It’s called the Malmo Travel Mug.

This 4imprint exclusive is made of stainless steel and comes with a threaded lid and a rubber grip.  The modern design is an updated classic – meaning stylish without being mega-trendy.

It’s a cool new promotional product – much like the Swedish capital that inspired the mug’s name. 
-Suzanne

4imprint Presents Marketing Budget Development and Benchmarks
The latest addition to the promotional retailer’s Blue Papers and Podcasts

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – Recent reports estimate that in the next five years marketers will devote upwards of 20 percent of their entire budget to social media tactics. Marketing Budgets Demystified, the latest Blue Paper™ and Podcast from promotional products retailer 4imprint, explores the changing landscape of marketing budgets and illustrates where marketing dollars are being allocated across different industries.

“The marketing landscape is changing,” says Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing for 4imprint. “It’s important that marketers continue to shift budgets to embrace these changes in order to execute the most effective marketing plans.”

One report conducted by the American Marketing Association verified that as marketers increase spending on social media and other online marketing tactics, spending in more traditional areas subsequently decreases. In the next year 34 percent of marketers are devoting fewer resources to newspaper advertising while 30 percent are devoting fewer resources to consumer magazines and 25 percent are slashing radio advertisement buys, but online efforts are significantly increasing.

Marketing Budgets Demystified discusses numerous topics regarding the budgeting process for marketers, including:
• the importance of executing a budget with an objective-oriented strategy;
• different approaches to setting a budget;
• benchmarks for current and projected spending;
• types of layouts and presentations for sharing budgets;
• the measurement of budgets, including calculating ROI of social media efforts; and
• tips for developing budgets that stick.

To read this Blue Paper, or to download the podcast, visit www.4imprint.com/bluepapers.

About 4imprint Blue Papers™
4imprint Blue Papers™ are in-depth, how-to articles, distributed to 4imprint customers to help their organizations succeed. Accessible at www.4imprint.com/bluepapers, Blue Papers™ have covered popular, cutting-edge topics such as podcasting, online social media, search engine optimization (SEO) and experiential marketing.

About 4imprint
4imprint is part of 4imprint Group, Plc, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, serving more than 100,000 businesses with promotional items throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. 4imprint offers corporate gifts, personalized gifts, custom t-shirts, promotional pens, travel mugs, tote bags, water bottles, Post-it® Notes, custom calendars, custom shirts and much more. For additional information, visit www.4imprint.com.

4imprint published a newsletter regarding this very topic.  If you are looking for ways to promote this option to existing and potential staff, take a look.

POSITION: Direct Marketing Copywriter Intern

REPORTS TO: Catalog Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

DATE PREPARED: 8/24/10

PURPOSE:

To gain educational knowledge in facets of catalog creation by assisting the full-time copywriter and catalog manager in various deadline-sensitive, detail-oriented copywriting projects for flyers and catalogs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other miscellaneous duties may be assigned.

• Write product copy and headlines for U.S. and Canada flyer and catalog projects based on company styles and formats
• Assist full-time copywriter in researching, organizing, and preparing customer testimonials for catalogs
• Compose miscellaneous marketing letters
• Assist full-time copywriter in brainstorming and writing Great Ideas for catalogs
• Proofread print and email marketing as needed

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Oral and written communication skills, including an excellent grasp of the English language and grammar
• Ability to conceptualize
• Self-confidence and initiative
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Strong planning and organizing skills
• Ability to multi-task and function productively under stressful and time-sensitive situations
• Excellent attention to detail

EDUCATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Student currently pursuing a degree in English, Marketing Communications, or related degree
• Previous college-level copywriting and/or English courses required
• Ability to write position-oriented, hard-hitting headlines
• Ability to build partnerships with others
• Willingness to receive guidance and direction from internal and external resources
• Proven effective interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (primarily Word and Excel) and Windows

Latest Blue Paper and Podcast from 4imprint Explores What Businesses and Marketers Need to Know About Intellectual Property Laws

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – Businesses based on intellectual property drive more economic growth in the United States than any other single sector. Yet, many are not protecting the very assets that are responsible for their success either because they do not understand the need or the legalese. Promotional products retailer 4imprint’s new Blue Paper, called Copyrights, trademarks and patents breaks down the basics of intellectual property law and aims to explain the importance of each to both the business and the consumer.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) estimates that the cost of piracy, counterfeit and all-out theft of intellectual property equates to roughly $250 billion or 750,000 jobs per year – indicating a need for more businesses and entrepreneurs to become more knowledgeable and vigilant where copyrights, trademarks and patents are concerned.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs have significant professional and personal investment in the content, products and services they create,” says Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing for 4imprint. “It’s a good idea to take the necessary steps to protect these investments, which often means seeking intellectual property rights protection.”

