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Apr

2019

Marketing Ideas that Don’t Break the Bank

If you’re just getting your business off the ground, you’re probably wondering how you can introduce your startup to your target market without spending too much money on expensive marketing tactics. Luckily, small business owners have more opportunities than ever to get their brands in front of the right audiences, particularly with the use of promotional products.

These customizable items are affordable and effective methods for capturing the attention of potential customers. While most companies opt to give out bulk promotional items at events, trade shows or to new clients, there are plenty of other ways you can get your custom promotional products into the hands of the right people. Test out some of these affordable marketing techniques to increase awareness of your brand.

1. Host a social media giveaway contest

People of all ages interact with brands on social networks on a daily basis. Because so many people are exposed to these sites each day, social media platforms have become extremely important for advertising and marketing efforts. While some people prefer to run sponsored social media ads, if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get your business noticed on social media, you can run a giveaway contest. There are specific laws that regulate giveaway contests via social media, so be sure to read up on these important rules before planning the contest.

Before you are able to run a promotional contest, you must first have an account on a social media platform (or platforms). When selecting where to host your competition, you should consider your target demographic and which sites they are most likely engaging with. Create a thoughtful post announcing the contest along with a photo of the bulk promotional product you will be giving away.

Instagram is a well-liked platform for these types of competitions. Most businesses require contestants to follow their page, tag a friend or two and sometimes include a hashtag in their post in order to qualify. These rules are effective because they require people to follow your business on social media. This will provide your company with the opportunity to engage with these new followers and show them what your brand is all about.

2. Team up with another company in your industry

Sometimes forming alliances with other companies within your industry can benefit both parties. Organize a low-key, affordable event with another company to promote each other’s brands. During the event, each respective party will be able to interact with the other’s customers, spreading their companies’ messages to people already familiar and interested in the industry.

At this event, you can help attendees to remember your business through promotional products given away at the door. When teaming up with another company, you want to make sure that you are in related businesses but not direct competitors as that can make things confusing for consumers and hinder your potential business prospects. One popular example of this type of co-branding is GoPro and Red Bull. Though the two companies sell different products, their target markets tend to overlap, so they have formed a global partnership through which they host thousands of events each year.

3. Get featured on a popular blog or vlog

Blogs are effective at spreading the word about everything from breaking news to the latest trends. Even if your company has its own blog, you should seek out other more popular bloggers in your field that would be willing to include a special review or guest post on their site, which will in turn draw attention back to your company’s website. In exchange for the favor, you can offer bloggers quality promotional products or allow them to give away one of your branded t-shirts or other promotional product via their blog.

4. Get involved in your local community

Earning the support of your local community is vital to creating customer loyalty and brand credibility. Event booth rental and/or sponsorship can be expensive but there are dozens of free or low-budget volunteer opportunities at local events. Even if you are not looking to be a vendor at an event, you can always reach out to event planners looking for in-kind donations of take-home items (also known as “swag bag” items) for guests. Although attendees may not have had the chance to talk with one of your employees face-to-face, they will have a unique item with your company’s brand to take home for future use.

5. Promote exclusive promotional products

Exclusivity is an excellent sales method because everyone enjoys feeling special. If potential customers think that they are getting access to something others are not, they are much more likely to make a purchase from your company or simply engage with your brand on social media. Regardless of what platform you use to offer an exclusive promotional product, be sure to use language that makes it clear this special is not available to everybody. For example, Victoria’s Secret often hosts sales exclusively for Angel Cardholders, which also include a free branded item when cardholders make a purchase.

Mar

2019

Why Custom Mouse Pads Still Rock

While not the most unique promotional product out there, custom mouse pads are practical, budget-friendly and best of all, have eyes on them all day long. A nice mouse pad can add a pop of color to an otherwise boring desk. So add some fun to your office with our awesome custom mouse pads. Not only can you customize them to include whatever image or text you’d like, but you can provide your staff with a much-needed accessory to make their everyday work lives easier and more comfortable. Mouse pads also make great giveaway items or promotional products to spread brand awareness. A mouse pad with your logo increases brand recognition since users will see your logo every time they use their computer, which, in an office environment, is daily. Make your custom mouse pads eye-catching and include your company logo before handing them out at trade shows, local events or even as a part of employee and client welcome packages.

