Totes and Bags

Dec

2009

Green Promotional Products and Ideas: Gifts That Give Back

It’s the Holiday Season and we all need ideas for gifts! It is always so hard for me to come up with the PERFECT gift, so I take any help on suggestions I can get. One of my best friends sent me a “Holiday Good Guide” entitled “Doing Good this Holiday”. She works for a sustainable company that strives everyday to be completely “green.” One day they could only use 6 gallons of water for 12 hours! I did not realize how much water we use in a day, but believe me it is WAY over 6 gallons. This guide serves to show what we can do for our communities, our environment, and our society. I have really enjoyed going through the different suggestions, and would love to share some of the points made in the guide with you!

First, the guide lays out different charities that people can donate to this season. For example, Nothing but Nets is a campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat malaria. Just a $10 donation sends a net to people in need and hopefully saves a life! It might be a good idea to donate that $10 in someone’s name. There you go! 1 gift down, and it saves a life!

Next, the guide tells us about Eco-Friendly gifts for the Holidays! They suggest giving energy efficient bulbs, natural candles, recycled windshield wine glasses, and eco totes (which you can get from Pinnacle Promotions… where else would you go??).

Another suggestion they offer is going to your local farmer’s market, or shopping at a community supported agriculture cooperative to receive food from HERE not there! I LOVE great food, and the fruits, veggies and other goodies from these associations are bound to be fresh, healthy, and yummy. Hmm, I could get this service delivered to my mom and grandmother for Christmas. Three gifts down, and I feel good about giving these presents!

The last tip in the guides has 10 steps; “10 Ways to Go Green.” Number 10 is to bring your own bag. Pinnacle Promotions has you covered there! Check out our reusable totes in all different colors and sizes. Take your tote with you everywhere: the grocery store, the drug store, the local farmers market, shopping, and the list goes on! What a great way to go GREEN this holiday. This guide has helped me SO much with my Holiday List, and hopefully through my short summary, it will help you, too. It is great to know that I can give presents to my friends and family, and also give back to my community and society! Happy Holidays!

Dec

2009

College Football Players Are No Strangers to Promotional Giveaways

Its no secret that college football players often get special treatment. Many colleges treat their star players like royalty, allowing them to miss class occasionally (some schools are more lenient about this policy than others!) to prep for upcoming games, and even the opportunity to register before their peers for next semester’s classes. Fans clamor to get their autographs, take pictures with them, and just shake their hands. Yes, their athletic abilities are admirable, but is this extent of recognition truly warranted?

In my humble opinion, absolutely. These young men have worked hard to reach their goals, many times battling to overcome injuries, balancing their studies and football commitments, and dedicating countless hours, days, and months to learning plays and honing their athletic prowess. Their payment comes in the form of scholarship money and respect from their fans, but unlike professional athletes, there is no true monetary compensation for college athletes’ hard work. They do not get summer or winter holidays off like most college students, and rigorous practice schedules force them to spend much of their time away from their friends and families.

For college football teams that extend their seasons because of coveted invitations to bowl games, there are some additional perks involved. I just learned that the NCAA allows college bowls to give each player up to $500 worth of gifts at the site of the bowl. The bowls can either offer players the gifts or allow them to select their own gifts through a shopping spree or gift suite. According to an article by David Fox on rivals.com, at least half of the 34 bowls this year are opting to present players with shopping sprees, hosting a gift suite or letting players choose gift items from a catalog. Here are just a few of the awesome gifts that college bowl football players will be presented with this year:

Poinsettia (Utah vs. California, Dec. 23, San Diego):

Flo TV personal television and one year of service
Tourneau watch
Best Buy gift card
Sports Tek hoodie
Cap

Meineke Car Care (Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina, Dec. 26, Charlotte, N.C.):

Option of Bose Quiet Comfort headphones set or Bose Sound Dock or iPod Touch, iLive speakers and $20 gift card
Fossil watch
OGIO duffle bag
Commemorative photo

Rose (Oregon vs. Ohio State, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif.):

19-inch Sharp television combo
Fossil watch
OGIO backpack
Hat
Commemorative plaque

For a list of even more bowl game giveaways, check out the article by David Fox at rivals.com, and rest assured that even if your favorite team is defeated in a bowl game this season, the players will not be going home empty-handed. Promotional electronics, apparel, and jewelry awaiting them in their hotel rooms should help to soften the blow of a demoralizing loss.

