Bankers Advertising

Emoji’s are all the rage. They are a universal way for people around the world to communicate. Emojis, or digital picture characters, are being used 77% more by marketers, nearly eight times as much as they were from the start of 2015. It should not come as a surprise that this number is on the rise as published reports found that 92% of Internet users use Emojis in some capacity. Breaking it down even further, 78% of women and 60% of men use Emojis several times per week.

For marketers, these digital images transcend channels and borders and they enable you effectively communicate globally, online and offline, in a concise and visually compelling manner. Emojis help people communicate their emotions, they bring a fun element to texting and help people share feelings. Now we are seeing brand marketers take advantage of the benefits these icons offer.

In the past year, the use of Emojis has entered the mainstream. Brands are incorporating them into email subject lines, social media posts, videos, and even press releases. Pepsi used the Pepsimoji for their “the language of now – say it with a Pepsi” campaign. The Pepsimoji was on over 1 billion bottles and cans, in 600 proprietary designs. Chevy used an Emoji in the launch of the 2016 Cruze. Taco Bell has an Emoji to promote their brand. You can order a pizza from Domino’s by sending them a pizza Emoji. Bud Light used Emojis to craft a 4th of July tweet in 2014 that earned 147 thousand retweets and 110,000 favorites.

The retail market is full of these Emojis, and now you can promote your business or organization with a fun and trendy Emoji.

Check out these fun Emoji products!

#DRES01 Magnetic Personality Mood Magnets.

Show a whole range of fun emotions with #EMJ Small Round Acrylic Container with Chocolate Button Emojis.

How about a Selfie Kit Emojis…? It’s a kit that includes six 5” Emoji circle fans (joy, kissing heart, sob, heart, thumbs up and tongue), perfect for selfies, a party with a photo booth or just fun logo branding.

Check out these Emotipens… a curvy plastic barrel ballpoint pen with their exclusive stock art grip featuring Emoticon faces.

Make make a trendy brand statement during their next promotional campaign with an Emoji!

March is National Umbrella Month, and as snow gives way to rain for most of us by then (if not already), we will be very excited to be able to get outside again after a long winter! Don’t miss this opportunity to have a walking advertisement on an umbrella!

In 2017, umbrellas have become “high tech”. Here’s a look at what is new and trending in umbrellas for 2017:

1. NEVERWET Totes Brand Umbrella. This umbrella features a revolutionary water

   repellency technology that makes the water roll right off the umbrella, keeping it 4 times drier! No more putting a wet umbrella on the car seat, or bringing a wet umbrella into the office. There are two sizes available, items #VRNW006 with a 64” arc and #VRNW004 with a 47” arc.

2. Sabre Umbrella #MFL29. On the tail of the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One, check out this techy light sabre umbrella. This umbrella features blue, red, or white lights that travel up the shaft for colorful night-time enjoyment. This large umbrella also comes with a flashlight at the bottom of the handle to help light your path for added safety.
3. Solar USB Market Umbrella #3402USB. A perfect addition to any patio, 7’ and 6 panels. Features brushed silver ribbed aluminum frame with USB port, traditional aluminum ribs, 2
   piece/bottom pole with button connector, white plastic ferrule cap and runner, heavy 8 oz polyester cover with UV treatment and wind vent. Power up and stay connected with this solar market umbrella. A solar strip collects the power! Just plug into the USB port on the umbrella shaft to charge your cell phone or tablet.
4. The Rebel Umbrella #700IN. A revolutionary design. The umbrella closes away from you, keeping you dry when closing. It’s easier to close when entering or leaving a car or through a door.

