Five rewards that will delight your employees

By promo7 | Published: July 1, 2011
More than ever, employers are looking for ways to reward employees in a meaningful way. Many employers never think beyond giving a monetary bonus as recognition for service. While always welcome, monetary bonuses aren’t always needed.  In fact, there are many creative ways you can reward your employees for a job well done.

5. Work can generate a huge amount of stress on employees. What better way to acknowledge this and provide some relief than to arrange for massages for top employees?  You could even arrange to bring a masseuse to the office or job site to tend to sore muscles of top performing teams.

4. Are you employees NASCAR fans? You could have stadium seat cushions made for them, and have them printed with the race season’s NASCAR schedule. This idea could work for just about any kind of sports fan – NBA, NFL, MLB, and more.

3. Did your employee recently tell you about a restaurant they like? A gift card to their favorite restaurant may be just the way to say “thanks.” A restaurant gift card is something employees can enjoy with their family or significant other, making it all the more meaningful.

2. Having a tough winter?  A top performer might appreciate a quick getaway to a warmer climate like Florida or the Caribbean. Naturally, this could be a big expense for the employer, so it would likely be reserved for top performers only.

1. Of course, the best kind of reward is one that shows a real understanding of what the employee enjoys. By contrast, the worst kind of reward is one that shows you’re not listening. Next time you have a conversation with your employee, listen hard for what they like and don’t like.  I bet you’ll find some good ideas for rewards, and avoid rewards that may not have the intended effect.

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1-2-3 Keys to Promotional Marketing

By promo7 | Published: June 27, 2011

In the business world, promotional marketing and advertising are sometimes combined into one budget and the lines that distinguish the two are slightly blurred. However, there are keys to success for each individual segment of the overall marketing strategy, and each has a specific role to play when it comes to measuring sales and return on investment.

In advertising, a business wants to make sure that its creative ad team gets to know the consumer very well and can “get inside their heads” to really understand what message would most appeal to them and grab their attention toward a product or service.

In promotions, the same is essentially true, but steps are taken in a different direction to connect to the consumer. Promotions often deal with a tangible form of advertising, something that the consumers can touch or feel and interact with and that brings them closer to the product or service being marketed.

In its simplest terms, you can think of advertising as seeing a billboard or a commercial for a new dinner entree at a restaurant, while promotions for that same new entree would actually involve getting to taste a sample of it or receiving a coupon to try to the meal at a discounted price.

Since promotions are so closely linked to the actual product being marketed, it is important to do it correctly or else you risk losing customers and sales. Here are 3 keys to promotional marketing that can apply to nearly every industry:

1. Sampling
Everyone really loves free stuff, no matter if it is a small serving of food, a cosmetic product, or even a new gadget. As long as the consumer gets a sample of what the product has to offer, they can then make a decision to learn more about the product or even purchase it. The key with sampling is that it is the closest they’ll get to the real thing, so it is important to make your samples shine and be as informed as you can about the product. Sampling is a great way to attract new customers as well as to retain your returning customers as well.

2. Contests
The thrill of even the possibility of winning something often gets people excited, so contests are a great way to gain exposure and buzz about the launch of your product. Offering customers an “exclusive” chance to get their hands on a product before it launches, or even after it has hit the market, is often an effective method of promotional marketing. Online marketing efforts are particularly useful for contests because you can access customers from any geographic region of the world, and word is likely to spread quickly about your contest through online word of mouth like social media and email. If you are looking to attract new customers, contests are a great way to do so.

3. Coupons
This is another area where online marketing efforts can be used to help more consumers have access to your promotions. Coupons offer discounts on special items that are being promoted, and are often a great way to increase traffic to your brick and mortar stores or even to your company website. Discounts are an incentive for people to buy your products, so handing out paper coupons or having them available online are two tactics that effectively promote your product or service to new customers as well as to returning customers.

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1-2-3 Qualities of Trade Shows

By promo7 | Published: June 24, 2011

The sales floor at a big trade show is where you really shine. You can sell products like it’s your job (because, well, it is your job!) and you’ve got a plan in place to meet higher sales than the previous year. After you have everything set up, you eagerly await the buyers that are coming in to survey, test, and hopefully purchase your products.

So what are the best methods for promoting your company and its products and closing those important deals? A lot goes into it, like an organized set up and table, a well-trained and informative team, and of course, great products. But there is also another factor that contributes to your overall sales: understanding the behaviors of the buyers. Once you can connect with a buyer and understand their wants and needs, you’ll see that you are able to sell more products. Here are a few qualities of buyers that, once understood, can have you bringing in the big bucks for your company.

