tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36751868674908496162024-02-21T08:02:40.023-05:00Branding BuzzEffective Branding Strategies using branded merchandisePaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-91935403800591812822016-02-09T08:30:00.002-05:002016-02-09T08:30:21.935-05:00Infographic: A Healthy Office - Fighting the Office Bug <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The chorus of sniffling, coughing, and blowing noses is something that most employees dread. Knowing that someone in the office is sick is almost as nerve-wracking as the first telltale signs of a cold.</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Companies are learning the benefits of having happy employees, and this—combined with the knowledge of what a cold can do to an office’s morale—means that employers should fear colds being passed around the office just as much as the employees. Given these concerns, knowing what steps can be taken to manage any potential outbreaks is paramount to maintaining general efficiency.</span></div>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-88374080353842633102014-01-09T11:30:00.002-05:002014-01-09T11:30:37.287-05:00Color of the YearPANTONE recently released their color for 2014. I'm always fascinated as to what color will be the color of the year. Last year was emerald green, the year before; tangerine tango-great indie band name by the way. Other creative names for the past were mimosa (yellow hue) and Honeysuckle (dark pinkish hue).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ypDpAS6zEGZbId9Cy17OGL_RuC-4Gn9S8wmiKXJ-Hg3m9Ozd7FKahFbo3bmTwHuX-2-1yyll9N6XpszyhbrTWqIKwxxwo7DoQLW7DLiF6vgjToXbylEF-EJnIOhxK50MUnm9bwiHrw/s1600/iphone+case.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ypDpAS6zEGZbId9Cy17OGL_RuC-4Gn9S8wmiKXJ-Hg3m9Ozd7FKahFbo3bmTwHuX-2-1yyll9N6XpszyhbrTWqIKwxxwo7DoQLW7DLiF6vgjToXbylEF-EJnIOhxK50MUnm9bwiHrw/s1600/iphone+case.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>Any guesses as to what this year's color is? Drum roll... Radiant Orchid. A brighter more vibrant orchid than what you would normally think when the color orchid pops in your mind.<br />
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What's interesting about the release from PANTONE from my standpoint is they always couple the release of a new color with branded merchandise that corresponds to it's new color of the year. Which I think is always a brilliant move. Any campaign coupled with product is always successful and build brand loyalty. Also I love the Iphone case that they've made out to look like a chip from their PANTONE chip book.<br />
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It also helps in giving guidance to clients looking for fresh color pallets to use for their upcoming promotions and campaign launches. Recently a client asked for some ideas to freshen up their black non-woven grocery bag. So with the new color from PANTONE we were able to create for them a fresher more upscale recycled grocery tote that won't get forgotten in the trunk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.halo.com/laminated-100-recycled-shopper-tote-bag-5607-1754.aspx?ae=paul-brancaleone"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5TKRWKewoImfmSglVlzBXodGrfbU8-QcVI45uCRNI47QsBJwvzVzhRvOhKtJp0E9tvxi6-H26BA2x4Nmfo7H2vaNjdh4QG3G0ciRecyVSEwhouM7tO3r6ibGOlWFXS7ubjwvVBhhSQ/s1600/5607-1754.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.halo.com/laminated-100-recycled-shopper-tote-bag-5607-1754.aspx?ae=paul-brancaleone">Laminated Recycled Tote</a></td></tr>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-4743349285090704242013-11-07T12:41:00.001-05:002013-11-07T12:41:37.928-05:00Don't be a Scrooge by Giving a Gift Card<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Giving gift cards to your employees for the holidays may be convenient for you, but not so simple, or desirable, for the employee.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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While gift cards seem like a quick and easy alternative to more personalized gifts, the Internal Revenue Service considers gift cards to be additional compensation, so it's taxable income. That's right. Employees will have to declare money, gift certificates or gift cards -- pretty much anything that can be converted into cash -- with their usual taxes.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Consider giving one of these non-taxable gifts (as defined by the IRS' Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits) instead:<u></u><u></u></div>
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• Any item that costs about $25 or less is not taxable. There are a wide range of office and personal gifts available that can be customized for your company or for individual employees.<u></u><u></u></div>
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• For the foodies in your company, consider an edible gift such as a holiday ham or baskets of assorted items like chocolate or coffee.<u></u><u></u></div>
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• Don't forget to consider throwing a holiday party for your employee and their guests. The cost of throwing a party for employees is tax deductible (with some caveats).<u></u><u></u></div>
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Source : <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/218976" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.entrepreneur.com/<wbr></wbr>blog/218976</a></div>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-7385727991864852632013-08-02T13:19:00.000-04:002013-08-02T13:19:26.045-04:00 Organize a Charity Run with Gifts For Runners and Walkers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don’t have the right plan organizing a walk or run can be a challenge. Take a step in the right direction and get prepared with our planning guide. There are plenty of great causes with that need your support. Capitalize on the community’s desire to give back and stay fit by organizing a walk or run.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Step-By-Step Guide</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>1.