Holiday Decor Ideas for the Office

The holidays are coming and it is time to start planning your office decorations and office party. For most, the holidays are filled with joy and happiness. However, the holidays have to appeal to everyone so you must take this into consideration when planning your office decorations. It is easy to find a way to make sure that your decorations appeal to employees, customers, and visitors.

There are a few simple steps to take in order to make sure that your holiday décor appeals to everyone. The first order of business is to decide whether to make your holiday décor completely non-denominational or all inclusive. This largely depends on your company culture. The second step is to poll the employees to see what they want to have and if they would object to anything you are planning. Here are some ideas for holiday seasonal decorations that can apply to everyone and keep in mind that a lot of these same principles to a holiday party too.

1. One easy way to make your office festive and appeals to everyone is to just choose to celebrate the season. Have winter themed decorations like snow, snowmen, cute winter creatures, or winter scenery.
2. If you decide to make your decorations non-denominational, be clear about it so that nothing is misinterpreted.
3. If you want to celebrate the different holidays, have each employee bring in decorations and devote an area to each person’s decoration idea. If everyone has a chance to represent their own holiday, then everything is fair. An easy and fun way to celebrate everyone’s holiday is to have each person bring in something from home or share a childhood holiday memory in the form of a decoration.
4. Whichever theme you choose, carry that through to your office party as well as the decorations.
5. A holiday gift exchange is a fun way for everyone to participate in gift giving. If it becomes an issue, maybe you can just opt for a charity or donation box instead!

Six Tips for Being More Visible on Social Sites

Active social media user Natasha Rawls, an account executive for Sourcepoint powered by Proforma, shares tips for bolstering your presence on popular platforms.

1. Prioritize LinkedIn Postings. “LinkedIn can take a post from having 100 views to having close to 100,000 views in a relatively short time,” Rawls says.

2. Like, Comment on and Share Others’ Posts. “If my competitors share something, I totally comment on it. I know it helps when I like and comment on other people’s posts, and when they do it back, it helps me, too.”

3. Pitch Less. “It’s not always about selling on social media; it’s about sharing and engaging. When I see unique case histories, whether I did it or not, I’ll say, ‘Hey, look at how cool this is.’”

4. Run Contests. Rawls loves running giveaways on LinkedIn. Case in point: A recent backpack design contest she ran yielded dozens of entrants, comments and new leads. “Contests work,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll spend my spec sample budget on social media efforts.”

5. Commit to Consistency. “Every day, it’s great if you can give 10-15 minutes and post one or two things. You’ve got to stay consistent. The more you put in, the better the reward will be.”

6. Make it Easy to Connect. “I always share my email address to make it easy for people to get a hold of me if they see something they like. That incoming lead is what we want.”

Small Business Promotional Products

A majority of businesses are small-based ones with a maximum of 20 employees. These companies have limited financial resources to invest in production, which means marketing takes a big hit. The biggest challenge here is to reach out to target audiences with as little investment as possible. This can be achieved only with promotional products.

In this article, we explain why giveaways are the best way for your business to get ahead

1. Low Investment: Let’s suppose you want to give away pens imprinted with your logo and message. For this, you will need to lay your hands on at least 200-300 pens. But here is a fact – getting these pens customized will not burn a hole in your pocket! In fact, you can buy 500 quality pens less than a thousand dollars. What other marketing channel provides you with this kind of financial flexibility? Definitely not TV or print ads.

2. Instant Impression: Giveaways make an impact immediately. They are items that can seen and felt for a long time. You also know immediately how well customers react to your giveaways.

3. Long-lasting Visibility: For a small business, it is crucial to have a marketing campaign that lasts years. This is achievable with giveaways. A bag or t-shirt is capable of winning the approval of your recipients, allowing them to flaunt your logo whenever they use them.

4. Customer Retention: It is often difficult to retain customers. With giveaways, however, you can show that you value your association with them. There is nothing better than a customer who feels appreciated.


5. Instant Employee Recognition: Is your business the new kid in town? Worry not! Get classy uniforms for all your employees. As they travel to work, your business gets valuable promotional exposure around town. Like the reasons listed in this article? How about investing in some quality giveaways for your next marketing campaign?

THE EASIEST MISTAKE TO MAKE WITH YOUR TO-DO LIST

THE EASIEST MISTAKE TO MAKE

WITH YOUR TO-DO LIST

We need to-do lists but how to prioritize them is a daunting task.We borrow from the publishers at Fast Company with a pretty summation article on the problem.

Don't make these mistakes with your to-do/task list (click here)

Does Swag REALLY Work????

Does Swag REALLY Work????

Don't lie to my face. 



Don't tell me you've never wondered (even out-loud) whether you get a decent R.O.I. on your investment in Promotional Products that carry your brand. 

