Celebrate National Nurses Week!

April 4th, 2013

Each year May 6-12 is National Nurses Week, a time to thank the nurses that play such an important role in the care of our patients and loved ones. They bring into their daily work knowledge, kindness, and understanding that keep patients cared for and comfortable.

Show You Care – Nurses spend a great deal of time caring for others, and they may not have the time to pamper themselves. Giving gifts that focus on them and their own lifestyles can show how much you need them and care for their well-being.

View a larger, more detailed picture of the Brookstone Get Fit Gym Kit

Exhibit Their Pride – Nursing takes dedication. Give them a gift that enables them to show pride in what they do, and the commitment they give show to others. They will continually be reminded of the importance of their work.

Be Supportive – Show that you support causes near and dear to them, something that they may come across in their daily work. Taking the time to show that there is a common goal can serve as a motivator to continue their hard work.

Thank them for the commitment to others by showing them how much their work is appreciated!

Tags: Appreciation, healthcare, National Nurses Week, Nurses
Posted in Healthcare Promotion Ideas, Healthcare Promotions No Comments »

Data Visualization: The science—and art—of discovering patterns and trends in data The newest blue paper and podcast from 4imprint®

April 2nd, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2013

For more information, contact:

Greg Ebel, 4imprint

920-236-7272, ext. 8396

Data Visualization: The science—and art—of discovering patterns and trends in data

The newest blue paper and podcast from 4imprint®

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) –With ever-increasing amounts of data available to business, government and non-profit organizations, today’s challenge is not finding data, but making sense of it. The latest Blue Paper®, podcast and infographic from promotional products retailer 4imprint called Data Visualization: The science—and art—of discovering patterns and trends in data zeroes in on the buzz and the business behind it all.

Data visualization begins when data and design come together to make complex datasets easier to interpret and understand. There are many different ways to illustrate information and numbers graphically, but facts and rigid adherence to long-standing design principals are keys to quality data visualization.

“Organizations looking for new ways to present data might find data visualization interesting,” states Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing, 4imprint. “In addition to explaining what data visualization is, this Blue Paper illustrates different ways to display data and shares best practices for doing so.”

A sampling of the topics included in this Blue Paper and podcast are:

Definitions of key phrases like “big data” and “data mining”
The different kinds of charts and graphs to use
Data visualization best practices
The risk that comes with running numbers
Tips to use for effective design
And much more!

Visit www.4imprint.com/bluepapers to read this Blue Paper, listen to the podcast or view the infographic.

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.

Posted in Press Releases No Comments »

Inking Your Brand

March 20th, 2013

Red. Black. Blue. Those used to be the colors of ink available in promotional pens.

If your organization’s brand color was anything other than those three, you could choose a pen with a barrel aligned with your brand, but not the ink.

PaperMate’s InkJoy pens change that.

InkJoy pens come in a variety of colors, with ink to match. Now, whether your brand color is orange, brown, lime green, grass green or turquoise or a more standard ink color like red, blue or black, you can get both the pen and ink to match your brand.

And, color isn’t the only feature worth writing about. InkJoy pens start evenly and write smoothly – the kind of promotional products your customers will want to get their hands on. In fact, the InkJoy pen’s branded ink colors will make these popular with your team, too. And, that might make it difficult to keep these pens on your desk.

-Suzanne

Tags: personalized giveaways, personalized items, personalized products, Promotional Items, Promotional Pens, Promotional Products
Posted in Suzanne's Blog No Comments »

Clever ways to say thank you!

March 19th, 2013

This May 6-10, Teacher Appreciation Week, take the time to celebrate the commitment of our educators by showing how much they are appreciated!

Do what you can to help them with grading papers by filling a small tote bag with pens, highlighters and notepads.

Lunch can make a perfect gift. Set up a healthy salad bar, and provide reusable food containers as a convenient way to dish up their portion.

Keep them hydrated and refreshed throughout the day, with a fun mug for their coffee, or a sports bottle for their water.

Consider giving them a photo frame which they can place on their desks to make a favorite picture of family and friends visible throughout the day.

Saying thank you is easy and much appreciated. Enjoy celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with them even though they deserve special attention all year long for all they do!