Dana
Team Lead – Social Media

https://www.flickr.com/photos/adambales/ / CC BY 2.0

Nov

2009

Promotional Items Around the ATL

One of my favorite things to do in Atlanta is attend the festivals and shows that come to town in the spring and summer. From art events, such as the Inman Park Festival, to music festivals, like Corndogorama where up-and-coming bands can be showcased (and of course – a corn dog eating contest!), I love getting out of the house and walking through these festivals. Regardless of the event, I enjoy the good food, great music, artistic talent and festivities that come along with these festivals.

Secretly, I also love checking out the promo items companies are giving away!

My friends tease me when I look at the bottom of a mug or the tag in a bag and recognize the product, but I also enjoy seeing what products people go crazy over. Whether recipients appreciate the brand – a popular beer or alcohol drink, an insurance company, or a small publication or radio station – or the item itself, it’s fun to see the products in action and to see people’s response to the items first hand.

I’ve seen everything from cardboard speakers to coconut shot glasses and retro slap-bracelets to full-size custom camping tents and sleeping bags (those were incredibly hot with everyone trying to win the items!) Recently, I attended a festival and actually stood in line to win a promotional item an airline was giving away; the item was so timely that I just couldn’t resist. It was a rainy day and a company was distributing nylon, water-resistant cowboy hats – perfect for people that forgot an umbrella.

I’m actually working on a project for a customer now where I’ve attended the event for the last three years. I have seen the items this customer gives away, as well as items from the other sponsors of the event. I am able to put my experience to good use while brainstorming unique items that I know people attending the event will love.

I think it’s official: I’m a promo-junkie and I love it.

Avett Brothers enjoying Corndogorama in Atlanta:

Nov

2009

Top 5 Ways to Tell If You’ve Bought the Wrong Promotional Products

On November 5, 2007, the Writers Guild of America went on strike. The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) are labor unions which serve to protect the rights of film, television, and radio writers. The 100 day strike, which ended on February 10, 2008, was aimed at the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), and striking writers protested against inadequate compensation for their work when compared to the massive revenue earned by the production studios. Both parties reached a mutually agreeable settlement, and after months of subjecting the American public to re-runs, the writers returned to work.

The Late Show with David Letterman was one of the few shows to reach an “interim agreement” with the Writers Guild of America in December of 2007 prior to the end of the strike. This meant that despite otherwise limited television options, Dave’s jokes and banter were able to keep viewers laughing.

Just in case Dave’s writers should ever happen to go on strike, however, the Marketing Department here at Pinnacle is ready to come to his rescue with fresh comedic material! We have taken the liberty of coming up with a Top 5 List to take the place of his usual Top 10 List segment if he is ever in dire need of a script:

Top 5 Ways to Tell If You’ve Bought the Wrong Promotional Products

5) South Florida trade show attendees stare blankly at the promotional ice scrapers that you have given them, but have no idea what the items are or how they should be used.

4) Outraged hockey players throw the pink fashion tote bags that you have given them in the garbage.

3) Sneezing, sniffling, and allergic reactions ensue when you deliver scented hand lotion imprinted with your company logo to an allergy clinic.

2) Promotional picnic kits, complete with wine bottle openers and wine glasses, offend the audience at a meeting for recovering alcoholics.

1) A custom t-shirt in the wrong size and for the wrong gender may not be appreciated by all recipients…
ie for a Marketing Department comprised mostly of petite ladies, a 5XL Men’s t-shirt (that is actually large enough to accommodate 3 of us at once, as pictured above) is not a wise gift for one of the employees. (NOTE: this item was not given to us as an actual gift, and was merely found in our company showroom.)