Make sure that all of your custom promotional products are of the highest quality by placing an order with Pinnacle Promotions. No matter what the occasion is, we have dozens of items available for personalization—everything from custom wine glasses to custom mouse pads. Bring these high-quality products along to trade show events or hand them out to employees to spread brand awareness and build customer loyalty. If you have any questions, you can reach our customization experts via the contact form or by phone at 800.351.4226.

Mar

2019

Show Your Clients You Appreciate Them with Custom Golf Balls

Are you looking for the perfect gift to give your clients this year? No matter what the occasion, it’s always a great idea to show your customers how much you appreciate their business. Instead of the same generic gifts, this year try something new and order custom golf balls. If your clients are golf aficionados, there’s nothing they will love more than these beautifully crafted balls that they can take with them on their next golf trip. For custom promotional products, Pinnacle Promotions offers a range of high-quality gifts to fit any occasion.

Each year, employees across the country show their clients how much they care on Customer Appreciation Day. Sometimes we all get wrapped up in the hectic day-to-day activities of the workplace, but it’s important to remember the people who are purchasing from you. This year, get a head start and order your clients a gift well in advance so you don’t find yourself scrambling for a last-minute present. If you think custom golf balls make the perfect gift, you can select your chosen design and place your order from Pinnacle Promotions a few weeks in advance.

Presenting someone who is important to you with a custom gift is a meaningful way to show that you care and that you put time and thought into their gift. Our experts at Pinnacle Promotions understand just how important it is to find the perfect unique item for any occasion. Browse our complete collection of promotional products featuring everything from apparel to toys and novelty items. To make it easier to find the best golfing gifts, we've put together a list of best hats for golfers that are completely customizable to your needs.If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us via the contact form on our website, live chat, or by phone at 800.351.4226.

Feb

2019

Custom Snapback Hats for Every Occasion

Custom snapback hats are available in a range of styles and colors, but you want to make sure you’re ordering a high-quality product that will last. Our merchandising gurus have selected a collection of attractive, well-made hats to suit your company’s promotional needs.

Consider your target demographic and choose a style that will appeal to them—whether that's a flat-brim trucker-style snapback or traditional baseball cap. We offer wearable products from top brands like Under Armour and Nike. Before finalizing an item, give thought to your budget—lesser known brands have custom snapbacks for as low as $4 to $5 apiece while larger brand name baseball caps can be purchased for $20 to $30 each.

When it comes to fashion items like snapback hats, there are dozens of style options. Select something popular such as mesh-back caps or hats with flat brims over curved. Select an item made by popular brands for fitness clothing and accessories to grab attention and create an association between your brand and a company with a reputation for quality. When selecting your promotional product, keep in mind the colors and logo design you plan to use to ensure it will match with the item’s style.

As a marketing professional, you have the best sense of your company’s brand—what you represent and how you want to be viewed by your demographic. Opting for just any promotional product won’t cut it when it comes to spreading brand awareness. You want to be sure your promo items encompass your company’s identity and represent it well. If your company is in the sports industry, custom snapbacks are especially appropriate as a promotion gift. Flat-brim snapbacks and custom baseball caps are also excellent items for companies interested in appealing to a younger market.

After reading this, it's clear that there are some really great snapbacks - be sure to check out our other non-snapbacks as well. For reference of what our customers love, check out our best custom hats. Promotional products are one of the best vehicles for spreading brand awareness and building a name for your business. If you’re interested in ordering top-notch custom snapback hats, you can get in touch with our professional team at Pinnacle Promotions for more details on pricing and customization options. Don’t show up to your events empty handed this year! Our quick, efficient process and attention to detail guarantees that you’ll receive exceptional promotional products. For more information, get in touch with us by phone at 800.351.4226 or through our contact form.

