Bankers Advertising Company held its National Sales Meeting—Gathering of the Stars—at Harrah’s St. Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri, on March 25-28 with PPAI’s Executive Vice President Bob McLean as an invited guest.

From left: Bob McLean, PPAI executive vice president with Bill Bywater, chairman, Bankers Advertising Company; Joan Tucker Hunt, director of business development, The Hunt Group; and Lewie Hunt, MAS, consultant, The Hunt Group.

During the first morning’s breakfast program, McLean provided an update on PPAI’s activities and initiatives, and honored Bankers as one of the oldest Association members having joined more than 100 years ago.

“I really enjoyed learning more about Bankers and its sister company, supplier TruArt,” says McLean. “Still being somewhat new to the promotional products industry, I came away with a deeper understanding of one of the industry’s largest and oldest companies. It was an honor to be a part of this annual event.”

The three-day event included inside sales training, breakout group discussions, a table top show, a factory tour of supplier Quick Point, Inc. and the company’s annual awards presentation recognizing individuals for their sales achievement and years of service.

Your customer’s success at a trade show can hinge on the choice of promotional products to fuel traffic at the show. Promotional products are used for communication, motivation, promotion and recognition.  They can also build goodwill, communicate a message and create awareness.  When assisting a customer plan for a trade show, explore these questions:

1.     What does the client want to achieve by giving an incentive item?

2.     What message/slogan does the client want to promote?

3.     What is the budget?

4.     What benefit will recipients get from this gift?

5.     Will it be given to every visitor or a select group?

6.     How will the potential audience be informed about the gift?

7.     How will the premium’s effectiveness be measured?

Once you’ve answered those questions and have developed the approach, you may want to turn to Evans Manufacturing, a great resource of trade show premium gifts. Here are some ideas by industry:

• Give water bottles (Evans item #4208 28-ounce bike bottles available in 5 colored bottles and 10 colors of lids) and badge clips (Evans item #2022 Heart Secure-A –Badge available in seven colors, and can ship in 48 hours) to those attending a health related trade show.
• Provide golf tools such as Evans #3900 Eagle Divot Repair tool available in 33 colors or item #3875 Mairage Tee Pack from Evans and golf towel holders from Evans item #3960 to those attending a trade show centered on the sport of golf.
• Offer travel related items such as Evans #1750 Explorer Luggage Tags or the #1780 Secure-A- Case Luggage Strap to trade show participants in industries where heavy travel occurs, including sales.

• Suggest for safety fairs the brightly colored#3505 Bandage Dispensers with patterned bandages, available in 29 standard colors and four recycled colors that cover nearly all corporate colors needs.
• Financial institutions can really make a statement and drive traffic to their booths by distributing one of the four new coin banks that are Uniquely Evans this year; especially the #2230 Globe Bank. This modern, oval-shaped globe is a real attention getter. There is also a House N Home Bank (#2211), a cash Cube (#2200) and Action Pig (#2205). Watch the tail move as you drop coins in the pig bank!

Don’t forget to encourage clients to follow up after the trade show. They should set aside time within one week after the last day of the show to follow up, then 30, 60 and 90 days after.  Mailable pieces from Evans can be useful for these contacts, such as the six-inch leading edge ruler with pencil clasp. The brightly colored Valu Magnet Clip dropped off at a show attendee’s office will catch attention.  The Java sleeve, a new product for Evans, will fold for easy mailing or storage but has a large imprint area to really stand out in front of the recipient.

By Megan Mitchell

Imagine a small business owner who, like many at the beginning of their start-up, is eager to build a customer base but doesn’t know the best way to reach them. He has a limited budget and only a few marketing tools at his disposal. In this situation, what is the next logical step? How can he make a meaningful impact to his target audience?

Enter promotional products. While traditional marketing plans can be complicated and expensive, promotional products are a cost-effective advertising method that works. There is POWER in the promotional product! According to a recent study, 76% of customers could remember who gave them a branded item. Compare that to 53% of those who could remember a television ad or the just 27% who remembered an online advertisement.

Promotional products help you gain referrals, improve return business and increase customer recall. Give a customer a useful product just once and she will continue to use it for years! Not only that, but 76% of recipients have a better impression of a company after receiving a product from them. You are building goodwill with current and potential customers – something that distracting, traditional advertising can’t offer.

To see even more benefits of promotional products, click here. If you want help putting together a marketing plan of your own, contact us today! Use this example, featured in our 2011-2012 Idea Book, as inspiration to grow your business:

The bank business is very competitive – there are usually several in every town! To get people to sign up for a savings account, one bank took a special approach. They started a campaign called “Save Up for a Rainy Day” and ran local TV commercials about everyday people getting caught in tough situations. The commercials showed how savings accounts are not only great for retirement funds or college savings, but also for life’s unexpected expenses. Adding to the theme, the bank decided to give away logoed umbrellas to those who started a savings account and deposited $50. Not only did their ads show the benefit of a savings account, but the umbrella offer helped seal the message in customers’ minds and worked as an incentive to sign up for the bank!