Tags: Appreciation, Education, Gifts, Promotional Products, School, teacher appreciation
Posted in Education Promotion Ideas, Education Promotions No Comments »

Growing a workplace culture of team spirit: New Blue Paper® and podcast

March 13th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2013

For more information, contact:

Greg Ebel, 4imprint

920-236-7272, ext. 8396

Growing a workplace culture of team spirit: New Blue Paper® and podcast

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – Engaged teams get results. Increased engagement leads to increased productivity. Increased productivity leads to increased profitability. The latest Blue Paper (4imprint’s version of a white paper), podcast and infographic from promotional products retailer 4imprint® examines the elements of team spirit in the workplace and provides a how-to guide for building teams with respect, optimism, trust, collaboration and drive towards shared goals.

Building team spirit starts with finding the right people to work with you, managing the group dynamic and ensuring there are no obstacles to prevent people from supporting one another, sharing resources and working collectively towards shared goals.

“Many of our customers are focused on building strong teams,” says Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing at 4imprint. “That inspired us to look at the elements of team spirit and share some tips and tools that others have found useful.”

This Blue Paper and podcast provides a step-by-step guide to exploring and strengthening team spirit within your organization. Learn more about:

The definition of team spirit attributes
Why purpose and employee engagement matter
Activities to help grow team spirit
Ways to evaluate your team’s progress
Workplace challenges that may hinder team spirit

Read this Blue Paper, download the podcast and view the infographic by visiting 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.

Posted in Press Releases No Comments »

How to optimize for mobile with responsive Web design 4imprint® presents latest white paper and podcast

March 1st, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2013

For more information, contact:

Greg Ebel, 4imprint

920-236-7272, ext. 8396

How to optimize for mobile with responsive Web design

4imprint® presents latest white paper and podcast

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – This month’s Blue Paper®, podcast and infographic from promotional products retailer 4imprint is about responsive Web design. Entitled How to optimize for mobile with responsive Web design, it focuses on the benefits that come with a mobile site, specifically one that responds, or sizes, to the screen dimensions and resolutions of each device that visits it.

Between Android®, iPhone®, Blackberry® and Windows®, it seems as if a new mobile device is introduced to the market each day, each with a different screen size than the next. Ensuring that websites appeared optimized for each device has been a challenge more many businesses. Luckily, there are multiple mobile solutions between mobile applications (“apps”), mobile templates and mobile sites. Now, there’s responsive Web design (RWD), too. Responsive is an innovative Web design that ensures website content is optimized for desktops as well as mobile devices. And, it’s become so effective that it has been recognized as Google’s “recommended configuration.”

“As more and more companies look at different options to reach their mobile customers, Responsive Web design is an emerging trend they may want to consider,” says Greg Ebel, the vice president of sales and marketing at 4imprint®. “This Blue Paper pulls together information to help explain what responsive Web design is and why some companies are starting to use it.”

This Blue Paper and podcast elaborate on multiple mobile optimization options in addition to RWD. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

Mobile trends and current consumer behavior
Mobile applications, templates and websites as well as the pros and cons of each
The origin and growth of RWD
What makes RWD work: Fluid grids, media queries and HTML5
And how to make the decision—and the move—to a responsive Web presence

To read this Blue Paper, download the podcast or view the infographic, 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.

Posted in Press Releases No Comments »

How to discover individual strengths and develop a strong team

February 27th, 2013

How to discover individual strengths and develop a strong team

Tom Rath is the author of StrengthsFinder 2.0. He writes that "people who … have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general."

When people are engaged at work, they’re more productive. Gallup® noted that the U.S. economy loses more than $300 billion annually from disengaged employees. Can you imagine what that may mean for your agency? Furthermore, engaged employees who use their strengths are less likely to leave, which improves retention and is likely to enhance your recruitment efforts as well.

Identify individual strengths
Strengths start as innate talents, a proclivity to behave or think a certain way. Then, over time, that talent is solidified by other skills, acquired knowledge and constant practice. Capitalizing on those strengths will help improve your bottom line.

Often, we focus on improving our “weaknesses,” but research indicates that by instead focusing on strengths and building well-rounded teams that capitalize on each person’s unique abilities, greater productivity can be had. According to the Gallup Business Journal®, “If companies want to increase productivity, they must … help [employees] use their strengths with knowledgeable intent.”

But before your team members can use their strengths, they have to identify them. One cost-effective way to identify strengths is to watch for signs of excitement and increased engagement throughout the day. Visible signs of excitement emerge when pupils dilate, the chest broadens, and speech becomes fast and fluid.