Feb

2019

A Timeless Employee Appreciation Gift: Custom Wine Glasses

The importance of showing your employees that you care cannot be understated. Research has shown that managers who take a vested interest in the well-being of their employees and actively demonstrate this create a better work environment, which leads to happier employees and higher retention rates. One of the best ways to make your employees feel valued within the company is by periodically offering them employee appreciation gifts. You don’t need to spring for anything expensive or extravagant, but some type of meaningful item is sure to make them feel special and increase their job satisfaction. Custom wine glasses are a great choice when searching for employee appreciation gifts because they’re affordable and useful.

Whether you’re considering giving your employees an office-wide gift for the holiday season or you want the perfect item to distribute individually each time someone is celebrating a birthday, Pinnacle Promotions’ company promotional items make for great gifts. You can order custom wine glasses in bulk and hand them out in beautifully decorated wrapping paper before your employees head home for the holidays. Many companies celebrate employee birthdays with an in-office party or an after-work happy hour gathering. For these special occasions, you can order a batch of custom wine glasses ahead of time, and on each employee’s birthday, they’ll receive their well-crafted wine glass.

When choosing from our vast selection of company promotional products, you’ll discover dozens of different options for custom wine glasses. The stemless design is a classy alternative that tends to prevent spills because of the larger base. If you’re interested in a more classic wine glass, there are several options for stemmed custom wine glasses with plenty of space on the glass for a personalized design. You can also opt for stemless wine glasses in different colors or select one of the wine glass tumblers that can be used for a variety of liquids and keep the contents cool or warm for hours on end.

Are you looking for a different type of employee appreciation gift? Pinnacle Promotions offers a huge selection of different company promotional products that your entire staff will love. For the employee who loves sports, consider ordering custom golf balls or frisbees. You can also opt for other drinkware products, including personalized beer mugs, travel mugs and coffee mugs. No matter what your employees are interested in, Pinnacle Promotions is sure to have the perfect item for you to give this year as an employee appreciation present.

When you order your company promotional products or customized presents from Pinnacle Promotions, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the highest quality items that have been imprinted with care. Browse our catalog of promotional products and select the perfect item for your employees and then upload your design and place your order. Most items take several days to customize and ship, but if you’re in a last-minute rush, you can check out our products that are available for 24-hour rush production. Feel free to reach out to our team of experts with any questions through our contact form or by phone at 800.351.4226.

Feb

2019

2019 promotional product trends

This trend encompasses mental wealth, positivity and physical well-being. It encourages a more holistic focus on the mind-body connection and inspires your best self by creating a better balance between your mental health and physical well being. This trend sparks a collection of products ready to nourish your spirit, reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and recharge and unwind with quality time.

Over the past few years, we have seen more and more companies offer office perks to make it easy for employees to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, while on the job. According to Working Mother, “Most employers know that one of the keys to workplace productivity is having happy and healthy employees.” Companies such as Nike, Google, and Microsoft have taken this concept to the next level and offer wellness zones such as quiet places to meditate and napping to fully functional gyms.

Today’s culture is particularly intrigued (or borderline obsessed) with the practice of genealogy. People use the DNA test, 23 and me, or Ancestry.com to not only find out how it relates to health but they also use the results to feel included and part of something “bigger.”

With all the surrounding chaos and commotion during our everyday lives, people are looking for mindfulness and seeking happy places. As discussed in the 2019 apparel trends blog, hygge – a Danish word describing a comfortable feeling that engenders contentment or well-being – is an ongoing lifestyle trend. It promotes one to enjoy cozy time; whether that's snuggling up in a soft sweatshirt, taking a candlelit bath, or enjoying sofa-side chat with a loved one, glass of wine in hand. This also speaks to the athleisure fashion trend. Athleisure clothing is designed for athletic activities, but can be worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions.