Obviously we believe in them. We've been in the business since 1979. It's been a good industry for us because the promotional products we come to market with carry the message on behalf of our client base from the small independent business to some multi-nationals.... and it works for them. The bottom line is still the same as it always was.... to bring positive attention from the end-user to the advertiser.

Still wondering? We hope so. Otherwise you aren't careful with your marketing dollars. Swag sells... but why?

Here is a fair report on the effects of promotional products from the editors of Fast Company.
Click here and enjoy, Does Swag Work?

Master 4 Different Communication Styles to Sell More

Master 4 Different Communication Styles to Sell More

as Published in Advantages

You’re sure to increase sales if you use our suggested strategies when interacting with buyers who have one of these four communication styles.

The Aggressor-Asserter:
Confident, fast-paced and quick to react against perceived “sales spin,” this type of communicator is direct -- sometimes abrasive. For these results-focused buyers, time is truly money: When they set a 30-minute meeting, they expect a 30-minute meeting. “To them, you’re there for a reason: To solve their problem,” says Ted Gorski, president of Get Your Edge, an executive coaching firm.

To please this communicator, get to the point quickly. “Don’t offer laborious details,” says Gorski, a certified executive coach. “If they want more information, they’ll ask for it.” In your presentation, be sure to focus on the positive results your solutions will deliver for this client and their organization. Also, provide several solution options. “The asserter values having control, and when you give them options, you’re giving them that control,” says Gorski.

The Socializer: 
Enthusiastic, positive and always up for small talk, this communicator wants to connect on a personal level. “They’ll ask how your drive in was – about you and your family, if you want a cup of coffee,” says Gorski.

With these buyers, it’s important to engage in chit-chat before delving into business. “You have to warm up to them,” says Gorski. “They evaluate whether they want to do business with you based on how they feel about you. If you’re impersonal, they’re not going to have a good feeling.”

Since enjoying a positive social experience with potential partners is necessary for these communicators, it’s often advantageous to hold meetings in less formal settings – say over lunch at a restaurant. If you are in the office, use samples, a whiteboard or PowerPoint, as socializers tend to be visual. Still, refrain from sharing a lot of data. “Too many details will make them glossy-eyed,” says Gorski.

The Mediator: 
Composed and friendly, mediators are about relationships. They desire dependable partners that provide value over the long haul. “You need to prove your trustworthiness if you want their business,” says Gorski, noting reps who project a warm, calm demeanour have the most success with these buyers.

After beginning with small talk, ask mediators what’s important to them – what their concerns are and what they’d like to learn from you. Such questions show you’re genuinely interested in helping them, which establishes trust. Further, build your credibility by sharing stories about your most successful client relationships – relationships that have lasted years. Any securities or guarantees you can offer will be welcome, too. During the discussion, proceed methodically. “You don’t have to saturate them in detail, but you need to build the presentation logically for it to appeal,” says Gorski.

The Analyzer: 
Process-oriented and highly attentive to detail, this communicator desires data and lots of it. “They’re going to want to know about your process – step 1 to step 25,” says Gorski.

To impress this buyer, send them a meeting agenda in advance. “They like the chance to write down questions and notes so they can be sure they get the information they need,” says Gorski. When the meeting starts, eschew the small talk and get down to business. Win points by asking these clients about their buying process. “You have to honour their process,” Gorski says. “If you try to deviate from that, they’re not going to work with you.”

Through the discussion, provide ample information, including statistics and supporting visuals and analysis. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions, and make sure that any information you give corresponds to what is on your website; the analyzer looks for discrepancies. If there is a snag in the sales process, it’s typically down to analyzers not having the information they need. So ask: “Is there a piece of information I can provide that will help you in your decision?” Doing so can unclog this communicator’s mental jam – and set you on the path to a sale.

The SOUVENIR® brand is back and it's Kevin's choice!

KEVIN'S CHOICE

The SOUVENIR® brand pen brand has been revived as of October 1st with an initial collection of 14 new pens, plus additional designs launching in early 2019. This distinctive collection was designed in-house and includes exclusive writing instruments with unique features and elevated ink technology.
I received and used a sample of the SOUVENIR® "Story Pen" and it immediately became my "go-to" pen. I was impressed with the way it wrote as well as it's styling and last but not least it's price point. I bought them for ourselves as a promotion vehicle for Advantages. (I guess you can say we like it!) Ask me for some samples and you'll be on my bus too!
This isn't a pen that will re-write (pardon the pun!) the writing instrument industry. It's simply a pen brand that's solid and worthy of your logo brand.

SOUVENIR®

 The Souvenir® brand tells modern stories with a fresh and imaginative twist. Designed to fit your unique style, Souvenir® writing instruments are the perfect choice to record special moments, memories, and ideas. Use the power of Souvenir® quality to effortlessly showcase your distinctive brand. 

It¹s your personality on paper, it¹s your story!

Click Here & See them all!

