Apparel

Aug

2009

So You Think You Can Sponsor?

This week the finale for the Emmy-nominated reality hit show So You Think You Can Dance airs on Fox television, but if you’re one of the 8.9 million viewers that tune in weekly you’ve already cleared your schedule for this Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8/7c to find out who America chooses as its favorite dancer. SYTYCD is one of my absolute favorite television shows (if you didn’t already know that from reading my bio and the answer to question 3 – What is the TV show you have to set your Tivo for?) and it is also a favorite among the other employees here at Pinnacle. And it is no surprise as since its debut with Season 1 in 2005, it has consistently been among the top in the ratings, generating spin off versions of the show in New Zealand, Ukraine, Turkey, Israel, Canada, Germany, Greece, Poland, Malaysia, Norway, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Australia (whew!) with more countries in the works. The major triumph of the show, however, – while offering a unique opportunity for contestants ranging from national competition winners, to unknown street dancers – is that it has brought dance to the forefront of American culture and shown how this creative outlet can have such a positive impact on the nation’s youth.

Riding on the tails of this success are the sponsors of SYTYCD. Product placement and brand integration have become a huge part of the television industry, extending to the realm of reality TV, and their advertising strategies have become a lot more cultivated than just putting a company name or logo on the judges’ platform. One of the sponsors for season four of SYTYCD was Unilever’s Snuggle fabric softener. They used the show to market their new Snuggle with Fresh Release fabric softener. With its tagline, “Simply make a move and feel the freshness,” they tied the product into the dancing theme and furthered this connection with segments featuring contestants and viewers showing off their “Happy Dances.” Snuggle even had viewers submit their happy dance videos and sponsored a sweepstakes with a top prize of a trip to the show’s finale.

Although your company may not have a budget large enough to sponsor a television series like So You Think You Can Dance, there are sure to be tons of other organizations in your community that are looking for local corporations to aid in their causes, and in turn, provide exposure to your brand. Sponsoring a team or event is one of the most effective ways to get your brand noticed. Sponsor a local youth sports team and have your company name and logo imprinted on the sleeve of their athletic and team wear, giving you tons of brand visibility. You can even customize a schedule magnet to give out to fans, displaying the team’s game schedule, and your company’s name and logo. Parents and fans will be sure to support your company, as you have supported their team.

Be sure to tune in to the So You Think You Can Dance finale this week to find out whom America votes as its favorite dancer (I’m rooting for Kayla!) and don’t forget to pay attention to all of the corporate sponsors!

Jaime
Creative Writing Intern

Jul

2009

What Not to Wear: Pinnacle Promotions Edition

TLC created an entire show based on it. Glamour magazine has a monthly column dedicated to it. Now, Pinnacle Promotions is entering the scene: fashion rule-breakers beware! Celebrities are often criticized because of unsightly wardrobe faux pas, but the press is becoming more and more mindful of crimes of fashion committed by ordinary people. Pinnacle employees are typically trendy, well-groomed young professionals, but sometimes (and I mean VERY rarely!), one of us will slip up and fall prey to a capital offense.

This fashion victim, who shall remain nameless, should have thought more carefully about leaving his house on the weekend in this outfit. If only he had taken advantage of the stylish apparel offered by his own employer! Here is a brief breakdown of this offender’s criminal actions:

GUILTY: Cutoff Jean Shorts. I mean, this look may have been en vogue in the early ‘90s… but it is now 2009! Yes, the heat in Atlanta tends to be unbearable, but I cannot think of any occasion that would justify a twenty-something year old male in an urban setting rocking this style in public (except maybe Halloween!). There are an enormous variety of alternatives that could provide equal or greater comfort while keeping this individual out of the limelight because of outdated clothing decisions. For example, why not turn to lightweight and sport tek® mesh shorts as lounge-wear? A daytime look that alludes to athleticism is a great way to clue nearby members of the opposite sex into the fact that you enjoy working out and flexing your muscles!
-Dana

