Everyone is starting to gear up for fall and wearables are at the top of the list. Many clients are ordering items like polos, long sleeve shirts, jackets and uniforms. Some of my favorite suppliers can be found at www.companycasuals.com and www.brandbookonline.com. In my last post I mentioned that the HOT wearable items are moisture wicking, easy iron, and stain resistant.

What's HOT . . . . I get asked that question all of the time. My reply is always "What are you trying to achieve". Here is my list of what I think is hot now . . .

1. GREEN items that are recycled, recyclable, made of natural products, etc.
2. WEARABLES that are moisture wicking, require no ironing, and stain resistant.
3. MEMORY STICKS that come in various storage capacities and come in various forms like pens, keychains, wristbands, credit cards, compasses, etc.
4. Items printed in FULL COLOR, 4 COLOR PROCESS.
5. Fast turnaround in 1-3 days, people just don't plan far enough ahead so suppliers now offer RUSH SERVICE.

I found this very cool new golf item called Sure Putt. The Sure Putt product is a unique way to read the slope and break on a green. It can show any uphill, downhill, sloping right or sloping left break on any putting surface. The bubble in the spirit level will move around the dial to show you the direction of the break. If the bubble is directly in the center of the dial the green is level. But how often does that happen? By reading the dial around the disc you can instantly see the slope of the green. If the bubble moves right on the dial, that is the high side and the slope will be to the left. If the bubble moves left on the dial, then that is the high side and the slope will be to the right. Every quadrant on the dial shows you the path your ball will take on its way to the hole. The further outside the center circle on the dial the greater the slope or the greater the uphill or downhill break. To make it even easier the Sure Putt is large enough to have engraved directions in every quadrant on the dial and is heavy enough to lay flat on the green….giving you the most precise reading. Your artwork can also be engraved on this item.

People love specials. One of my main suppliers has some great specials and here's a link to their specials page http://www.bulletline.com/powerpacks/PowerPacks.aspx . Check out the hat special, it is the BEST price I've ever seen on embroidered caps but the price is only good as long as the supply lasts and I think they're going to go fast. I even bought some at this price!!!

It's now the middle of July and "Back to School" season is here. Various entities involved with preparing for the school year are busy reviewing and purchasing promotional products. One of my favorite suppliers can be found at http://www.larlu.com/. They are running a special 10% discount on some of their products until September 30: http://www.larlu.com/PDF/LarLuSpecial.pdf .

One of the most popular low cost items is the Jar Gripper. They help you open up those hard to open lids and also help keep items from slipping. The photo above are samples of different stock shapes that can now be decored in full color with 4 color process printing. If you want to reduce your cost further just print them in one color instead of 4 color process. Loosens Jars, Light Bulbs, Garden Hoses, Radiator Caps, Nail Polish Caps. Helps prevent slipping of rugs, ladders and tools. For more information go to http://www.lewtan8.com/ .

Looking for an executive looking golf gift with a brand name. Here is the Nike Valuables Holder. Fits most range finders/GPS devices. Individual pockets have room to hold balls, tees, keys, divot tools, etc. It can be reversed and clipped onto your golf bag for easy access during a round of golf. Closed it is 8.5"w x 6"h x 2" deep. The imprint area is 3" x 3" on the back. Item NG021.

Remember, the fine art of networking is not so much about giving your business card to everyone you know but rather getting to know everything about the person, products, and services behind the business card that is given to you!