In closing, I would just like to reiterate that while these examples are given because of their comedic value, there is an important lesson to be learned by recognizing the needs of your target audience. It is highly unlikely that a marketing manager would purchase such inappropriate gifts as women’s tote bags for a group of males, but there are plenty of minor oversights that can cause a brand to accidentally alienate, or even offend, its audience.

The experienced sales representatives at Pinnacle Promotions can provide a wealth of information if you are willing to reach out to them with your questions via phone, e-mail, or LiveChat. Also, Promotional Products – A Survival Guide is now available for purchase. This handy book is a compilation of background information, trends and advice related to the promotional products industry, and covers the ins and outs of the ordering process in great detail. There are numerous reliable sources to consult regarding promotional products, so make sure to take advantage of them to learn how to use these items in the most effective way possible!

Oct

2009

Promotional Products Take a Trip to the Wilderness

Although I am far from what you might consider “outdoorsy,” last weekend I ventured into the wilderness and went camping. As I was sitting around the campfire- surrounded by trees, water, and insects rather than cubicles, advertisements and televisions- I realized that in spite of the natural surroundings I was accompanied by many brands.

From my flashlight to the collapsible can cooler and of course the Swiss Army knife, many of the items I brought had been given to me by a corporation. I started thinking about how these promotional products successfully traveled all that way with us, and came to the conclusion that functional promotional items are key to building any brand.

Functional products, including drinkware, blankets, chairs and other outdoors products, can be imprinted with a company name and logo for increased brand exposure. Giving a product that is not only practical, but also small and easily compactable for easy travel, ensures that your company goes everywhere recipients go. Here are some camping tips to help you incorporate useful items into your next marketing campaign and some activities to inspire a trip to the outdoors.

-Hiking: This is not only a fun activity, but also a way to get to know the area where you will be staying and to tire yourself out before a night of sleeping on the ground. For kids or less active individuals, a leisurely nature walk is also a good afternoon pursuit. Stay hydrated and healthy with promotional sports bottles.

-Grilling: Plan ahead and make sure to pack food that can be cooked outdoors on a grill or open campfire. It’s also a good idea to bring items that won’t leave a mess, to ensure that pesky animals don’t bother you. And don’t forget to keep items fresh in a personalized cooler until you are ready to cook

-S’more making: Making S’mores is delicious and a good way to stay warm around the campfire. Carry a promotional flashlight with you if you venture into the woods to look for the perfect sticks. And always take a buddy, too.

-Camp songs and ghost stories: Singing songs and telling stories are great pre-bedtime activities. Don’t forget to write down your favorite tunes and spooky narratives in promotional jotters so you can remember them for next year’s trip to the wilderness.

Oct

2009

Promotional Products Around The Office

I’m not a big television watcher, but I have to admit that I have an unhealthy obsession with The Office. It’s the only show I watch, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. My roommate knows not to talk to me during that special half hour on Thursday nights and my parents have learned not to call at that time. I sit on my couch, talk to my TV and act like I am a part of the funny office pranks and lunchroom gossip. In fact, when Jim and Pam got married last week, I was almost a little hurt that I wasn’t invited to the wedding.

The plus side of not actually knowing Jim, Pam, Dwight and Michael is that my work life is much calmer, more enjoyable and productive. And while Pinnacle certainly doesn’t have employees as extreme as any of the individuals on The Office, over the past six seasons I’ve come to appreciate that these characters are based on universal office truths.

With that being said, here are a few recommendations for promotional gifts to increase brand visibility among clients and employees who resemble the following characters:

Pam- Pam would love a custom journal so that she could practice her drawing any time inspiration hits. Or, keep her warm and stylish by giving her another classic cardigan sweater to wear.

Jim- Now that he has earned a well-deserved promotion, Jim would benefit from a personalized, executive-style briefcase. And of course, he can never have enough office toys in his desk to help him annoy Dwight.

Dwight- Nerdy and hard-working, Dwight would appreciate an ID badge to ensure that his identification never gets lost during adventures on his farm or a calculator (in particular one that fits right in his pocket) so that he can always maintain efficiency.