The Recharge trend translates to the promotional product world through the warm, happy, and fantasy color palettes, various journal options, and active accessories such as yoga mats and travel pet gear bags. Products will feature pops of color that highlight warm and happy hues such as the the Pantone color of the year, Living Coral. Journals can be used to write down your thoughts, reflections, or doodles to ease your stress – some journal options are composed of lined paper and coloring pictures to add another element of relaxation. And yoga mats and travel pet gear urge one to keep fit and active, promoting mental health, positivity and physical well-being.

From climbing mountains to walking in the park, consumers desire to reconnect with nature, and the Connected Outdoors trend celebrates items inspired by the great outdoors. With these product options, you can pack it all in — from business to leisure, and satisfy your sense of adventure and exploration, no matter where your travels take you.

Brands are continuing to make great strides to show their care for the environment and the measures they are taking to protect the earth. According to Waste 360, 70 percent of millennials said a company’s environmental focus impacts their purchasing decisions. For example, The North Face is committed to creating durable products that stay out of landfills as well as incorporating more recycled fabric into its clothing. The brand also has a Clothes the Loop program, which rewards customers for donating old clothing and shoes.

Additionally, brands are joining the “give back” movement by donating to or partnering with major charities in an effort to raise awareness on various causes. The company Brandless believes in making better products accessible and affordable for more people, and has partnered up with the Feed America organization to donate meals to people facing hunger. Their mission is deeply rooted in quality, transparency, and community-driven values – on their website, they have three defined sections; 350+ High Quality Products, Simple Fair Prices and Tangible Acts of Kindness. Brands will continue to catch on to the the vibe of doing good, especially with members of the upcoming Generation Z demographic expecting it. Consumers believe that our world needs a lot of help right now, so there are plenty of causes to support.

You can see the Connected Outdoors trend in promotional products through rugged, earth-tone travel-style backpacks, drinkware with a purpose, and activewear or sports gear that exceeds expectations. Vendors are offering backpacks that encompass nature's colors such as olive, tan and brown. These styles of backpacks allow wearers to travel with ease due to their quality, structure and portability. Additionally, consumers today are more inclined to help protect the planet, and many companies are offering products that will benefit the environment – for example, metal drinking straws to help eliminate plastic straw waste and backpacks made from recycled plastic water bottles. These outdoor-inspired products connect consumers with their passion for outdoor experiences, no matter where they travel.

Non-traditional workspaces demand products that allow consumers to work anywhere. These versatile options make it easy for digital nomads, on-the-road warriors, and sprinters running from meeting to meeting to stay nimble, organized, and productive wherever they meet to connect and collaborate.

Working remotely, sharing workspaces, and desk hopping are the now the new norm. Companies are embracing flexible workspaces with hoteling desks and conference rooms. According to ZDNet, Georgia-Pacific realized that many of their employees work remotely or from different facilities, so they removed offices on its 24 floors to create open layouts with lots of natural light. Mobility was a key factor in the decision to create the hoteling desk system. Employees have the ability to move around the floor as well as between floors, and will have the technology to connect seamlessly from any location. A mobile application allows them to book desks or rooms from any location.

The products that mirror the Work On The Move trend include technology infused into fabrics, portable and multi-purpose items, and sleek, simple designs. These products reflect the new ways we are working such as cohabitant work spaces or coffee shops. The office has transformed and the cube walls are coming down so we are adapting to a functional mobile office. Apparel and backpacks are being offered with headphone and USB jacks and power bank outlets. Multi-purpose products empower consumers to adapt to the environment while still being able to get the job done.

Feb

2019

Custom Grills for Tailgating

This year, when choosing the perfect personalized gift for employees, clients or potential new customers, consider one of our custom grills or customized grilling sets. Despite what some may think, tailgating is a year-round event with plenty of dedicated sports fans venturing out in the cold for pre-game festivities. If your company plans a lot of team-wide sports or outdoor events, these grills make for the perfect item to promote your business no matter the season.

