Bankers Advertising

As the New Year nears, now is a great time to show your employees some appreciation. Anything that shows they are recognized as a valuable asset can make the difference for an employee who’s been giving it all they’ve got.

Recent PPAI studies have shown that recognition programs work:

• Recognition programs boost sales an average of 26%
• Promotional products as incentives can boost employee performance by 22%
• Team recognition boosts performance up to 44%
• Incentive programs that run for more than a year increase performance by 44%
• According to a recent survey, workers reported going 50 days since they last felt recognized.

Boosting morale is as easy as making use of our in-house capabilities! Certificates and awards give you the opportunity to make recognition personal; we can print them, and add a classy, branded holder to give with them, to boot! Nothing speaks as clearly as your own words: Custom thank-you cards are the perfect place to jot down thoughts on what an employee means to your company.

On the other hand, receiving tech, coolers, etc., a high-quality plaque or a glass award is something the employee will cherish, and serves as a constant reminder of their hard-earned achievement! These tangible awards, plaques and other recognition pieces are also critical. They greatly increase self-esteem and improve morale, they provide a visible reminder of achievement and appreciation, they are critical for retention efforts.

Does your company have an awards and recognition program? We can help you create a successful program from start to finish!

Key attributes to an Awards and Recognition program:

• Reinforces company goals
• Strengthens the company’s brand
• Improves employee loyalty
• Encourages personal achievement
• Rewards performance
• Increases productivity
• Builds self-esteem and motivation
• Creates a sense of accomplishment
• Most importantly…it says, “thank-you!” For a job well done!

A recent World at Work-study discovered that 85% to 95% of all companies with incentive programs reach or exceed their goals! A key asset for any company is their employees. Competition is keen today for this very important asset. As a result, an organization, in order to stay competitive, absolutely needs to make employees feel valued.

Studies have shown that companies that offer recognition programs outperform their competition, increase employee loyalty and are more highly thought of in the community. Awards & Recognition are increasingly important in today’s business environment where competition for the best workers is intense. At the same time, the importance of human resources is paramount – a company needs to obtain extraordinary results from ordinary people. Yet another factor is the attitude among today’s employees, who value job satisfaction over most other criteria.

Recognize and reward your best asset – your team! Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more incentive ideas. Explore awards and recognition here. 

No matter your holiday plans, most people do some traveling to get to their special place. I have compiled a list of traveling must haves from our Bankers 2022 Fall Gift Guide. Use this list to help you find the perfect gift for any group of people.

95195 TWS Earbuds with Charging Case (pg. 22) – Earbuds are a traveling necessity. Travelers are bound to need earbuds when in the airport or on long car rides, and especially when traveling alone. The case charges your earbuds when they aren’t in use.  The earbuds pair from 30 feet away and are perfect for hands free calling and listening to your favorite music. Easily distribute to employees or clients in the included gift box.

H2go Lumos (pg. 15) – If you’re a water bottle connoisseur like me, you always have one with you and have certain ones for each occasion: the gym, work, home, etc. When traveling there are a few things I look for in a water bottle. It must be well sealed, keep my drink cold or hot for an extended amount of time and be aesthetically pleasing. This water bottle is all of that in one. The sleek design makes it practical for the gym, but attractive and professional for corporate situations. It is vacuum sealed, double wall stainless steel, slim, has a carry handle and is available in seven colors.

TT-327 Overnight Amenities Kit (pg. 16) – When traveling, I always like to have a separate bag for personal hygiene necessities so I don’t have to go searching through my luggage for them when you are trying to get ready in an unfamiliar place. This overnight kit is the perfect size and has a hanging hook that allows the bag to be held open and the contents easily accessed.

J317/L317 Port Authority® Soft Shell Jackets  & J325/L325 Vests (pg. 12) – Weather while traveling can be unpredictable. It’s always good to have multiple layers available. This jacket is light weight, but also has a fleece chin guard and interior storm flap. As fall turns into winter, rainstorms happen more frequently. These jackets and vests shed rain and wind. The vest’s lining is made of 100% polyester microfiber lining. People are drawn to attractive clothing, but when it is visually pleasing and versatile your brand will gain more exposure. These also make great team and corporate uniforms.