</b></i><b style="font-style: italic;"> Identify a Specific Cause For Your Charity Run</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose a specific organization or cause to support. Once your cause is clear, you’ll be better able to visualize the theme of your event, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">how you’ll raise awareness and most importantly, you’ll be able to promote the charitable cause you’re raising money for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>2.</b></i> <i><b>Deciding How Many Participants You and Your Team Can Register</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recruit a planning committee to help determine what works for your event. You may want to consider other fundraisers held in the area or in a community comparable to your town’s size to get an idea of what’s doable. Publicize the free and easy way. Social media is a great way to spread the word and invite others to share your event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t let your event run away from you though. If you’re worried too many people will register for your walk or run, set a cap. This limited participation approach can help hype your cause and attract more attention if the deadline publicized. Make sure the number of estimated participants is in-line with the number of available staff or volunteers you’ll have on hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>3.</i></b> <b><i>Selecting a Venue for Your Organized Charity Run</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether the event is indoors or outdoors, there’s likely a cost involved. Research different outdoor and indoor venues in your area to accommodate your goal number of participants. Since family and friends of participants come to watch loved ones walk or run, an outdoor space is usually ideal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>4.</b></i><b><i> Budgeting for Success</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the number of participants and venue are decided, it’s time to consider the special features of your event. Your committee should decide if the event will have snacks or prizes. You might also want informational booths, volunteer uniforms or items to sell on site. If you’re planning a walk or run during warm weather conditions, plan ahead and provide big sellers like customized rally fans, sun block and water bottles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Providing items to beat the heat during summer months is essential to creating a successful outdoor event — not to mention, selling these items helps raise more money for the cause! Be the host with the most by planning ahead and incorporating extras you know they’ll need on the big day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>5.</b></i><b><i> Make Fundraising Packets</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fundraising packets clearly identify the cause they’re raising money and awareness. Since most charitable walks and/or runs require participants to raise an allotted dollar amount to participate these pamphlets can be used to collect money and keep record of who donates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Motivate participants to raise more than the entrance fee by rewarding those with the highest donations. Advertise a prize for those whom collect the most. Useful, gifts for runners include custom water bottles or personalized duffel bags featuring the cause are great ways to thank participants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>6.</b></i> <b><i>Showing Your Sponsors Some Appreciation Through Branded Gifts </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help alleviate some of the cost, try to acquire sponsorships from local businesses who want to support the community and the cause. A sponsorship letter that outlines the company’s contribution and consequent publicity helps clearly identify reasons why they should support your cause. Allowing local businesses or organizations to advertise at the event can help.</span><br />
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-66964640220496602212013-04-03T07:54:00.001-04:002013-04-03T07:54:33.367-04:00Tell a Story<br />
How to Tell Your Company’s Story<br />
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Every business has a story to tell, something that will connect potential customers to your brand. In<br />
order to engage customers, strive to create that emotional pull. Try these three tips to articulate your<br />
core value and humanize your brand.<br />
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1. Expand your idea of value.<br />
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To stand out in today's market, define your value in human terms, not in business terms. Look for the<br />
thing that your organization truly cares about -- an aspect of your business that makes you unique and<br />
valuable.<br />
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2.Establish common language.<br />
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Ask a handful of people in various ranks and roles to share five adjectives they'd use to describe the<br />
company and two aspects of the business that are unique or valuable. Look for themes or especially<br />
strong responses, and synthesize them into a clearly defined description.<br />
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3.Give your brand a human voice.<br />
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Determine the type of person that could best deliver the message you have established. If your business<br />
was a human being, who would it be and what would it care about? That clarity leads to a real and<br />
relatable persona that can help you build a loyal customer base.<br />
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From Entrepreneur.com<br />
PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-57010954885187586772013-02-15T12:25:00.001-05:002013-02-15T12:25:42.063-05:005 Surprising Marketing Trends for 2013<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smarter social media. Not all social media sources are perfectly suited to every industry. This year Businesses should decide which platforms are the most worthwhile places to reach their audience.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simplicity will reign supreme. 2013 is likely to be a year where the most successful marketing strategies </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">will be ones that are not only simple in nature, but promote goods and services that serve to simplify </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the consumer’s life or customer experience.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Campaign-based marketing will take a break. Up until now, companies have been progressively </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">integrating social media and real time customer engagement as a supplement to campaign-based </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">marketing. From here on out, real time marketing, through social media and websites, will be the focus.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marketing will be more tied to revenue generation. Instead of just measuring lead generation,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">marketing’s worth to a company will start being weighed against sales growth, changing key </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">performance indicators and leading to a more effective marketing department.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mobile will get its due. Last year, more people purchased smartphones than PCs. Count on “mobile”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">being a bigger, bolder item on every major marketer’s strategy this year.</span></li>
</ol>
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<i>Forbes.com</i><br />
PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-69617744993476726682013-01-03T13:19:00.002-05:002013-01-03T13:19:35.252-05:00<br />
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Introducing the 2013 Color of the Year - Emerald<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Emerald 17-5641(PMS 3278), a lively, radiant, lush green, has been named Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2013.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions.<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.</span></div>
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Contact me to learn how to incorporate this year’s hot color into your next product or imprint for a stylish and timely upgrade! </div>
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<i style="font-size: x-small;">(Pantone.com)</i></div>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-88584683633997207722012-11-30T10:48:00.001-05:002012-11-30T10:48:57.240-05:00Skip the Holiday Bash: Give a gift instead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Holiday Season is here! Black Friday - Small Business Saturday - Cyber Monday are all in the books. But have you thought about your employees or clients? Before you plan that big Holiday bash consider swapping out the party for a simple gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to the Holiday Business Gift Survey, more than 70% of employees indicated that they could rather have a gift than go to the holiday party. (Most don't want to end up looking like Elaine from Seinfeld)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The art of gift giving is not easy. The key according to the survey, is to steer clear of the "traditional gift" including:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ornaments</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Popcorn Tins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dreaded FRUITCAKE (does anyone actually like these?)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Opt for items that can be used either in or out of the office or work setting such as:</span><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-EhZR00rcD4VKKhZpGla3Zg6XKNBGBku8LPZbm9pEF8o0X5dUlU22gOYY2H9MTaqI01Ovh7fSNNkY3gwaUP1SDQLBAw33b9gbyh8adlokzLC3yOGTnqRXMDqxNu3AkD9R2BMxdX3Bg/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-EhZR00rcD4VKKhZpGla3Zg6XKNBGBku8LPZbm9pEF8o0X5dUlU22gOYY2H9MTaqI01Ovh7fSNNkY3gwaUP1SDQLBAw33b9gbyh8adlokzLC3yOGTnqRXMDqxNu3AkD9R2BMxdX3Bg/s1600/gifts.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food baskets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cool Office or Desk Item</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A subtly decorated apparel piece</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your short on ideas. Visit <a href="http://www.halo.com/paulbrancaleone">www.halo.com/paulbrancaleone</a> to get your creative juices flowing and be the office hero with a cool gift!</span></div>
PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-51139713296473309362012-10-29T13:39:00.002-04:002012-10-30T11:07:57.244-04:005 Shirts for Every Business Occasion<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clients always ask me what type of shirt they should use for a company event, trade show or shirts for staffing. Here are 5 that should always be in your company's arsenal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>(1) The Perfect Weight Tee</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WHY YOU NEED IT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last thing you want when having a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">summer outing is </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a t-shirt that is too </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">heavy, boxy or scratchy. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike other tees, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perfect Weight tees remain </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">looking and feeling </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">perfect wear after wear. Pure </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">perfection </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.3-ounce, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">100% ring spun combed cotton.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(2) The No Iron Pinpoint Modern Oxford</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHY YOU NEED IT</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This classic button down shirt never goes out of style.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wear it at a trade show, business after hours or to your </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">next client meeting. It's got a crisp look and a casual </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">feel. For an elegant look embroider tone on tone.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tie is optional. