“YAY I’VE NEVER WON ANYTHING!!!”   – Maria Pace

That was the reaction of PrintGlobe customer Maria Pace of St. Petersberg, Florida when we contacted her to let her know she was the winner of our December iPad giveaway.

Maria, a Manager and Wellness Coach at ITG Diet & Slimdown,  became a PrintGlobe customer back in September of 2013 and has been ordering plastic bags with us for her clinic ever since.

Her reorder of bags in December earned her 4 entries into our iPad contest and one was selected at random as our lucky winner!

When she received her prize, Maria said, “I got the iPad! It’s great!”

Congratulations Maria, enjoy your iPad, from all of us at PrintGlobe!

There is a social media phenomenon occurring anytime there is extreme weather…people everywhere post pictures of their nearest thermometer showing off the current super hot, or outrageously cold temperatures!

In the summer when temps hit 100+, you can bet you’ll see news feeds full of  ”OMG!” posts, accompanied by a shot of their car thermometer. And when temps plunge, like they have this week thanks to the “Artic Vortex” that has gripped most of the nation, thermometers are once again the most photographed old-school devices on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

So when it comes to brand exposure custom printed thermometers are the newest hidden gem of the marketing and promotional products world.

As give-aways, they’re unique, they’re useful, and they have excellent staying power, and like in this example below your brand and message have megawatt exposure when snapped into a weather selfie.

http://www.printglobe.com/eco-friendly-products/thermometers/thermometers/plastic-thermometers-indooroutdoor-orion

The colors red, blue and black have been the go-to colors of promotional products for, well frankly, far too long.

Increasingly, business are shaking off the old stodgy design colors and bright, modern and punchy colors are making their way into corporate branding.

This year, Pantone, the experts in all things color, has designated “Radiant Orchid”…essentially a light purple hue…as their color of the year for 2014. Last year Emerald Green was the “It” color in fashion and design trends, and before that Tangerine Orange was the darling color of the moment.

So knowing that Radiant Orchid, and all things purple are soon to be in vogue, we know from past years that marketing products are soon to follow.

How can you incorporate purple in your brands marketing?

Purple is created by the blending of Red and Blue, two strong colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This makes it a great color for any company or organization that wants to relay a sense of balance and equality.

Purple also represents peace of mind, and is a calming color, which makes it a great for outreach campaigns that want to reassure or soothe.

Purple is also known as a royal color, and can be an indicator of wealth, position and prestige, which makes it a natural selection for finance and investment marketing campaigns.

There are hundreds of items that currently come in brilliant shades of purple, and almost any logo converted to black or white will make a strong and lasting impression.

Here Our 4 Favorite Branded Luxury Gifts This Holiday Season.

1) For The Wine Lovers

There are 2 reasons that the Metrokane Rabbit Corkscrew has become the go-to wine opener of oenophiles and weekend wino’s alike.

It looks cool and it’s just darn easy to use.

The easy operation, sleek design, and included foil cutter tool makes everyone who uses it look and feel like a wine expert. Pairing your logo with an efficient, useful, and elegant gift assures your brand will be well regarded by your most valuable clients bottle, after bottle.

2) For The Tech-Savvy

For your technology minded customers that have multiple devices that keep them in touch, the SynCharger Charging Station provides them one central location to power it all up. The device comes with Micro and Mini USB cables making it compatible with Blackberry, Bluetooth headsets, iPod, iPhone, Android based phones and iPads and other Tablets.

Providing organization, and keeping unsightly cables out of sight, your logo sits front and center and will keep your name and message right where your customers most important business communication devices rest every day.

3) For The Ones Who Need Some Pampering

This Doctor Bag inspired mini bag is full of everything your most stressed out customers could ever need to help rest and rejuvenate after a long flight, or a long day at work. Ease their stress and pamper their senses with the included Body Whip Lotion, aromatherapy votive, muscle soak salts, moisturizing body bar, exfoliation cloth, massager, herbal tea and sleep shade.

Your logo on this thoughtful gift will wrap your brand in their soothed, comforted and relaxed thoughts each time they decompress.

4) For The Outdoorsman

A good knife will be passed down through the generations. Kershaw knives are made to last so not only to be passed from father to son, but one day to grandson and great-grandson. Outdoorsmen, sportsmen, and those who work with their hands will appreciate the easy open features and sleek all-black steel of this pocket knife.

Your brand exudes strength, dependability and craftsmanship when you present this to your clients this holiday season.