The nation’s birthday is right around the corner – how will your business celebrate? The Fourth of July is a great time to hand out promotional products for events like parades. Communities often sponsor Independence Day parades and many area businesses get in on the action. No organization is left out – common participants include real estate agents, insurance bureaus, fire departments, chiropractors, dentists and locally owned restaurants and small businesses. What about your business? Parades are a great way to get the word out about your company.

A small nearby town hosts a great parade that lasts around an hour, with different companies walking, tossing out can coolers, flying disks and magnets along with many, many pounds of candy for the kids. Though candy is a favorite to toss from floats, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression or a reminder of the businesses that participated in the parade. After all, you’re looking for new business and new clients, so you want everyone to remember your name! Consider the alternatives listed below, and if you need help, contact us and we’ll connect you with one of our expert promotional product consultants.

Include your logo and an American flag! We have all these great products with patriotic themes, from some of our top lines:

• Plastic or nonwoven bags – recipients will love them, they’re great for holding all the products they’ll accumulate during the parade.
• Decals and magnets – a magnet on your customer’s refrigerator will be seen every day. We make them here at Bankers Advertising!
• Jar opener - kitchen items are always useful and popular.
• Sunscreen – not only will it show your company’s regard for proper health care, but it’s a reminder of your brand whenever they apply.
• Emery boards – great choice, especially for salons and beauty supply stores.
• Misting fan – ideal, especially for those sitting in the hot sun watching a parade. You know it’ll be appreciated!
• Flying disks – keep them entertained and spread the word about your company all summer long.
• Pens – a classic promotional product. Get them in red and blue or choose your company colors.
• Lip balm – also with SPF, perfect for summertime. You can even do a full-color process imprint.
• Can coolers – who doesn’t love these? Drinks stay colder longer and no perspiration on the table.
• Key tag – be All American with a flag key tag.

Now is the time to find out when your area is hosting parades. If you’re involved in more than one, consider cohesive product ideas and designs for even better branding. Again, if you need products, don’t hesitate to contact Bankers Advertising Company. We’re happy to help with custom ideas in a price range you’re comfortable with. Happy 4^th of July!

So what exactly does a social medium allow you to do? What are the benefits?

1. Raise awareness. There’s nothing better than free publicity, and these platforms give you the opportunity to shout about your services from the rooftops.

2. Add legitimacy. It’s obvious that your company is alive and well when you have online presence and an active Twitter feed. People will be more likely to buy from a thriving business, especially when they know customer service is readily available.

3. Customer service. Speaking of which … people are increasingly turning to the Internet to solve problems. It’s easy to shoot an e-mail, compose a Tweet or write a Facebook post to address an issue and quickly find a fix. Just be sure – as the person providing the customer service – to be as honest, kind and helpful as possible.

4. Research. Find out what other people are saying about you by utilizing the “search” functions on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Or search for information on promotional products, local news or anything that interests you or pertains to your brand.

5. Build relationships. People are more likely to buy from their friends. We trust our friends, so why wouldn’t we turn to them if they offer a service we need? Social media allow you to create bonds with people through the power of the Internet. Show your new buddies your expertise and don’t forget to have a good time! Post something funny on Facebook and mix it up with posts about the latest cool products or services you have available.

6. Coupons and discount offers. Then, offer discounts to new friends. People expect rewards for “following” you or being your “fan.” Something like 10% off through next week – for Facebook fans only!! will grab attention and show fans you appreciate them. You might spend a little money, but you’ll earn devoted customers.

7. Reputation management. If you don’t make a name for yourself online, someone else will. And it might not be what you want to hear.

These are only a few of the many reasons it’s important to get involved in social media. A 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report survey found that 90% of professional marketers believe social media is important to achieving business success. You’ll discover opportunities online if you’re willing to devote a little time and energy to maintaining your brand image.

Typical Earth Day events include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, conducting various programs for recycling and, of course, working to correct excess trash output, energy usage, water waste and fuel intake. Others make Earth Day a month long celebration to stress the importance of caring for our environment. After all, it’s important to protect our planet not only for our sake, but for the benefit of future generations.

Earth Day is a great time to promote your company’s greener side. Create a positive impression with customers by using environmentally friendly promotional products to market your business! These products are also great to use in schools. Here at Bankers we have tons of great sources to fulfill your needs from our Advantage, Key & Recommended vendors.

Quickpoint has a variety of eco-friendly items that would be perfect to celebrate this holiday. First off, all their Bio Ad items are made out of biodegradable plastic. However, the biodegrading process doesn’t begin until the product reaches the landfill. Under normal use, these products will last a lifetime.

Nature Ad products from Quickpoint are made of corn plastic, a more environmentally friendly option than regular plastic, which is generally manufactured utilizing petroleum-based material. Not only are they biodegradable, but they’re an American product, too! Agriculture clients will love that these corn products benefit the U.S. farm economy.