Another option is to register for an online assessment. One option Entrepreneur.com recommends is the VIA Character Strength Assessment. However, Gallup has come up with an online assessment tool to identify peoples’ strengths, too. It’s called the Clifton StrengthsFinder test. There you can learn about how to “develop people, maximize potential and achieve success.”

Once you’ve had your team identify their strengths individually, it’s time to put those strengths to work.

Share the knowledge. Each person needs to share his or her strengths with the team and discuss how those strengths can benefit the agency as a whole. Take time for your team to learn about each other’s strengths and the advantages those offer. Imprint everyone’s name and strengths on magnets for their office desks as a reminder and guide to pairing the right strengths with the right projects. Additionally, use motivational banners, table tents or posters around the office to inspire the team to use their strengths every day.
Make it part of the culture. When you see employees actively utilizing their strengths in ways that are helping the agency grow, reward them with a multi-function tool kit that says it’s clear they are using their “tools” to get the job done!
Ask them to report back. Drive the “strengths” message home by asking your employees to give you feedback on how they think they’re doing at manifesting their strengths, something they can record in a small notepad. Also, include strengths-based performance expectations in your team’s annual reviews. Hold your team accountable and watch them shine.

Ultimately, their individual strengths will help drive the entire agency to bigger and better things. It may take some time for “the strengths” idea to get off the ground, but once your employees are given the chance to become great at what they’re already good at, there will be no stopping them—or your agency.

"Using Your Strengths: How to Harness Your Natural Gifts for Greater Satisfaction." Using Your Strengths: How to Harness Your Natural Gifts for Greater Satisfaction. The Personal Growth Library, n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2013.

Amabile, Teresa, and Steven Kramer. "Employee Happiness Matters More Than You Think." Employee Happiness Matters More Than You Think – Businessweek. Businessweek, n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2013.

Asplund, Jim, and Nikki Blacksmith. "How Strengths Boost Engagement." Gallup Business Journal, n.d. Web. 24 Dec. 2012.

Goodman, Nadia. "4 Ways to Discover Your Strengths." Entrepreneur.com. 4 Ways to Discover Your Strengths | Entrepreneur.com, 18 Sept. 2012. Web. 03 Jan. 2013.



