million contact-less chip cards are in circulation in the U.S. There is potential downside to the convenience. Anyone with a handheld RFID reader can “skim” sensitive information from people’s credit cards at several feet. They can even get your name and country of origin from your passport. There’s no need to panic yet; unless you've listened to comedian Kathleen Madigan talk about her mom, the ray gun people and tin foil! Google it or watch Netflix; good stuff! What is RFID Blocking Technology? RFID-blocking wallets and pockets are designed to help protect you from this new brand of electronic pick-pocketing. These items are typically made from a material that interferes with radio waves, making a card’s RFID chip difficult to read. What Can RFID Blocking Do for Brands? Safety-related products are part of a rapidly growing trend. Promotional products with RFID-blocking technology capitalize on an increased interest in security and make sense for a variety of projects. Interested? Check out these new products that feature RFID Blocking Technology! There are small credit card sized products to bags and travel wallets with the technology integrated into the product.

When walking around the show today exploring all the new products for 2020, there was one thing we notice - all the drinkware options! Everyone had it and all had something slightly different, whether it be a different design, shape, brand name or not, mixed media, you name it! In fact, promo drinkware is kept an average of 12 months (longer if it's of nicer quality) and earns 1,400 impressions during that time! It's not something that many think of when thinking of a gift or giveaway as it's an everyday item that's needed. This reason alone is why it is perfect - the best gifts are the useful ones. While walking, we heard a lot of feedback about what attracts someone to a new drinkware item but the tops reasons that seemed to keep coming up were the following: Full color design - we can help with this! Tulip shaped and thin - something you can hold and sip from effortlessly Brand names We invite you to keep following our blogs to learn more about what caught our eye and what we think will catch yours!

The movement toward recycled, recyclable and sustainable products goes mainstream and our suppliers are responding by deepening their commitment to Eco production practices and expanding their offerings for products made with the environment in mind. There is a worldwide demand pushing the growth of these products in our industry. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and fun fact, the “Don’t Mess with Texas” catchphrase evolved from a 1985 anti-littering campaign. In the fall, you may recall we rolled out our EcoSmart partnership that's aligned with 1% For the Planet. Products made from wheat straw are trending, but likely you are unfamiliar with the term. Wheat straw is the material comes from the stalk that is left after harvest. This raw material is gaining popularity because instead of waste it's being reclaimed to make into products such as reusable plastics for food containers, utensils and drink ware. Why wheat straw plastics? You are choosing a product that is made from rapidly renewable and reclaimed wheat straw instead of trees. Best of all, at the end of its life, you can send your container to the commercial composting facility or home composting efforts instead of the landfill. By using wheat straw in our products, you are diverting material from the waste stream and using a reclaimed resource to make durable, lightweight, and rapid compostable packaging. Products made from wheat straw are strong, microwave & freezer safe, can handle hot liquids up to 200 Fahrenheit, conform to US Food & Drug Administration guidelines, are non-allergenic and gluten-free Shop wheat straw products.

When a new client initially meets in the showroom, there are a lot of questions about defining their identity and value to establish the core messages related to their brand. There are also questions about how they are currently marketing and where they are investing in the community. Volunteering does take time away from family and business, but the rewards are tremendous. Besides the benefits to others, there is the benefit to your own personal growth. Being community focused also makes you a better resource. Just as a veracious reader knows the latest novels or sports fan follows ESPN, immersing yourself in the community makes you aware of your surroundings. Savvy marketing relies on understanding consumer trends and social media platforms but at a grassroots level; one needs to go to the street. "Insiders" always have a pulse on what's popular, what locals are talking about in their own circles. Those tips and areas to apply your time and talents are what makes volunteering create a cascading effect in the community. The more organizations can be matched to sponsors, donors and volunteers that share their mission and passion - well results happen. Follow our company on Facebook and LinkedIn to learn more about how we are connected to the local community.