Umbrella giveaways not only remind your customers that you care, but also give you the opportunity to expose your brand to countless prospective clients each time it rains. Whether it’s a torrential downpour or a light drizzle, recipients will reach for your customized umbrella promotional products to keep them dry.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well…we are breaking the rules and bringing home what happened in Vegas. Last week David, Brian and Molly attended the PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) Expo in Las Vegas. The PPAI Expo is the largest industry show and the most highly attended event with more than 20,000 people in attendance. It’s the launch pad for new products and services. We found a lot of new products that we are excited to tell you about. The drinkware trend still is Yeti-like mugs and Swell-like bottles, plus more cool technology items were seen all over the floor. Full color decoration capabilities and also many new retail brands are being added to a wide array of product types.

Brian’s Faves:

#SL233SS – Arctix 3-in-1 Insulator – I like that it can be used as a glass or can insulator and the lids store at the bottom so you shouldn’t lose.

#BD-393 Excursion Backpack Duffle – I like the versatility of this item

#K580 Pinpoint Mesh Polo – I liked the material and reflective accents on this polo.

#EMB-ID-6 Seat Belt Strap Cover

#ZIP1243 Reliant Auto Safety Tool – Seat belt cutter, glass breaker, flashlight, red flashing light all in one for under $10.00.

Molly’s Faves:

#L224 3 LED Flashlight with Magnet – I couldn’t put this piece down because I kept playing with it. I am sure others will do the same.

#3523 Primary Care Non-Woven Event First Aid Kit  – I loved this kit because it’s the first I have seen that includes toilet paper. Think about how many events that this could be used at

#P45986 Luminate Delta Styles Twist Pen and #Q45525 Hitech 6-In-1 Pocket Pro – I normally don’t get excited about pens and key tags but these are very, very cool. The logo is illuminated. These will draw attention from any end-user. Pictures don’t do these justice, you must order a sample.

#06214 Gadget Grips Clip – Very practical item. This is a clip that goes on your phone to secure to your purse, belt loop, etc. I know I need one of these so I am not digging out my phone from the bottom of my purse.

#8150 Vintage Leather Tech Caddy;#4450 Vintage Leather Tech Case – I’m seeing more people use an item like this for their phones.

#AP8018 – Two Pocket Fashion Tote – This item resembles a popular Thirty One bag. Very fashionable and features a zip closure and two outside pockets. Very roomy – great for the beach, farmers market and sporting events.

As designers showcased their upcoming looks for Spring 2017 at New York’s Fashion Week, color experts at the Pantone Color Institute were taking notes. The company just released its top 10 colors in fashion, consisting of the hues that stole the spotlight on the runway. The Spring 2017 Fashion Color Report evokes a spectrum of emotion and feeling. From the warmth of sunny days with PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow to the invigorating feeling of breathing fresh mountain air with PANTONE 18-0107 Kale and the desire to escape to pristine waters with PANTONE 14-4620 Island Paradise, designers applied color in playful, yet thoughtful and precise combinations to fully capture the promises, hope and transformation that we yearn for each Spring. As you start planning your spring promotions, keep these colors in mind to stay on trend!

Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to chart future color direction and study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone furthers its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Jacket weather is well upon us and with less than 5 weeks until Christmas, it is an ideal time to think about gifting your clients or employees jackets and outerwear. Below are some of my favorite pieces this season.

Port Collection

Hybrid Soft Shell Jacket

Quilted front and back shoulder panel with Soft Shell sleeves and back. This style of item is popular on the professional golf tours, great for those chilly days with added warmth in the body and freedom of movement for the arms.

Sport-Tek Electric Heather ¼ Zip Fleece

A very sporty and trendy look with the heathered fleece has been a big look on retail with a similar style to many brand names.

Heavyweight Thermal Line Hooded Full Zip Sweatshirt

A heavy duty sweatshirt that is perfect for anyone who works outside and wants a warm rugged hooded sweatshirt.

Eddie Bauer Soft Shell Jacket

Eddie Bauer Soft Shell Jacket

The name Eddie Bauer brings quality and brand recognition to this piece. A 3-layer soft shell brings warmth and water protection along with breathability to this piece.

Colorblock 3-in-1 Jacket

A very warm jacket with the inner piece a fleece lined, quilted zip-in jacket with the outer shell a water and wind resistant polyester that brings warmth and weather protection.

