Kennedy Promos Blogspot

Wacky Top 10 Coolest Hot Promotional Products

2012-01-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt.

Wear it, play it, astonish your friends with it. Interactive tee shirt comes with mini amp and magnetic picks. Strum “guitar” to hear all major chords. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

The CoolerGrill.

Keep cold ones cold and hot stuff sizzling.

Grill coupled with two coolers is perfect for BBQs

and tailgating. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

USB Wind Turbine.

Wind turbine powered by computer's USB port creates a breeze – and a stir. Go green right from your desk. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Flexi-Vase.

Miracle vase is shatterproof, soft and flexible. Lays flat when not in use, then takes on vase shape when filled with water. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Fun Crayon.

Every kid on the block will want one. Holds five colors of crayon, yet is easy to grip.For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Matrix Travel Wallet.

Fits everything from keys, coins and cards to flash drives and documents. Perfect for the world traveler or exec on the go. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Silicone Oven Mitt.

Won’t melt, stain or scratch. Never loses its shape. The can’t-miss kitchen accessory. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Slap-On Watch.

Slap on, slap off. Look out, next generation! Comes
in 6 – appeals to all types. For more information
about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Can-In-Ball Koozie.

Play catch with an 8-inch football, then unscrew lid, drop in can and keep drink cool. Perfect for sports teams promotions. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Deep-Etched Virgin Olive Oil

Etch whatever you want onto a lovely 750-ml bottle of

Italian olive oil. For more information about this product, email to kennedypromos@yahoo.com

Interesting Statistics to Share on Client Gift Giving this Past Year

2011-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

How many of you gave gifts to clients and prospects this year?

According to a recent gift-giving survey from the Advertising Specialty Institute, average spending on such gifts was up nearly 14% to about $30 per gift this year. ASI's survey also found clients aren’t the only ones benefiting from corporate beneficence. Employers who answered our survey say they spent an average $42.52 per employee on “THANK YOU” gifts this year, up nearly 20% from 2010.

The survey shows That gift cards and cash remain the most popular employee gifts, with 38% of respondents planning to give gift cards to employees. Cash bonuses are second, but fell by 8 percentage points to 24% since 2010.

Does corporate gift-giving work? Nearly a quarter of respondents say giving gifts to clients and prospects results in sales and leads, with 27% of those surveyed saying the gift resulted in a referral and 24% reporting generating a lead or a sale.

Other survey highlights include:

Food/beverages are the most commonly cited gift for clients or prospects, with 32% of respondents giving them.
Over one-half (52%) decorate their gifts with their logo.
The most commonly attributed results of gift-giving are broad, such as a thank you (69%) or generating goodwill (60%).

Here are some of the custom imprinted items that were the most popular for our clients this past year.

What was your favorite gift to give this year? Let me know by posting a comment or e-mailing me here or I'm on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

How the Smart Phone has Changed My Life!

2011-07-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

When I think about how I used start my day 20 years ago, compared to today, life is just way more convenient today.

In 1991 I was 38 years old and headed into my last 5 years of a 24 year career at the Star Tribune Newspapers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At that point, for a very few of us who weren't in denial, the hand writing was on the wall for the future of printed newspapers. Our days of walking to the end of the driveway to pick up our daily newspaper were, for the most part, coming to an end with the first half of the Baby Boomer Generation.

20 years ago, I would leave home a 7:00 in the morning and drive 22 miles to downtown Minneapolis where I would attend sales and management meetings and take notes using a pens and a legal pad. When I wanted to write a memo about the meeting, I would write it in hand write it and hand it to a person, called a Secretary, to type in on her network computer only to read, make corrections and print again. When I think back, it's a wonder we accomplished anything.

So now that you have the idea, let's flash forward back to today! I left the Star Tribune in 1995 and became self employed along with lovely wife of 32 years, Mary. As our kids moved onto college, we moved from Minneapolis to Summerlin, near Las Vegas, NV where we operate Kennedy Advertising and Mary Kennedy at RE/MAX Central.

Today, I get up in the morning and turn on my I-Phone GS. Now I'm not Mr. High Tech guy, but I do pride myself in knowing enough to be dangerous about what I want to get out of this utility. I call my SmartPhone as a utility because that's really what I use it for. I don't need to have the latest version of the phone. In fact, I purposely lag one model behind so when the version 5 comes out, I'll go for the version 4. I don't like to be on the front end of working out the bugs. I view my time as precious and use my I-Phone GS for more work and very little play. The only game I play each day is one called "Get Efficient with your I-Phone" I have no music loaded on the phone.

