The Bizz by AnyPromo.com

Business & marketing advice, news and features, design inspiration, and the art of gifting.

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WRITING INSTRUMENT CHECKLIST

When you think about every day use promotional products that are a great fit for most any budget in any industry you would naturally think of writing instruments, right? Right! If you didn’t; maybe you haven’t found the best instrument for your writing needs. 

Giving a client or an acquaintance one of your favorite go-to pens is an easy and affordable way to ensure they’ll have your information at the tip of their hands. Literally. Writing instruments are a marketing staple. Perfect for trade shows, grand openings, appointment reminders, mailers, staff gifts, offices and more. 

Get the most out of your writing gear by checking off these 4 quick tips for finding the write instrument handout.

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THE DISH ON DATA

Instagrams, and Tweets, and Emails, Oh My! Social Media trends play a huge part in not only sales, but in product development, and customer interaction for most any business; no matter the industry. Of the thousands of ways to partake in marketing; there are a few platforms that stand out.

No matter which platform you prefer, there’s no doubting that each of them has their own upside. These platforms cater to most any marketing budget and offer free tools and “how to” tutorials to help you get started. 

Keep these statistics in mind for your next post.

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Did you see The Dish On Data? What do you spend the most time on?

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MOST AFFORDABLE SUMMER PROMOS

Summer is right around the corner and that means if you haven’t already done it; it’s time to order your promotional marketing tools for the upcoming season.

 With all of the festivals and events that take place during the summer months, most consumers find themselves on a tight budget in effort to spread their dough as far as possible. Let’s be honest; who wants to stay home and miss out on all the festivities in the sunshine due to lack of funds? Not us. So we’ve taken the liberty of sorting out a few of the most affordable promos of the summer and jotted down where they’re most likely to make an appearance.

Events like weddings and graduations will hand out favors such as Sunglasses or Koozies to guests as a Thank You for sharing in their celebration.

Major events like concert festivals and school booster ceremonies are likely to offer promos such as Beachballs, Flyers, Tumblers, Stadium Cups, and Fans.

The possibilities for summer marketing are endless. Especially considering you can create an eyeful masterpiece with the right graphic artist on your team! 

Be creative. Have fun with it. Soak in the summer.    

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Did you see this blog on the most affordable summer promos? It’s worth a second look! Check it out now!

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6 MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ITEMS

It’s that time of year again, Friends. Travel season. You’re most likely either on vacation, going on vacation, or wishing you were on vacation. Though we’d have to agree that vacation is worth all the commute and travel; it can most definitely feel more like a task than a start to your “time off” ahead. Having convenient travel gear is worth every penny. Not only are you more comfortable, but you’re more prepared for the unexpected. 

Take a look at a few of our most popular travel items for 2016:

Whether you’re preparing for a long day of travel or you’re longing for the opportunity to get away; this must-have list is one you’ll want to Pin for later.

Share your 2016 travel pictures with the hashtag #AnyPromo for a chance to win a free travel sample gift set!  

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TOP 2016 PROMOTIONAL WEDDING TRENDS

Aside from the infamous “I Do’s” most wedding guests agree that one of the best parts of celebrating in a loved one's big day is the swag you snag as a keepsake; to mark that special date in time. Just like weddings come in all styles and sizes; so do promo favors. There’s a wide variety of promotional products that serve as both novelty and functional giveaways. 

Every event is different for many reasons. Consider factors like location, guest count, budget, colors, themes, and the general tone you want to set for your guests. Seasonal items are generally best received; as guests tend to use the promos in a more immediate nature. 

Choosing your wedding day giveaway is a fun and easy task to check off your list. Take a look at a few of the best selling promotional items for weddings for the 1st half of 2016:

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MAKE IT WITH A MASON

Who doesn’t love a good quality mason jar? While we might be slightly biased.. the numbers don’t lie, friends. The many styles of mason jars and mason mugs have earned their spot on the “must-have” list for all types of events. Everything from backyard picnics to fortune 500 company banquets purchase hundreds of thousands annually. With that being said; you most likely have one or more lying around at home. Maybe you got it as a gift from a friend? Or possibly earned one in an at-work program? Or if you’re like us; you’ve just bought them for yourself because they’re stylish and convenient. 