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1: Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day 1: Employee Appreciation Day 1: Dress in Blue Day 1: National Horse Protection Day 1: National Peanut Lovers Day 1: Peace Corps Birthday 1: Pig Day 1: Plan a Solo Vacation Day 1: Refired, Not retired Day 1: World Compliment Day 1: World Day of Prayers 2: Dr. Seuss Day 2: International Tongue Twister Day 2: NEA’s Read Across America Day 3: Daughters’ and Sons’ Day 3: Iditarod 3: International Sister Cities Day 3: I Want You to Be Happy Day 3: Namesake Day 3: National Anthem Day 3: What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day 4: Benjamin Harrison Day 4: Courageous Follower Day 4: International Scrapbooking Industry Day 4: March Forth-Do Something Day 4: National Grammar Day 4: Old Inauguration Day 4: Toy Soldier Day 4: Casimir Pulaski Day 4: Fun Facts About Names Day 5: Saint Piran’s Day 5: Peace Corp Birthday 5: Unique Names Day 6: Oreo Cookie Day 6: Sofia Kovalevskaya Math Day 6: Learn What Your Name Means Day 7: Nametag Day 7: National Agriculture Day 7: National Be Heard Day 7: World Math Day 7: Cereal Day 8: Day for Women’s Rights & International Peace 8: Girls Right Now Day 8: International Women’s Day 8: International Working Women’s Day 8: Middle Name Pride Day 8: National Proof Reader Day 8: National Peanut Cluster Day 9: Barbie Day 9: Get Over It Day 9: Joe Franklin Day 9: Panic Day 9: Genealogy Day 10: International Day of Awesomeness 10: International Fanny Pack Day 10: Land Line Telephone Day 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins 10: Mario Day 10: Salvation Army Day 10: US Paper Money Day	10: Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 11: Check your Batteries Day 11: Dream 2013 Day 11: Jonny Appleseed Day 11: Fill Our Staplers Day 11: Napping Day 11: World Plumbing Day 11: Girl Scout Sunday 12: Girls Scout Birthday Day 12: Organize Your Home Office Day 13: Donald Duck Day 13: Earmuffs Day 13: Good Samaritan Involvement Day 13: K-9 Veterans Day 13: Ken Day 13: L. Ron Hubbard Day 13: National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day 13: Registered Dietitian Day 14: International Ask A Question Day 14: MOTH-ER Day 14: Potato Chip Day 14: Pi Day (as in math) 14: World Kidney Day 15: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 15: Brutus Day 15: Buzzards Day 15: Ides of March 15: True Confessions Day 15: World Consumer Rights Day 15: Freedom of Information Day 15-17: US Snowshoe Day 16: Corn Dog Day 16: Curlew Day 16: Goddard Day 16: International Sports Car Racing Day 16: Lips Appreciation Day 16: National Quilting Day 16: St. Urho’s Day 17: Campfire Girls Day 17: St. Patrick’s Day 18: Awkward Moments Day 18: Forgive Mom and Dad Day 18: National Biodiesel Day 18: Well-Elderly or Wellderly Day 19: National Chocolate Carmel Day 19: Operation Iraqi Freedom Day 19: Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano Day 20: Alien Abduction Day 20: Atheist Pride Day 20: Bed-in for Peace Day 20: Corn Dog Day 20: Great American Meat Out Day 20: International Astrology Day 20: Kick Butts Day 20: Kiss Your Fiance Day 20: National Jump Out! Day 20: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 20: Ostara 20: Proposal Day	20: National Agriculture Day 20: Now Ruz 20: Snowman Burning Day 20: Vernal Equinox (Spring) 20: Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day 21: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 21: Brain Injury Awareness Day 21: Companies that Care Day 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 21: Memorial Day 21: National Day of Action on Syringe Exchange 21: National Common Courtesy Day 21: Naw-Ruz 21: Spring Fairy Fun Day 21: World Down Syndrome Day 22: As Young As You Feel Day 22: Education and Sharing Day 22; International Day of the Seal 22: International Goof-off Day 22: World Day for Water 23: National Puppy Day 23: Near Miss Day 23: O.K. Day 23: World Meteorological Day 24: National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day 24: World Tuberculosis Day 24: Palm Sunday 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic 25: National Day of Celebration of Greek & American Democracy 25: National Medal of Honor Day 25: Old New Years Day 25: Passover 25: Pecan Day 25: Tolkien Reading Day 25: Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day) 26: Legal Assistants Day 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday 27: American Diabetes Association Alert Day 27: Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day 28: Barnum and Bailey Day 28: Weed Appreciation Day 29: Good Friday 29: Knights of Columbus Founders Day 29-30: National Day of Unplugging 29: National Mom & Pop Business Owner’s Day 29: Niagra Falls Runs Dry Day 29: Texas Loves the Children Day 30: Doctors Day 30: Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day 30: Pencil Day 31: Bunsen Burner Day 31: Earth Hour 31: Easter 31: National “She’s Funny the Way” Day 31: Terri’s Day


Atlanta Food and Wine Month ASPCA Month Alcohol Awareness Month Amateur Radio Month Autism Awareness Month Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month Cancer Control Month Car Care Month Celebrate Diversity Month Child Abuse Prevention Month Cesarean Awareness Month Community Spirit Day Confederate History Month Couple Appreciation Month Cranberries and Gooseberries Month Defeat Diabetes Month Emotional Overeating Awareness Month Fair Housing Month Financial Literacy Month Fresh Florida Tomatoes Month Frog Month Global Child Nutrition Month Grange Month Grilled Cheese Month Holy Humor Month Home Improvement Time (April – Sept)	Honor Society Awareness Month Informed Women Month International Customer Loyalty Month International Guitar Month International Twit Award Month IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Month Jazz Appreciation Month Keep America Beautiful Month Library Snapshot Month Math Awareness Month Month of the Young Child Month of the Military Child National African American Women’s Fitness Month National Autism Awareness Month National Child Abuse Prevention Month National Card and Letter Writing Month National Decorating Month National DNA & Genomics & Stem Cell Education & Awareness Month National Donate Life Month National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month National Garden Month National Humor Month National Kite Month National Knuckles Down Month National Landscape Architecture Month National Multiple Birth Awareness Month	National Occupational Therapy Month National Parkinson’s Awareness Month National Pecan Month National Pest Management Month National Pet Month National Poetry Month National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month National Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Month National Sexual Assault Awareness Month National Youth Sports Safety Month Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month Pet First Aid Awareness Month Physical Wellness Month Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month Rosacea Awareness Month School Library Media Month Soy Foods Month Straw Hat Month Stress Awareness Month Testicular Cancer Awareness Month Tomatillo and Asian Pear Month Women’s Eye Health & Safety Month Workplace Conflict Awareness Month World Habitat Awareness Month World Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month