Humphrey offers products made from post-industrial recycled material. These fun items will vary in color due to their material, but multiple-color imprints are available. The #44 Recycled All Pro Yoyos, #99 Recycled Flyers and #147 Recycled Pail have all been child-safety tested and are made in the USA.

Some companies are jumping at the opportunity to create products using recycled water bottles. Ariel has a variety of recycled P.E.T. bags that are made from 85% post-consumer water bottles, recycled to create a sustainable product that is safe for the environment. Prime Line has eco-friendly biodegradable plastic water bottles. Spector & Co. even has a new aqua pen that is made from recycled bottles.

If you haven’t considered promoting your company around Earth Day, think about the unique opportunities you’ll have to market your brand and stay top of mind with customers.

Thanks for Liking our Facebook page and/or following us on Twitter. If you found this page by clicking the QR code on your Spring & Summer Sizzler brochure or flyer that’s awesome, too!!

Here are the details to win a super awesome BBQ set – the same one featured in our Sizzler! We’re giving one away to a lucky customer.

From now through April 30, anybody who fills out our Contact form will be entered in the drawing. If you’ve filled out the form in the past, just do it again and we’ll count it as an entry. After today, only one entry per person will be counted toward the giveaway.

Again, all you need to do is go to our Contact Us page and fill out your information. Whether you have a salesperson or not, you’ll be entered to win and will also receive a free Spring and Summer Sizzler brochure by mail!!

If you have any questions, please e-mail Megan.

Thanks and good luck!

VINTAGE: The vintage look has been all the rage for a few years now, and it’s not going anywhere. Customers love the soft feel of washed fabric and the burnout look of a shirt that’s been around for a while. Unique imprints will also be embraced by your audience – just take a look at popular online t-shirt vendors. Of course the perfect colors for these types of shirts and hoodies are heathered shades and washed-out colors…

SHEER: Lightweight t-shirts with a slightly sheer and distressed look to them are also popular. Different printing techniques might be necessary.

JEWEL TONES: These bright, bold colors are eye-catching and trendy. Royal blue, deep purple, maroon, turquoise and green will not only pop on your employees, but will also make your logo stand out. Looks great paired with popular neutrals like gray or tan. Jewel colors also give your products a “richness” that doesn’t cost extra.

MILITARY: Keep an eye out for military-inspired everything. This detail-oriented style, usually marked for its structured style, large buttons and many pockets, is all over the place! Jackets and outerwear that take the soldier approach are flying off shelves in the retail market. Colors of the militia are popular, too: from khaki to olive, as well as fall 2010’s hot color – camel.

ATHLETIC: Don’t forget about ordering your team uniforms! Matching apparel for guys and gals creates a harmonious pairing that many schools have come to love. We’ve also seen some yoga pant-jacket combos with rhinestones on them that are fashionable and great for a dance studio.

So what style is best for your company? V-necks are stylish right now, as are fitted tunics, but what really matters is staying true to your company’s style. Bring authenticity to your brand and create a memorable statement with clothing!

It is always good to plan ahead once you know the exact date of your trade show, so that you can order specialty products early and receive the items well ahead of the show. Then, you’ll be sure you got what you expected and there weren’t any problems. When you order custom items with Bankers, we’re happy to help you resolve issues.

Remember, pre-show items – products sent before the show to build anticipation – can be the best use of your money. The hottest pre-show promotions compel your target visitors to actively search out your exhibit. Customers will have you on their list and won’t leave the show until they’ve stopped by to visit.

The most compelling reason to visit a booth is a promise of something of value. That value can be an enticement such as an apparel item like a cap, t-shirt or jacket. Or consider an advertising calendar, which everyone loves. To gain interest, print and mail a coupon that your target visitor redeems for the gift at your exhibit. This lets you track and measure the effectiveness of your pre-show promotion.

Another effective trade show tactic is to send your visitor the first half of a two-part bribe. For example, send a pair of headphones and let your customer pick up an MP3 player. Or, send a key and the customer can pick up a briefcase. The two-part approach works well when the bribe is substantial—more than a throwaway pen or trinket—and has the biggest payoff for you when you target a selected number of people that you really want to see.

For example, a distributor of welding equipment and supplies sent its best customers a single welding glove along with a map directing them to the booth, inviting them to stop by and pick up the mate.

Any promotional product given away at the booth should reflect the quality of your product and the good reputation of your firm. You don’t want to have your logo on a cheap pen that doesn’t write. Your prospects subconsciously discount your brand when they have to throw away one of your items. The giveaway should be something genuinely useful and it should be kept in a place where the prospect will refer to it when the need for your product arises.

Hand out a wine selection book to an event planner or a Stick-A-Strip promotional calendar to a computer programmer. The customer will keep these useful items and have your information on hand when they need it.

Also consider bags – the walking billboard – as your trade show handout. People love them at trade shows to store all of their goodies. They’re also likely to reuse high quality bags, so display your logo prominently and let them advertise for you even after the trade show ends!

Check out our Shop Now feature to search and buy items for your next trade show.