Water bottles have become a status symbol. Think about it. Everyone wants a Yeti, Camelbak, Hydro Flask or S'well bottle, but why? Their looks, just to say they can afford the brand, or their ability to keep a drink hot/cold? Maybe it's even because they are Eco-friendly and pay for themselves within a month of use. Whether it be just one of those reasons or multiple that drives each individual to spend money on a premium brand water bottle, one thing is for sure - everyone wants one! Do you know the difference in bottle insulation? Good: Air Insulation. The inner and outer walls of the bottle contains air, making the process of escaping heat or cold to take longer. Better: Foam Insulation. Foam between the inner and outer walls slows down the transfer of hot or cold between layers. Best: Vacuum Insulation. Tumblers with vacuum insulation have a virtually airless space between layers. This allows for the hot or cold drink to radiate only between the walls instead of slowly exciting the bottle altogether. Premium: Copper Vacuum Insulation. Copper lining helps distribute the hot or cold air more evenly across the entire inner surface. This allows your drink to stay at the right temperature for even longer.

Gone are the days of using baby oil at the beach to collect more rays of sun or seeing a tanning salon on every corner. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun. People who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily. Sun damage is cumulative. Only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18. The warm weather we've been enjoying the past week has made us take breaks from work for walks in the sun. While it might be winter, skin protection is not only a summer time issue. This new product solves the challenge for when to re-apply sunscreen! Many businesses have employees outside year round- landscapers, construction crews Companies host picnics, participate in league sports, sponsor benefit concerts and participate in local festivals. Connecting with new families to the area, a local physician's practice might use this inexpensive marketing piece as a part of a direct mail campaign, consider dropping off to the local schools or daycare's for prizes or hand out at community events. Customize with your logo! How does it work? The background changes to blue when sunscreen needs to be reapplied Safe to use with sunscreen creams, sprays and lotions Sun activated Lasts all day on wet or dry skin Gentle comfort fit with skin safe adhesive We hope you've enjoyed another post in our series of "just quirky enough to work" series!

When we decided to freshen up our look, we came up with the idea to provide even more value and insight to our readers and subscribers! You will begin to notice that our newsletters and some blogs will feature a "Graphically Speaking" section. What is this exactly? We're glad you asked! Graphically Speaking will be our little nugget of information to you to get those wheels turning in your head, or to help make your next promotion a hit - all related to graphics! We are excited to share our graphic design tips with you and hope you look forward to reading them! Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter now

Food is a basic human need, but it's also a huge part of our celebrations and events. Think about it, when was the last time you went to an event that did not serve food? Food is cultural too; just this past Friday I attended a networking breakfast and the gravy/biscuit option on the buffet led to a discussion about what types of breakfast foods we'd grown up eating. Three of us found ourselves trying to explain the appeal of liver mush to a newbie to North Carolina. There's no doubt that food is a powerful social connector. Besides comparing food memories, there are emotional connections. Consider this, your brand is never too serious to have some fun. Engaging the community in conversations can start with a laugh if the tray of doughnuts has some crime fighting fuel tucked inside. Are you beginning to see that food gifts go way beyond a bucket of popcorn, tin of chocolate covered almonds or basket of cookies? Larger employers have break rooms & cafe areas for employees to gather. Show some personality and connect your brand to a crowd! Did you know we can offer you: Branded single serve coffee pods or tea packets? Branded cutting boards or re use-able cutlery for each employee to use? Drink ware with personalized with each employee's name Branded M&M's or Lifesavers in their mailbox Flavored lip balms at the reception desk Think beyond the holidays for gifts - appreciation is all year round. Don't be afraid to add some fun!

When was the last time you cleaned your desk? Today is National Clean Your Desk Day so what better time than the present to start the week and year off fresh! On average, an office employee will spend six weeks a year searching their desk. Help your employees or clients keep their desk clean this year with a couple of our favorites. Combine two items into one with this wireless charging mouse pad. The kickstand on the back will prop up the top portion to charge your compatible smartphone while the bottom portion functions as a traditional mouse pad. Wanting something a little more out of the box? Keep the workspace tidy with this cordless mini desk vacuum! Not only does it work for the desk surface but it can also clean keyboards, laptops, furniture and car seats. It's portable and lightweight design makes it perfect for busy professionals! Watch this video to see how it works. Whether you are look for gifts for your employees or clients, innovative desk items are always a great option. Consider what's at your desk and ask yourself if branding at the desk might be the way to clean up on sales this year!

