"Branding Your Image"!

What the heck is going on with Tariffs? What steps is your company taking to avoid higher costs on swag, apparel, and event materials? New tariff increases on Chinese imports, along with upcoming tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, are set to drive up costs across our industry and many others. Price increases are expected to impact a wide range of branded merchandise including promotional products, custom apparel, event materials, recognition items, and business printing. How can you stay ahead of these changes? • Take advantage of bulk pricing. Larger orders often qualify for deeper discounts - ask about price breaks to maximize your budget. • Plan your branded merchandise for the full year. Lock in pricing now for upcoming events, gifting programs, and company store items. • Ask about alternative products. We can recommend similar, cost-effective items that fit your brand and budget. • Consider domestic production options. We source from...

 It's a new year and now is the time to change habits or patterns- how we advertise often falls back into what we think is working vs what really does- A quick drive down most streets will expose you to bad habits, poor marketing- we think our logo is so important, our name matters but till we become an industry known player its wishful thinking. Break the habit of me, myself and I- work to promote what your buyers need- answer "what's my service", "how can I be found" and "have I made it easy to read, so they can find me?" This was brought to mind as I drove home a few days ago and passed a number of yard signs- it struck me that I couldn't see what they were advertising, so I stopped, backed up and took a picture less than 20 feet from one just to figure it out. I am sure this is a nice person even a good company but till I blew up the image, didn't have a clue what they did- Next time you have an ad done, a sign made, etc., be critical w...

It's the holiday season and the bad guys are hard at work and the costs get pushed to all of us! How much less expensive would products be without the fraud and counterfeiting (not including the salaries of the 15,000 employees they hire to fight this crime). One of the recent crazy stories is those who figured they could clone the Promotional Products Industries 2023 Product of the Year-  Knockoff Stanley Tumblers As we move into the season, and into 2025, this is a great reminder to choose your providers carefully, purchase from known reputable suppliers who are committed to you and your good will-  Be reminded that "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."   Say no and move on to a better and safer provider. Wishing you a blessed Merry Christmas and a successful New Year!

Chef Ule- Mikuni Sushi  A counselor once told me, "you can play it safe but life can be boring"- taking a risk, mixing up the norm and trying something new brings color and excitement each day. For businesses, doing the same thing the same way is a rut, and a rut is a "grave with the ends kicked out." Look for ways to change your processes, ask: Who you are presenting your solutions to? What you are offering that's unique today? Where are you showing up or offering solutions? When are you in touch, their best time or yours? How you engage your clients, in person, email, virtual or? For me, I like to try new foods- like eating the whole fish, bones and all- brings great fun, wonderful looks and special interactions- step back and reflect on the last risky, challenging thing you have done and look for another this week! Need some inspiration, checkout what the Savannah Bananas are doing- lots online from Jesse Cole Jesse Cole’s Marketing Strategy Behind the Savann...

ECO IS HOT! According to industry surveys, 45% of consumers in the 11 Western states have a stronger impression of advertisers who use and promote environmentally friendly products. *                   It's not like the "old days" when eco products were scratchy, poor quality and unappealing.

  NDS is 2 days away from hosting one of the largest promo shows in NorCal- some call what we sell "trash-n-trinkets", but the size and impact of the industry shows it's far more than that- just look at what the ASI Industry Impressions Study* revealed for the lifetime number of impressions by product.  What else can you think of that has the reach and impact as promotional items, most of us aren't "influencers" but we still influence many around us by what we wear, handout or sell.  As you walk about, consider all the billboards (people you pass) and what they are advertising and ask, "how can I get them to rock my brand?" Maybe a lot easier than you think, just need to find the right product and message and you can be memorable!  Oh, we'd be honored to help you along the way~ *Source ASI 2023 Impressions Study