2012 New Year Resolutions

A lot of people make personal new year resolutions.  What are your new year resolutions for your business?

Here are my suggestions for success in your new years resolutions:

1.  Choose your TOP 3 that you would like to change so that you can concentrate on only these 3.
2.  WRITE THEM DOWN & make a contract with youself to COMMIT to work on them
3.  Write down HOW you are going to work on improving.
4.  Figure out a way to MEASURE your progress weekly, monthly and quarterly.

Versi-Tape Measure

This is a very useful tape measure, look at all of the features.  I love the fact that you have a small note pad and pen to quickly and easily write down the measurements as you take them. The best thing is that it is currently on sale for only $1.49 each
for 200 or more plus a $39 setup charge until July 29!

• 10’/300 cm.
• Self-locking tape, level, pen, note pad and belt clip
• 1/2” wide blade
• Backside Belt Clip

Golfer's Buddy

In case you didn't notice we had a lot of rain in April and May. Many of the golfers had to abide by the "Cart Path Only" instructions for driving their golf carts. So when you hit your drive on the left side of the fairway and the cart path was on the right side of the fairway you had to lug various golf clubs over to your ball and lay them down on the wet ground. The "Golfer's Buddy" can solve that problem. It is a lightweight golf bag that holds up to 5 clubs and holds your clubs upright anywhere on the course. Also, it is great for par 3 courses, juniors & seniors or as a "Sunday" bag. It will hook on to your regular golf bag that is strapped to your golf cart.

This item falls into the category of "Why didn't I think of that"!

Pricing for 100 units is $25 each plus a $65 setup charge and freight / tax. The imprint area is 4.5" x 6.5". Production time is 30 days and they ship out of California.

QR Codes

QR Codes (Quick Response) are similiar to barcodes and are appearing everywhere; advertisments, business cards, promotional products, billboards, storefronts, buses, etc. As it turns out, theses curious little designs just so happen to be the latest in the marketing and branding world. By simply snapping a photo of the code with a Smartphone, the user can gain immediate access to the company's website, videos, and other information tailored specifically to you, as a potential client.

Some examples of promotional products that QR codes can be printed on are: backs of t-shirts, trade show booths, sticky notes, note pads, and calenders.

Golf Outing Favor

Golf season is here again! If you're looking for a classy favor to give to your golfers, I really like this Golf Hat/Hat Clip/Ball Marker.

Gadget Grips

Gadget Grips are a great promotional product with the proliferation of cell phones, Smart Phones, iPhones. They help the device STAY where you put it and they are a great way to BRAND your company with your target audience. More information can be found at http://www.handstandspromo.com/ .

Improve direct mail response rates with promotional products

Promotional products, when used in conjunction with a sales lettter or as an incentive to respond, can make a significant difference in direct mail response rates. The use of promotional products can also significantly improve a business ' effectiveness in converting leads to sales appointments. The following are findings from a direct mail study by Silver Marketing Group:

Adding a promotional product to a mail promotion increased the response rate by 50%.

• The use of a promotional product as an incentive to respond generated 4 times as many responses as a letter alone.


• The use of a promotional product as an incentive to respond reduced the cost per response by two thirds.

The study was conducted with 1,482 businesses divided into 3 groups. Each group received either a personalized sales letter, a sales letter plus a promotional product or a sales letter with the offer of a promotional product incentive.

Pens with Blue Ink

Many companies that deal with legal documents like to use blue ink in their pens so make sure to ask for a BLUE INK CARTRIDGE when ordering them.

Referrals

Do you currently have a "Thank You for your referral" program in place? I have one client that purchases logo'd coffee mugs and fills them with candy and gifts wrap them up with a bow and gives them to people that sends new clients their way via a referral. It has been a great way to show appreciation and it keeps thier company name in front of the referral givers on a daily basis. You can also setup a tiered program where you offer better gifts for better or more referrals. This is something that you can advertise or not, it's up to you.

Wellness Programs

Thinking of motivating your employees to live a healthier lifestyle?

How about sponsoring a 5K Race to promote your company's image of goodwill in the public eye?

This fun Calorie Counter Jump Rope makes the perfect reward for employee participation or a a great giveaway at a local charitable event. Going hand in hand with a wellness program, this unique item won't break the bank at $4.79 each for a minimum quantity of 100. There is a $50 set-up fee. Price includes a one color imprint on one location.

LED Key Chain Flashlights

Many times I get requests for a low cost but useful promotional product. I just love the new rectangular shaped LED flashlight/keychain that has a bright white beam. They come in various colors and I know mine has come in hand at various times.

They are on sale for 300 @ .75 each plus a $50 setup charge for a one color imprint/one location for all of 2011.

Bookmarks

Sometimes people want to get a big bang for a small amount of money. I like bookmarks for the right audience as they are inexpensive and now they can be printed in full color so they are the poster-child for "A picture is worth a thousand words". You can get 500 of these for .24 each plus a $50 setup charge. You can add the tassle for an extra .20 each. Check out all of the shapes available at http://www.keystoneline.com/ .

Logo Mats

I think that a carpet mat with your logo on it is a great way to immediately brand your company when someone enters your corporate headquarters. They say so much more than a blank carpet mat, they communicate that you are a professional corporation! Check out all of the logo mat options at www.logomatsinc.com .

Team Building and Creativity

One of my favorite new tools to teach team building or creativity is Wikki Stix. It is waxed string that is bendable and they stick to each other. It is a great item to introduce to a group to teach team building or creativity. Just go to www.wikkistix.com and you can view a video of them. Children are shown having fun with Wikki Stix, just imagine the fun you can have with adults! Yes, you can order these thru ASAP Promotions.

I love this new measureing cup. The distinctive levels of markings on the inside allow you to mesure in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 cup measurements. Available in 29 different colors.

Great item to say that we " Measure Up" or just a great item to help keep your company name and brand in front of clients in the most traveled room in the house . . . the kitchen!