Heading out to the game to cheer on your favorite NFL team this weekend? You’ll want to make sure to leave your backpacks and purses at home, and instead take along one of these clear NFL Approved Stadium Bags.

Why Do I Need NFL Approved Stadium Bags Anyway?

NFL stadiums around the country have increased their security measures by only allowing clear vinyl tote bags, ziptop gallon freezer bags and  hand held clutches in the plaza areas, gates, and inside their stadiums. These clear bags will allow stadium security officers to get a good look at what fans are bringing in, without increasing the wait time of 50,000 fans at the gate.

So, What Kind of Bag is Allowed in NFL Stadiums?

The only bags allowed in all 31 NFL stadiums starting in 2013 are…

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
  

  Only clear bags like this PrintGlobe barrel tote will be allowed in NFL stadiums in 2013

or

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

Is there A Marketing Opportunity Here?

YES!!! NFL fans need to take a lot of gear with them into the game. Hats and scarves, blankets, signs and foam fingers are part of the game-day ritual, and lugging these things from the parking lot and keeping track of them in the stadium can be tricky. Ask any parent and they’ll tell you the list of things they need to haul for their kids is nearly endless, so for them NOT carrying a bag into the stadium is hardly an option.  And then of course there are ladies and all the things carried in purses…I think everyone can see why this new rule can present big opportunity for businesses who want to provide a free and useful giveaway on game day!

And get ready to see this rule expand, rumor has it a similar approved stadium bag rule will be making its way to the NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL and College Football very soon.

So if you are looking for a promotion with value for a luxury suite gift, season ticket holder promotion, tailgate party give away, or other game day related event, PrintGlobe has you covered with the largest selection of NFL Approved Stadium Bags available.

*PG Team Featured Blogger – Brigid Borcik (Customer Service Representative)*

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide.  With more than 38,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. alone (one life every 13.7 minutes as of 2010 making this the tenth leading cause of death in the US) and over one million worldwide (one life every 40 seconds), the importance of AFSP’s mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.  The stigma of suicide makes this a “taboo” subject though and makes it that much more difficult to raise awareness and much needed funds.  Suicide IS a preventable issue however and should not be a “dirty” word.  Suicide is a caused by serious mental illness and has also been shown to be genetic.  More facts and figures can be found at http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

On November 19, 2007 I lost my only brother Emmett to suicide.  He left behind a daughter, granddaughter, two sisters and a father.  Needless to say this was a devastating loss to my family.  At first I didn’t know where to turn or how to find help to cope with this loss until I found the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).  Since the day I found them, I vowed that I would volunteer with them to keep his name alive as well as two cousins and the other four lives I have personally lost to suicide in my life.  I refuse to be “quiet” about suicide or not talk about my brother, my cousins or my friends that I have lost, no matter how uncomfortable it may make someone feel.  They deserve to be kept alive in our memories for it was the pain and desperation they felt that took their lives.  They weren’t themselves when they took their lives and if they had been they wouldn’t have done it.  Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of them so I will spend every single day fighting for them as well as myself with my own mental health issues and struggles for they go hand in hand.I started by becoming an advocate which involved me emailing my local and state government representatives regarding laws and bills that needed attention for those suffering from mental health issues.  I volunteered every year for the Out of the Darkness Walk held at the State Capital grounds by raising money for education, research and prevention.  I physically volunteered at the walks by doing anything I could and by doing so I have made many friends and contacts by doing this.  There are so many people who have been touched by suicide – a disease that can be prevented.  Since making these contacts I was subsequently asked to join the Board of the AFSP – Central Texas Chapter this year and I am currently in charge of social media for the group.

PrintGlobe was gracious, loving and supportive enough to back two of its employees who have lost their only brothers for the 2013 Out of the Darkness walk at the State Capital.  When we approached Dan Steinborn the owner of the company, he immediately, without any hesitation, came up with a silver level sponsorship for the event and even volunteered his band Blazin’ Kane to play during the event.  He also donated team shirts for us all to wear during the walk!  We were overwhelmed with the support from him as well as the other employees of the company who stepped up financially and physically by being there to support us.  A total of 12 employees became the PrintGlobe Trotters and have (so far) raised $2000.  I am hoping they will continue to raise money through the end of the year because it every single penny counts through December 31. 

http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=49719

Proudly Walking Out of the Darkness

Can you answer this SAT style question?

The color pink is to October/breast cancer as _______ are to November/prostate cancer.

If you said MUSTACHES then you are familiar with men’s health awareness campaigns that have gained in global popularity over the last few years.

