Specialty Advertising Products with Offices in Iowa City, Iowa and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
It’s easy to understand why people love personalization. There’s just something about seeing your own name on a promotional product or marketing piece that makes you feel special. But there are real psychological factors behind our personalization preference. A study from the University of Texas attributes information overload and desire for control as two key factors. (more…)
’Tis the season! Camouflage style products are all the rage every fall, and camo has continued to prove itself to be a timeless classic.
Originally known as hunter’s apparel, it’s now very popular in the fashion world as well as trendy in the retail world. We’re consistently offering and expanding our camo line of products. We are bringing continuity throughout these items so their styles have the same pattern, look and feel.
There are a lot of variations of camouflage patterns from the ever-popular Mossy Oak® & Realtree to military camo and digital camo. Now trending is the CamoHex pattern. Camouflage is not just for men, it’s for ladies too. We even offer pink camo and camo with neon accents! 
The most popular items that we continue to see as top sellers are: caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets, drinkware, coolers, bags, and now masks.
Check out some of our camo items here! Ask your Bankers consultant to help you stand out from the crowd.
Rice Krispies advertisement from the 1940s. — public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In the midst of quarantine and confusion, there’s a real temptation to look only forward—to tomorrow, next week, next year, when surely, everything will be “better,” or “back to normal,” or simply “safe,” whichever is your fantasy of choice. But a better tomorrow can’t come unless we pursue it with intention and wisdom, and to do that, we need to turn around and examine the lessons of the past.
Have we ever experienced a pandemic at the scale of this novel coronavirus? Not in most of our lifetimes, no. But that hardly means the past is devoid of clues for how to proceed, succeed, and thrive. Specifically, it’s valuable to look at times of past recession for inspiration in this era of perilous financial straits. How have companies approached various aspects of their business plans during previous periods of belt-tightening, and what tactics have worked better than others? (more…)
Every October since 1993, the U.S. has celebrated National Arts & Humanities Month, a perfect chance to think more deeply about the effects that participation in the arts and humanities have on us each as individuals. Part and parcel of that, of course, is the effect they have on professional lives! The arts, of course, are vital to personal development, but we’re here to talk about promo — and like so many other industries, the arts run on promo.
Here at Bankers, we have seen some fantastic orders for arts organizations. T-shirts for community theaters, for example. We’ve done holiday ornaments for dance companies. I’ve seen colored pencils branded for a university art museum that was breaking ground on a new location.
We’d like to send a big THANK YOU to our current customers in these fields, as well as an invitation to arts professionals to take a look at what we can offer. Our sales partners are creative professionals, too, dedicated not just to selling product on demand but to developing innovative solutions to your marketing needs and finding ways to bring your own wild ideas to fruition.
We love working with arts and humanities organizations — private or public, for profit or non-profit — because the nature of that work often leads to a deep understanding of the value of physical advertising! And we’ve found that arts orgs are willing to take interesting, creative risks. A publisher might want a unique product giveaway for readings, to tie in with an unusual book they’re promoting. A gallery may want unconventional rewards for donors to a capital campaign. A record label or band could be interested in something that dovetails with packaging or theme on an album.
We have a wide variety of items to make us your source for ALL things branded.
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies lists the goals of National Arts and Humanities Month as:
If you’re not part of an arts or humanities organization, we encourage you to take time this month to patronize your local theaters, galleries, or music venues (and remember that formalizing your support of the arts is both great publicity and an excellent co-branding opportunity!). If you are in the arts, Bankers is here to help you with all of your promotional needs this National Arts and Humanities Month!
Handwriting is a true art form. Sadly, due to our our heavy use of technology, its seldom appreciated these days. Here at Bankers, we want to celebrate the importance of handwriting. For children, learning how to write also helps teach them self-expression. For adults, even in a world brimming with technology, handwriting remains a primary and very personal communication tool. And… naturally… um… we sell branded pens. We heart pens! I mean really… who doesn’t have a *favorite* pen?!
I don’t know about you, but with all the typing I do, my handwriting has suffered. It’s always a good idea to keep such skills in check. Here are some steps I plan to take to improve my handwriting.
Handwriting is such a personal thing. We want to see yours! Enter to win some freebies by sending us a pic.
There is how to enter
It’s an unlikely past time, but coloring is a fantastic way to reduce stress, keep your mind sharp and release your creativity.
