Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween from Tommy Hilfiger

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday because I consider candy to be my favorite food group. This year, Tommy Hilfiger is getting into the spirit. Go into any one of Tommy Hilfiger's retail locations today and you will be lucky enough to get a free pair of these spooky Halloween glasses.











Doug and I get the Halloween Spirit






This year, TH asked us to supply them with some funky Halloween give aways for the patrons who drop by on Halloween weekend. Healthier and more unique than candy, parents DO remember when their kid gets some special treatment, and they will love that TH is not adding to the plethora of candy that will be getting eaten until the new year.


If any one snagged a pair of the glasses, send me a pic of you wearing them and we'll post it on the blog!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Have Your Name Come Up In the Clinch

I had the very exquisite pleasure of changing my flat tire on NY's own Grand Central Parkway this morning on my way to work. While I was pulling the spare-tire out of my trunk, all I wanted to find was one of those little plastic safety triangles:




Never ever did I think I would be put in a situation where I would long for one of these simple but effective pillars of safety. I had about 2 feet of working space between my flat tire and the highway. As the cars whizzed by me at 80 mph, all I could think about was that if I had one of those triangles, I would at least feel safer.

Want to associate your company with safety, and be helpful to someone in a clinch? Check out these and these imprintable car safety kits. Most come complete with traingle-of-safety, all will lend peace of mind to the traveler in a bind.

Monday, October 27, 2008

PSDA Show in Baltimore

Just this past weekend a colleague and I went to the PSDA show in Baltimore. A great time was had by all.

Some Highlights:

-The random Japanese printers who I met on Thursday night.

"Doozo yoroshiku." It was nice to meet you guys! I was actually able to use some of the knowledge I gained in the previous post about business cards and culture.

-The Blog idea exchange discussion.

"Hi Everyone!" Thanks for the great ideas and tips!

-Breakfast with colleagues on Friday morning.

-All of the great exhibitors.

I was a sponge the whole weekend, thanks for answering my questions and teaching me so much! I hope to learn even more as I go through all of the information I obtained in the form of brochures and pamphlets.

See you next year, if not sooner!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Motivation!

This week is WNYC's Fall fund raiser. As is typical with public radio fund raisers, they are offering thank you gifts to encourage listeners to donate. They have Logo'd promotional items ranging from umbrellas to coffee mugs; and don't forget the ever popular eco-tote.

Apparently, my pledge has earned me the Brian Lehrer '30 Issues in 30 Days' tote bag.




The value in this item comes from the logo on the bag more so than the bag itself. When I go to the grocery store, the bag will be an effective talking piece when I meet strangers who also listen to public radio and are environmentally conscious.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Business of cards

We are promotional product guru's here at United. But we have humble beginnings and understand the importance of the things that many take for granted. For example, the business card.

Before the internet, your card, not your website, was your sole representation to your prospective clients when you were not directly face to face with them. People see your card and associate your personality and your business with it. It is unavoidable.

It is because of this that the Japanese have a strict regimen and custom detailing the proper way to exchange business cards with someone. It is not only the Japanese , the presence of instructional videos about how to properly exchange cards tells me that others still recognize the importance of this tiny rectangular piece of paper.


(In Japan, use both hands when exchanging)

Brand integrity is huge. No one wants a sales rep in Cali with a different card than your sales rep in NY. That could mean a fight when they meet at the convention in Baltimore. So here at United, we offer our expertise in retaining your brand integrity, getting the best possible card for your money, and avoiding embarrassing confrontations when someone has seen your logo in 2 different colors or styles.

Call up and ask for a demo and we will show you how our internet business card (and stationery) solution works, and how you can retain even international brand integrity. Excellent customer service? free of charge.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Gifts Part 5/5: The Personalized Portfolio

I will conclude our 5 part gift series with a gift that can be personalized, is very useful, and very tasteful. I use mine all of the time.

Do you know someone who could use some more organization in their life? How about that friend or client of yours who is always forgetting things because they never write anything down? Do you like looking prepared and professional during meetings? Check out these portfolios. The price and style range might actually surprise you. One of my favorite styles is pictured below, it's got a metal clasp that can be laser engraved with the individual's name, and your company's imprint can go on the inside. It is made of stylish leather and is lined with a fuzzy pajama-stile fabric.


One of the best ways to make some one feel special and liked is to give them something that is only for them. A personalized portfolio is not the kind of gift that will sit on a desk, but will be incorporated into the recipients lifestyle.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Gift Showcase Photos! Thanks for Coming!

A huge 'thank you' goes out to those of you who made it to our event. It was a great success and we look forward to doing it again next year!


Check out these great action-shots, courtesy of Henry:

Gift Showcase Photos

Monday, October 6, 2008

United's Gift Event is Tomorrow!

I'm pausing from our 5 part gift series today to remind everyone about our Gift Extravaganza tomorrow! The event is from 4pm until 7pm tomorrow evening (Tues Oct 7) at the Logomark Design Center in marvelous Midtown Manhattan. If you're reading this now and really want to join us (everyone should come!), but have not let us know about your interest, hit the contact link on the right side of the page and give us a call.

Need a good reason to come (other than the drinks, food, raffles, and gifts) how about this; since the event starts at 4, you can use it as an excuse to leave work early!

Can't leave work early? No worries! We'll be rocking and/or rolling until 7 pm so stop by after dinner.

See You There!

-Tom

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Gifts Part 4: The Only Thing Better Than Food, is Free Food

I remember as a kid getting those giant tin things full of popcorn with the three flavors. Do you remember that? The butter and caramel flavor would be gone in a few weeks, but the cheese flavor would last until early March.

The concept is great, people love getting tasty snacks as gifts, and they will even talk about the gift in March as they sit around munching on stale cheese-flavored popcorn and wondering what to do with the giant leftover tins.

We decided that like the idea and want to push it up a notch, so today I'm highlighting our new food gift sets. I think they're gorgeous, not to mention the boxes and baskets are holiday themed and re-usable. Whats inside you ask? I'll tell you about the chocolate truffles and chocolate covered pretzels, but if you want to find out about the rest of the tasty goodies, you might just have to order one to your own office. If you give one as a gift, the food will be gone quickly, but your name will be remembered in that company for a long time.


Harriet just ate a truffle, hence the smile.