Here's a little snapshot of us at the PPPC Image Awards on Monday night. It was a great night, with many fun memories that were made.
 |
| Left to right: Leah Cormier, Irene Oseli, Melissa Quito, Tara Cline and Kyle Davidson. |
1.26.2011
2011 Image Awards
1.20.2011
Do Promotions Really Work?
The proof is in the pudding! According to a survey conducted by the Advertising Specialty Institute:
• 84% respondents remembered the advertisers of the promotional products they’re received.
• 42% of respondents had a MORE favorable impression of an advertiser after receiving the item. And 24% said they are MORE likely to do business with the advertiser on the items they receive.
• 62% have done business with the advertiser on a promotional product after receiving the item.
• Writing instruments are the most-recalled advertising specialty items (54% of respondents recall owning them), followed by shirts, caps and bags.
• The majority (81%) of promotional products were kept because they were considered useful.
• More than three-quarters of respondents have had their items for more than 6 months.
• Among wearables, bags were reported to be used most frequently with respondents indicating that they used their bags an average of 9 times per month. They also deliver the most impressions: Each bag averages 1,038 impressions per month!
• The average CPI of an advertising specialty item is $0.004; as a result, marketers get a more favorable return on investment from advertising specialties than nearly any other popular advertising media.
Now isn't that something?
1.13.2011
What's Your Favourite Promotional Product?
Who better to ask than the gurus themselves?
Leah
"My favourite promotional item has to be sticky notes/flags. I always use them to leave myself notes, mark pages, and highlight items. It’s a multi-functional item, and when branded it leaves your logo front and center on your customer desk. It’s a win win in my eyes :)"
Ginette
"I think my new favorite promotional product is the notebook. With the prevalent use of calendars in our BlackBerrys and I phones, nobody carries a day timer anymore! But the need to keep notes during meetings, or to log my work on a project still calls for pen to paper. The notebook allows me to have all of the info in one spot (no notes on scraps of paper, which can never be found when I want them!). And the logo on the cover is prominently displayed every time I take it out at a meeting. Useful, AND with a long shelf life!"
Irene O
"I love a custom calendar, pre-printed with industry events and Holidays! It's helpful to help me plan out the year and stay on top of my game. I find them to be so useful that I have one on my desk, one on my wall and one on the master wall. Keep them coming! I can never have enough."
Kyle
"HMMM it's hard to pick a specific item that has really stuck out since I have been in a position to be buried in promo gifts since I was 10 [having been raised by promotional product gurus]! I suppose my favourites are the ones I have had to earn by signing up for arbitrary credit cards or catching t-shirts that have been shot out of a cannons. I do have a nice collection of beer glasses from different sources. I find beer tastes better out of a nice glass. I got one from my old employer, Boston Pizza. It has a gold rim around the top and some gold cursive writing I've still yet to read. As long as beer stays delicious, I will collect the glasses."
Tara
"My favourite promotional item is a reusable stainless steel water bottle. They are durable, reliable and light weight which is great for work or to take to the gym! With a product like this it could be used daily, which means the logo is seen everyday. They are also environmentally friendly which is a huge bonus."
Irene C
I love the goofy laughing pens, I can't get enough of their laughs! Every executive should have one on their desk for those long days when they just needs to hear... "click here" . It also works great when you tell a joke that just doesn't go over as well as it did in your head *cue goofy laugh*"
Melissa
"Hand sanitizer is something that I will always stop and pick up at a trade show & happy to receive in any trade show bag. I keep one on my desk, one in my car and one in my purse (umm..not that I'm a germophobe or anything, ha!). It's nice to have during the cold season, after pumping gas at the station or before eating on the go. The best part is that when someone takes out hand sanitizer, it has to make it's way around the whole group right? Well there goes YOUR logo across the hands of 6 people each time I take it out (repeat as necessary)! It's inexpensive and leaves a lasting impression and product with your customers."
