Promotionally Yours: Tis the Season for Corporate Gifting! - Halo Brand...

Promotionally Yours: Tis the Season for Corporate Gifting! - Halo Brand...: Tis the Season for Corporate Gifting Posted: 02 Nov 2016 09:12 AM PDT It’s November and the countdown to the holidays has officially...

Tis the Season for Corporate Gifting! - Halo Branded Solutions - Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux

Tis the Season for Corporate Gifting

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 09:12 AM PDT

It’s November and the countdown to the holidays has officially begun. To honor the change in the weather, T.V., radio station programming and retail store decoration we offer you 7 simple tips for your corporate holiday gift budget:

1.      Make a List and Check it Twice
Sit down and actually make a list of clients, vendors and employees you would like to thank this holiday season. By writing recipients down, you not only ensure that you remember everyone, but you also get an accurate count of how many gifts you need.

2.     Stay on Budget
Create 1-3 tiers based on factors that will affect the type of gift your recipients receive such as value to your organization, tenure or geographic location. Assign recipients to a tier and give each tier a dollar value based the amount of recipients and on your overall budget.

3.      Give Gifts in Person Whenever Possible
Delivering your holiday gifts in person saves on postage and adds a personal touch to your holiday gifting. Holiday gifts are the perfect excuse to get a little face time with your business contacts and employees.

4.     Consider the Value of Packaging and Branding
As tempting as it may be to spend the entire budget on the gift, don’t underestimate the impact of gift-wrapping and packaging. Decorating your gift with the company logo or creative messaging about your services reminds your recipients of your business well past the holidays. Check out the article Better Branded Holiday Gifts for more ideas.

5.      Start Early
By starting early you can avoid the stress of missed in-hands-dates, extended production times or out-of-stock items that can delay your holiday gifts, put you over budget and generally take the fun out of holiday gift giving.

6.     Give a Useful Gift
By giving a gift that recipients find useful you can extend the life of your seasonal goodwill into the rest of the year.

7.      Don’t Stress Out, Contact an Expert
Your HALO Account Executive is available to help with all of your holiday gift giving needs. They have the expertise and experience to find you the perfect holiday gifts to fit your budget.

For help planning your holiday gift budget or gift giving ideas contact your HALO Account Executive. For more information and tips on developing a corporate gift giving strategy download our Guide to Corporate Gifting.

Promotionally Yours: Inspire BIG ideas... Promotional Products...

Promotionally Yours: Inspire BIG ideas... Promotional Products...: Inspire Big Ideas Using On-the-Spot Recognition Posted: 24 Oct 2016 12:44 PM PDT The “Big Idea” Award. This is the ...

Inspire BIG ideas... Promotional Products...

Inspire Big Ideas Using On-the-Spot Recognition Posted: 24 Oct 2016 12:44 PM PDT The “Big Idea” Award. This is the “Big Idea” award. Its purpose was simple; whenever someone on our creative team had a big idea, they took possession of the award until someone else had the next one.  When we fashioned this award from a discarded light bulb we weren’t thinking of peer recognition, employee engagement or on-the-spot rewards; we just thought it was a creative way to repurpose a huge light bulb. The thing is, it worked. The team became more engaged in brainstorming sessions and actively worked to win the award. Even though most wouldn’t admit it, they loved when co-workers came into our area saw the award, and asked the current holder what their “big idea” was. Why did this award work? According to How To Super Motivate Your Team with the Science of Recognition! The award hit the three R’s of recognition. This means recognizing the: § Right Behaviors; at the § Right Times; in the § Right ways In my example, employees were recognized for having a big idea (right behavior), while it happened (right time), through genuine praise from managers and peers (right ways). The award increased engagement in the desired behavior and gave the team the recognition they craved. This type of on-the-spot nurturing of employee behaviors and organizational values can go a long way in helping to cultivate an environment where employees feel engaged and appreciated. In fact, studies show that strong manager recognition can increase employee engagement by almost 60%.* Implementing an on-the-spot recognition program doesn’t need to be expensive or overly complicated. All that is really required is that managers take the time to recognize employees sincerely, immediately and often. Here are a few ideas to get you started: § Note cards – Keep branded note cards to write personal notes encouraging employees caught in the “act”. § Awards – Consider a few travelling awards that can circulate around your organization that personify a behavior you would like to inspire in your employees. § Promotional Products – Reward employees with products imprinted with slogans supporting behavior and values you wish to nurture. Using imprint like “Creative Genius” or “My Boss Thinks I’m Awesome” that describes the recipient will help § Give “High Fives” – Keep a few $5 gift cards on hand to give out. § Retail Gifts – Give high perceived retail gifts to reward special achievements. You can add corporate branding to gifts to give them the feel of an award. When implementing an award system of any kind, consider giving your employees an opportunity to nominate others. This lets staff take part in the process and feel proud of their colleagues’ achievements. Recently, two members of the HALO team were nominated for awards by colleagues and won!  Congratulations to  Stephanie Preston, Director of Marketing, for being named one of PPB’s Best Bosses of 2016 and Jenna Smallins, E-Commerce Sales Support Rep, for being named one of PPB’s 2016 Service Superheroes. Receiving these awards was exciting for all involved and a great way to promote positive morale! Do you give out on-the-spot recognition rewards or use a different type of award system? Share your ideas in the space below.

