Promotional Products

We just delivered two super fun promo items for a local school district's Odyssey of the Mind group (car magnets and trading pins, which are sure to be a hit!).

Odyssey of the Mind (OotM for short) is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

Why Odyssey of the Mind is Great for Kids... "Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism."

My daughter participates in a small group at her elementary school and I can't imagine a better training ground for future entrepreneurs! This group of kids meets regularly and works together with the supervision of coaches but "no outside help" to work on a specific "problem," write a script and build props, all while having lots of fun! This weekend is the regional tournament where they get to present what they've worked on for the past six months. I can't wait to see what they've come up with! If they do well, they could move on to the State Tournament in April and then on to World Finals at Michigan State University in May.

Go Omers!

Have you ever brought promotional items to an event where they disappear as fast as you can put them out? One of my biggest pet peeves is the "trade show giveaway" where items are laid out on your counter and given out like candy. And one of the funniest things I've ever seen is the little old couples that frequent events to swipe every freebie they can get their hands on.

It may seem obvious but I'm going to say it anyway: select a promotional item that is relevant to your business. This will get you the most bang for your buck because it not only presents your brand repeatedly, it serves to remind the recipient what you do and how you can help them. A pen or a bumper sticker might not do the trick.

Quick - name a related business for each of the following promotional items:

Last week, promotional product supplier IClick blew me away with their social media marketing. I told the story to Jen Phillips April, and being the Philly Social Media Maven, she had to post it immediately. Thanks Jen :). More from me below her post...

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Guest Blog by Jen Phillips April, connected to us through the one and only Women's Business Forum of Bucks County.

Visit Jen's website

Dana Baedke of Key Marketing & Promotions recently shared a story with me that illustrates how one business is setting itself apart through it’s use of social media. Dana sells 1000’s of promotional products—pens, notepads and the like. She works with dozens of vendors to fulfill her clients’ needs. 

Recently, she “liked” a vendor’s business page on FB because she felt they were offering valuable information in their updates. 

Here’s where her story surprised and delighted both of us. 

How fun! According to recent Advertising Specialty Institute Research, the company picnic is back! Of 400 companies polled, a whopping 41% are throwing a company picnic this summer. In addition to activities like egg races, dunk tanks and medical testing (??), companies plan to give out logo-adorned t-shirts, recreational items and headgear to their employees in attendance.

For many companies, these events are a reward to employees for their hard work and dedication through tough times. I really hope this is a good sign for all!