12.21.2010
12.15.2010
Announcement
As we're hustling through the busy Holiday Season, we wanted to share the great news with you. We won't make you guess or keep you waiting... Insinc Promotions is up for a PPPC Image Award in the Professional-Dealer category! We're looking forward to the Awards Show to discover whether we have been placed with the Gold, Silver or Bronze award. We're excited whatever the outcome is... It's an honour to be recognized within our industry!
10.05.2010
Year Round Gift Giving
When it comes to gifting, be a little creative. Instead of focusing on the winter holidays, look for wacky occasions to let your clients know you're thinking about them (every day).
January
Everyone loves to have a little fun and unwind, so organize a trivia event as a team-building exercise! In honor of Trivia Day on January 4, hand out imprinted trivia books and games to share in the fun.
February
Since we all know that April showers bring May flowers, you'll be surprised to hear that National Umbrella Day is February 10! Be 2 months ahead of the game by handing out high quality umbrellas to your top clients.
March
I'm not making this up just because I love potato chips - National Potato Chips Day is March 14! What better way to celebrate than imprinting bags of chips and sending them off to your clients? Everyone can enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. As a lasting add-on, hand out imprinted bag clips with the bags! And for those of you who hand out tooth brushes at Halloween, how about a pedometer to help log some steps?
April
Garlic Day is April 19! For those in the health industry, we encourage you to spread the word of the benefits of garlic (which is considered a "miracle food"). It's also great for those in the food industry. Gifting idea? Spice racks of course! Or a fun garlic shaped stress reliever!
May
Nurses Day is May 6, and it's an excellent time for physicians, hospitals and clinics to show nurses how valuable they are by giving them fashionable, high-quality, "feel good" scrubs!
June
June 4 is Cheese Day. There are a lot of great opportunities for gifting on this tasty day, whether it's wine and cheese pairings (for those in the beverage industry especially), fondue sets or cheese knife sets. Tempt your client's palette with some cheesy snacks.
Also in June is Take Your Dog to Work Day (on the 25th). This is a great opportunity to add furry fun to an otherwise normal day in the office. You can imprint pet seat belts, waste bags and saddle bags to support your promotion!
July
July 29 is National Lipstick Day, so for you salons, spas and all other female oriented industries - celebrate in style! Whether it's a lipstick-shape pen, or purse-shape USB drive, you're bound to tap into the appreciation of pampering.
August
Do you need a reason to celebrate happy hour? August 5 is National Beer Day! Calling all bars and restaurants, let your patrons know about the value of unwinding with a beer or two. As a token to remember this special occasion, offer beer mugs, steins and even packaged nuts!
September
Your clients are the reason that you stay in business, so show them how grateful you are on National Thank You Day on September 27. Say thanks with a personalized and creative gift.
October
Everyone recognizes the importance of financial education, so make sure your customers know that October 21 is Get Smart About Credit Day. Banks, credit unions and financial aid offices - think about educating your consumers with a piggy bank.
November
Encourage the whole family to curl up by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book, as November 1 is National Family Literacy Day. With texting, video games and computers filling the world today, it's nice to remind your clients that reading a book is a great family activity. Send home a good book and a packet of logo'd tea/hot cocoa with a note about this special day.
December
Looking for an excuse to hit the casino? December 4 is National Dice Day, so roll 'em! Dice can be used as a promotional item for all sorts of events, whether it's Casino Night or Family Game Night!
If you have any ideas you'd like to discuss, send us an email at info@insincpro.com
January
Everyone loves to have a little fun and unwind, so organize a trivia event as a team-building exercise! In honor of Trivia Day on January 4, hand out imprinted trivia books and games to share in the fun.
February
Since we all know that April showers bring May flowers, you'll be surprised to hear that National Umbrella Day is February 10! Be 2 months ahead of the game by handing out high quality umbrellas to your top clients.
March
I'm not making this up just because I love potato chips - National Potato Chips Day is March 14! What better way to celebrate than imprinting bags of chips and sending them off to your clients? Everyone can enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. As a lasting add-on, hand out imprinted bag clips with the bags! And for those of you who hand out tooth brushes at Halloween, how about a pedometer to help log some steps?
