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Six Weeks From Today!!!

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College Football is Back (almost)

It is hard to believe that college football season is a mere six weeks away. Kicking off in Atlanta Thursday, August 28th with a match-up between Ole Miss and Boise St. Or…. if you are so inclined, you can catch the real Thursday night showdown between Wake Forest and Louisiana-Monroe; hopefully the sarcasm is evident.  For some hopefuls, that means a quest for the national championship begins and for others it’s simply a time to tailgate with 60,000+ of your closest friends.  Regardless of which camp you fall into, the college football season is filled with  excitement, heartache, what if’s, office trash talk, and BBQ.  Besides our love for football, what does this post have to do with promotional items you may ask?!

Leveraging Corporate Sponsorships

We all know that corporate sponsorships play a significant role in major college sports.  And no where is that more apparent than college football stadiums on beautiful Saturday afternoons in the Fall.  There are corporate sponsors for everything from the scoreboard, the stadium cups, the lemonade stand, gifts at the ticket gate and, if allowed, urinal sponsors.  Leveraging these opportunities effectively is paramount to getting the proper return for your marketing dollars.  And what better way to do so than putting custom branded promotional items in the hands of fans?  Below are just a few fan favorites (pun intended):

Custom Branded Poncho’s

Torrential downpours are inevitable at some point during the season.  While downpours will deter some, it will fuel the excitement for others.  Either way, a custom branded poncho is a great alternative to sitting at home on the couch or sitting in the stands soaked.  This poncho is lightweight, reusable and includes a hood.  It comes in a variety of colors including clear, white, yellow, blue, red, and light green.

As Low As $1.20/each

As Low As $1.20/each

Custom Printed Stadium Cups

One of the most practical and highly sought after corporate giveaways at sporting events; the legendary stadium cup!!  Multipurpose, reusable, and desired by all.  Available in many colors and includes a 2 sided print.

As Low As $0.45/each

As Low As $0.45/each

Customized Folding Chairs

A great item for tailgaters.  Whether you are relaxing while you wait for the pig to come off the cooker or watching the kids emulate their favorite player in the parking lot, custom branded folding chairs are a great choice.  These chairs allow for 3 different imprint locations and include a carrying bag for easy mobility.  They also include two cup holders for your stadium cups. However; go easy on the pig as they do have a weight limit…..

As Low As $15.99

As Low As $15.99

Hopefully these items will get your wheels turning as you consider how to effectively leverage your sponsorship dollars.  There are many parallels between a successful football season and a successful marketing campaign.  The legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant captured that beautifully by stating “Its not the will to win that matters…everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare that matters.”

 

Keep it Simple; The Same ol’ Corporate Merchandise

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Creative and unique promotional merchandise is exciting but let’s be honest; there is always going to be a place for custom branded pens, sticky pads, table covers, cups, coffee tumblers etc..  These items are great giveaways for trade shows, seminars, sponsored events, gift bags, or just something to equip your employees with as they go about their day.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Giveaways

The most common mistake made when ordering corporate merchandise is not factoring in what your needs will be for the entire year.  Often times people will only purchase what they think they will need in the upcoming month or quarter. Buying in bulk can greatly reduce the price per unit and in some instances reduce set up and freight charges.  Of course, you can’t always count on the popularity of a piece of swag.

Another common mistake is continuing to order the same ol’ pen , list pad, coffee tumbler etc.. that you have ordered for years. We understand that change is difficult but with change comes opportunity.  In the world of corporate merchandise that could be the opportunity to free up money in your marketing budget.  Keep in mind that items go on sale from time to time, and often times you can find an item of comparable quality at a better price point.

Writing Instrument: Custom Branded Clic Stic

Clic Stic

Normally $0.77/each. Currently On Sale: $0.56/each

John Hancock used this pen to sign the Declaration of Independence – not really. Hopefully, you get the point; this pen has been around forever but it is still incredibly popular.  It is a quality pen that comes in over 600 color combinations with various ink color choices.

Drinkware: 16 oz. Double Wall Acrylic Tumbler with Straw.