Michael- Where to even begin? He would go crazy for an acrylic award, especially one imprinted with the words “best boss” (think The Dundies episode) and he is definitely in need of a digital or atomic clock so that the employees of Dunder Mifflin can never set the time forward again.

No matter what you choose, personalized promotional products will win you awards for your marketing campaign.

Sep

2009

Pinnacle Poem: An Ode to Promotional Products

Since its creation in 1994,
Pinnacle Promotions has been a promotional company that offers more.
Providing customized solutions for any marketing or branding need,
With all exclusive services designed around one overriding goal – speed.
From processing orders with our service of 24-Hour Rocketship Express,
To saving you time with custom IdeaKits that are sure to impress.
Let our dedicated Account Teams help you find unique products of quality,
And know that your order will arrive on time, and as approved, with our Platinum Guarantee!

From apparel, to drinkware, to stress balls galore,
Check out everything we have to offer in our online store!
We have journals, pens, backpacks, candles, candy jars and toys,
We have magnets, spa kits, golf balls, lanyards, and shirts for girls and boys!
We have accessories for travel and fitness, for your computer, your cell phone, and your car,
We have gifts that tell time, display photos, play games, and even stock your bar!
Whether for man or woman, young or old, business or pleasure, or all,
We have thousands of products for everyone in our virtual product mall!

Too many products to choose one on your own?
Just e-mail us, live chat or pick up the phone.
With account managers who know the industry like the back of their hand,
Their insight and knowledge can help find the perfect item for your brand.
What about custom artwork and logo designs?
Our graphics team can produce amazing samples that go beyond basic lines.
Let us help you along each step of your promotional products decision,
And help us enhance your overall marketing vision!

Sep

2009

Promotional Products to Bring Out the Inner Musician in Each of Us

September happens to be Classical Music Month. As a longtime flautist (I began playing in the fourth grade and continued to pursue my passion for music throughout college), I have always been a fan of classical music and famous classical performers like Yo Yo Ma and Bocelli. I don’t know how I would have made it through college without the comforting sounds of classically trained musicians wafting through my headphones during late-night study sessions!

If you are looking for unique promotional products to distribute to musicians or loyal followers of the music world, sometimes the best product choices are also the most unlikely. During the time I spent developing my musical talent, I found many promotional products to be extremely useful. I never attended a Wind Ensemble rehearsal without a pencil and highlighter in my flute case to make necessary revisions and notes on my sheet music according to the conductors’ instructions. My home or dorm room practice sessions always made use of media players or speakers to amplify professional recordings of pieces that I was currently working on, and whenever I was stuck without a music stand to display my sheet music, I would look to handy desktop items like portfolios or note holders to prop up the pages. I also never left home for a rehearsal without a canvas tote bag to keep my sheet music, metronome, and tuner accessible at all times.

Both of my former flute teachers played in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and encouraged me to listen to recordings and learn from world-renowned musicians like flautist James Galway. They would always give me CD recordings of performances by classical musicians for holiday and birthday gifts, and my collection of classical recordings has grown to include hundreds of discs. I store many of them in CD cases, but my favorites have earned a spot in my CD visor that I keep in my car. Don’t get me wrong; I listen to country, rap, rock, and pop music as well, but every once in awhile I find myself in the mood for some soothing classical performances to escape from the realities of horrendous traffic and lousy Atlanta drivers.

Promote your brand by giving away custom imprinted products to bring out the inner musician in each of your clients and employees!

Also, make sure to check out my current favorite musician, David Garrett. Not only is he a Juilliard graduate who holds the world record for the most notes played on the violin in one second (13!) during his rendition of Flight of the Bumblebee, but he has integrated incredible covers of songs by Michael Jackson and AC/DC into his extensive repertoire. See him breaking the world record here:

Or, if you are more intrigued by his ability to transcribe Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” into a violin performance, take a look at that video below:

Aug

2009

Promotional Products on the Soapbox Track!

This Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending my first ever soapbox race!

Atlanta was lucky enough to be one of two cities selected to host this year’s annual Red Bull Soapbox Race. Red Bull closed off 10th street in Midtown Atlanta and created a curvy track that tested the skills of each driver and the agility of each handcrafted soapbox car.