Custom grills are a desirable giveaway item to promote brand awareness and get people excited about your company. Successful marketing campaigns often feature a well-made, high value item to attract attention and a custom grill definitely fits the bill.

These personalized items work well for any kind of promotional event, whether your company is hosting or just attending. Stock up and run special giveaways throughout the year. Read on to learn more about our custom grill products and take notes on our favorite tips for tailgating in the winter.

Versatility and high perceived value! A personalized gift is the best way to show someone your appreciation. Whether you’re considering custom grills as a company gift for the staff or you’re interested in running a giveaway on grills with your company’s logo, our high-quality products and excellent customization process will create exactly what you’re looking for in a promotional product.

If a full grill set seems like too large of a promotional item for your business, you can also consider giving customized grill sets with all the accessories an outdoor chef needs to serve up a juicy steak cooked to perfection or grilled veggie kabobs with a delicious hint of smoky flavor.

Though grilling outdoors is usually thought of as a warm-weather activity, there are plenty of opportunities for a winter tailgate, too—if you know how to prepare properly. Here are some of our favorite tips for grilling out in the cold, so you can enjoy these custom grills year-round.

Invest in promotional tumblers, so you can bring warm drinks like spiked apple cider or tea with honey.
Don’t forget your pop-up tent. In the summer, this tailgating accessory can protect you from the blistering heat of the sun, but in the winter, it may provide shelter from rain or snow. If you attach a blanket or sheet to one side, you can also combat the chilly winter wind.
Bring along several packets of hand and foot warmers.
Prepare the food at home prior to the tailgate. Having everything chopped up and marinated makes it much easier (and quicker) when grilling in the cold winter weather.
Blankets! Pack the car with a generous number of blankets to keep you warm—and bring some extras just in case your friends didn’t come prepared.

Pinnacle Promotions offers one of the widest selections of promotional items designed to capture the attention of potential customers and grow your company’s brand. Are you planning to attend a trade show this year? Then, you’re going to need to be prepared with giveaway items like koozies, pens and tumblers. If you’re looking for a promotional item that’s a bit more unique, we offer products by industry, purpose and even brand. Browse our expansive collection of items and add your company logo to any of our high-quality products.

Jan

2019

2019 Apparel Trends

2019 is here and we have a lot to look forward to! Some of the trends from 2018 are sticking around for the new year and are expanding their influence into the apparel industry. The comfy/cozy trend – what the Danish call hygge (pronounced "hyoo-guh") – is one that isn’t going anywhere. Hygge is defined as a comfortable feeling that engenders contentment or well-being. It promotes one to enjoy cozy time; whether that's snuggling up in a soft sweatshirt, taking a candlelit bath, or enjoying sofa-side chat with a loved one, glass of wine in hand. Or maybe all three at once.

The hygge trend has inspired the apparel industry with luxe, rich and soft fabrics, muted, earth-tone color schemes, and unique silhouettes. Apparel brands in the promotional industry are no longer sitting back until these new retail trends come to life, but instead are right alongside the latest innovative styles.

Big apparel name brands such as Hanes and Gildan are incorporating new t-shirts made from 100% ring spun and combed cotton. These processes create garments that are softer and more luxurious than regular cotton. Combed cotton is softer than regular cotton "because it doesn't have any impurities or short protruding threads," according to sciencing.com , "and it is stronger than regular cotton because the combing process removes short fibers, which are prone to breakage.” Customers will benefit from ordering a ring spun or combed cotton t-shirt because the smooth, low textured fabric is more comfortable, will last longer, and is easier to print on. We will more than likely see brands start to incorporate these types of fabrics into their full lines as consumers move in the direction of comfort and style.

J.America is another brand that is taking full advantage of the luxurious and soft fabric trend by marrying on-trend styles with athleisure comfort. They offer layered performance tops and hoodies which allow a person to go from a more casual office to lunch to the gym. Brand names like J.America are guiding distributors to suggest more edgy styles to consumers, particularly if it’s intended for a venue other than work.