River’s End

Columbia and Dri-Duck are some of the most popular retail brands in the market. Consider aligning your brand with these stylish apparel pieces.

Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece

Another retail brand brings a nice mid-weight fleece item to co-brand with your logo. A River’s End top-seller.

Dri-Duck Cheyenne Hooded Canvas Jacket

A heavyweight Cloth Canvas Jacket with triple needle stitching and metal zipper to hold up to the roughest use.

Tri-Mountain

Tri-Mountain is known as a leader in outerwear.

Timberline Work Jacket

A very rugged hooded work jacket with quilted lining and a 12 oz. cotton canvas shell. Available in sizes from small to 6XLT.

Flight Jacket

A 3-layer soft shell jacket is one of Tri-Mountain’s top sellers. A breathable laminated film insert is sandwiched between a microfleece lining and a polyester/spandex shell providing, warmth and weather resistance.

Embroidery

And, most importantly… the decoration is a chance to make a great style your own. We can add our high quality embroidery to any style, providing a highly visible and appreciated billboard for your logo. With our state-of-the art embroidery facility featuring multiple embroidery heads and digitizing capabilities.

~Guest Blog by: Brian Johnson

As I sat on the edge of my seat during game 7, I thought about the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians and how much adversity they had overcome. Teamwork brought them to the World Series. Not one single person or play, but combined effort. The value of that teamwork was on display last Wednesday night.

In post-game interviews, Jason Heyward said he called a team meeting before the extra inning rain delay to rally the team and boost spirits. He stated, “It’s about the whole team. It’s about everybody trying to get something done.” I found this to be inspiring and was even more excited about the Cubs win.

There are all kinds of teams: sports, business, family, and lifestyles. The definitions are pretty true for all – a group of people linked in a common purpose, who work together as a team for a common cause or goal.

Here are a few of my favorites teamwork quotes.  They are a good reminder and serve to inspire me.

• “Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” Steve Jobs
• “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller
• “I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things.” Mother Teresa
• TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More
• Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less me and more we.
• None of us are as smart as all of us.

Are you like the Chicago Cubs and part of a championship team? Do you have a team of people supporting your business? As proven time and again, the power of a team can create success. The right players know the goal. One of the crucial team elements is synergy. When that kind of collaboration is achieved, a team moves toward high performance or success.

As we near the end of the calendar year, it is time to think about goals are for 2017. Take this time to evaluate your team and if needed, change it up. Like sports, the starting players can change based on situations. Make sure you start 2017 with the right players to create your championship team for a winning year.

I end you with this quote from Babe Ruth, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”

Virtual Reality headsets are becoming more and more popular. I was attending the Promotional Promotional Product Industry’s big Vegas Tradeshow last January and a couple of exhibitors had a VR viewer. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with Virtual Reality so I was quite intrigued. One video I watched was like I was riding a roller coaster. I don’t like roller coasters and it almost gave me a sick feeling, as it was a very real feeling. As the year has flown by, they are becoming more and more popular. We even feature one in our Bankers Gift Guide on page 18.

VR replicates a specific environment (real or imagined) and allows the user to interact with that world. Even better, virtual reality can open new doors for your business. According to The Motley Fool, a stock advisory service, the virtual reality market is expected to be worth $30 billion by 2020. The opportunities are endless: VRTalk, the online virtual reality forum, predicts virtual reality headset sales will double every year until approximately 2025. Not to mention, Netflix is starting to roll out exclusive virtual reality content this year.

If you’re wondering what virtual reality can do for your business, prepare to be amazed. Virtual reality is about to completely transform the business world, and you could be getting in at the ground level. If a new resort hotel wants to promote its property to remote clientele, all they have to do is send them a VR headset and a link to their VR content. If a college wants to recruit students from across the ocean, it just takes some technology. With advertisers looking for new ways to increase brand visibility, and for promotions that frequently include a tech component, virtual reality is the perfect opportunity.