Email- love it or hate it- it’s a part of our lives that is not going away. Mail recipients don’t appreciate being spammed with offers or solicitations, there are ways to use this medium within the bounds of law and without being annoying. What do you need to know? If you’d like to add someone to a list, such as a newsletter- it’s no longer okay to only offer the ability to opt out, you need to ask them first if you may add them to your list. That’s one of the reasons we have a pop up on our new website and blog - making it easy to follow us; with your choice to opt into news. It’s happened to me numerous times, attending a tradeshow or networking at a local event, someone takes my card and adds me to their list. Asking before you add or displaying a sign that says we will be adding you to our mailing list when you deposit your card is appreciated. Conversely, busy business owners that are the singular employee or that spend their time out in the field working and quoting are starting to rely on text messages to stay in touch with consumers. While texting may help to reach out to your HVAC person or your construction supervisor, by not staying connected after the sale to your client base through email that business might be losing future sales. A newsletter does not have to be long, just informative. Tips for identifying trouble spots in your home or ways to save money are valuable tips to homeowners. Are you receiving refers from a local realtor? Perhaps some of your content could be shared with service providers that refer you, increasing the value as well as the reach of everyone’s services. Busy professionals might also consider adding ways to connect to your social media in the signature of your email. Another way to create an email list is to offer free content by requesting an opt in for providing your email or agreeing to sign up for additional offers. By the way, are you signed up for our monthly newsletters?

According to the National Retail Federation, US sales topped over $3.8 trillion this year; yes trillion. Within those billions are plenty of thriving Mom & Pop retailers. Savvy retailers, in the brick and mortar space, can grow their brand with point of purchase items that fulfill a need for the consumer or hit on a passion that is associated with retailer’s brand. Mom & Pop are here thriving among larger brands. Sometimes consumers just need to be reminded of choices. Staying top of mind with consumers does not need to be hard or expensive. What can you use to market? Totes! Totes are a universal “must” for shopping, but a tote has so many ways to expand your story. Not only is a tote reusable, but many offer the ability to add full color graphics: Images of your historic downtown or a collectible series featuring local artists might be perfect for an artisan shop. Natural fibers or hemp are environmental solutions. Businesses that complement one another with services or proximity to shoppers or diners might share space on a bag, add a map or insert their own unique coupon book for the area to encourage foot traffic. Schools always appreciate a free reward - drawstring bags for kids or shopper totes to the PTA - creating incentives to meet at your location for committee planning, use your catering, or purchase your goods or services could be included in the bags. In 2016, we assisted the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce with a Shop the Springs Campaign, that was launched at the town's popular HollyFest. Bags were given to attendees, encouraging them to look for the decal in local business windows and check the Chamber website for a complete list of participating businesses. The large imprint area of a bag offered the perfect way to off set costs with sponsoring business names on the bags. Effective branding is about creating a moment for your brand to connect with your target market.

So in what places are germs the most prevalent? Our friends at The Lip Balm Company identified these eight locations: 1. The printer/copy machine 2. Door handles 3. Shared microwaves and refrigerators 4. Shared sinks 5. The bathroom 6. Your keyboard 7. Your desk chair and working space 8. Your phone So what is there to do? You can’t be constantly washing your hands throughout the day — but you can keep hand sanitizer at your desk and apply it as often as needed, encouraging your co-workers and clients to do the same. Because it fights harmful bacteria both in the office and elsewhere, it’s a fantastic promotional item, serving a practical purpose while getting your name in front of others in an intentional and effective way. These products put your name practically everywhere! Trade Show Season Hand sanitizers also make a great giveaway item for your upcoming trade shows. Imagine all the germs that are present - show your attendees that you care about them! Hand sanitizers come in many different shapes and sizes. We love Credit Card Hand Sanitizer Spray because its flat shape makes it easy to store, its vanilla scent is wonderful, and its imprint area is generous! Other varieties include our Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer Spray- Petite and practical, this sophisticated hand sanitizer spray is infused with an essential oil to create a sense of aromatherapy while reducing germ development. Want to see more? Click here