TBC044 Laptop Clipboard (pg. 19) – This techy gadget is perfect for any client or employee. It can be used while traveling and working remote or just for ease when commuting from the office to meetings. Organize everything they need and have it all in one convenient place. It also doubles as a laptop stand to create an ergonomic workspace anywhere.

Contact your Bankers Sales Consultant for information on these products and other gift ideas or check out our Holiday Gift Guide here.

When you think “promotional door hangers,” does the word creative come to mind?

We’re guessing not. And that’s ok. We get it; a printed piece of paper isn’t inherently exciting. It’s what you put on that piece of paper—and how you use it—that can kick this budget-friendly promotional product up a notch.

How to use custom door hangers to promote your business:

Looking for some design inspiration for your promotional door hangers? We have some clever design ideas and case studies for you.

1. Keep residents informed

Keep a supply of pre-printed doorknob hangers on hand for municipal services to hand out to residents on an as-needed basis. For this design, the water department uses door hangers to inform residents of service or payment issues.

2. Give yourself some quiet time

Not just for outside doors, hang it on the office door if you have an important call, the basement door if you want a quiet, uninterrupted workout, or the den if you want to kick back and watch a show or read a book in peace.

3. Not just for doors! Bottle hangers for your branding.

Think of it as a greeting card that hangs on a bottle of wine or champagne (your alcohol gift of choice). Printed on the front and back, this useful branding tool is popular with realtors as part of their closing gift package for homebuyers. The #2004-C Bottle Hanger makes an inexpensive way for realtors to thank homebuyers. The realtor simply goes out and purchases a nice bottle of wine (a bottle of liquor would work as well) and places this full color printed bottle hanger on it with a nice message of “THANKS”. What a great “Welcome Home” gift.

4. Door hangers for privacy and Do Not Disturb signs

Whether it’s at the office, at an event, or just at home, privacy matters. Use custom hangers on your doorknobs to inform others that the room is currently in use. Here, a breast pump manufacturer provided door hang tags for moms who use their product. Door hangers are the perfect reusable “do not” disturb sign. Whether it’s at work or an event, give moms the privacy they deserve.

5. Show off the brand, give them documents they need with pocket door hangers.

Bills, invoices, receipts, marketing flyers, brochures… whatever you need to get to them, pocket door hangers are the answer. No more rolling up a flyer and awkwardly sticking it in the door handle. Just slip the papers into the pouch, and you’re done. That’s marketing made easy!

6. Use door hangers as a non-intrusive way to ask for help.

Whether homeowners are at home or out, leaving a doorknob hanger on their front door is an easy way to let them know you want their attention—but you don’t want to disrupt their day in doing so. This simple door hanger for a non-profit asked homeowners to share their excess fruit with others in their community. It was an easy way to promote a message. Simple message on the front, full details on the back.

Even more ideas!

We have many more ideas to share, so here’s a list of other ways to use custom printed doorknob hangers for your business, organization, or cause:

• Political campaign marketing tool: More practical than shoving a flyer in a door!
• Convention mini swag kit: Hand out pocket door hangers to attendees at registration or hang on their doorknobs. Fill the pocket with a small collection of mini goodies!
• Hotels & Inns: Want to use less water? If guests are staying multiple nights, offer them a door hanger so they can tell staff whether they want their sheets washed that night or not.
• Library Giveaway: Encourage library patrons to read more by giving out “Do Not Disturb” bookmarks for them to hang on their door at home.

Remember these inexpensive brand builders when adding to your promotional campaign.

Decades ago, the kitchen was simply a room for preparing meals. Unlike today’s multi-purpose space, kitchens were often small, separated rooms designed to conceal dirty dishes and food odors. But as trends and lifestyles changed, the kitchen became the heart of the home. Today’s kitchen is a versatile and multifunctional area where families and friends can gather, catch up and make memories together. In the kitchen, families can share the details of their day, parents can cook while helping with homework and guests can enjoy treats like the trending charcuterie board. The kitchen has become even more important as a place of comfort, fellowship and creativity. Brands wanting to reach end users should meet them where they are: in the kitchen.