What does one do with their mason stash once the cupboard starts to get cluttered? Lucky for us, the internet is overflowing with tons and tons of free and fabulous ideas that are waiting at the click of your mouse. 

For those of us who love a good DIY project; there are literally thousands of ideas that can be done for $5.00 or less. Talk about a budget friendly upcycle! These are a few of our favorites, but we can’t wait to see what you’ll create! 

Share your mason magic with us on FaceBook to be our featured designer of the week!  

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STRESS-FREE MARKETING

Are you looking for that one product that duels as an every-day use item and an eye-grabbing novelty piece? How about something affordable that also offers a beneficial factor to mental and physical capabilities? Look no further.

We present to you the stress ball, a palm-sized rubber ball filled with beans or seeds or another similar object. Stress balls come with a short instruction manual: you just squeeze. Over and over. Fair enough.

How they benefit you is simple. When you squeeze, the muscles not only contract in your hand but up your arm as well. Hold the squeeze for a second or two and then release. As your muscles relax, the tension will leave your arms and hands, thereby relieving stress. It’s a great way to take minimize stress, anxiety, or frustration. There are numerous benefits besides just relieving stress. You can improve hand strength and dexterity, stretch important areas before typing or handwriting, and can even use them as learning tools to help concentrate or focus. Stress balls also stimulate blood circulation and can help to reduce arthritic pain and stiffness. Just by squeezing a simple ball!

The hundreds of custom shapes and sizes allow stress relievers to be a staple marketing tool for most any budget or target audience. Whether you’re looking to provide them as a novelty “thank you” gift to the best nurses in the field or you’re grabbing a batch for your upcoming trade show; they’re sure to be a hit!

Check out a few of the biggest selling points for today's market:

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FUNDRAISING FAVORITES

Fundraising is one of the easiest and most common ways to raise funds or awareness for an event or special cause. The chances of fundraising success will greatly increase with proper planning. Depending on the amount you’re trying to raise, it’s important to begin planning a detailed outline for your fundraiser before thinking about the exact item or service you will be offering.  

Establish your fundraising timeline and begin planning for your event. Many non-profit organizations tend to slow in the summer while volunteers and donors are on vacation, students are out of school, and employees take much deserved time off. Summer fundraising is not as popular for many groups because of scheduling conflicts, but that does not mean it has to be an unproductive time.

These top fundraisers have proved to be tried and true ways to earn money by selling products/edible goods/services as evidenced by many schools, sports teams, non-profits, church groups, cancer benefits, and personal causes.

Customized promotional products add that little something extra to the fundraising fun and offer the opportunity for buyers to purchase a more personable gift. Showcasing an item that they cannot purchase elsewhere has a greater demand of sale. Give it a try for your next fundraiser and see the difference for yourself! 

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GRADUATION GIVEAWAYS

Some see graduation as an end to a chapter. While that may be true; it’s also the beginning of a new journey. No matter the part you play; you can be sure it is an important role. Whether you’re the high school student continuing into college, or the teacher who is cheering on the minds you’ve shaped from the sidelines, or the parent who is gearing up to throw the biggest celebration for your Grad in honor of all of their hard work; being prepared is key. 

Showing your support and celebrating in this joyous moment can be easily obtained with promotional products. Saying “thank you” to the school staff who’s made an everyday difference doesn’t have to break the bank. An affordable coffee tumbler or pen set is sure to be appreciated and treasured for years to come. A globe beach ball can tell Grads that the world is theirs and a new favorite pen could remind them of how their hard work paid off.  

Many schools are now providing an inspiring keepsake to their graduates during the ceremony. Both low-key and high-end gifts can be personalized for such events and showcase unique graphics that are sure to be remembered. 

Choosing a keepsake is a breeze. You can browse our product guide by colors, quantity, budget, event, and more. There is an outstanding product for any occasion that is sure to be a big hit! Practical every day use gifts such as sunglasses and headphones have become just as welcome in the gifting world as drinkware and edible gift sets. No matter what direction you shop in, custom promos are the perfect giveaway for best wishes on a new beginning.