GUILTY: Styrofoam Cup. I may have let this one slide if he happened to be sporting the “look you can’t tell if what I am drinking contains alcohol or not because it is in a concealed red plastic cup” college-style solo cup; however, he has chosen to indulge in his liquid concoction in a non-biodegradable, earth-polluting polystyrene foam container! As anyone who has been paying attention to the latest trends in “green” fashion knows, there are plenty of fashionable eco-friendly alternatives to such environmentally harmful products, as can be found on Pinnacle Promotions website under the category of recycled promotional products. For example, Mr. Fashion Victim, should have traded in his disposable cup for a biodegradable, reusable and recyclable Stadium Cup made from recycled materials. As they say: “Green” is the new black!

GUILTY: Trendy Sneakers Gone Wrong. Lately we’ve been seeing celebrities like Justin Timberlake conveying a ton of attitude by dressing down an Armani black suit with plain white sneakers on the red carpet. Sneakers seem to be running off the courts and onto the social scenes around the country, but the secret to pulling off this look is how you wear them. You may think that sneakers are the one fashion trend that doesn’t warrant much thought and consideration, but it is clean, crisp white sneakers that complement any outfit. Our fashion victim should have used a shoe polish kit to keep his footwear out of a fashion victim blog!

And finally, one trend that this mysterious walking fashion disaster is guilty of actually following: flashing a peace sign… Supporting the goal of world peace is always, without question a fashion DO! He definitely redeems himself in part because of this stylish hand gesture!

*Please note: the opinions stated in the above column are in no way representative of Pinnacle Promotions or its employees as a whole (just most of us!). The fashion victim selected for the purposes of this blog consented in advance to its creation and knows that this post is all in good fun. ☺

Jul

2009

A Creative Spin on the Classics – Part 1

Year after year, there’s a core group of promotional products that continually rank near the top in consumer popularity. Many of them, like the basic, custom t-shirt or a pad of promotional Post-It notes, consistently sell simply because they’re useful & offer a high number of marketing impressions throughout their lifespan. While these products are proven classics, creative variations do exist that can inject a new spin on these time-tested winners. Below are a few of our most popular suggestions.

The basic tee: A compressed t-shirt offers high impact delivery of your brand. Available in hundreds of stock shapes or custom designed, this unique way to package a t-shirt is sure to impress.

The Sticky Notebook: Also available in a variety of stock & custom shapes is the Sticky Notebook. With 25-100 sheets offered per pad, this product is sure to distinguish your brand from standard 3 x 4 notepads.

The Chip Clip: A common staple you’d find in every American kitchen today is the chip clip. A new twist on this now-classic item is the Cut-It Clip™. The Cut-It Clip™ includes a safe cutting blade to make opening chip bags a cinch.

The next time you’re looking for a new spark in your promotional products mix, start by looking for creative spins on the classic products that we all enjoy & use on a regular basis.

Jul

2009

A Night at the Movies

So it’s that time of year again. Time for the release of those much-anticipated blockbuster movies. I personally cannot wait to see The Ugly Truth and the newest installment of one of my all-time favorite series, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince!

While people across the country are still cutting back on their spending, moviegoers everywhere are still enjoying their buttery popcorn and giant soda-fountain beverages everywhere!

As the movie season begins, it brings back a flood of memories from my teenage and college years. Movies have always been such a great escape from the daily grind. I especially LOVE to go to movie premiers!

First you get in FREE! I know. What could possibly be better than a free movie?! How about FREE giveaways! With fun contests to get the audience pumped up for each screening, promoters give away t-shirts, caps, tote bags – I even won a complete season of the Simpson’s television show one time!

What better way to promote your movie. Give fans imprinted products before they see your movie. They’ll be more excited about seeing the show (who isn’t happy after winning a prize!) and they’ll wear/carry your product after the screening – giving you tons of almost-free advertising.

So even if you aren’t a movie or television producer, use their logic to promote your own business. Draw them in and get them pumped about your product or business. Not only will they look more favorably on you because of your kind gesture, but they’ll likely spread the word about you –whether by word-of-mouth or through the display of your logo on their person.