Fleece options, such as the Teddy Fleece Crewneck Pullover, are transforming in the same way. The promotional industry is experiencing huge momentum with softer mid-weight fabrics with unique styles like the Pepper Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover. Consumers are wanting better fabrics that are more comfortable and have a versatile appeal that can be worn in multiple settings.

The Women’s Freedom Drop Shoulder Tee has a loose fit silhouette with side seam and tapered bottom. The loose fitting trend goes back to the athleisure comfort style which is taking the apparel industry full force. The larger silhouettes allow for more movement and air circulation, which means that, in many situations, they’re a lot more comfortable than their closely fitted styles. Aesthetically, they’re wonderfully unfussy and transmit an air of confidence. Since more fabric is used in a garment, it feels more substantial which makes it more appealing.

Fashion trends repeat over time as new “styles” are typically inspired from past eras. The promotional industry experienced the retro-revival trend this year with a number of products based on recycled, classic looks from the 70’s and 80’s that were reinvented with function for the modern world. The brand American Apparel offers basic, classic fits while also creating vintage-inspired styles. Some vintage, unique styles that this brand offers are the Flex Fleece Cropped Sweatshirt and Flex Fleece Turtleneck.

These styles pay homage to the 80’s but have been reinvented with the colors schemes and fit. The unique silhouettes that are premiering in the promotional world will provide customers a wider range of options for employees to wear to the office. According to Wellness Corporate Solutions, “casual clothing doesn’t necessary decrease productivity and t-shirts and hoodies have now become commonplace in many offices.” So remember, when you are placing an apparel order for the office or your team, think outside of the box and offer something new and innovative!

These three apparel trends — luxe, rich and soft fabrics, muted, earth-tone color schemes, and unique silhouettes — will not only be highlighted in the retail world but also in the promotional world as lag times between retail and promotional apparel have nearly evaporated. Promotional apparel suppliers and distributors have their fingers on the pulse of the most relevant fabrics, cuts and colors. By following these trends, your company will have a competitive edge by staying one step ahead.

Oct

2018

Year-round employee swag favorites: Custom Blankets

Outfitting your employees with top-notch company swag is a great way to boost loyalty and build pride in your brand, but not all swag is created equal. One of our favorite unexpected company giveaways is the custom blanket. The perfect pick for picnics, sports games, concerts and snuggling up with a good book at home, custom blankets let your employees show off your brand wherever they go.

As the cold weather rolls around, you’re going to want to start thinking about some warm, winter swag—hello, custom sweatshirts and touch screen gloves—for employee appreciation gifts or corporate holiday presents, and custom throw blankets are a good choice for year-round use.

We recommend these fan favorites for all sorts of company milestones, including:

New hire welcome gifts
Employee anniversaries
Retirement gifts
Employee incentives
Company holiday gifts
Weekly wins

The experts consistently recommend choosing corporate swag that’s useful and high-quality to garner the most impressions, and promotional blankets certainly meet those standards. There are many reasons to design your own blanket to add to your company’s swag bags, including:

- They’re unconventional—When you think about typical corporate swag, you’re probably thinking about classic but arguably basic items like promotional T-shirts and pens. Everybody loves a giveaway, but you can bet you’ll get even more smiles when you hand out something a little less expected, like custom throw blankets. You might even find that employees want to share their swag with friends on social media.

- They get lots of use—One of the facets of a well-chosen branded product is its usefulness. If you brand items that are just going to sit in a drawer for years to come, there’s a good chance your ROI will be lower and you’ll feel like you’ve wasted company dollars. Instead, pick something that’s more likely to get plenty of use. In the cold months, company blankets get used nonstop both at home and away, providing ample branding opportunity.
- They suit your brand—If you’re looking for a promotional item that plays into whatever product or service you sell, custom blankets may be a good choice. We often see them employed by businesses that are focused on sports, camping, the outdoors, driving and relaxation. With so many styles to choose from, ranging from soft and cozy travel blankets to hooded blankets, you’re sure to find a blanket that’s appropriate for your business narrative here.
- They’re versatile—Because you can customize many unique blanket styles with your preferred coloring and design, blankets make solid swag for a wide range of applications. Of course, they are a very popular pick for employee gifts, but they can also be used to woo potential clients, partners and investors. In other words, they’re ideal internal and external corporate giveaways.

