Wednesday, October 26, 2016

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...

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 12:44 PM PDT
Big-Ideas | HALO Branded Solutions
IMG_1457
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.

Monday, October 10, 2016

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

Posted: 07 Oct 2016 01:23 PM PDT
Think-Pink
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?
A bottle holder with carabiner clip is a great item for walks and runs.Sporting events are a great opportunity to bring attention to a cause with gear or apparel.A classic promotional item that brings awareness in the office or on the go.Hair chalk is a fun way to show support for your cause.A stemless wine glass in your cause's color works well for a more formal fundraiser.Ribbon can coolers are another good product for walks, runs and other fundraisers.
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.

Friday, October 7, 2016

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

Posted: 06 Oct 2016 11:24 AM PDT
BrandED by HALO logo | HALO Branded Solutions
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.
Create an award fit specifically for your brand.Choose the materials and decoration options.Custom Designed Award 2 | HALO Branded SolutionsCustom Designed Award | HALO Branded SolutionsMix and match materials for a unique look.

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.
Solo Velocity Hybrid Backpack | HALO Branded SolutionsClique Crystal Mountain Jacket | HALO Branded SolutionsQuick Cut Ceramic Knife & Peeler Set | HALO Branded SolutionsEggi Speaker | HALO Branded Solutions

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.
Round Shareable Dried Fruit Tray | HALO Branded SolutionsTube of Treats | HALO Branded SolutionsTower of Treats | HALO Branded Solutions3-Way 2 Gallon Popcorn Tin | HALO Branded Solutions
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.

Monday, October 3, 2016

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

Posted: 28 Sep 2016 12:12 PM PDT
Creative ways to combine calendars and holiday cards | HALO Branded Solutions
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. Trifold Calendar Card 1| HALO Branded SolutionsTrifold Calendar Card 2| HALO Branded SolutionsTrifold Calendar Card 3| HALO Branded Solutions
§ 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! Custom Advent Calendar 1| HALO Branded SolutionsCustom Advent Calendar 2| HALO Branded SolutionsCustom Advent Calendar 3| HALO Branded Solutions
§ 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.
HALO Holiday Calendar 1| HALO Branded SolutionsHALO Holiday Calendar 2| HALO Branded SolutionsHALO Holiday Calendar 3| HALO Branded Solutions
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!