Fifty teams entered the human-powered race to compete for the coveted title of first place and a weekend NASCAR experience in Charlotte, NC. Each team was judged on their speed, creativity and showmanship. With each team being encouraged to perform a skit, dance or some form of entertainment prior to their race down the track, there was no shortage of leprechauns, lederhosen, togas and other various “characters” walking the streets of Midtown.

The race was loads of fun and I was incredibly appreciative of the fact that admission to such a fun and popular event was free. And being such a nut about cool advertising techniques, I couldn’t help but notice the promotional products and amazing branding that Red Bull does for this once-a-year event.

As we walked from the train station towards the race, we followed the banners (not to mention crowds of people!) to the designated entrance. An imprinted hand fan was the first item we received as we walked the path to the Pit to see the soapbox cars before the race. Then we received an icy-cold free Red Bull. FREE. Yay! That almost never happens anymore. With the free drink and an invitation to their outdoor lounge area, I actually felt like a VIP for a minute! After we found the perfect place to watch the race, the Red Bull crew (wearing Red Bull tanks) distributed imprinted bells to those lining the track. While that was the extent of the giveaways I actually witnessed (although I did see several Red Bull custom shaped coolers in passing), I would bet that near the finish line and judges’ station (we were at the starting line) many other items were offered as well.

Take a tip from Red Bull when planning your events. Getting your name out into the public is a great way to generate knowledge and demand for your products or services. Need to create buzz about your event? Promotional banners are a great way to market an upcoming event. Post them in areas surrounding the location of the event. They’ll help promote beforehand and add to the excitement the day of. Hosting an outdoor event? Offer guests imprinted hand fans to help them cool off. There’s nothing worse than a cranky crowd of thousands of sweaty people! And make sure to set up drink stations where people can take a quick break from the festivities and grab a water, or in this case, possibly a Red Bull.

While you may not have a tangible free sample of your product to offer or the financial backing to organize such a large-scale event, you can still use some of the demonstrated tips and tricks used by Red Bull to promote and generate excitement about your company. Remember to have fun with your marketing. Entertaining guests and attendants and giving them a promotional product to take home is a great way to increase your corporate branding.

Kim
Marketing Coordinator

Aug

2009

PINNACLE Spells Promotional Products

I received an e-mail chain this week entitled “Random Thoughts of the Day” that basically outlined miscellaneous thoughts and situations that occur in our daily lives. Here was one of my favorites, a situation that used to happen to me more often than I’d like to admit when having to spell Conaway, Strickler & Margolis at the law firm where I used to work:

“Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using ‘as in’ examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss’s last name to an attorney and said “Yes that’s G as in…(10 second lapse)…ummm…Goonies.”

Inspired by this concern, today’s blog will consist of ‘as in’ examples for Pinnacle using promotional products!

P – as in Promotional Pens.

I – as in ID Badges & Holders.

N – as in Notepads.

N(2) – as in Non Woven Tote Bags.

A – as in Automotive Accessories.

C – as in Coolers.

L – as in Laser Pointers.

And finally E – as in Executive Gifts.

What does that spell? PINNACLE! (As in Pinnacle Promotions)

Totes and Bags

Green Promotional Products and Ideas: Gifts That Give Back

College Football Players Are No Strangers to Promotional Giveaways

Poinsettia (Utah vs. California, Dec. 23, San Diego):

Meineke Car Care (Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina, Dec. 26, Charlotte, N.C.):

Rose (Oregon vs. Ohio State, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif.):

Top 5 Ways to Tell If You’ve Bought the Wrong Promotional Products

Top 5 Ways to Tell If You’ve Bought the Wrong Promotional Products

Promotional Products Take a Trip to the Wilderness

Promotional Products Around The Office

Pinnacle Poem: An Ode to Promotional Products

Promotional Products to Bring Out the Inner Musician in Each of Us

Promotional Products on the Soapbox Track!

PINNACLE Spells Promotional Products

Recent Posts

Browse by Category

Archives

Get blog updates via email