I sync the phone with my computer each day so my calendar and contacts are automatically updated and look the same in both places. I use several apps that are pretty basic and can be used when I'm away from the office. I use Google Voice for my Voicemail because I have one click access to listen to my messages and the messages are logged for me up on my I-Google Home Page.

The basics are the email downloaded from 3 different accounts that I can receive and respond to. As for the apps that I can access from my personal ITunes Home Page, I downloaded the Yahoo and Google Search Apps for in the field research. My Social Networking apps consist of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Yelp. I also receive property alerts from Zillow.com and Realtor.com. I only open them when I see that I have a message.

I'm also an information junkie so I check the headlines each day using the mobiles apps for Fox News, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Star Tribune, TwinCities.com, NFL.com, Fandango and the Las Vegas Review Journal.

The only real non- business apps I use, on a regular basis, are All Recipes, Groupon, Overstock, and Kayak for travel.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m not Mr. High Tech Guy and I’m sure I’m only scratching the surface with the apps that I currently use. To keep me moving forward and upward in the mobile app world, I have a subscription to the printed version of MacLife Magazine and I have the MacLife Mobile App on my SmartPhone.

If any of you have any mobile apps that really work well for you would like to share, please feel free to comment on this blog. Thanks!!

Wikipedia can be used to Help Promote Your Business!

2011-07-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a break from being creative this morning and decided to go out on the Internet to look at websites that I frequently use in my business for research. For instance, when I decided to start blogging, I went to Wikipedia to read and consider it's definition of what a blog is. Although the definitions in Wikipedia are not considered to be official, it does have some good information like the definition you see below for "Blog".

A blog (a blend of the term web log)^[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.^[2] Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (art blog), photographs (photoblog), videos (video blogging), music (MP3 blog), and audio (podcasting). Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts.

As of today, the are almost 15 million register users on Wikipedia. As of 16 February 2011, there were over 156 million public blogs in existence. If you think about it, this may be a good time to post your business profile on Wikipedia and if you haven't yet, start a blog using the Wikipedia definition.

Our Favorite Realtor Links on Realtor.org

2011-07-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

We were at a RE/MAX Central Real Estate Training Session here in Las Vegas last week listening to a presentation on the potential of becoming an International Real Estate Specialist. At one point in the presentation, the instructor spoke about the available resources (FREE with your Membership) on the National Association of Realtors web site that are rarely accessed. He thought that to be pretty unusual because most Realtors are members, but they rarely access the resources.

It took a minute and than it dawned on me about what a lame ass I am for not taking advantage of the opportunity to take a closer look. Now let me clarify! If you haven't looked at the site either, I am not calling you a lame ass. Just Me! I tend to be a little harder on myself because I pride myself in organizing information that people value. It just kind of ticks me off that the resource is sitting in front of me and I tend to get wrapped up in so many other tasks and this is something that's a given. It's just so...... LAME! OK enough ranting about it! Time to move on!So while Mary was out with clients over the weekend, I decided to login for a closer look and share my Top 5 FREE Resources that you can use to market yourself on the National Association of Realtors Web site or most commonly www.Realtor.org

1. Newsletter content for Home Buyers and Sellers. If you can't spend alot of time writing, or are not very good at it, there is content available for members to use and it's well written.2. NAR Apps and Toolbars The Apps are for your Smartphone and there are Toolbars for Ipad, Windows and Mac based computers. There are also links that will connect you to the NAR pages on the most Social Networks for Real Estate. If you are not linked to them yet. Do it while you visit this page.3. NAR Realtor Benefits This page does have a Marketing component, but you will also see other benefits from FEDEX Discounts to Health or Dental Care. It's a page that is worth a visit if you want to save some money.
4. NAR Web Feeds This pages lists NAR's latest headlines by topic. When you choose to subscribe, the content and resources are delivered directly to your RSS reader. Again, this is good information to share with buyers and sellers. But you have to be a reader. I suggest starting with 1 or 2 feeds. We get enough e-mail!
5. NAR Technology This page brings you up to date on the latest technology available to the Real Estate Industry.