Enjoy the movies!

Jul

2009

Go Team!

I was checking my email today and stumbled across an email from one of our apparel manufacturers. They only sell collegiate sportswear and they do it well! Their casual plaid patterns, over-sized sweatshirts and casual tees brought me back to my early college days.

Back then nothing was better than waking up and changing into my pajama-like outfit to go to my 8am classes. I mean, you wanted to look like you just rolled out of bed, but you had to be clean!

Still to this day one of my favorite fall weekend sweaters is my gray Champion® crew-neck sweatshirt with ‘Georgia State University’ across the front. And there is nothing better than throwing on my sweats and bumming around on those lazy afternoons.

Now, as the end of summer nears and the start of the new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about your back-to-school promotions. Outfit your students and teachers with great promotional crewneck sweatshirts. They’ll wear them now, and, if they’re anything like me, I guarantee they’ll wear them until the sleeves fall off! And since we only sell the highest quality merchandise, manufactured by the most respected brands, that isn’t likely to happen.

If branded spiritwear isn’t your thing, try a messenger bag or even custom spirit accessories like hand fans, sports horns or foam footballs. No matter what promotion you choose, you’ll get your students, teachers and parents ramped up for the start of a new year. And with tons of people touting your name, you’ll get tons of inexpensive brand exposure!

Jul

2009

Want to Keep Up With the Joneses? How About the Browns or the Smiths?

July is Family Reunion Month! If your family has a gathering planned, outfit your kin in style with custom imprinted promotional products. Members of your family will stand out from other guests at hotels and venues if each of you wear or carry an item proudly displaying your family’s last name. Your uniform appearance will also look great when captured on camera! Custom giveaways are not only applicable to family reunions, as fun promotional products are certain to be a hit at high school, college, or workplace reunions. Consider investing in personalized t-shirts or tote bags– even the kids can join the fun with shirts available in youth sizes. Think of a catchy slogan or mascot to adorn your gear and start a tradition that you can continue years into the future.

If this post is inspiring you to throw together a last minute, impromptu reunion, do not fret! With our selection of products available on RocketShip 24-Hour Express Service™, your order can be ready in no time at all… And don’t let the size of your family or group limit your choice of products; our Low Minimums section has plenty of options for smaller get-togethers .

At your reunion this month, don’t just keep up with the Joneses- use trendy promotional products to show them that your group has exceptional style and pizazz!

Jun

2009

Spice it Up!

Looking for a way to season up your marketing efforts over the hot summer? Think back to those carnivals and fairs you attended when you were a kid… You’d play tons of expensive games just to win that cute stuffed animal. Apply that logic this summer to your marketing strategy. Why not add a contest into your normal marketing mix?! Whether for your internal employees, customers or both, a fun and interactive contest or game is a great way to boost business.

Develop an interactive game to include for a short time on your website. Let your clients know in an e-blast and drive traffic to your site. We can all get a little anxious on those beautiful summer afternoons. Send your customers a link to your contest or game and offer them a five-minute break from the stressors of the day. Have a little fun with your marketing! They’ll appreciate your efforts and remember you for it. Offer branded apparel and summer-appropriate prizes like picnic sets to winners. Participants have fun while participating and are always thrilled to leave with a prize.

When your prizes are fun imprinted products that promote your company, you make clients happy while boosting your business. And while you’re at it, don’t forget your employees! Have leftover giveaways from your contest? Use them at your summer employee cookout. The summer is a great time to show them your appreciation. Give out new corporate apparel or even an imprinted cooler. Its always a great time to show you care!

Jun

2009

Indulge in a Vanilla Milkshake!