April
Garlic Day is April 19! For those in the health industry, we encourage you to spread the word of the benefits of garlic (which is considered a "miracle food"). It's also great for those in the food industry. Gifting idea? Spice racks of course! Or a fun garlic shaped stress reliever!
May
Nurses Day is May 6, and it's an excellent time for physicians, hospitals and clinics to show nurses how valuable they are by giving them fashionable, high-quality, "feel good" scrubs!
June
June 4 is Cheese Day. There are a lot of great opportunities for gifting on this tasty day, whether it's wine and cheese pairings (for those in the beverage industry especially), fondue sets or cheese knife sets. Tempt your client's palette with some cheesy snacks.
Also in June is Take Your Dog to Work Day (on the 25th). This is a great opportunity to add furry fun to an otherwise normal day in the office. You can imprint pet seat belts, waste bags and saddle bags to support your promotion!
July
July 29 is National Lipstick Day, so for you salons, spas and all other female oriented industries - celebrate in style! Whether it's a lipstick-shape pen, or purse-shape USB drive, you're bound to tap into the appreciation of pampering.
August
Do you need a reason to celebrate happy hour? August 5 is National Beer Day! Calling all bars and restaurants, let your patrons know about the value of unwinding with a beer or two. As a token to remember this special occasion, offer beer mugs, steins and even packaged nuts!
September
Your clients are the reason that you stay in business, so show them how grateful you are on National Thank You Day on September 27. Say thanks with a personalized and creative gift.
October
Everyone recognizes the importance of financial education, so make sure your customers know that October 21 is Get Smart About Credit Day. Banks, credit unions and financial aid offices - think about educating your consumers with a piggy bank.
November
Encourage the whole family to curl up by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book, as November 1 is National Family Literacy Day. With texting, video games and computers filling the world today, it's nice to remind your clients that reading a book is a great family activity. Send home a good book and a packet of logo'd tea/hot cocoa with a note about this special day.
December
Looking for an excuse to hit the casino? December 4 is National Dice Day, so roll 'em! Dice can be used as a promotional item for all sorts of events, whether it's Casino Night or Family Game Night!
If you have any ideas you'd like to discuss, send us an email at info@insincpro.com
9.16.2010
When to produce custom
Firstly, what is a custom product? It's an item developed from a concept to delivery exclusively for your brand.
Now, you've probably always loved the idea of producing a custom project - here are the top reasons to take action:
1. A special event or milestone (gift to employees)
2. To add that extra WOW factor
3. A product launch or opening of a new facility
4. When your campaign needs a cutting edge promotional product that picks up on trend directions
5. If your campaign requires custom pantone colours and characters you'd like to incorporate into promotions
At Insinc, we work with the finest overseas factories which produce fantastic results. Let us know about your project so that we can help plan. Keep in mind, overseas custom projects typically take 10-12 weeks (although we have been known to pull off miracles!).
Now, you've probably always loved the idea of producing a custom project - here are the top reasons to take action:
1. A special event or milestone (gift to employees)
2. To add that extra WOW factor
3. A product launch or opening of a new facility
4. When your campaign needs a cutting edge promotional product that picks up on trend directions
5. If your campaign requires custom pantone colours and characters you'd like to incorporate into promotions
At Insinc, we work with the finest overseas factories which produce fantastic results. Let us know about your project so that we can help plan. Keep in mind, overseas custom projects typically take 10-12 weeks (although we have been known to pull off miracles!).
8.09.2010
TOPS+ Show Invite
Happy Monday! You're invited to the upcoming TOPS+ Show! We'd love to see you there. You're certain to leave with plenty of ideas to plan for your 2011 year.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to info@insincpro.com with the name(s) of attendee(s) by September 3, 2010.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to info@insincpro.com with the name(s) of attendee(s) by September 3, 2010.