The APAWAs Pooper-Scooper Week: 1-7 Explore Your Career Options: 1-7 Golden Rule Week: 1-7 Laugh at Work Week: 1-7 Medication Safety Week: 1-7 Testicular Cancer Awareness Week: 1-7 Hate Week: 4-10 Just Pray No! Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting: 6-7 National Animal Control Appreciation Week: 7-13 National Blue Ribbon Week: 7-13 National Public Health Week: 7-13 National Week of the Ocean: 7-13 National Window Safety Week: 7-13 American Indian Awareness Week: 8-14 Masters Tournament: 11-14 YoYo and Skill Toy Weekend: 12-14	Bat Appreciation Week: 14-20 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: 14-23 National Environmental Week: 14-20 National Robotics Week: 14-20 National Library Week: 14-20 National Public Safety Telecommunicates: 14-20 Pan American Week: 14-20 Week of the Young Child: 14-20 (Spring) Astronomy Week: 15-21 Undergraduate Research Week: 15-19 Health Information Privacy And Security Week: 17-23 International Whistlers Week: 17-21 Cleaning for a Reason Week: 18-24 Consumer Awareness Week: 18-23 Police Officers Who Gave Their Lives In The Line of Duty Week: 18-23 National Park Week: 20-28 Money Smart Week: 20-27	Administrative Professionals Week: 21-27 Coin Week: 21-27 Fibroid Awareness Week: 21-27 National Karaoke Week: 21-27 National Volunteer Week: 21-27 National Pet ID Week: 21-27 National Paperboard Packaging Week: 21-27 National Severe Storm Preparedness Week: 21-27 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week: 21-27 Preservation Week: 21-27 Sky Awareness Week: 21-27 National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week: 22-28 Safe Kids Week: 22-27 Mariachi Week: 24-27 National Pro-Life T-shirt Week: 24-30 National Scoop the Poop Week: 24-30