The Promotional Calendar : True "Top Of Mind Advertising"

Of all available promotional products, I can’t think of a better return on investment than the advertising calendar. When your calendar is on a client’s or prospect’s desktop or wall, they’ll see your “ad” every working day throughout the entire year. And when they need your type of product and/or service it’s your business name that will pop to mind immediately. This is true “Top of Mind Advertising”.

Statistics show that households have an average of four calendars per home and that the typical businessperson has an average of 2.5 calendars in his/her immediate work area. There is no question that calendars are a necessity as people juggle busy personal and business schedules. The demand for calendars on an annual basis provides an ideal opportunity to use them as an advertising vehicle.

One-to-one marketing: Seeing your calendar at home or at work every day of the year builds brand loyalty—the kind of loyalty that is hard to get with any other form of advertising. Best of all, it’s these loyal customers who recommend your brand to others.

Cost per Impression:   You’ve most likely heard the term. Let’s say you decide on a three dollar calendar. It’s a given that your calendar will be looked at a minimum of once a day for the whole year. That amounts to an eighth of a cent a day!

The Testimonial: Anyone who sees your business name on the calendar on the client’s desk or wall will automatically assume that person is doing business with you. It acts as a testimonial to your business!

TIP:   If placing your add on a desk calendar, be certain to include a “second-side” imprint. This will make certain that the individual sitting opposite your client’s desk will see your ad too!

R.O.I.: My own experience with the calendars that AdVantages distribute to our clients is that the calendar is the only advertising people ask for. Customers essentially ask for this advertisement year after year. People need and use calendars to manage their time and, receiving a calendar as a gift makes it all the more beneficial and provide a superb return on investment.

Calendar advertising is meant to promote your business while building recognition of your brand at the same time. Customers don’t view calendars as advertising— they view them as gifts. People actually look forward to receiving their calendars each year.

Click now and view our selection of wall and desk calendars

TRADE SHOW TIPS & TRICKS

 

It’s no secret that trade show success is directly related to how much effort you put into it. The right combination of preparation, eye-catching displays and merchandise can result in serious sales. In fact, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research has determined that 83% of show attendees have some sort of buying power and 79% say tradeshows help them decide what products to buy. [1]

Take advantage of the face to face opportunities shows provide with these ideas to help you stand out and get attention in a crowded space.
Less Is More
It may be counterintuitive to employ a “less is more” philosophy in your space, but limit your display to key products that are eye-catching to start a conversation. The last thing you want is people leaving your booth to escape the overwhelming feelings that can accompany a cluttered space.

• Use a selective assortment of colorful, innovative and new products to start conversations. If you have a favorite product be sure to include it in the display – your excitement will be contagious!
• Keep things within reach and organized in categories that make sense to you. Group products by type, or marketplace trends.

On Display
While a trade show can be a large investment of your time, energy and money, you don’t have to break the bank to create an effective display. Be creative to build a space that grabs attention and makes the most of your booth space – no matter what size.

• Look up! Vertical displays help in utilizing minimal booth space. Use vertical shelving units, risers, or even drying racks for hanging items.
• Professional looking booths and accessories always are a top priority. Here's where our experience will be invaluable.
• Small budget? Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive shelving options. Tiny budget? Just cover cardboard boxes with cloth for low-cost shelves.
• Don’t forget to leave plenty of space to interact with visitors, hand out flyers and showcase catalogs.

Take-Aways
A unique giveaway with WOW factor is going to get people talking and keep your business top-of-mind after the show is over. Items that have a story provide a built-in conversation starter and give you plenty to talk about.

• Do your research. Prior to the show make sure you understand who is attending. The demographic at the show will help determine the best giveaway item (IE: Young crowds respond well to technology).
• Ask friends/suppliers who have been exhibitors at trade shows for their experiences - good and bad. You'll be surprised what pitfalls you can avoid and what marketing ideas to use.
• Bring functional handouts that are useful and/or interactive. Take the time of year into account and be sure to merchandise for holiday and seasonal factors. Again, lean on us for suggestions and ideas.

Questions to Ask Your Suppliers

• What are the hottest products right now?
• What are some emerging trends in the industry?
• What are your best sellers?
• Do you have a list of high-margin items?
• Why have you chosen to display these awesome products?

Helpful Hints

• Be sure that a bag is being given away at tradeshow entry. If not, providing a bag as your handout could be the most useful item people receive!
• Remove the guesswork and have an approximate price displayed on products.
• Don’t forget a “goodie item” to attract people to the booth and literature they can take away.
• Use a logoed tablecloth, name badges and lanyards to be sure visitors know who you are.
• If you’re not sure where to start, find client-focused shows like Chamber of Commerce events or shows that are tailored to a specific industry.
• Don’t be afraid of color! Have bright show shirts for staff and remember light & bright when selecting your display and showcasing product.
• If you partner with a supplier, only show their items and ask if they will provide product to enhance your display and maximize your space.

Visit is at AdVantagesAdvertising.com