Check out these promotional products that will jumpstart your next virtual reality promotion:

1. Virtual Reality Headsets

Naturally, the heart of any virtual reality experience is the headset itself. Virtual reality headsets are the perfect opportunity to get your client’s branding at the forefront, thanks to a large imprint area on the front of the headset. When your client’s end buyers are transported to a Hawaiian vacation, they’ll have you to thank, and what’s better than that?

2. Power Banks

We’ve all experienced what it’s like for a cell phone to go dead when you need it most. There’s nothing that can kill a virtual experience faster than a dead phone. Ensure users don’t miss out on their virtual reality experience with branded power banks.

3. Wireless Bluetooth® Headphones & Earbuds

As a society always on the go, it’s rare to have a moment to ourselves. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t fire up our virtual reality experiences on the train, airplane, etc. With wireless headphones or earbuds, end-users can transport themselves from red-eye flight turbulence to an African safari, all without disturbing the person next to them. Brand wireless headphones or earbuds with an eye-catching logo, and you’ve got an item that can be used for movies and music in addition to VR.

4. Portable Bluetooth® Speakers

Much like a virtual reality experience can be tailored for a quiet environment, users can also go all out with more immersive experiences. To feel like you’re truly a part of the action, portable Bluetooth® speakers are a great way to amplify sound and transform the living room into a home theater.

Get on board with the latest in promotional marketing trends, and you’re sure to make a very memorable and REAL impression on your clients.

Camouflage, in its endless patterns, colors and canvases, doesn’t belong solely to hardcore hunters anymore. True, camo is part tactical gear and part “uniform” for outdoor enthusiasts, but today camo is everywhere.

From camo couture, to hot hipster accessory, camo has somehow managed to break out of its traditional twig and leaf pattern and integrate with the latest trends. But one thing has stayed the same — there is something inherently rebellious and burly about camo, even in pink. Rob Dubow, one of our camo experts, says there’s nothing soft about the popularity of pink camo, especially. Camo has been a prominent part of the landscape for the 25 years they’ve been in business. But he says, “In the last 5 years, women have become a larger part of the hunting scene. We see a significant amount of pink camo coming through our plant.”

We’ve also watched camo sales for a range of items climb steadily over the past five years. Both apparel and accessories are popular items for embroidery and decoration. The new sublimated digital CamoHex prints, plus fleece jackets and camo caps have all been hits with our customers. What’s better way to showcase serious patriotic pride, company spirit and team unity than camo? It sends a message, loud and clear.

Rob says when it comes to meeting the needs of customers who are checking out camo, it is helpful to determine how they plan to use the products. Often corporate customers choose camo not so much for practical use, but rather for perfect backdrops for corporate logos. Experienced hunters, he says, wouldn’t want to add bright orange to camo — but tone-on-tone enhances the look of camo while preserving its functional use. Camo applique is also popular, he reports.

Want to add some hot items to your stock? Consider these options:

Ladies Love Camo

As Rob shared, pink camo is, “… doing very well for us. The women aren’t wearing them in the field … but they’re making a fashion statement about it.” Our Russell Outdoors® Ladies Realtree™ Cotton V-Neck shirt features a contoured feminine fit in muted pink camo. This tough but pretty tee rocks their world for ladies on the hunt for style, too.

Cap It Off

Camo caps and hats are in high demand. According to ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), 41% of people in the U.S. own a cap marked with a promotional logo. From shout-outs to candidates to showing love for favorite brands, nothing says it louder and prouder than a camo cap. For one of camo’s most on-trend looks, stock up on New Era’s® Snapback Trucker Cap and watch them fly off the shelves faster than off-road racers.

The Fleecing of America

Camo Style For an authentic piece with broader appeal, check out Port Authority’s® Microfleece FullZip Jacket. With authentic Realtree® camouflage stitched on the shoulders, sleeves and sides, this lightweight jacket is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or those who just want to look like one!