We hope you found this information to be helpful! For more Ideas and Targeted Information, visit the Kennedy Advertising Blog and if we can help you with any Promotional Ideas, please let us know.

You can also visit Mary Kennedy's RE/MAX Central Blog for the most up to date information on the Las Vegas Valley Real Estate market. If you have clients that are looking for a great buy in a warmer climate, send them our way. We'll take good care of them.

Have a GREAT July!

Are you ready to exhibit at your upcoming Las Vegas Convention?

2011-07-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

We hope that you have an outstanding time at your upcoming Las Vegas Convention. As I work with my Tradeshow Exhibitors to deliver high impact Printing and Imprinted Promotional Items to their Hotel or Tradeshow Booth, I get a chance to refine my Checklist for Las Vegas Tradeshow Exhibitors. Here is my latest!

1. Establish goals for your Las Vegas Convention at the outset that includes guidelines for measuring your success.

2. Remember sometimes bigger is just bigger. Over spending at Trade Shows can send potential clients the wrong message.

3. To give yourself plenty of time, order your Printing and Imprinted Promotional Items from Kennedy Advertising in Las Vegas, NV.3 to 4 weeks in advance. How to Order From Us!

4. Choose your attending representatives wisely. Make sure that they share the same company vision.

5. Consider your audience when selecting displays, uniforms, give-a-ways, and booth personnel.

6. Promote your booth in the weeks and months leading up the show, using everything at your disposal.

Email Blasts.
Social Networking.
Direct Mail Invitation to visit Your Booth.
Direct phone calls from Sales People to invite attendees to meetings or the trade show booth.

7. Establish booth responsibilities in advance of the show, including schedules and media training.

8. Set up meetings with key clients and prospects, as well as industry media in advance of the show.

9. Once “on the ground, begin “Tweeting, blogging, posting LinkedIn and Facebook updates to keep your customers and prospects who could not attend, up to date on what you’re doing.

10. Obtain a scanner or use your Smartphone to scan the bar codes on the attendees name badges that visit your booth or hospitality suite.

11. Collect business cards of people who visit the booth. Ask permission to email them additional information and/or add them to your email newsletter.

12. Offer product literature in a convenient fashion, like a CD ROM, instead of sending large folders of information with them.

13. Remember – It’s not just “Party Time” – Keep dinners out and entertainment to an appropriate level.

14. Take advantage of every opportunity see clients, prospects and put on a presentation if you’re asked to.

15. Sponsor an event if budget allows. Ask about having your message included in event emails and web pages.

16. Follow up once the show is over. Don’t let those business cards sit in a drawer. Get that contact information into a database and work those leads until you sell them or they turn cold.

Thanks for reviewing my list! Feel free to leave a comment and if you need any help as your event draws closer, feel free to call on us at anytime.

Best Regards,
John Kennedy
Kennedy Advertising
Las Vegas, NV.
888-725-4487

How do you integrate Imprinted Promotional Items into your Social Media Marketing efforts?

2011-07-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

Social Media Marketing is an inexpensive way to expand your business network. Millions of individuals and companies are using the Social Networks today. Marketing your large or small business with social media is an important part of the today’s media mix. Marketing on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn seem to be the most popular in my Social Media Circles so far.

Giving your loyal follows, likes and connections, promotional gifts is a profitable way to reinforce your brand while engaging your customers and prospects.

Choosing the right promotional advertising gift will help to ensure you get the best return for your investment. Feel free to browse through our links and catalogs on our blog page. For more information on logistics and pricing, contact us today.

How important are repeat customers for your business?

2011-07-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

Finding and serving a new customer can cost up to 5 times as much as keeping an existing customer. Repeat business is usually a very reliable and highly profitable form of revenue.

Our Customer Loyalty Programs (or “Thank You for Your Business” programs) can be customized so that you’re Sales and Marketing force will never forget to thank your customers.

Through the use of Imprinted Promotional Items and with appropriate controls and distribution models in place, you will establish and promote customer loyalty with each and every transaction!

An “Automated” program is usually the best way you can put in place a reliable, measurable, and repeatable method to ensure that you will always let your customers know that you care about their business.

Customer Acquisition Programs are designed to attract rather than attack your customer.