According to statistics published by the Movember Foundation, in the US alone, 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and men get diagnosed with prostate cancer 35% more than women get diagnosed with breast cancer.

These two creative and wearable promo’s will help raise awareness for your brand, and men’s health.

Pop-Out Coasters

More than a coaster, it's an instant costume!

Mustache On A Stick

Your logo on this Mustache almost guarantee's Social Media exposure

Calling all Austin area sales professionals! PrintGlobe is looking to add dynamic, motivated, and hungry inside sales reps to our team of print all-stars!

We are rolling out the red carpet on October 10th and inviting interested candidates to come join us for Happy Hour at our offices in South Austin.

Our sales hiring decision makers as well as some of our account management team will be on hand to talk, and give tours of our office. We’ll serve light snacks and have beer and wine as well…so bring your resume but leave the formal business attire at home, and come get to know us.

Space is limited so please RSVP today to jobs@printglobe.com

Come meet and mingle with PrintGlobe's sales staff and learn what PG has to offer.

The new iPhone has been released, iOS7 is being downloaded around the globe, KitKat is about to launch, Samsung is touting their S5 and we’re all still learning how to use our S4′s. Technology is wonderful, and it’s everywhere, and it keeps changing, and at some point with everyone “Tech-fatigue” is going to set in.

Now of course there are plenty of branding applications where a tech gadget, like a stylus pen, or a tablet cover make excellent marketing pieces for your campaign. But if your message isn’t necessarily tech-related how do you decide what branded accessory is going to appeal to all your tech savvy customers?

These issues can be easily avoided by getting back to basics and embracing these 3 low-tech items that even your most  tech-addicted customers will  love.

Candy

Leave behind a sweet treat and a long lasting impression

For those clients you call on all year long, there isn’t a much sweeter leave behind than candy. Simple, effective, and most importantly, consumable.  Your customers will share it, or enjoy it themselves, and either way, most likely by the next time you come around it will be gone and they’ll be thrilled to have you leave them another. You can’t always say the same thing about a pen cup holder or a mousepad. Sure, they’ll use those too, but they won’t need another one for many years.

Umbrellas

Always save the day with your "Hero Message" printed on an umbrella

Virtually unchanged since their creation, umbrellas are about as low-tech as you can get… but when you need one you are always awfully glad you’ve got one handy. When you’ve given your clients a printed umbrella with your message or logo you’re making sure that your brand is seen as their hero every time they weather gets messy.

Calendars

What other promotion is going to hang around all year?

Yeah I know you’re thinking this really is the lowest tech thing we could come up with!  But for an excellent reason…Can you think of another give-away that is going to be useful to your customers all year long? Calendars started being used for advertising and marketing purposes back in the mid-19th century, and today they come in dozens of different styles and applications. Custom printed wall calendars have imagery to match nearly every industry, hobby, and trend, and magnet calendars can serve as coupon and game schedule reminders.

When it comes to promoting your business there are all sorts of  ways to get your name out there in front of your potential customers. Social media strategies and online marketing campaigns get a lot of attention these days…but these 2 promotional products have proven to be cost effective, quick, and long lasting ways to quickly make an impression on a crowd.

Look closely, these two products have a great value to you customers and will  keep your logo in front of them for a long time.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable Grocery Totes Allow Your Brand To Make a Lasting Impression

More and more cities like our very own Austin, TX are adopting plastic bag bans and these carry-all’s are becoming a trunk staple for many Americans. Because they have such a large available area for decoration these bags give your brand a ton of exposure, and allow you to showcase your logo, message, or campaign theme in a big bold visual way.

Reusable grocery bags are now available with insulation, with wine/bottle dividers, and in a huge assortment of colors, shapes and sizes. There is a reusable grocery bag for nearly every brand and campaign and marketing pros know that their usefulness extends well past the supermarket. Reusable bags are being spotted at the park and on the beach, at children’s sporting events, even at airports as a last minute and easy to pack backup carryon bag.

 Stylus Pens

I'm Not Just A Pen, I'm A Tech Gadget!

Pens, probably the most tried and true business branding essential of all time.  And with the proliferation of tablets, phablets, and smartphones, stylus pens are more than just a writing instrument, they’re valuable tech gadgets! A quick search of Amazon shows a range of tech styluses STARTING around $10-$12 each…and promotional stylus pens can be ordered right now for under $1.00 a piece! 

Stylus pens certainly deliver value and the most bang-for-your-marketing-buck this year.