Promotionally Yours: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Promotionally Yours: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Think Pink Posted: 07 Oct 2016 01:23 PM PDT It is time again for one of the biggest cause marketing event of the year, Br...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Think Pink Posted: 07 Oct 2016 01:23 PM PDT It is time again for one of the biggest cause marketing event of the year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We have discussed the benefits of cause marketing for both your brand and the charity or cause you are partnering with, which are numerous (click here for more info on the benefits of cause awareness campaigns), but let’s not forget why cause marketing campaigns are so important. Yes, money is raised for an organization in need and yes,  positive PR is created for companies, but most importantly, awareness is raised. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer found in women around the world, affecting 1 in 8 women during their lives. Nearly everyone knows someone touched by the disease. Fortunately, it’s never too early or late to focus on prevention. When we see pink in October we are reminded of all the individuals who have fought and are currently fighting breast cancer as well as the importance of taking preventative measures. We love to see all the new pink gear this time of year and have listed a few of our favorite products below.  What is your favorite way to spread awareness for a cause? No matter the cause, we have the perfect solution to show your support. View our Awareness Events section on HALO.com or contact me to help you find the perfect product for your awareness campaign.

Promotionally Yours: Seasonal Specials

Promotionally Yours: Seasonal Specials: Seasonal Special Offers Available – BrandED by HALO Posted: 06 Oct 2016 11:24 AM PDT End of the year and holiday planni...

Seasonal Specials

Seasonal Special Offers Available – BrandED by HALO Posted: 06 Oct 2016 11:24 AM PDT End of the year and holiday planning time has begun, and HALO has a number of seasonal items on special. This quarter’s BrandED by HALO features ideas for awards and recognition programs, holiday gifts and food gifts. Take advantage of these sales and order early to avoid stress as the year ends. Acknowledge Achievements with Awards Whether your organization gives annual service awards to employees or implements an incentive program with your sales force, you want an award that represents your brand in the best possible way. Give an award that will make them proud to display so you can be sure it doesn’t end up collecting dust in a closet. This quarter’s BrandED items include awards for many types of occasions. The awards below are examples of completely custom award designs. You can create something completely unique for your brand. Holiday Gifts Looking for gifts for top clients, employees or executives? From corporate-style promotional backpacks and jackets to kitchenware and tech items, BrandED by HALO has something for everyone on your list. These holiday gifts range in price, too, so you’ll find something to fit your budget. Whether you need hundreds of gifts or just a handful, HALO has many options appropriate for various audiences. Below are just a few examples of the many giftable items you’ll find on sale from HALO. Food Gifts Food gifts are a safe bet no matter what the occasion — everyone loves gourmet goodies! Not only are they almost universally appreciated, many food gifts are shareable, too. You can save by sending one large food gift instead of many individual smaller gifts. For more award options, corporate gift ideas and food gifts on sale, visit HALO.com. If you want help choosing a gift or are interested in a sample or virtual proof, contact HALO today.

Promotionally Yours: Calendars and Holiday cards

Promotionally Yours: Calendars and Holiday cards: Three Creative Ways to Combine Calendars and Holiday Cards Posted: 28 Sep 2016 12:12 PM PDT Everyone loves getting holida...