2011-07-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Do you want to attract and acquire more targeted customers? We know competition to obtain customers is brutal. Traditional Marketing efforts are not always effective in acquiring new customers.

Your first contact to create a positive lasting impression is crucial. Our Customer Acquisition Programs are designed to attract rather than attack your customer. We can show you how to use of imprinted promotional items and the proper delivery systems to achieve higher customer acquisition rates and increase the number of customers you have!

An “automated” program is the only way you can put in place a reliable, measurable, and repeatable method to ensure that you attract the most targeted prospects.

Consistent and Relevant Targeting of your message is half the battle

2011-06-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Do you want your message to stand out from the crowd?

Interesting, relevant, useful and on-message Promotional Products can help you open with a splash! Something that GRABS your audience’s attention! Which audience? Accurate, consistent and relevant targeting is half the battle.

Promotional Products provide one of the most effective means of targeting your message to the right audience. You are, after all, handing your product to someone, are you not? No other means of advertising can be guaranteed to last as long as durable advertising, er, we mean, useful, high quality, promotional products. Look around you. Aren’t you carrying around a product with someone’s logo on it? You get the idea...

For more Ideas on how you can use Imprinted Promotional Items to enhance you Social networking efforts, contact us today.

Custom Imprinted Hand Sanitizers! Now as popular as Imprinted Pens

2011-06-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Here’s an astonishing statistic to consider during cold, cough and sneeze season: searches for custom imprinted “Hand Sanitizers” by ASI Distributors, like Kennedy Advertising, jumped 439% for the period between October 2009 and October 2008. That means Custom Imprinted Hand Sanitizers now rival Imprinted Pens as one of the most popular promo items – thanks in part to the swine flu (H1N1).

Only searches for pens – which for years have been the best-selling ad specialty – were higher that period. In addition, searches for sanitizer products of all kinds jumped by triple digits this past year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that when soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used to help prevent the spread of germs.

So Attention Human Resource Departments!!!

Do you want to reduce employee absenteeism caused by illness? Purchase Hand Sanitizers with your Custom Imprinted Logo to hand out to employees and clients from your Imprinted Promotional Products Distributor. It’s a great way to let them know how much you care about their health during the cold and flu season.

If you’re not currently working with anyone, give us a call! We enjoy referrals and would be happy to help you.

If you like the way that this Idea was Presented, please feel free to share it with others in your Social Network.

Why Use Promotional Products as a Part of Your Marketing Plan?

2011-05-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Did You Know.......Promotional products give you the most BANG for your buck when it comes to your advertising needs.

Getting your information in the hands of potential customers is what it's all about, and nothing does the job better than promotional products.

Studies have shown the promotional products outlast most any type of advertising, such as classified ads, radio commercials and TV spots, and have the ability of staying visible to your customers for years to come. Best of all, there are 1000's of unique promotional products to choose from, and price ranges to meet any financial plan.

Whether your budget is $10 or $10,000, we have a vast array of products for you to choose from to accommodate your needs.

If you like the way that this Idea was Presented, please feel free to share it with others in your Social Network.

Promotional Ideas From Kennedy Advertising: How to Buy Flash Drives That Won't Fail!

2011-05-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Promotional Ideas From Kennedy Advertising: How to Buy Flash Drives That Won't Fail!

Food Items are a good value as well as a tasteful gift.

2011-05-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

While most gifts offer enjoyment only to an individual, your clients can often please a whole department, office or family with a food gift, getting the most bang for the buck.

When you prorate the cost of a food gift by the number of people who will enjoy it, the savings can be very substantial. Food gifts are especially popular with companies in construction, real estate, trucking and financial industries – but the potential for markets is unlimited. “It’s not like a golf item, where some participate and some don’t,” he says. “It is universally enjoyed. You may have too many calculators or calendars, but food gifts will always be well received. Because food gifts often go to a whole office or department, nobody is forgotten or left out.”

Besides nuts, other products offered include Popcorn, Gourmet Foods, Chocolate and Candy. We can provide clients with fresher or better-quality food gifts than most retailers or mail-order establishments.

COOL PACKAGING OPTIONS
Personalizing or branding the container, which can be reused and serve multiple functions, provides a reminder of the gift to recipients long after the goodies are gone. We offer a variety of packaging options:

Designer tins
Gourmet boxes
Wooden keepsake boxes
Collectible wooden trucks

For more information on our great line of Food Gift Items, feel free to contact us at anytime.