They’re high-quality—Like most promotional gifts, branded blankets come in many different tiers, from economical to premium, to suit your budget and vision. You can make your corporate swag stand out when you invest in some premium custom throws made of heavenly soft material like Sherpa, micro mink and cozy cotton.

Jul

2018

How to plan and implement a sales award incentive trip

The President’s Club (or CEO Club, High Achievers Club, etc.) has become a common way for companies to honor and recognize their high performing employees. Usually this exclusive “club” is targeted towards sales representatives as a way to motivate them throughout the year to hit their sales targets and to see all of their hard work pay off in a big way when the sales numbers are final.

Top performers are announced within the organization and then typically taken on a trip to celebrate their successes. Sounds great, right? Hit your sales goal, board a plane and enjoy a week in paradise – sign us up! But, someone has to plan this trip. Maybe that someone is you, and you’re not sure how to structure the parameters of the contest let alone plan a weeklong vacation at a resort. Don’t stress! Today we’re sharing ideas that should make the planning process easier.

Set the contest parameters

Prior to deciding what resort you’ll use, what gifts you will give away, or any of the “fun” stuff, you’ll need to determine how you want to structure this contest, and what goal the sales representatives will have to achieve to be considered for this coveted award.

First, have a number of attendees in mind. You’ll need to establish your budget early on in order to make the most of this trip, so knowing how many employees you’ll need to provide transportation and lodging for is extremely important. Once you have that number in mind – maybe it’s 5% of the sales force or more like 10% if you have a larger budget or a smaller group of employees – try to avoid having this contest pan out with winners from only one region.

Your reps will be more motivated if they know the playing field is even from the jump. For example, award the two top performing sales representatives from each regional territory and then the top two overall nationally performing reps. This way, you’ll get a great group of employees from diverse locations across your company’s territories.

Location, location, location

Now that your parameters are set, and your number of attendees is roughly mapped out you’ll need to pick the location for the trip. Some of the most popular destinations for President’s Club trips are tropical resorts or getaways outside of the United States. Interested in a pro tip? Don’t cut corners when you choose the resort. You want this trip to be highly desirable, and also serve as motivation for years to come. If the President’s Club winners return from the trip and spread the news that the trip was hardly worth the effort they put in all year long, you’re in trouble. All-inclusive resorts are a budgets best friend, you won’t stress out about additional costs like food and beverage, which can fluctuate greatly and are hard to predict. Don’t forget to account for transportation when you’re planning this getaway – your winners will need to get there somehow!

Announce the winners and send some swag

Once the sales contest has concluded, typically at the end of the year, you’ll need to determine your winners and announce them to the organization. Once your finance or accounting team has had a chance to review the numbers, now comes the fun part – letting the recipients know they’ve won! You can announce the winners of the competition in so many ways, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Schedule a conference call or webinar with the entire sales organization and executives
Include the announcement in your weekly Sales Newsletter if you have one

Personalized phone calls to the winning reps prior to the announcement to the rest of the organization would be a great way to personally acknowledge their hard work and prepare them. After the organization and recipients are aware that they are being rewarded, send out some customized swag. We like to call these packages “hype gifts”. The goal is to acknowledge the winner’s hard work, but also get them excited about the upcoming trip.

If you’re going somewhere tropical, which you most likely are, play up the location theme. Items like branded sunglasses and beach towels are great gifts to get your winners in vacation mode. You can customize these items with your brand logo or even come up with a logo and tagline specifically for the President’s Club trip – we love this option. It provides a great keepsake and reminder of the hard work that the rep put in to earn the trip and the swag.