Copyrights, trademarks and patents covers the following topics and more:

• The definition of intellectual property
• A brief overview of the rich history behind intellectual property law
• A detail breakdown of copyrights, trademarks and patents that includes definitions, why rights are important, how to obtain protection, what to do if someone infringes upon your rights

Read the paper or listen to the podcast in-full at http://info.4imprint.com/bluepapers/.

About 4imprint Blue Papers
4imprint Blue Papers are in-depth, how-to articles, distributed to 4imprint customers to help their organizations succeed. Accessible at www.4imprint.com/bluepapers, Blue Papers have covered popular, cutting-edge topics such as podcasting, online social media, search engine optimization (SEO) and experiential marketing.

About 4imprint
4imprint is part of 4imprint Group, Plc, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, serving more than 100,000 businesses with promotional items throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. 4imprint offers corporate gifts, personalized gifts, custom t-shirts, promotional pens, travel mugs, tote bags, water bottles, Post-it® Notes, custom calendars, custom shirts and much more. For additional information, visit www.4imprint.com.

It features a handy criss-cross of elastic bands, arranged in a grid system.  The bands provide almost endless ways to arrange and carry electronic devices.

We’ll be offering some new products that help you manage electronics later this fall. 

The products will be part of a new series called elleven.  The portfolio shown above is just one of the products.  It includes a section stitched into the front that includes elastic bands in a latticework pattern – perfect for holding receipts, paper, USBs and even a hand-held tablet.  The range extends into technology storage and bags with similar features.

Give these to your team or your customers and they’ll start to feel really organized! 

-Suzanne

In this Blue Paper, we discuss the basics of what these protections are, why they are important to business, when and how to apply, and how to take efforts to ensure that you and your employees are not violating the terms of someone else’s copyright, trademark or patent.

I’m no different. I am one of those patients who trusts my doctors, and rarely questions them as long as I get an answer. But I also like to be aware of my options and what is available, and given the changes occurring in our health system, I believe there are many others who just want to understand their options, too.

What types of options do you offer to complement your patients’ traditional course of care? Offering treatments and services complementary to the traditional methods gives your patients input in their care, making your relationship more meaningful and positive.

If you offer complementary services, take a look at the recently published 4imprint newsletter outlining how you can communicate these care options to your patients.

Check out some of our team spirit products, including those below, and show your pride!

The Post-it® Discount Coupons – is our newest style of Post-it® Notes.  These handy little promotional products come in two different shapes – a rectangle and a square. 

Each size is available in 10%, 25%, 30% and 50% discounts.  Half has the discount amount.  The other half is for your logo – or another message you want to include.

There are so many ways you can use these!

Stick one on a pizza box, receipt for an oil change or retail bags and tell them they can get a discount on their next visit. 

You can get pads in one discount amount.  Or, order discount pads in two different amounts.  You’ll be able to give your best customers an even better deal! 

-Suzanne

The question of ink color is one that draws lots of conversation.  Here in the U.S., many pens come with black ink as the default.  In other parts of the world (such as Europe), it’s actually the other way around and the default is blue.

I have good news for fans of blue ink!  Coming soon is the stylish new Athena Pen with blue ink.

This 4imprint exclusive comes in molded plastic and will be available in a refreshed palette of bright promotional colors.  The range of hues features black rubber and chrome-colored accents.  Each color looks great with blue ink, of course!

-Suzanne

I do my research, especially at election time, to understand the candidiates’ platforms and agendas.  I know this is not always the norm, though.  I know many that do not vote, or vote randomly.  This may be for a number of reasons – maybe they don’t understand what the issues are, if they can actually make a difference, or they are not concerned.

Whatever the reason, if you are reaching out to the community, it is important that your agency communicates the right message to the appropriate group of people.  Using social media is one idea – I am a Facebook follower of candidates I support – or start by developing a civic education program.  4imprint recently published a newsletter with some ideas on starting a program to educate your community.

It is never too late to begin a program, and with fall elections just around the corner, it may be the perfect time.

These lively little lunch bags are made with laminated polypropylene and features contrasting trim in a stylish pattern of circles.

Or, if you are looking for a lively option in a larger size, check out the Annabelle Tote. 

The Annabelle Tote retails for $1.50-$2.00 each.  The Annabelle Lunch Cooler retails for $3.00-$3.70/each. 

-Suzanne

Explore Social Advertising and Facebook with 4imprint’s
Latest Blue Paper and Podcast

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – Now that social networking website Facebook™ has surpassed 300 million active users, many advertisers are taking note of the considerable opportunity to advertise through this still-new channel. Facebook Ad Campaigns, the latest Blue Paper™ and Podcast from promotional products retailer 4imprint, provides an introduction to Facebook advertising as well as tips for effective campaign development.

“While Facebook is still relatively young in comparison to other marketing channels, there’s more information available now than ever before about incorporating Facebook ads into current strategies,” says Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing for 4imprint. “This Blue Paper takes that research and the lessons learned from other organizations to help customers decide if it makes sense for them.”