Want to promote your Real Estate business in an Eco-friendly way?

2011-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Want to promote your Real Estate business in an Eco-friendly way? Depending on the climate you live in you can promote the sustainability of the properties you offer by driving potential clients to your website with an eco-friendly self-promo product.

In addition to using the traditional refrigerator magnets and mouse pads, you can do something that is eco-friendly this time, that could be used in an eco-friendly way.”

To help spread the word about your business, consider ordering Imprinted Tote Bags made of recycled plastic material. The bags, can feature a your custom logo and message, as well as your contact information and branding for your personal Real Estate Brokerage or Agency.

Your Eco-Friendly bag promotion should have wide appeal to reach across the community and touch a wide range of demographic profiles. – an idea could be “Just about living in (Your City) and having an eco-friendly bag … That way people will want to use them while promoting your brand at the same time..
You can send the totes to neighbors, clients and potential clients. You can also distribute them at Community Events when the opportunity arises. Maybe an Earth Day event or a Church Festival.
Part of message on your tote should be to direct people to your website. On this informational and self-promotional site, you can post information or tips on how to save energy in your community, post PDF's of advice and offers from your local utilities that can be printed and used by readers. You can become the local energy expert when you implement this kind of promotion and stay with it.

One Realtor I know that has done this, gave me this quote. “I’ve had people call me or e-mail me saying, ‘I’m so grateful for this tote. It’s so sweet and is becoming recognized in the community. People stop me on the street to let me know that they have seen them,” she says. “It’s really been very good for me.”

2011 MN Baseball Ad-A Business Card Sports Schedules

2011-03-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Promote Yourself While Showing Your Team Spirit with Magnetic Business Card Baseball Schedules. By adding your business card to the magnet you have an instant imprinted gift item for trade shows, sales meetings, or use for sales calls and mail programs. Simply peel off the protective liner and press your business card onto the exposed adhesive for an instant imprinted specialty item that fits perfectly into a #10 business envelope.

Keep a stock on hand for the sales force and show your team spirit all season long.

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. ORDER TODAY AND YOU WILL RECEIVE IN 7 BUSINESS DAYS. THERE IS NO IMPRINT FOR THIS PRODUCT BECAUSE YOU WILL BE ATTACHING YOUR BUSINESS CARD. SO JUST CLICK THROUGH THE PERSONALIZE YOUR PRODUCT PAGE OF THIS CART.

Your In Hands Date will be 7 Business Days from the time you order. Must be ordered in increments of 100 For Pricing and to Order, Click Here or call us toll free at 888-725-4487

Here's a Cutting New Real Estate Promotional Idea!

2011-03-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here’s a great direct mail promo sent by
Holmes and Kennedy Real Estate (No Relation) in New York.

If you think about the economics of real estate sales, it makes a lot of sense to invest in maintaining a relationship with your former clients. Based on the average value of a real estate commission and the average frequency with which your clients move, it’s easy to calculate the appropriate budget to spend on maintaining a relationship with them.

With lots of real estate promotional items to choose from, you may also increase the likelihood of getting referrals as well. Combining a letter and a promotional gift allows you to get your message across today and stay on their mind in the future.

If you like the way that this Idea was Presented, please feel free to share it with others in your Social Network.

You Don't Have to Spend Alot for a Great Promotional Idea!

2011-03-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here’s a creative direct mail promotion that was forwarded to me from a client. A Prudential Realtor sent them ten one cent stamps when the postage rates changed, along with a letter reminding past clients that if they know anyone looking for a new home in the area, she’s always happy to get referrals. This is a Great Inexpensive Promotional Idea, yet thoughtful. Because most people don’t buy new homes too often, it focuses on capturing referral opportunities, which is an effective way to utilize your customer base in real estate.

If you like the way that this Idea was Presented, please feel free to share it with others in your Social Network.

More Wasteful Spending By the US Congress!

2011-02-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know that in 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives spent $190,000 on bottled water in the first quarter alone?

That’s pretty ridiculous when you consider the fact that tap water costs about a penny a gallon in most cities. Reusable water bottles don’t exactly break the bank either.