Coloring allows you to relieve stress and unlock creativity you may have not known you had. As psychologist Antoni Martínez explains: “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter a more creative, freer state. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow.”
Here are some ways coloring can make you a happier person.
Improve concentration. Our concentration is often incredibly split between work, home, electronics etc. When you sit down and focus on one thing, like coloring, it improves your ability to focus elsewhere.
Release your inner creativity. Adults who color are more likely to approach problems with a clearer mind and find better and faster solutions.
It’s like meditation. When you color, your brain has the same reaction as when you meditate.
It improves your motor skills. You’ll be using a lot of hand-eye coordination.
Get rid of negativity. When you color, you focus on what you’re doing and you just sort of naturally release tension and unconscious negativity that you’re carrying around.
RESULT: An overall decrease in your anxiety and stress.
Ben Michaelis, a psychologist, says, “There is a long history of people coloring for mental health reasons. Carl Jung used to try to get his patients to color in mandalas at the turn of the last century, as a way of getting people to focus and allow the subconscious to let go. Now we know it has a lot of other stress-busting qualities as well.”
Having a cruddy day? Get out those crayons and colored pencils and start coloring! Check out our coloring book options here.
References:
As we get closer to Christmas, it has me thinking about good ole Santa Claus. Jolly St. Nick has created one of the most famous and loved brands around the world. No matter your age or where you live, we all can’t wait for Santa to come. I think we can all learn a few things from the big guy, in my opinion he is a master marketer.
Santa has a solid brand, raving fans, is trustworthy and continues to grow his Christmas Empire! He isn’t just for children, every person likes to feel a little Christmas magic. Marketing Secrets from Santa Claus: Recognizable Brand Everyone knows who Santa is. People get excited when they think, hear or see Santa. They know what Santa stands for. Santa’s brand is recognizable all year long from his red suit, belly laugh, snow white beard, shiny black boots and his jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho!”. Santa’s message is known by all. What are you known for?
It’s important that your customers easily recognize you and your brand. Customers need to know what you do and who you are. Who doesn’t think of Santa and smile? He always surprises and delights us. Remember to find that “something extra” and leave your customers smiling.
Be Reliable –
Keep Promises Santa Claus is coming to town. Most of us wake up Christmas morning, year after year, to see what Santa has left for us. Every year, no matter what, Santa doesn’t let us down. It doesn’t matter where we are or what is happening in the world, Santa is there. Now is the time to ask ourselves – how reliable are we? Like expectant children on Christmas morning, our customers have high expectations of us and it’s our job to deliver. Remember – don’t do things halfway. Commit, be reliable and dedicate yourself or step away. Suggestion – make it a habit of asking your customers if they’ve ever been disappointed in your service. What areas can you improve upon, what services or products would they like you to offer?
Build Lists –
Santa’s making a list and checking it twice! He finds out who is naughty and nice. This reminds us that it’s always important to make a list of our clients. Do you have a naughty and nice list? Which clients are easy and fun to work with vs the clients that are difficult and never satisfied? By making a list and fully understanding each client, this will help you know which customers are the most profitable and should be focused on. Santa rewards for good behavior. Maybe you should too.
Sell More Than Your Product –
Santa sells more than just presents. He sells hope, cheer, happiness and the desire to be good. He inspires us all. In your branding efforts, you should be selling more than products. You have a whole bag of presents for your customers. Remember to let your customers know what’s in your big red bag. Most importantly….remember to sell you! Santa’s Team – Elves and 8 Reindeer Santa wouldn’t be Santa without his team. Do you think he would be able to read all those letters, be painstakingly reliable or jolly and bright if he didn’t have a team to help him with all his Christmas responsibilities? Of course not, that is what a great team behind you is all about. Bankers enjoys being part of your team. No one ever built an empire alone…not even Santa. Be sure to use all of the branding resources we have available to help you prosper in the New Year. As we head into the New Year, think about Santa and learn from the best, implement the right tools and strategies and you will soon be creating your own world of magic.
Trade shows and exhibitions provide businesses and organizations with a unique opportunity to see a large number of people, face-to-face in a short amount of time. It allows for personal interaction with their brand and to hear their story. Over the past few years, reports from the Center of Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) state attendees come to these events intending to buy. They found that 91% of visitors feel that they get more useful buying information by attending a show and that 75% buy as a result of the information gathered at the event.