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SCHOOL BOOSTER FAVORITE SEASONAL PROMOS

School isn’t even out for the summer yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not time to gear up on our favorite must-have promos. Promoting your school should be a fun and valuable experience; that’s why AnyPromo offers you a wide selection of affordable personalized products for school boosters, sporting events, academic supplies, team events and more. We carry everything from color changing mood pencils and draw-string bags to stadium cushions and sports bottles. 

Making the promos unique is key to a successful turnover. Whether it’s the school colors or the design created just for a certain team or grade. Making them stand out is no longer a challenge thanks to our in-house graphic art department. You can personally speak to an artist to let them know your ideas and event information. They will create an original art piece just for your order.

Promotional products may vary by season and location, but there are a few customer voted favorite items that are a raging success in the academic world. 

No matter if it’s ordering for sport booster supplies or school supplies, you can always find a highly desired item within your budget that can help you say “thank you” to teachers, coaches, or even students and parents.

Consider a few of the trending go-to booster items and tell us what you think!

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MOST AFFORDABLE SUMMER PROMOS

Summer is right around the corner and that means if you haven’t already done it; it’s time to order your promotional marketing tools for the upcoming season.

 With all of the festivals and events that take place during the summer months, most consumers find themselves on a tight budget in effort to spread their dough as far as possible. Let’s be honest; who wants to stay home and miss out on all the festivities in the sunshine due to lack of funds? Not us. So we’ve taken the liberty of sorting out a few of the most affordable promos of the summer and jotted down where they’re most likely to make an appearance.

Events like weddings and graduations will hand out favors such as Sunglasses or Koozies to guests as a Thank You for sharing in their celebration.

Major events like concert festivals and school booster ceremonies are likely to offer promos such as Beachballs, Flyers, Tumblers, Stadium Cups, and Fans.

The possibilities for summer marketing are endless. Especially considering you can create an eyeful masterpiece with the right graphic artist on your team! 

Be creative. Have fun with it. Soak in the summer.    

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EASY NO-SEW DIY T-SHIRT UP-CYCLE IDEAS

One of the most popular promotional give-a-ways is the T-Shirt. We all know and love this classic freebie, but what do you do with them when your pile has exceeded your closet space? You up-cycle them, of course. Crafters have thought of the most clever uses for DIY T-Shirt up-cycle projects that deserve a few minutes in the spotlight. Everything from tote bags and blankets to cat tents and rugs for the home have been showcased online. 

Here are a few of our fan favorite choices:

The T-Shirt Tote: It’s simple 3 Step instructions make it perfect for a quick 20-minute project!

The T-Shirt Pillow: Easy enough for beginners and can be used by people of any age. This quick DIY is a decor score!

The T-Shirt Headband: This may be the easiest of them all. It’s really as simple as cut and tie. Not only is this a trending fashion look, but it’s perfect for the gym or day-to-day outing.

Try a few for yourself and show us your masterpieces on FaceBook! 

We can’t wait to see what you create! 

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A GUIDE TO CHOOSING APPAREL FABRIC FOR YOUR INDUSTRY

Shopping for apparel is no big deal for some casual shoppers. Some may even say they list shopping as a favorite hobby or form of retail therapy. But what about shopping for uniforms for work or school? Do you know what fabric best suits your day-to-day grind?

There are many factors that may affect your apparel options directly: climate, physical environment, durability, thread count, budget, availability, and more. Take a look at a few of the most common industry requests:

Whether you’re curious about a standard Polo with a classic collared look or a moisture wicking name brand golf shirt; though they may look similar in style, be assured there may be differences in their fabric.

Fabrics like 100% moisture-wicking polyester mesh control climate at a more satisfactory rate and offer a comfortable fit; making it popular for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Fabrics like Wool, Flannel, and Denim may be able to withstand a higher level of durability, but do not offer the same comfort level or flexibility as others. Aside you’re your favorite pair of jeans; they’re most commonly associated with Men’s attire.

Then there are the ol’ trusted clothing lines that have been around for ages. You may know them by name or by their look, but products made by brands such as: Dickies, Hanes, CornerStone, Gildan, are always in high demand.