1. Impatience is their virtue.
With the large crowds and hundreds of offers they have been given, buyers often get impatient after hours and hours at a trade show. Plus, they probably traveled quite a distance to attend the show, and are eager to get the business part of their business trip out of the way. Understanding this, and simplifying their experience while they are at your table, will allow them to feel more at ease and they will be more likely to buy. Try to target what they want and expect from each sale after just minutes of talking with them and and you will find yourself closing a lot more deals very quickly.

2. They don’t want to crunch numbers.
Though by profession they are buyers and salespeople, they don’t want to have to crunch numbers on the sales floor. Make it easy for your customers to know how much an item costs using the actual numbers as prices clearly displayed by each product. It does sound great if you are offering a certain percentage off and a combination discount of another percentage when two or more items are bought, but it would be best to reflect those discounts in terms of dollars and cents.

3. They want to feel “exclusive”.
There are thousands of people at trade shows, and they are all going to be targeting your products to buy as a supply their company. You know that, they know that. But they also like to feel like they are your only customers, as if you are there solely for them. It sounds a little selfish, but if you give the buyers the attention they want, you can close a deal much faster. A little tip to make them feel exclusive is to throw in a last-minute discount or windfall item “just because”, for “serious buyers only”, or as a little “thank you” for having a great conversation, showing their sincere interest in your product, or for always visiting your company at shows.

Another great way to sell this exclusivity idea is to connect with the buyers before you meet them on the sales floor. There’s no harm done in sending a few quick emails to say, “I saw your name on the list of attendees for the —- trade show coming up this weekend. Looking forward to seeing you there.” No discussion of prices, so sales-speak, just a quick note to say hi and make them aware of your company.

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Kids At Heart

By Amanda | Published: June 21, 2011

We have all experienced those dreary days in the office that seem to drag on for all eternity.  The papers on our desk pile high, coffee cups are strewn about, and the hand of the ticking clock moves at a glacial pace.   We agonize over the amounting workload, endless to-do lists, and hectic schedules that barely leave room to breathe.  We think to ourselves, “I wish I could rewind time to when I was a kid and had zero responsibilities.”  The truth is that we don’t have to revisit the past because our childhood self is still very much in the present.

Deep down inside, we are all kids at heart.  No matter how old we get, we never lose our childlike innocence.  We may see an adult in the reflection in the mirror, but beneath our responsible, sophisticated façade, there lies an inner child ready to restore the fun in our lives.  What better way to show your employees your appreciation than by breaking up the monotony of the workday and giving them a taste of their childhood with a carnival-themed picnic.

Company picnics may seem like a generic, overdone event; however, with a little creativity, these ordinary outside barbeques can be the perfect setting to really boost the company morale.  For instance, toss aside the hot dogs and hamburgers and spruce up the luncheon cuisine with feel good comfort food that we loved to eat growing up such as mac and cheese and parmesan crusted chicken stripes.  Every kid has a sweet tooth and that is one trait that we will never grow out of.  In keeping with the carnival theme, you can satisfy those sugary taste buds with cotton candy machines and funnel cake.

Every carnival would not be complete without games especially the classic all-in-good-fun dunk tank.  Bosses are always the ones in control of their employees, but for a change, let the employees take the reins and make the bosses take the plunge.  All workers have those days when they need to blow off some steam, and what better way than soaking their boss in a pit of water.

Apart from the dunk tanks, another favorite pastime of any carnival is shelling out wads of ones in hopes of winning that oversize stuffed animal prize.  That same idea of contests and prizes are great ways to make the day interactive, fun, and team-oriented for all of your employees.  For instance, the company’s different departments can go head-to-head in potato sack competitions or three-legged races.  We may have outgrown our desire to walk away with that jackpot teddy bear, but promotional prizes or gift cards to local restaurants would be the perfect substitute.

Company picnics don’t need to be just a chance for employees to mingle at an outdoor barbeque, but rather make it a day to enjoy that truly expresses your appreciation for all of their hard work.  With a carnival-themed event filled with delicious comfort foods, classic finger sweets, childish games, and interactive contests, your employees will revive their youthful spirit, and for a few hours, their inner child can come out to play.

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Ditch the Traditional: Summer Trade Show Giveaways

By promo7 | Published: March 17, 2011

Traditional promotional products that are useful make great tradeshow giveaways because clients are likely to hold on to something they know will be worth keeping. If it’s something like a travel mug or a tote bag, people are likely to remain using the product. However, if you were a client who attended an event where you received 4 three tote bags and one pizza cutter, aren’t you more likely to remember who gave you the pizza cutter? Trying to find a useful product may be important, but so is being original. Getting clients excited about your giveaway will, in turn, get them talking about your products or services.