Did you know that today is Vanilla Milkshake Day? Okay, I know it is 2009, but nobody can deny that retro diners are still thriving. All-American burger joints can be found in just about any city across the U.S.A., and all strive to emit the same classic vibe. Whether you own a diner or are looking for ideas to support a retro-themed event or campaign, there are many ways to create a 1950s-esque atmosphere. Have patrons expecting to walk outside and wave hello to Wally Cleaver with retro promotional products. If spacious booths and checkerboard tile patterns are out of your price range, keep reading for suggestions that are as effective as a time machine (and require nowhere near as much capital or time to create)!

Waiters and waitresses racing around the floor delivering burgers in a retro uniform shirt, preferably on roller skates, are a great starting point. The décor can further enhance guests’ overall experiences, and why not make items like custom imprinted retro clocks available for purchase? By putting them prominently on display, you will draw attention to your logo and convey your cohesive brand identity to others. For retro parties or promotional campaigns, a hamburger stress reliever featuring your brand’s logo or slogan is a witty and unique way to advertise your theme.

And last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget the topic of this post- milkshakes! Serve milkshakes in whatever trademark shape or size glassware you would like. Top each tasty drink with whipped cream and a cherry, and finish off your retro-themed ambiance or campaign. Happy Sipping!

Jun

2009

Don’t Forget About Dad…

This Sunday is Father’s Day (and my baby’s due date), so I’m hoping my husband will get to celebrate his first Father’s Day. He has been very excited that our child’s birthday could land right on Father’s Day and hopefully be a very memorable day in our family. I’m just ready to have this baby… 9 months is a long time!

If you’re like me and have had a lot on your mind lately, you probably have waited until the last minute to find the perfect gift for Dad. It seems that most Dads already have everything, but catering to their hobbies and interests is the best way to guarantee he’ll be happy with your gift. My dad is obsessed with golf, so basically any golf-related gift is sure to be a hit from a premium golf shirt to personalized golf balls or a golf towel. Golf gifts are great because I know he’ll use the gift regularly when he is out on the course. Other great father’s day gift ideas are promotional tools for the handy man, computer accessories for the high-tech dad and a classic gift idea for any dad is a watch.

No matter what gift you decide on this Father’s Day, remember it’s the thought that counts. Spending quality time with the ones you love is the best gift you can give.

Jun

2009

Confessions of a (Self-Diagnosed) Shopaholic

One of my favorite books happens to be “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” I find the main character easy to relate to, as my shopping habits also tend to be a little out of control at times (I can already see my mother reading this post and nodding her head in agreement! Hi Mom!)… I consider myself an expert on the latest fashions, and have quite a few style websites that I check religiously to keep up with what’s hot and trendy.

Now, I have only recently begun working in the promotional products industry, but I have already learned that the world of promotional items is very closely aligned with the latest developments in retail. With major department stores and organic food stores releasing Special Edition tote bags, chic totes have become visible in almost every category of retail shops.

Another craze that has exploded recently is organic cotton, which high-end designers are frequently using to manufacture incredibly soft, lightweight tees and tanks- the better the quality, the higher the price! The women in our office are obsessed with fitted tees, and the variety of available colors does not disappoint. This V-Neck version is another favorite, and will look great imprinted with your company’s logo! Your female employees or customers will want one for every day of the week, so order plenty of extras.

Men, don’t get jealous yet. There are plenty of available options for you that correspond with popular female styles. Organic cotton t-shirts for men provide the same exceptional quality and comfort as the women’s selections, or Pinnacle offers a slightly dressier 100% cotton pique sport shirt that can be customized with your logo or company name.

Don’t overlook the demands of fashion-conscious customers and employees- why give away promotional products in outdated styles when you can spend the same amount to purchase items that trendsetters won’t banish to the back of their closets?

Apparel

So You Think You Can Sponsor?

What Not to Wear: Pinnacle Promotions Edition

A Creative Spin on the Classics – Part 1

A Night at the Movies

Go Team!

Want to Keep Up With the Joneses? How About the Browns or the Smiths?

Spice it Up!

Indulge in a Vanilla Milkshake!

Don’t Forget About Dad…

Confessions of a (Self-Diagnosed) Shopaholic

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