A recent survey by Myers Publishing, LLC, named Facebook the top website in providing “valuable targeted audiences” to advertisers, and marketers are expected to spend upward of $1 billion on advertising through the site this year. This indicates that, in the very least, it’s a trend all businesses should look into.

Facebook Ad Campaigns explains:
• the appeal of Facebook advertising;
• the benefits to Facebook ad campaigns;
• a step-by-step tutorial for creating a Facebook ad; and
• how to successfully measure results.

To read this Blue Paper or to download the podcast visit www.4imprint.com/bluepapers.

4imprint is not affiliated with Facebook; Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

About 4imprint Blue Papers™
4imprint Blue Papers™ are in-depth, how-to articles, distributed to 4imprint customers to help their organizations succeed. Accessible at www.4imprint.com/bluepapers, Blue Papers™ have covered popular, cutting-edge topics such as podcasting, online social media, search engine optimization (SEO) and experiential marketing.

About 4imprint
4imprint is part of 4imprint Group, Plc, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, serving more than 100,000 businesses with promotional items throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. 4imprint offers corporate gifts, personalized gifts, custom t-shirts, promotional pens, travel mugs, tote bags, water bottles, Post-it® Notes, custom calendars, custom shirts and much more. For additional information, visit www.4imprint.com.

Local companies can attend career fairs on your campus, to provide details on their industries or specialties to students. You could also work with a business to set up a work shadow program, which would allow students to follow local professionals for a day or two, to understand what is all involved in a career that interests them.  Beyond career information, there are also opportunities for collaboration on fundraisers, student performance incentives, and sponsorship opportunities.  The business that you partner with benefits by becoming more visible in the community, promoting their name, and possibly tax benefits from donations to the school, so teaming up becomes a win for both the school and the business.

Take a look at the Blue Paper, or listen to the Podcast.  There may be some ideas you want to pursue.

The brightly-colored sticky notes are available in a variety of different messages, such as Great Job!, Thanks a Bunch!  Way to Go! and Thanks to You! 

There is room for a few words of gratitude or congratulations at the center.  And, space at the bottom provides the perfect spot for your logo.

Stick them on someone’s desk, door or bag as they leave for the day.  These promotional products let your team know that you appreciate their work.  You’ll make someone’s day.
-Suzanne

We’ve got some really cool, colorful new hand fans that keep the air moving at summer events.

The Breezin’ Plastic Hand Fan is a 4imprint exclusive. This promotional product is available in both Circle and Thumbs-Up styles.  They’re reasonably priced at just $.50-.70/each.

They’re the perfect giveaway for summer picnics, back-to-school fairs and assemblies and outdoor sporting events. The large imprint area means your logo will definitely stand out in a crowd.
-Suzanne

If you are building a pediatric office or family practice, take a look at the Kidz Bandage Dispensers in fun solid colors or designs.  Hand them out at health fairs or community events to attract new patients , or give them to existing patients at their back to school exams.

Or choose one of the many products in our 24-hour store.  Check out www.4imprint.com/healthcare for more ideas.

The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation works to provide answers, support and hope to people (and their families!) who have dealing with bone marrow failure diseases.  The team also works to raise awareness within the medical community and the community at large around these serious, serious diseases.

They do (as so many great non-profit organizations also do) what they do well, and the work is vitally important.  If you have some time, please click here to read more about what they do.

Here are some pictures from their annual patient conference. It’s a pretty special event where patients and their families can come and learn about these diseases from leading experts, and perhaps more importantly, meet with others who are working through the same issues.

Shameless plug alert #2 – notice that the pictures are of some pretty nifty looking promotional products from the event(I love how they always go with their color – red)? Sorry, couldn’t help myself…

Foam Hammer
 

Foam Tomahawk
 

Foam Bone
 
These foam spirit sticks are also available as mallets, bats, lightning bolts, swords, torches and more.  They’re fun for fans in the stands and crowds love cheering with them.
 
If you’re looking for other promotional products to help your fans show their spirit, check out the Sports & Leisure section of our Web site, where we’ve pulled together some great giveaways for teams and fans. 
 
-Suzanne

It may sound futuristic, but there are now technologies that allow marketers to scientifically understand the mind of the consumer. It’s not science fiction, its neuromarketing.

Even though it isn’t Fire Prevention Week, or Crime Prevention Week, or Public Service Recognition Week, it’s important to take time out of our day to thank and acknowledge the men and women that keep our communities safe throughout the year.  Often a simple thank you is enough, but how about showing support with caps, tees, and sweatshirts emblazoned with the logo of your local fire or police departments?  What more pride could be felt by your local public safety teams when they see community members proudly sporting their logos?

Let’s not forget what they do for us day in and day out.  After all, they save people.