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(3) The Tattersall Easy Care Shirt</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHY YOU NEED IT</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This shirt is a road warrior. With a timeless tattersall pattern it adds variety to the work wardrobe. Specially finished for wrinkle resistance, it stays crisp from the early morning breakfast seminar to the after hours mixer.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(4) The 1/4 Zip Pullover</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHY YOU NEED IT</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the air is a little cool at your outdoor event? Keep these on hand to keep the chills at bay. Your clients will appreciate that you've thought of them. Lightweight and versatile.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(5) The Polo</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHY YOU NEED IT</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The polo is a working person's dream:versatile, lightweight and breathable, relaxed yet professional. A must for any event or wardrobe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITLRRrz0dQ4KsTbZ84IZxYS67m1v1GRCH95NNmMiOe6xAt8ksCpIfniRcqQNgYWvRdk2rxhmhw_I5E46V6Qg3nd-ruKYeU7ins5nXe0rwhF293L2ZI-db9qnV2ji6jIBV5DGT_83xw/s1600/5essenstialshirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITLRRrz0dQ4KsTbZ84IZxYS67m1v1GRCH95NNmMiOe6xAt8ksCpIfniRcqQNgYWvRdk2rxhmhw_I5E46V6Qg3nd-ruKYeU7ins5nXe0rwhF293L2ZI-db9qnV2ji6jIBV5DGT_83xw/s400/5essenstialshirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-17321074666375015242012-10-22T12:37:00.000-04:002012-10-22T12:37:26.619-04:00Advertising Recall Rates vs Branded Merchandise - Who Wins?People are flooded with advertising everyday. They tune out radio and tv ads, flip through magazine pages while waiting in the doctor's office and skip online ads. However when the advertising comes in a form someone can use they are more likely to appreciate it and remember the message the brand intended to convey.<br />
<br />
<b>Recall Rates</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Website Banner Ads - 27%</li>
<li>Print & TV Ads - 53%</li>
<li>Promotional Products - 78%</li>
</ul>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(source Hope Hopkins - Research Analyst)</span></i>PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-35391708751632058622012-10-10T11:49:00.000-04:002012-10-10T11:49:05.533-04:00Are Your Promotions Being Trashed?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was recently seeing a customer who was in a rush for an upcoming event. The phone call went something like this, "I need some ideas we have a sales meeting next week. Can you help?". So I put some ideas together that would work for this customer and that we could get quickly. When I arrived at the meeting a couple of people could not join in because they were still in the "agency" meeting - planning for 2013. So it got me thinking about how much planning went into logoed items and why a logoed item does not get the same attention as a print or digital item.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Several studies show that logoed items are highly favored by recipients and are used frequently. I've personally gone into several meetings were someone in the group will say "I love that waterbottle or I still use the bag we got a few years ago". In fact in Warren Buffett's biography The Snowball, he said that his favorite thing about going to the summit in Sun Valley was the free polo shirt! So why do logoed items get a bad rap? It's because companies often scrounge around before a trade show, meeting or event to come up with a cheap way to give out a lot of merchandise, which always tends to backfire and leads to people in organization saying "Well that was a waste of money". Instead of getting that kind of reaction use the opportunity to align your marketing strategy and turn your logoed items into a valuable marketing tool. Here are a few simple but critical steps to take</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Determine your target audience and your budget</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collaborate with your logoed merchandise person to select products that are useful and relevant to the nature of your business, event or meeting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Order products from a reputable company to ensure good quality. Don't skimp and select cheap quality items to save a few pennies. It' your brand on the item and it's reputation will suffer if you look cheap.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Done correctly, logoed merchandise handouts that tie directly into the nature of your business create an important marketing tool. They help create name recognition, promote a positive image and ultimately generate leads and interest in your business.</span>PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-30476225700963973922012-09-04T11:38:00.003-04:002012-09-04T11:41:06.448-04:005 Signs You Need a Marketing Makeover<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Nothing Matches</b></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your website, signage, ads and marketing material don't match then it's time to redesign them. Communicating a consistent brand message will keep your brand in the minds of your clients.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>You don't know what you want</b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't mapped out your branding strategy on a 1 year out to a 5 year basis then you don't know where you're going. And more importantly your client won't know either.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>You're having trouble connecting with clients</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't know who you need to connect with and where to find them, then you may spend time and resources building relationships in places that won't drive the business results you need.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Only Talking about Yourself?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's important to strike a balance between being social and a self-promoter. No one wants to hang out with the person who is always talking about themselves. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Competition Looks Better than You</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your competitors' message and look outshines yours then a change may be in order. The idea is to stay ahead of the curve without copying your competitors' marketing for the sake of keeping pace. Be original and an expert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-29632004555902723672012-08-08T14:00:00.002-04:002012-08-08T14:01:51.142-04:00Avoid These 4 Creative Gaffes in Emails<br />