Here are multiple ideas from page 8 of the Bankers 2022 Fall Gift Guide:

• Bamboo Kitchen Scale #8010
• Zonal Indoor Bamboo Weather Station #BA315WS
• Calacotta Charcuterie Board #HW102MACB
• Vida Stoneware Jar #21101

And Our Monthly Web Specials:

• CraftKitchen™ Chop/Prep/Serve Boards (Rectangle #RCK07) (Round #RCK06 )

Food is intertwined with lifestyles, religions and cultures. Whether vegan or gluten-free, people identify with the food they eat. According to research, once a branded item is in the kitchen, the average retention rate is four years. Simple tools, like pizza cutters and ice cream scoopers, are common favorites that can deliver extended brand exposure.

Contact your sales representative for more ideas today!

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

October is National Book Month! As winter approaches and we are cooped up inside, more of us want to snuggle up with a good book. Reading is a great way to relax and unwind. So, stock up on hot chocolate and get ready to sit back and read on those cold, snowy days.

Books make great business gifts and will be put on display for everyone to see! We offer over 3 million different titles.  As we near the holiday season, consider handing out Christmas classics, holiday themed cook books, coloring books, Mad Libs, sticker books and more! We can easily add any logo and personal page to any book. Every title. Every Author. Every Theme. Every Budget. Books are valuable, appreciated and never thrown away.

Choose a from a variety of options:

• Outdoors
• Cook Books
• Sports
• Success
• Animals
• Photography
• Holidays
• Coloring Books
• Children’s Books
• Health and Wellness
• Puzzle Books
• Religion
• Travel
• NY Times Best Sellers
• Gratitude
• Thank You
• Coffee Table

Promotional books are great for: 

• Doctors offices
• Waiting Rooms
• Receptions Desks
• In the Home
• Anywhere people are!

Customize books with cover, imprint, tell a story, write a letter with a promo page insert or wrap your logo around the books with a belly band.

Ask your sales representative about books today!

It’s World Smile Day®! What’s the first thing you notice about a person? Their smile is a common answer!

The smiley face was created by Harvey Ball in 1963 and in 1999 he declared that the first Friday in October would be World Smile Day®. Every year the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation challenges us to do an act of kindness and help one person smile. Join in with us!

Here are a few of our favorite SMILE quotes:

• “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile”
• “Everyone smiles in the same language”
• “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”
• “Smile – It’s the boldest statement you can make without saying a word”

Did you know? It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile.

Remember – Smile and Dial

Smiles over the phone might be unseen, but they are most definitely heard. And since 84% of the message over a phone is your tone of voice, making sure that “smiling tone” comes through is imperative. I was given a mirror once for my desk, told to look at myself and SMILE when on the phone. It works. Have you tried it?

“Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world!”

Click here for more ideas!

It’s getting close to that exciting time of year again. Halloween is right around the corner. These bags for trick or treating are one of the best forms of marketing during the Halloween season. The trick or treat bags not only market your business because of the custom imprint on them, but they also have many safety tips to help keep the kids who are trick or treating safe.

If you are not taking advantage of this enormous marketing opportunity, consider these facts:

• Halloween is the second-largest holiday for promotional spending. Consumers spend over $6 billion on Halloween. Over $170 million is spent on advertising.
• 31 million children will go trick-or-treating this year. Over 25 million of them will carry a Halloween bag.
• Every year, increased emphasis is placed on child safety during Halloween. (designs promoting safety are offered)

Why should you distribute free Halloween bags?

• As children go from door to door their bag is seen by hundreds of people. Your thoughtful concern for child safety will be remembered by many parents who see a child with your bag.
• Halloween bags make great handouts at special holiday events like haunted houses, trunk or treats, fall festivals, etc.
• They help children stay safe on Halloween. We offer metallic Halloween bags made of reflective material that keeps children visible at night. Our designs include Halloween safety tips too.
• New this year: Add glow in the dark or fluorescent ink to bags. 

Halloween bags are great promo for:

• Banks
• Non-profits
• Police & Fire departments
• Restaurants
• Dentists
• Fast food chains
• Radio stations
• Real estate
• Schools
• Clubs
• Any local store

Looking for other fun Halloween giveaways?

#31HAP1115 Silver Reflective Ghost Bag

#31HAM1115 Silver Reflective Pumpkin Bag

#BG510 Pumpkin Drawstring Backpack

#3818 Pumpkin Cookie Cutter

#3910 Pumpkin Carving Scoop

#3522 Pumpkin Strobe

#7727 Pumpkin Photo Frame

There is nowhere quite like a county fair. The smell of corndogs, the sound of calliope music and the sight of colorful booths conjure up happy childhood memories. What better way to advertise your business than at a county fair where thousands of people come to have fun and see what their local businesses have to offer. In small towns across America, county fairs are usually the highlight of the summer.

