Archive for the ‘Stories from the "Real World"’ category

Hillbilly Christmas in July – Wristbands make inroads promoting charities

July 16th, 2010

wrist_bandThe 2010 Hillbilly Christmas in July “Do it for the Kids” is an annual event, with proceeds benefitting the Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington, Kentucky.

One event involves a motorcycle parade around Pikeville. Part of their awareness building campaign was a terry cloth wristband give-away.

Kudos to event organizers for coming up with such a perfect promotional idea for the event. Choosing a product that reflects the spirit of the event will drive engagement with the brand.

What can spur higher levels of engagement?
    – Pride in belonging to a group, organization, or cause
    – Novelty in the way that pride is expressed (the coolness factor)
    – Usefulness to the recipient

HCIJRideAdCropAbility to achieve the sponsor’s objectives is the end game of any promotional outreach. Just throwing something out there with a brand label on it does not always serve the greater purpose. Thoughtful reflection can make a whole lot of difference in the return on your promotional investment.

For more information regarding this event, visit the website at hillbillychristmasinjuly.org.

Sightings: IMC Promotional Products in Action

June 25th, 2010

Dominos-Umbrella-HatDomino’s Pizza Guy spotted in Spring Park, MN wearing a custom Domino’s umbrella hat. Promotional products pop up where you least expect them!

This was a seriously fun ad specialty to produce. A favorite “wear around the office” product for the IMC staff. Who knew that the real deal would be walking right down our street! One of our Reps spotted him and paused to snap this photo.

More Industry Statistics on Promotional Products

March 3rd, 2010

Another stats video from PPAI. Crazy busy this week. Will try to post more original content next time. There are some good statistics in this piece regarding retention rates for advertising specialties.

They really do tend to cut through clutter. I was at a Science Fair (yes, I am geeky) this weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the number of promotional products at the event. People were beside themselves to sign up for a variety of give-away items. The assortment went from jersey’s and plush, on down to small items like pens and magnets.

Too bad I forgot my flip video camera. It would have made a great “real life” interview opportunity. Instead you will have to make due with my second hand account of happy people glorying in thier good fortune of obtaining another promotional product.

I have to say, I was quite disappointed that I left empty handed and I am in this business. Oh well. Maybe next time.