1: April Fools or All Fools Day 1: Atheist Day 1: Boomer Bonus Days 1: Dyngus Day 1: International Tatting Day 1: Library Snap Shot Day 1: Myles Day 1: National Fun Day 1: National Fun at Work Day 1: Poetry & The Creative Mind Day 1: Reading is Funny Day 1: Sorry Charlie Day 1: St. Stupid Day 1: Tater Day 1: US Air Force Academy Day 1: White House Easter Egg Roll 2: International Children’s Book Day 2: National Love Your Produce Manager Day 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 2: Reconciliation Day 2: World Autism Day 3: Find a Rainbow Day 3: Pony Express Day 3: Tweed Day 3: Week Out Hate: Snow the Seeds of Greatness Day 3: Whole Grain Sampling Day 3: World Party Day 3: National Day of Hope 3: National Walking Day 3: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 4: International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 4: Square Root Day 4: Victims of Violence Holy Day 4: Vitamin C Day 4: World Rat Day 4: National D.A.R.E. Day 5: National Deep Dish Pizza Day 5: Hospital Admitting Clerks Day 5: National Walk to Work Day 6: Army Day 6: New Beers Eve 6: Drowsy Driver Awareness Day 6: National Love Our Children Day 6: National Student Athlete Day 6: Tartan Day 6: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Day 6: Teflon Day 6: International Pillow Fight Day 7: International Beaver Day 7: International Snailpapers Day 7: Metric System Day 7: National Beer Day 7: No Housework Day 7: Tangible Karma Day 7: World Health Organization Day 8: Buddha Day 8: Trading Cards for Grown-ups Day 9: Equal Pay Day 9: National Be Kind to Lawyers Day 9: National Cherish an Antique Day 9: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day	9: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day 9: Ascension Day 9: Appomattox Day 9: Jenkins Ear Day 9: Winston Churchill Day 10: ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Day) 10: National Farm Animals Day 10: National Sibling Day 10: One Day Without Shoes Day 10: Salvation Army Founder’s Day 10: Safety Pin Day 11: Barbershop Quartet Day 11: International “Louie Louie: Day 11: National Pet Day 11: World Parkinson’s Disease Day 12: D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) 12: International Day of Human Space Flight 12: Licorice Day 12: Tax Freedom Day 13: Walk on Your Wild Side Day 13: Thomas Jefferson Day 13: Scrabble Day 13: Baby Massage Day 14: Children with Alopecia Day 14: Dictionary Day 14: International Moment of Laughter Day 14: Pan American Day 15: Boston Marathon 15: Income Tax Pay Day 15: McDonald’s Day 15: Take a Wild Guess Day 15: That Sucks Day 16: National Health Care Decisions Day 16: National Library Day 17: National Stress Awareness Day 17: Bat Appreciation Day 17: Blah! Blah! Blah! Day 17: Ellis Island Family History Day 17: National Haiku Poetry Day 17: Ford Mustang Day 17: National Bookmobile Day 17: Nothing Like A Dame Day 18: Adult Autism Day 18: Get To Know Your Customers Day 18: National Columnist Day 18: National Golf Day 18: Pet Owners Independence Day 18: High Five Day 18: International Amateur Radio Day 18: National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day 18: Poem in Your Pocket Day 18: Support Teen Literature Day 18: Day of Silence 19: John Parker Day 19: National Hanging Out Day 19: Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day 19: Yom HaShoah 19: DNA Day 19: National Day of Silence 20: Auctioneers Day 20: Husband Appreciation Day	20: Record Store Day 20: Spring Astronomy Day 21: Kindergarten Day 21: National Chocolate-covered Cashews Day 22: Chemists Celebrate The Earth Day 22: Earth Day 22: Girl Scout Leader Day 22: In God We Trust Day’ Day 22: Mother Earth Day 22: National Jelly Bean Day 24: International Guide Dogs Day 23: Movie Theatre Day 23: International Marconi Day 23: National Teach Your Children To Save Day 23: Talk Like Shakespeare Day 23: World Book & Copyright Day 23: World Book Night 24: Genocide Remembrance Day 25: Administrative Professionals Day or Secretary’s Day 25: Hairstylists Appreciation Day 25: Malaria Awareness Day 25: Hug a Plumber Day or Plumbers Day 25: Red Hat Society Day 25: Yom HaZikaron 25: World Penguin Day 26: Hug an Australian Day 26: Audubon Day 26: National Kids and Pets Day 26: Richter Scale Day 26: Trinity Sunday 26: Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day 26-28: Bob Wills Day 26: Yom HaArzmaut 26: Arbor Day 26: National Hairball Awareness Day 27: Babe Ruth Day 27: Bulldogs are Beautiful Day 27: Mantanzas Mule Day 27: Morse Code Day 27: Eeyore’s Birthday Day 27: National Go Birding Day 27: National Rebuilding Day 27: Penguin Day 27: Save the Frogs Day 27: Sense of Smell Day 27: World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 27: World Healing Day 27: World Veterinary Day 28: Biological Clock Day 28: Lag B’omer 28: National Pet Parent’s Day 28-: Mother, Father Deaf Day 28: Workers Memorial Day 29: National Dance Day 29: “Peace” Rose Day 29: Pinhole Photography Day 29: Zipper Day 30: Beltane 30: Bugs Bunny Day 30: International Jazz Day 30: Dia De Los Libros Day 30: National Honesty Day 30: Spank Out Day 30: Walpurgis Night 30: World Healing Day

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Augmented reality: Engaging the real and virtual worlds 4imprint® presents Latest Blue Paper® and podcast

February 27th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2013

For more information, contact:

Greg Ebel, 4imprint

920-236-7272, ext. 8396

Augmented reality: Engaging the real and virtual worlds

4imprint® presents Latest Blue Paper® and podcast

(OSHKOSH, Wis.) – This month’s Blue Paper, podcast and infographic from promotional products retailer 4imprint entitled, Augmented reality: Engaging the real and virtual worlds, offers an inside look at an emerging new marketing trend known as augmented reality, which seeks to enhance customer experience with the help of image recognition software inside mobile devices.