16 oz double wall acrylic tumbler

As Low As $2.99

This custom branded tumbler is a very practical and affordable give away item.  The double walled design allows for use with hot or cold beverages.  As the pictures illustrates it comes with a lid and straw in many color combinations.  It is a perfect item for the “on the go” business professional.

It’s More Than Just Promotional Merchandise; Its a Tool

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Here at Th!nk we get to interact and chat with some incredibly brilliant and creative people.  We love to hear their ideas and see how they are using promotional merchandise as a tool to continuously stay in front of their clients. Man, do they do a good job.  Below are just a few snippets of just how genius our customers are.

Impress Your Client’s With Custom Branded Gifts That Require a Follow Up Item.

“Aw, thanks..a…..cheeseboard..with your logo?” Wait! There is a card: please select your favorite assortment of cheese from the list and we will hand deliver it in the next two weeks.  Now you have captured your clients attention!  Or a set of grilling utensils followed up with fresh surf and turf.  However; lets be honest, In the south, properly prepared pulled pork is the best way to grab your clients attention.

Custom Branded Cheeseboard

Hardwood Cheese Board

As Low As $11.66

This custom engraved cheeseboard will look great in your clients kitchen.  It is classy, functional, and an excellent conversation starter.  Not only does it function as a cheeseboard but it could be used as a cutting board.

Laser Engraved Custom Grilling Set

BBQ Grill Set

As Low As $15.50

Who wouldn’t get excited about using these bad boys over a charcoal grill cooking a Cowboy Ribeye thick enough to make John Wayne proud? Or if you prefer lighter fare, they will do the trick for chicken, fish, vegetable kabobs etc.. This laser engraved stainless steel grilling set has it all: serrated spatula, stainless steel brush with scraper, bottle opener, and tongs.  And a gift box to make it all nice and pretty.

Your clients have chosen to align themselves with your company for one reason or another.  It could be based on price, expertise, responsiveness, attention to detail, trust etc.. All of which are critical to a good working relationship.  However; I would venture to say that most clients stay with you long term because of the experience.  Create a delightful experience and your clients will NOT leave you.

 

 

2014 US Open: Is Your Promotional Merchandise up to “Par”

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In June, the U.S. Open returns to North Carolina for the third time in 16 years.  The legendary Pinehurst #2 will host players in what is often cited as the most mentally taxing golfing event of the year.  Designed in 1907 by Donald Ross, the evil genius, this course has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America.  In 2014, this course will make history again, serving as host to the U.S. Open and Women’s Open Championships in consecutive weeks.  When anyone who knows anything about golf hears “Pinehurst #2” they think of Payne Stewarts legendary “fist punch” or associate it with class.

You see, Pinehurst #2 elicits memories of greatness that most want to have associated with their company or brand.  When someone hears your company or brand name, what are they thinking?  How are you leveraging each opportunity, like the U.S. Open, to grow this image?

Making Birdie with the Right Promotional Item

Are you planning to have a booth at the US Open?  If not the US Open, is your company planning to sponsor another outdoor event this year?  If so, below are our top three picks for promotional items.

Stay Hydrated: Custom Branded Bottled Water

Custom printed bottled water

As Low As $0.65

June in North Carolina lends itself to incredibly hot days.  What better way to attract people to your corporate booth than offering custom branded bottled water.  Having your logo printed on the most desirable item besides Phil Mickelson’s autograph at the US Open will certainly drive traffic to your tent.

Keep Cool: Slim and Slender Misting Fan

Misting Fan

As Low As $3.63

Sweating it out on the golf course is expected if you are playing; however, dripping in sweat is considerably less enjoyable if you are watching. Beat the heat with a custom branded battery-powered misting fan.  This slender fan will easily slip into the pocket of tournament goers, is easy to use, and will keep your brand in the face of patrons throughout the tournament.

Avoid Sunburn: SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

Sunscreen Spray

As Low As $1.79

Corporate swag is supposed to burn your brand into the mind of customers.  Do just that while helping them avoid a Kenny Powers grade farmer’s tan.  Everyone agrees nothing is more miserable than a day in the sun that leaves you clamoring for the aloe vera bottle.  Custom branded sunscreen spray is an excellent promotional item for all outdoor events.