Dickies is known for durability and resistance. Making it a popular choice for fields such as automotive, construction, logistics, production, etc.

Hanes and Gildan are known for everything from undergarments to t-shirts and sweat suits. Their universal product lines make them a staple most all marketing campaigns.

Health and Wellness industries commonly turn to brands like CornerStone and Dickies to supply stain resistant and minimal-absorbent materials for products like scrubs, construction gear, and chef coats.

Finding the best product for your industry can result in a longer shelf life and optimal product retention time. Weigh your pro’s and con’s and see which is the best fit for you! Pun intended. 

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THE DISH ON DATA

Instagrams, and Tweets, and Emails, Oh My! Social Media trends play a huge part in not only sales, but in product development, and customer interaction for most any business; no matter the industry. Of the thousands of ways to partake in marketing; there are a few platforms that stand out.

No matter which platform you prefer, there’s no doubting that each of them has their own upside. These platforms cater to most any marketing budget and offer free tools and “how to” tutorials to help you get started. 

Keep these statistics in mind for your next post.

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CREATING A PRODUCTIVE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

The starting platform that a work place provides for it’s team can be as important as the success it achieves.

The formula is simple: happy & productive employees + happy customers = a happier & more productive company.

For example: Studies have shown that shades of Blue and Green create a more efficient and focus driven environment; as opposed to shades of Red or Orange; which can create a more hostile feeling.

In addition to decorative changes to the physical location; adding small items to your teams office, such as stress relievers or an extra stock of custom office supplies, is an inexpensive way to boost morale and stimulate cerebration.

Fine-tune your office style to see what your team is really made of!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNITION IN BUSINESS

RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION ARE TWO MAJOR FACTORS FOR SUCCESS IN ANY INDUSTRY.  NOT ONLY CAN GIVING BACK SET YOU APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS, BUT STUDIES SHOW THAT COMPANIES THAT DEMONSTRATE A GREATER ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO INDIVIDUALS; HAVE A HIGHER SUCCESS RATE IN CUSTOMER RETENTION AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION.

WEATHER WE ARE ON THE CUSTOMER SIDE OR BUSINESS SIDE OF A TRANSACTION, WE CAN ALL APPRECIATE A FEW GOOD PERKS HERE AND THERE. SURVEYS FROM RECENT YEARS FACTOR THAT UP TO 76% OF CUSTOMERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE LOYAL TO COMPANIES THAT OFFER REWARDS. THAT NUMBER CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR BUSINESS.

REWARDING AND RECOGNIZING INDIVIDUALS DOESN’T HAVE TO COME AT A HUGE EXPENSE. COMPANIES CAN OFFER ANYTHING FROM AN UPGRADED VERSION OF YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE SOFTWARE, TO A CHOICE OF GIFT CARDS TO YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL JOINTS.

GIVING BACK IS MORE OF AN INVESTMENT THAN AN EXPENSE. SEE WHAT CUSTOMERS HAVE SAID ABOUT HOW SERVICE AND REWARD PROGRAMS AFFECT THEIR SHOPPING PREFERENCES.

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MOST POPULAR PROMOS - BY SEASON

Shopping around for promotional products is fun. There - we said it. There’s no doubting that browsing the online catalog for your next big event is fun, but how much of what you’re buying is on a whim and how much of it is a planned purchase?  If you’re like the majority of shoppers; budget does play an important role in your purchases; as does the date you receive the items. Money saved avoiding rush charges is more money for product in-hand.  

With that in mind, it can be a good idea to think about the bigger picture. Think about how much of your marketing budget do you want to invest into your annual ordering. For example: if you’re purchasing for a summer music festival, you may want to consider ordering your Beachballs and Sunglasses in Spring. If you’re purchasing Ornaments or Selfie Sticks for a company holiday giveaway, consider purchasing in the fall. Promotional products get your name out into the world. They provide opportunity for word-of-mouth advertisement from your customers to potential customers and they certainly play a part in your current customer retention rate. Keep in mind the upcoming seasons and which Holidays or observance dates you plan to celebrate.

Everyone has that one favorite item they use on a daily basis. Give your promotional product shopping a little extra thought, and your promo could be their new everyday go-to.