7.27.2010
Mix & Mingle
Are you using conferences and business social events to your advantage? Most people just talk to a small group of people from their company and miss the opportunity to meet new people and potentially new clients! Here are some tips:
- One is the loneliest number. Go up to the person who is alone; they will be grateful for the company. Introduce yourself, shake hands and ask a question. If they seem disinterested, excuse yourself and try again with someone new.
- Get some good eats. Take advantage of the food and drink line to spark up conversation while you are waiting. Say something positive about the food, surroundings or the event itself and if you get a response, converse away!
- Tag-team it. Two person groups are often in private conversations and therefore harder to join. When you see a larger group, casually join in and listen for awhile, when appropriate add in to the conversation!
Remember that practice makes perfect. You never know what great opportunities are right around the corner.
Source: Advantages
- One is the loneliest number. Go up to the person who is alone; they will be grateful for the company. Introduce yourself, shake hands and ask a question. If they seem disinterested, excuse yourself and try again with someone new.
- Get some good eats. Take advantage of the food and drink line to spark up conversation while you are waiting. Say something positive about the food, surroundings or the event itself and if you get a response, converse away!
- Tag-team it. Two person groups are often in private conversations and therefore harder to join. When you see a larger group, casually join in and listen for awhile, when appropriate add in to the conversation!
Remember that practice makes perfect. You never know what great opportunities are right around the corner.
Source: Advantages
4.05.2010
Bring your lunch to work!
Everyday at about noon people everywhere flock to the local coffee shop / fast food joint / drive-thru. It's time to start packing healthy lunches to fuel you throughout the busy days. These soon-to-launch lunch bags serve a convenient carry bag and also remind you that: "Bring your lunch to work and save $5 a day, $100 a month, $1200 a year!". It's a great way to launch your company Health & Wellness program!
3.25.2010
Step Up Challenge
The sun has come out of hiding and gotten me thinking about cottages, beaches and... shedding some "winter insulation". In the month of April, Insinc is having a friendly "Step Up" walking competition! Here's how you can too:
1) Brand pedometers with your logo and an inspiration message and distribute them to employees, volunteers and customers.
2) Announce the prizes for the Top 3 Steppers!
3) TIP: Have them register at http://www.active2010.ca/PedometerChallenge/ to keep track of their daily steps (and compete against other groups & companies!). If not everybody participating has access to a computer, hand out branded jotters & pens for everybody to keep track.
Call us and say the magic words, "We want to Step Up too!" and let us do the rest.
1) Brand pedometers with your logo and an inspiration message and distribute them to employees, volunteers and customers.
2) Announce the prizes for the Top 3 Steppers!
3) TIP: Have them register at http://www.active2010.ca/PedometerChallenge/ to keep track of their daily steps (and compete against other groups & companies!). If not everybody participating has access to a computer, hand out branded jotters & pens for everybody to keep track.
Call us and say the magic words, "We want to Step Up too!" and let us do the rest.
3.23.2010
Logorama
Gone are the days when we'd hang on to every word of every commercial to avoid missing even a second of 'Who's the Boss?'. Enter Tivo: where ads can be skipped with the click of a button. The days of product placement are among us - every computer is a Brand X & every cola is Brand Y.
While watching a snippet of the Oscar's 2010, this caught my eye... No beating around the bush!
Can you spot your logo?
While watching a snippet of the Oscar's 2010, this caught my eye... No beating around the bush!
Can you spot your logo?
why you should care about trends
Let's say you're targeting young adult women. Would it be more effective to giveaway a boxy cotton t with a one-colour imprint of your brand's logo? Or to give them a lightweight, fitted burnout t-shirt with a tattoo-inspired design a la Ed Hardy? The latter, of course!
Bottom Line: You have to apply trends to promotions to evoke responses: hot fashion, societal direction or the economic movement.
Source: Advantages Magazine, "Maximize Promotions with Trend Tracking" by Tonia Cook Kimbrough
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