Some other great hype gifts are items that make traveling more enjoyable – think Bluetooth earbuds for the plane ride, or a portable phone charger to make sure that all of the devices are charged up and ready to take photos of the trip. Another great option is to create a short video with footage from the resort so you can really drive home how amazing this trip will be that they are about to embark on.

It’s time for the trip

So it’s finally time for the President’s Club trip to actually take place. All of your planning and all of the sales team hard work is finally over, and it’s time to enjoy the resort that you meticulously planned out. You want to make sure that your team feels comfortable and welcomed to the resort when they arrive, and the best way to make sure this happens is with some welcome gifts, or as we like to call it “room drops”. In a nutshell, room drop gifts are personalized products sent to the resort ahead of time and placed into the employee’s rooms for them to receive once they arrive. It’s always exciting to walk into your room and see that someone at your company has thought of you enough to send a gift to surprise you! The perfect way to choose a room drop gift is to think of what your employees will want to use while they’re enjoying their week in paradise. Customized apparel – think tank tops, tee shirts or hats – is always a great choice; your employees can sport their branded apparel proudly throughout the week. Vacuum insulated tumblers are thoughtful room drop gifts; they’ll keep your employees beverages nice and cold. Backpacks and Bluetooth speakers are also guaranteed crowd pleasers – winners can stow their belongings and bring their favorite tunes to the pool.

Another way to welcome employees is to have a member of Sales Management or maybe even someone from the Executive team, depending on who is attending this trip, meet employees in the lobby of the resort with a smile and a glass of champagne. Toast the hard work of the individuals who ushered your company towards success over the past year.

Don’t forget that this trip also serves as a fantastic way for members of the organization to get to know each other and network in a no pressure, off site environment. Don’t be afraid to plan some activities for downtime at the resort, but remember that mostly your employees will want to relax and kick off their shoes after a productive year of sales.

Gather feedback

After everyone has returned from the trip and had some time to get back into the swing of things, send out a survey to gather feedback. An electronic survey allows employees to anonymously give their honest feedback about the President’s Club Trip. Ask what they liked or didn’t like, what they wish would have been a part of the trip, or what the company might try to improve upon for next year. This is a great way to improve upon the quality of the award year after year.

Why Use a Custom Mouse Pad?

Ways to personalize your custom mouse pads

Thick Full Color Soft Mouse Pad - 8" Dia. x 1/4"

Memory Foam Mouse Mat®

Solid Jersey Gel Promotional Mouse Pad

Easton Wireless Charging Mouse Pad

Hackler Leather Mouse Pad

Pinnacle Promotions offers the perfect solution for all your custom promotional product needs

The perfect time to give your clients a gift

Customer Appreciation Day

As a holiday gift

Custom golf balls

Make your gift extra special with a promotional product from Pinnacle Promotions

Don’t skimp on the quality

Opt for trendy styles

Match your product to your brand

Place your order in advance

Review your logo configuration

Choose the most efficient way to order custom snapbacks

When to give your employees an appreciation gift

National Employee Appreciation Day

With a promotion or major achievement

Holidays or special occasions

Choosing custom wine glasses

Other employee appreciation gift ideas

Let Pinnacle Promotions craft the perfect employee gift this year

Recharge

Connected Outdoors

Work On The Move

Why order custom grills?

Our favorite custom grills and customized grill sets

Tips for Winter Tailgating

Looking for even more ideas on custom products?

Trend #1: Luxe, Rich and Soft Fabrics

ComfortWash by Hanes Men's 5.5 oz., 100% Ringspun Cotton Garment-Dyed T-Shirt

Gildan Hammer Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Trend #2: Muted Earth-Tone Colors

Bella+Canvas Unisex T-Shirt

Alternative Eco-Fleece™ Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

Trend #3: Unique Silhouettes / Styles

Anvil Women's Freedom Drop Shoulder Tee

American Apparel Flex Fleece Turtleneck

In conclusion...

Why custom blankets are a good choice

More unique company swag ideas

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