Calendars and Holiday cards

Three Creative Ways to Combine Calendars and Holiday Cards Posted: 28 Sep 2016 12:12 PM PDT Everyone loves getting holiday greeting cards when December rolls around.  They boost the holiday spirit and remind us of all the various relationships we value whether the cards are from friends, family or business associates.  Because the winter holidays are at the end of the year and calendars are a necessity, calendars have always made great holiday gifts. Holiday cards have been circulating since 1843 and of course we wouldn’t know when to start sending cards out if we didn’t have calendars… Here are a few creative ways to combine two traditional holiday gifts, cards and calendars.  When your holiday greeting is a calendar it lasts all year long! § Trifold Calendar Cards These calendars are small enough to be mailed like any other holiday card, but because they serve a practical purpose, they won’t get tossed at the end of the holiday season. § Customized Advent Calendars  Use a custom design to promote your brand and gift your clients a delicious treats that are sure to keep you top of mind for the holiday season! § Completely Custom Calendar Customize a calendar with images that relate to your organization. The calendar can include images of products, events, staff or anything that relates to your clients or peers. Last year for the first time, HALO put together a 13-month calendar in place of their holiday card. Each month featured a photo of a different department dressed festively in a theme that fit the assigned month.  These calendars were given out in December to Account Executives, employees, key customers and supplier partners. They were very well received and a great way to include a large staff in a holiday greeting all while having some fun! If you are interested in combining cards with calendars to create a holiday greeting that lasts all year round, contact you HALO Account Executive for ideas today!  The holiday season is almost upon us!

Promotionally Yours: Gift Giving - Halo Branded Solutions - Promotional...

Promotionally Yours: Gift Giving - Halo Branded Solutions - Promotional...: Gift Giving – It’s Not Just a Holiday Thing Posted: 23 Sep 2016 02:32 PM PDT With the big holiday season just around the corner, it’s ...

Gift Giving - Halo Branded Solutions - Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux

Gift Giving – It’s Not Just a Holiday Thing

Posted: 23 Sep 2016 02:32 PM PDT

With the big holiday season just around the corner, it’s no surprise that gifts are becoming more top of mind than in previous months. However, occasions for gifting fall at all times throughout the year; not just November and December. As you prep for holiday gifting, keep the lessons you learn in mind for every anniversary, birthday, thank you and welcome gift you purchase in the future.

Looking for some gifting guidelines? Check out the resources below.

Choosing Promotional Packaging
Sometimes adding your logo to the gift itself isn’t the best idea. Some brands have strict rules about cobranding, and in some cases your logo may devalue the gift in the eyes of the recipient. Whatever the reason, there are other ways you can guarantee that your brand is prominent through promotional packaging. Consider adding your logo to bags, wrapping paper and boxes. Check out our Promotional Packaging Guide here.

Need a Last Minute Gift?
Last minute gifts happen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go into it in a tizzy. Read up on these tips for last minute promotional product and gift orders to be as prepared as you can when you’re in a rush.

We’ll be posting gifting tips all season long for you to use in all types of gifting situations. Check back soon for our Corporate Gift Giving Guide!

Promotionally Yours: Bringing Sexy BAck

Promotionally Yours: Bringing Sexy BAck: Bringing Sexy Back to Calendars Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:17 AM PDT When you hear the word “Calendar” many words come to mind schedule,...

Bringing Sexy BAck

Bringing Sexy Back to Calendars

Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:17 AM PDT

When you hear the word “Calendar” many words come to mind schedule, reliable, date, advertising, useful and if we’re being completely honest… boring. Most of us in the advertising world find it hard to get excited about calendars, we hear the word and our mind projects images of puppies and kitties, landscapes or cars attached to a grid of numbers and we just check out.

Until recently the above paragraph perfectly described how I felt about calendar advertising. Even when faced with impressive data to back up the effectiveness of calendar advertising I just couldn’t get excited about it. Then, while participating in a webinar last month, one of the presenters* brought up the lack of excitement marketers have for promotional calendars, and announced that the calendar industry is in fact,

Bringing Sexy Back to Calendars

How? you may ask. From what I see, the industry is looking for new and innovative ways to enhance what calendars have always been, pieces of advertising art. Here are a few examples of what’s new in promotional calendars:

New Inks and Textures – The introduction of glow in the dark inks and chalkboard textures you can actually write on give these calendars a new interactive dimension.

Calendar “Building” – With creative die-cuts or building materials these calendars become highly addictive desk toys.

Augmented Reality – Pixaction calendars bring calendar artwork to life. Check out last week’s post for more information.

New Design and Photography Styles – Designs from prominent artists and photographers put a spin on the old puppies, kitties and cars to truly turn these calendars into functional art.

Custom Calendar- If you still don’t see anything that gets you excited about calendars then most likely a Custom Calendar is for you. Give your target market a promotion that speaks directly to what they care about by developing a calendar with your images and copy.

A special thanks to Dustin Wicks for the inspiration of this article.