Get started with a pre-show mailing. A recent study indicates that 76% of attendees plan their booth visits in advance. Don’t forget the promotional item as a gift for stopping by either. Booth traffic can increase up to 30% with a pre-show mailing offering a promotional item as a gift for stopping by.
Your staff at the show is the face of the company and will be the first impression of your brand. It’s important that your team has a brand conscious, professional look and an easily identifiable uniform.
Giveaways, traditionally a sample or a promotional item, are almost expected at trade shows. A relevant, unique and fun item can create a buzz around your customer’s booth.
After the event is where the money is made and, according to the CEIR, 80% of exhibitors do nothing. After investing in attending an event, it would be a tragedy to waste the effort and expense by not following up on the leads and contacts made. As your Bankers consultant to help you create a thank you package or mailer so you can “strike while the iron is hot”.
Remember, your consultant can help you with signage, displays, apparel (uniform), lanyards & badges, totes, giveaways and more. Browse ideas here.
Here’s to a successful Tradeshow Season!
5 Fabulous Last Minute Gifts
Woops…. Its December 14, and you still need to think of a gift to give your top customers or employees. 
Don’t worry, it’s not too late to show you care, and promote your brand while you’re at it. Bankers offers many options even if you’re late to the party. Contact your promotional products consultant today, to discuss your options!
#1) Whether they’re a coffee addict, tea drinker or hot chocolate lover, this attractive looking travel mug will make them smile. With several colorful options to choose from, it’s a holiday win!
45065 | Colored Acrylic Tumbler – 16 oz.
#2) Winter weather brings a slew of different possible hazards on the road. Prepare your favorite people by giving them a roadside safety light.
#3) Here’s an attractive and useful gift. A padfolio is professional and neutral for both ladies and gentlemen.
AP4640 | McCarthy Jr. Writing Pad a padfolio!
#4) You just can’t fail with a nice gift pen. Need something higher-end? Consider pairing it with the padfolio.
#5) Advertise your every day for the next 365 days with a calendar. They are useful in both the 
home and the office.
Calendar for 2016 | 1912 | Great Inventions Calendar
Don’t forget about packaging… it adds big value on a lower price point product. There are still many quick-production options out there. Call us to discuss options today!
Each year you set out to find a unique gift for your top customers and employees.
Each year you may experience a little anxiety about said unique gift. You want to be “different.” You want to stand out. You want to be noticed. And most of all, you want to make your recipient feel appreciated without breaking the bank.
It’s easy to overthink the “what” in gift giving. Instead, think about it in terms of “how.” Consider these important factors, and you’re sure to be a gifting star this season:
Don’t give a gift. Give a bundle!
With a per gift budget in mind, it’s common to begin looking for the one item that fits in the budget. But, what if you select a few smaller items bundled together? Bundling several items together increases the perceived value.
What’s better? With multiple branded items in a gift package, 
you’ll receive higher brand exposure. By creating a kit or package of products, the recipients are left with many brand impressions vs. just one. As products are used, they may be separated from the bundle. That means your brand is located in multiple places around the home and/or office.
Packaging is everything.
The first impression can set the tone of receiving the gift and emotional connection. Much of the attention in choosing gifts is given to the gift itself, but the presentation of the gift is a value-added opportunity that can’t be ignored.
Interestingly, a lot of psychological research has been done in why we wrap gifts. The question psychologists have asked themselves is whether people prefer to receive a gift if it is wrapped or not. The research suggests that people have a more positive attitude towards a gift they are about to receive if it has been wrapped.
Packaging options are an inexpensive way to increase the perceived value of a gift by leaps and bounds. Gift bags, custom ribbon and gift boxes will enhance the selected item and maximize the impression it leaves.
Distribution is key.
Distributing gifts is an element of planning that is all too often forgotten about, but its actually a very important part of the gift receiving experience.
Hand-delivering some of the branded gifts is an incredibly personal and authentic way to express your appreciation. Your dedication to this delivery method is super impressive and meaningful to your recipient. They won’t ever forget it, that’s for sure.
On the other hand, sometimes mailing a gift is more feasible. There are pros and cons to both. If you decide to mail or ship your gift, a hand-written personal note goes a long way. In a world of emails, texts, Facebook and snapchatting, a hand-written note intended specifically for the recipient makes them feel uber special… even if it’s just a few kind words of thanks.
Remember… you’re not in this alone. Rely on your experts at Bankers Advertising to help you plan out the perfect holiday gift experience!