<b>Placement or use of images is all wrong</b>. Alternate text and images—do not create a single image but a series of images. Test and use alt text tags so the design is engaging even when images are off.<br />
<br />
<b>Multiple columns are used</b>. On the Web, one long column looks boring—which is why most pages have multiple columns and fields. However, in email, especially on a mobile device, one column is the design-of-choice.<br />
<br />
<b>Video is embedded in an email</b>. Plenty of marketers are using video in email just because they can. However, even when it is warranted, most aren't presenting it in a way that it can be consumed, no matter which device an end user is viewing it on.<br />
<br />
<b>Social sharing is lumped together with email housekeeping notices</b>. Social shares links are being added to the bottom of emails alongside unsubscribe links and CAN-SPAM compliance information, where they get lost.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: #cccccc;">source: BtoBonline.com</i>PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-78055023691039937912012-02-08T13:41:00.000-05:002012-07-30T13:34:05.322-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Let’s
take a deeper dive… and explore the reasons marketing and advertising efforts
are failing</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason #1 </span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not Knowing How To
Reach a Target Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Advertisements can change the way individual’s
view products. For example, businesses are always trying to find ways to
connect with women since they make 85% of all brand purchases. However, nearly
60% of all women will perceive an advertised product negatively, if it clutters
their web viewing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even the most subtle techniques are seen. Nearly
2/3 of consumers believe advertisers should not be able to use online tracking
to match advertisements to their website usage or interests and 2/3 also view
this practice as an invasion of privacy. Their disapproval is directed at the
companies using this advertising method.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ad agencies don’t always get it right… Choosing
the wrong partner can be costly. Palm, Inc. worked with its long standing ad
agency Modernista to promote their new line of smart phones, Palm invested $35
Million in marketing the new phones but in the end reported a net loss of $22
Million. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason #2 </span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Paying More For Less
ROI</span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1980, businesses collectively spent $53.5
Billion on advertising, and in 2007, that increased to more than $279 Billion. Businesses
are spending more and more for advertisements that are less effective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s say a company hired a specialist to
generate leads through E-mail advertising. The cost of 100 leads would be
$8,385. Now, let’s look at the actual conversion rate of those 100 leads. 2
people bought the product/service which means it cost $4,192.50 to acquire each
new client. Was it worth it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Experts have discovered there are two main
sources for the majority of wasted advertising. Advertising the wrong message
accounts for $30 Billion annually, and having the wrong timing accounts for an
additional $20 Billion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason #3 </span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ineffective Brand
Strategy<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Industry experts have identified the top three
branding mistakes as follows: Inconsistent Corporate Identity, Poor Visuals,
and Lack of Brand Controls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When trying to manage a brand, companies often
focus more on <i>their</i> intentions for the brand without adopting the
consumer’s viewpoint.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For example: Cadbury spent over $32 Million<b>
</b>rolling out a new campaign with the intention of promoting the rich smooth
qualities of their chocolate bars. Customers came into contact with huge stacks
of candy bars in the stores. The Cadbury logo was emblazoned everywhere and customers
bought candy bars at 2 for 1 pricing during the promotion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than receive the message that the
chocolate bars were uniquely smooth and rich, customers viewed the product as a
mere commodity. Although there was a huge surge in demand during the promotion,
there was a sudden drop once the promotion ended. The message did not get
through! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many companies confuse their audience by using
different logos and taglines. Constant change leaves people unsure of who they
are dealing with and what type of service they will receive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No branding control is costly and
irresponsible! By allowing every department to make branding decisions you
jeopardize the integrity of your brand and create additional expense for the
company. The choices made by unqualified buyers may be putting your company at
risk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brand Managers need to govern the use of your
logo and advertising messages and approve all purchases in order to: ensure
branding success, maintain brand integrity and minimize the risk for the
company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reason #4 </span></b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Public Relations
Disasters<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The number of incidents reported to the
Consumer Products Safety Commission has been increasing at a rapid rate. Despite
the risk of litigations and bad PR, companies continue to source their