Want to help yourself, your clients and employees avoid the cold and flu this season? We do too — especially considering that 72% of the population experiences at least one cold every year, with adults averaging 2-4 cases (B&D Nutritional Ingredients). To help keep that from happening this time around, we’re providing some ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season.

1. Get a flu shot: The best time to get a flu shot is as soon as it’s available, which is typically during September or October. It takes about 14 days for the vaccine to take effect, so the earlier you get it, the greater your chances of staying well. For information about types of vaccines, visit this WebMD page. This cold and flu map is quite helpful as well!
2. Wash your hands often: When you think you’ve washed your hands enough times, wash them again. It’s a simple and extremely effective way to remove germs on a consistent basis. The CDC recommends washing your hands for 15-20 seconds each time — or to put it in more fun terms, sing “Happy Birthday” twice through and that should do it. Scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Remember that it will pay off to be thorough.
3. Choose a hand sanitizer that’s alcohol-based: For the times in between handwashing with soap and water, sanitizer with alcohol can kill cold and flu germs. Keep it in your purse or in your pocket so it’s available anytime — our vanilla-scented Credit Card Hand Sanitizer Spray are perfect for on-the-go situations.
4. Keep your distance from those who are sick: Avoid things like shaking their hands or sharing items. On the flip side, if you’re the one sick, remember to stay home to keep others well. A CareerBuilder survey found that nearly 75% of employees go to work when sick — while it can be difficult to say no to the demands of work, it’s usually best to rest at home so you can return to full strength more quickly.
5. Keep things clean around you: Sanitize your doorknobs, light switches, desk, and other items that are touched often. Especially if you work in the health care field, shower and wash your clothes often. While it may seem excessive at times, you can’t argue with fewer sick days when it works.
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Do what you should be doing every day regardless of cold and flu season: get adequate sleep, nourish your body with healthy foods, don’t smoke, and control any allergies you have to avoid inflammation that can more easily lead to a virus.

Don’t miss out on this month’s Credit Card Sized Hand Sanitizer Web Special! You can promote your brand AND fight the flu at the same time. Its compact size allows for flat, easy storage in purse, bag or pocket. Take advantage of a great price while it lasts.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” –  Joseph Addison

As winter approaches and we are cooped up inside, more of us want to snuggle up with a good book. Reading is a key component of becoming more efficient and effective at your job, no matter what you do. Sales professionals in particular can benefit from soaking in the knowledge of a well-researched and insightful book. Besides picking up valuable tips and tricks, motivational sales books also provide a needed boost. Below is a list from Inc.com of the Top 10 “How to Sell” books of ALL time. These classic sales books will are you with some of the greatest selling techniques that have ever been written.

10. Selling to Big Companies – by Jill Konrath
11. Mastering the Complex Sale – by Jeff Thull
12. The Psychology of Selling – by Brian Tracy
13. Strategic Selling – by Robert B. Miller & Stephen E. Heiman
14. Perfect Selling – by Linda Richardson
15. How to Master the Art of Selling – By Tom Hopkins
16. The Greatest Salesman in the World – By Og Mandino
17. Secrets of Closing the Sale – by Zig Ziglar
18. The Little Red Book of Selling – by Jeffrey Gittomer
19. Spin Selling – by Neil Rackham

Don’t miss out on these popular titles that are also must reads.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People – by Dale Carnegie
• Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive – by Harvey McKay
• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – by Richard Carlson
• Attitude 101 – by John C. Maxwell
• Selling the Invisible – by Harry Beckwith

We live in a fast paced world and sometimes the little things elude us. Reading is one of our favorite pastimes. 66% of us read in our free time. So stock up on hot chocolate and get ready to sit back and read on those cold, snowy days.

“To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” – Edward Burke  

Books make great business gifts. We offer more than 3,000,000 titles available. We can easily add your logo and personal page to any book. Every title. Every Author. Every Theme. Every Budget. Books are valuable. Appreciated. Never thrown away. Ask us today!