Slowly but surely augmented reality has made its way onto the marketing stage. A number of companies have begun experimenting with this new phenomenon which seeks to engage the customer more thoroughly and even interact with them. Senses of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste combine with a digital experience. Augmented reality provides consumers with the latest deals and up-to-date information, enhanced product demonstrations, a view beneath the surface of a product, or an interactive social media experience.

“Augmented reality is a growing marketing trend in today’s marketplace,” says Greg Ebel, vice president of sales and marketing for 4imprint. “This Blue Paper is meant to help people better understand what augmented reality is and how companies are using it now.”

The Blue Paper and podcast define augmented reality and then go on to discuss a variety of issues surrounding it including:

The benefits that come with an augmented reality marketing campaign
How it inspires greater interactivity
The advantages of operating in real-time
How augmented reality increases trackability
Inspires a more enjoyable in-store experience
A preview of brands that have incorporated augmented reality into their marketing plans
And more

To read this Blue Paper, download the podcast or check out the infographic, 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.

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Just Doodle It

February 21st, 2013

When I spotted this on Pinterest®, I thought it was brilliant.

It’s called the Doodle Duvet, a giant, washable sheet that looks like notebook paper. It can be colored again and again, using special doodle markers that come out in the wash. (These are available online and at many craft stores.)

Doodling is a very popular trend. If your target audience includes children, teens, tweens or creative adults, doodle-ready promotional products might really grab their attention.

To get conversation rolling during an icebreaker, print both a faux frame and your logo on the cover of the Composition Notebook.

Ask recipients to draw things that are important to them in their lives and then describe what they’ve drawn.

If you are organizing a camping trip, commemorate the activity by imprinting the Jerzees Blend 50/50 T-shirt with the name of the campground and a backdrop of trees or tents. Then encourage campers to doodle and draw their favorite memories from the trip.

Giving recipients the chance to personalize their promotional products is more than a fun activity. It also helps ensure recipients will use and wear them with pride.

- Suzanne

Tags: corporate gifts, corporate giveaways, custom shirts, Custom T-Shirts, personalized gifts, personalized giveaways, personalized items, personalized products, Promotional Items, Promotional Products
Posted in Suzanne's Blog No Comments »

Promotional Products Placement

February 19th, 2013

Brands often pay big dollars to place their products in blockbuster films.

You’ve no doubt noticed a movie’s lead actress using a laptop with a logo prominently displayed. Or, a lead actor driving a car whose hood ornament appears in almost every shot.

While traveling recently, I stopped in at a coffee shop and found the local version of product placement.

A library donated a stack of books to the coffee shop. (The books had been taken out of circulation and would have otherwise been sold or recycled.) Coffee shop customers were encouraged to take a book to read and pass it on. The book rack contained signs explaining the program and flyers promoting upcoming library programs. It was a great collaboration!

That got me thinking about how other organizations could do this, too.

For example, book shops could take books that got tattered or faded while on the shelves, add a name plate inside the book explaining the program and place them in a coffee shop or restaurant. (For a little something extra, add a bookmark containing a special offer.)

Other organizations could replicate this idea, using other promotional products. For example, an optometrist or ophthalmologist could put their messages in front of Baby Boomers and Seniors by offering complimentary Light Up Credit Card Magnifiers to restaurants for diners to use when reading menus in low light.

That’s a win for the restaurant, the diner and the optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Construction companies, architects, insurance agents, real estate agents or other small businesses targeting families could do something similar, providing restaurants with paper placemats with line drawings of homes and buildings and the logo’d Crayon 4-Pack children can use to color while families wait for their food.

Or, they could make these promotional products available in doctors’ and dentists’ office waiting rooms.

To make a promotion like this successful, think of an organization that attracts customers like yours. Offer the leader a product that will enhance their customers’ experience while promoting your business.

With that type of collaboration, who could say no?

-Suzanne

Tags: personalized giveaways, personalized items, personalized products, Promotional Items, Promotional Products
Posted in Suzanne's Blog 2 Comments »

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Data Visualization: The science—and art—of discovering patterns and trends in data The newest blue paper and podcast from 4imprint®

Inking Your Brand

Clever ways to say thank you!

Growing a workplace culture of team spirit: New Blue Paper® and podcast

How to optimize for mobile with responsive Web design 4imprint® presents latest white paper and podcast

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Augmented reality: Engaging the real and virtual worlds 4imprint® presents Latest Blue Paper® and podcast

Just Doodle It

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