Whether a giveaway or item for purchase, customized products are the best way to draw attention to your brand. Products need to be relevant to your offerings and brand culture. Providing your client with something they can take home makes their experience engaging, more memorable and meaningful. Choose promotional items that will make a lasting impact long after the event is over. Recipients will either use the handout or throw it away. If it is thrown away, it loses its visibility factor.

To help, here is a rundown of some of the best fair handouts. The criteria’s for these items are: 1) functionality-will the recipient actually use the item; 2) visibility-will the item’s functionality lead it to be passed on and seen by more than just the recipient; 3) price point-will the combination of functionality and visibility justify the cost of the item.

#1 – Notepads: People do not throw out notepads. After a note is written on the pad, it is kept for a period and often handed to someone else. The notepad is the perfect combination of functionality, visibility and price.

#2 – Stadium Cups: Stadium cups are a very versatile handout. An item like this will be well received and useful for quite some time.

#3 – Pens: Pens are an item that is commonly lost by its owner. However, when it is lost, someone else finds it.

#4 – Fanny Packs: For years, custom fanny packs proved to be a powerful marketing solution that appealed to a wide audience. Although they peaked in popularity in the 80s, these convenient packs are suddenly finding themselves back in style. Today, these clever and timeless personalized fanny packs offer great on-the-go logo exposure while ensuring a more convenient and safe experience for the recipient.

#5 – Phone Fans, Hand Fans or Misting Fans: Fans are superb promotional items because they really come in handy on those hot summer days. Recipients will want to keep them in their bags, backpacks or cars at all times; so when everybody else is suffering in the heat, they will feel cool and refreshed.

#6 – Sunscreen: One of the most thoughtful giveaways for the spring and summer is promotional sunscreen. Not only is it important to everyone’s health to use sunscreen but, by using it as giveaways, your customer is spreading the word and helping protect others from harmful UV rays.

#7 – Flyswatters: Think about how relieved the recipient will be when you hand them a promotional fly swatter that helps keeps nasty bugs off their bodies and away from their food. Flyswatters are available in all sorts of different shapes and colors.

#8 – Yardsticks: Maybe you want to promote your business or organization’s growth. The best way to get your name out there is with promotional yardsticks. Yardsticks are available in several colors and offer plenty of room for your name and logo. Yardsticks are extremely useful; they can be used in class, at home and in the office.

#9 – Coloring Books: Are you looking for a fun giveaway for your littlest fans? Customize coloring books imprinted with your logo so parents will know whom to thank when their little ones are happily distracted. Promotional coloring books are educational and entertaining giveaways for pediatricians, dentists, restaurant owners or anyone who interacts with children.

#10 – Sunglasses: Give clients the gift of eye protection with a pair of custom printed plastic sunglasses. These fun and unique promotional items are sure to get the attention of many with the wide range of color options available. Did you know that people with lighter colored eyes (blue, grey, green) are more sensitive to sunlight and florescent lights than people with brown eyes?

#11 – Sling Backpacks – People tend to refrain from picking up or buying merchandise just because they don’t want to hold on to it all day but if a company offered a free backpack…just think how many promotional advertising pieces they could be going home with!

Act now,  carousel your logo around with promotional items at the next county fair. See everything we have to offer here. 

Keep the future bright by promoting with sunglasses. Promotional sunglasses are a perennial favorite for branded marketing campaigns because of their reach, usefulness and target demographic desirability.

Sunglasses are a great promo idea for almost any campaign. Their practicality makes them an attractive gift for everyone. Include them in your campaigns for all summer events: fairs, parades, swimming pools, fundraisers, awareness campaigns, appreciation events, team spirit and picnics.

Help your client SHINE with color changing glasses, mirrored lenses or cool imprint locations and designs. You want it, we’ve got it: bamboo, patriotic, camo, rainbow, tie-dye, soft feel, metallic and more. There are so many styles to choose from: malibu, polarized, aviator and sport.

Checkout more styles and ideas here!