promotional product needs to overseas third party vendors they know little
about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consumer safety incidents that involve
promotional products can lead to a lack of trust from clients as well as
litigation. The following examples show companies that thought their
promotional advertising campaigns were on track. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
California State Health Department gave away promotional lunch boxes in a
campaign to promote healthy eating. The lunch boxes were found to contain
high levels of lead. This prompted an embarrassing recall of nearly
300,000 lunch boxes.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a
promotion for the movie Shrek Forever After, McDonald’s sold collectible
glasses for $2 each. They were forced to recall and refund 12 Million
glasses. The glasses contained cadmium, a poisonous metal that can cause
kidney and liver failure.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nissan
recalled nearly 87,000 coffee mugs that it had given to customers in Japan
as part of a promotion. The mugs contained lead-laced paint that exceeded
the legal limits by 30 %. Nissan did not even know the identity of the
manufacturer in China.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a
promotion Reebok gave a charm bracelet with the purchase of every pair of
children's shoes. Sadly, a child swallowed part of a bracelet and later
died of lead poisoning. Reebok settled with the family of the child for an
undisclosed amount and had to recall 500,000 bracelets.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to US
health officials the bracelets were 99% lead. Reebok said they were
manufactured by a contractor in China, and they did not know how the bracelets
reached the market with such high risk levels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are a number of reasons why public
relations disasters occur in promotional advertising, but topping the list are
these 7 reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Focusing on the promotion and not
on the consumer relationship<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cutting cost in the wrong places<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not building safety management
into contracts<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Using multiple disjoined vendors<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5.
Not knowing the supplier<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6.
Using Vendors that don’t know their suppliers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7.
Purchasing items online and not investigating their overseas </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> manufacturers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even financially capable companies that have
the resources to manage things properly, often don’t<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The result of these challenges…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Businesses
are not connecting with their targets<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Billions
of dollars are being wasted<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brands
are being forgotten<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Liabilities
are ruining brand reputations<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Businesses
need to rethink their strategies before it’s too late</span><span style="font-family: 'Eurostile LT Std', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3675186867490849616.post-74132718509242521612012-02-07T12:34:00.001-05:002012-02-07T12:41:26.135-05:00<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Look at Advertising and Promotional
Marketing Trends – <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even the savviest executives need to
understand the complex issues causing advertising and marketing campaigns to
fail today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consumer spending is decreasing, and the savings rate of
American households is increasing, b</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">rands are failing faster than ever. Annually more than 156,000
products debuted in stores globally – 75% of these failed. Success or
failure of a brand introduction is now determined in just 12 to 18 months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> an effort to compensate for the drop in
consumer spending businesses are increasing their advertising
expenditures. The amount of money spent on advertising each year may have
increased, but the number of customers gained has not. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does all of this mean for the marketing
budget? The message that doesn’t get through is a waste of time and money.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As John Wanamaker put it in his age old adage,
<br />
<i>"I know half my advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know
which half"</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The total wasted advertising dollars annually
is over <b>$167,767,000,000. </b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It used to be easy to reach a target… In 1965,
80% of 18-49 year-olds in the US could be reached with only three
60-second TV spots. To achieve the same result today, it takes 117 prime-time
commercials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1970, the average person was exposed to
about 500 advertisements each day. In the early 1990s, it was 5,000. Today
people are exposed to close to 30,000. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1965, consumers recalled 34% of commercials
they had seen. In 1990 that number had dropped to 8%, and by 2007 consumers
could barely name 2 commercials that they had seen in a given day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Companies
are under increased pressure<b> </b>to connect with their target market. Most
industries today face more competition than ever making it harder to keep
market share and things like clutter and consumer apathy create a critical
barrier. Wasted advertising dollars mean that it costs much more to reach
each individual. </span><span style="font-family: 'Eurostile LT Std', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>PaulBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868740576634976404noreply@blogger.com0