The idea is to find promotional products that are still useful, but make you stand out from your competitors. A good way to spark the interest of possible customers with fun gifts is to base them on the seasons. Since summer is coming up, everyone will be interested in anything that makes them think of sun and fun! A product that emulates the hot weather and anything associated with it is going to be a big hit.

What is one food almost everyone eats? Pizza. This is why a pizza cutter with your logo and or/company information is a perfect gift. According to American Heritage Magazine, 93 percent of Americans eat pizza at least once a month. Imagine how much exposure that is! Also, summer is a great time for pizza parties. Little league games and family reunions always call for a quick and easy meal; most of us turn to pizza.

With all of those people scarfing down pizza, they’re going to need something to drink. That’s why you want to give your clients a keychain multi-function bottle opener to open a refreshing bottle of wine or an ice cold beer. Whenever they’re at an event where someone needs a bottle opener, they’ll whip out the one you gave them.

An extremely popular summer-time giveaway is a pair of flip-flops with a key tag. Free flip-flops scream summer, and everyone wants them for the beach. We all know a woman can never have enough shoes, so who isn’t going to keep a free pair around? These will display your brand in a non-traditional way summer after summer.

Another accessory for the beach is a Tic-Tac-Toe Towel Kit. This is great because it’s fun for the whole family, and will keep the kids from nagging you to play another game of football in the sand. Your logo can be printed on the bag, so every time your client travels to the beach, whether for vacation or a day trip, thousands will catch a glimpse; perfect for maximum brand exposure.

For a gift that is used indoors, give your clients a flexi-vase. This isn’t your traditional flower holder; the flexi-vase can lay flat and be folded away for easy storage when not in use, but stands perfectly straight when filled with water. Since spring and summer are the ideal seasons to keep flowers on your desk, the flexi-vase comes in extremely handy.

See, it is possible to provide your clients with useful gifts in a non-traditional way. Besides giving them something practical, make them smile as well. Try this, and you’re guaranteed to captivate clients.

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Become a Trade Show Pro

By promo7 | Published: March 14, 2011

Trade shows are an invaluable marketing tool in every industry. They are a great way to gain new leads and strengthen relationships with existing clients. While we’re currently in the age where online marketing is on the rise, face-to-face interaction is still extremely important to foster a business. Trade shows can be costly, but if approached correctly, the cost will be worth the benefits. However, doing so properly can be tricky. The main key is to research, research, research. Also, be direct and specific with your tactics and goals.

There are over 11,000 trade shows conducted each year, meaning there are plenty to choose from. A savvy business owner will choose to attend a few that they will be able to excel in, rather than trying to attend as many as possible; quality over quantity. One way to ensure a healthy-sized audience is to send invitations to current clients or leads. Also, include promotional products with the invitations; According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, 84% of respondents recalled the name of the advertising company after receiving a gift. Also, 81% of gifts were kept because they were considered useful. Give your clients something they will want to hold on to, like a pen or a tote bag. Personal contact prior to the event will guarantee a better turn out. That way, even if tons of new clients aren’t gained, at least you took the time to maintain relationships with previous ones. Increasing brand identity will give your business a better name.

Location, size, and appearance of your booth are also essential to being successful at trade shows. While paying for a bigger space is definitely going to cost you, it’s going to grab much more attention. “Go big or go home.” Exhibiting specific keywords on signs and displays will draw in traffic. Tailor your appearance to the audience you want to attract. If you are selling IT software, make that clear. Also, do not display too many items. Showcase one or two of your newest products; less is more.

Remember why you are there: to strengthen relationships with clients and gain new ones. Being serious about the leads you acquire is going to bring you the most business. Have someone at your booth trained to speak with prospective clients. They should be able to decipher who means business and who isn’t worth your time. Also, collect all necessary contact information, and use it. Following up with the clients you’re hoping to gain is the most important part of the trade show. Besides a phone call or letter, send promotional products as gifts to the clients with the most potential. If you want to turn a lead into a customer, be proactive about doing so.

Lastly, successful trade show professionals will compile data from their experience. Take notes on what you did that worked and what didn’t, and what your competitors were doing. Calculate how many leads from the exhibit turned into clients. How were these clients approached and how was the relationship cultivated? Without understanding what you did that failed and what was successful, you will be wasting your time and money attending future trade shows.

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