Luckily, since politicians are notoriously slow at coming up with sensible solutions to their problems, the General Manager of DC Water has offered to help the representatives out. In a letter sent on January 5th to Speaker John Boehner, George Hawkins offered every representative a free reusable water bottle to help cut down on costs. He even offered free water quality testing to any representatives concerned about the purity of the drinking water in their offices or the D.C. area. How generous!

Hawkins accurately explains, “Convenience is important and a reusable water bottle is a simple tool to demonstrate support for tap water and the environment.”

We have yet to see an official response to this timely letter, but suffice to say if the representatives can’t cut $750k in unnecessary bottled water expenses from their budgets, things aren’t looking too good for the country in general!

Want to add your voice to the issue? Sign the online petition!

If your company provides bottled water to employees, why not heed Mr. Hawkins’ advice and make the switch to tap? Filters are available to ensure clean taste and purity, and promotional water bottles can boost employee morale and serve as an effective internal branding tool. For more information, call John Kennedy at Kennedy Advertising. 888-725-4487

Local Business Event Lets the Dogs Out

2010-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

For six years, the Thanks With Franks event in Newton, IA, has provided local businesses with the opportunity to give back to the community and get their name out to locals by handing out free hot dogs. But as just one of 35 businesses participating this year, Newton Manufacturing decided to make a splash with "Walking Dogs," which incorporated promotional products and caught attendees' interest.
The Walking Dogs consisted of small Doritos bags filled with hot dog slices, chili and cheese, closed up with a branded paw-shape clip (donated by industry supplier Evans Manufacturing) and a "leash" for the Dog – a branded lanyard (donated by supplier Fields Manufacturing). Members of the Newton Mfg. team cooked the food and assembled the Walking Dogs onsite.

While the team expected the 300 Walking Dogs they had prepared to be enough to last for the full two hours of the event, the line at the Newton Mfg. booth (specially designed to resemble a doghouse straight out of a Peanuts comic) quickly grew – within a little more than 30 minutes, all the Dogs had been given away.

"The line went to the other side of the street – about 120 feet," says Dan Livengood, senior sales and talent acquisition manager for the western region of Newton Mfg. "It was such a hit, and what was cool was that very little money was spent – we only had a $300 budget to do this."

Besides giving a free lunch to the locals and getting their names out to the community, the 35 companies also accepted donations for local nonprofit groups, including the Newton Dog Park and Parents As Teachers.

According to Livengood, not only did Newton Mfg. raise money for the charities and awareness of its company, but, "We tied for first place for best recipe and campaign."

Kleenex Lets Consumers Give the Gift of Softness

2010-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Just in time for flu season, Kleenex rolled out its “Softness Worth Sharing” promotion that invites consumers to send a free small box of the facial tissues to a friend or loved one. By entering their name, address and e-mail address on the company's website (and opting in or out of Kleenex's e-mail list), the consumer can have a colorful Kleenex box mailed out with a personal 50-character message.

The campaign aims to not only boost the number of members on Kleenex's e-mail list, but also to promote the brand – and its softness – during flu season."Time and time again we have seen that softness is the number-one thing people want in a tissue," says Ken Champa, a member of the Kleenex brand marketing team. "We know that when people experience something great – like the softness of a Kleenex-brand tissue – they’re naturally inclined to share it, and we want to make that sharing fun and easy."

The program kicked off on September 26 and runs through March 31 at www.kleenex.com/softnessworthsharing. Kleenex is raising awareness of the program through national print and TV ad campaigns, online advertising, blogger relations and more than 900 in-store promotions. As of mid-November, the company had already sent a whopping 580,000 care packages throughout the country.

"We have been thrilled that so many people have not only had an opportunity to experience the superior softness of our tissues, but enjoyed sharing them with others," says Champa. "We hope to reach all of those seeking relief from their symptoms by providing an incredibly soft tissue and the warm feeling that you get from sharing something great with your friends and family."

Make it a Date to Remember

2010-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

Use cookie cutter week as a backdrop for business-to-business promotions based on the negative connotation of cookie cutter. The idea is that your product or service isn't "cookie cutter." Include shapes appropriate to your industry or business or have custom shapes made to be sent in direct mail pieces.

Some other designations for December that you might be interested in are:

AIDS Awareness Month
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
National Tie Month
December 1st: Apple Krinkle Day
December 2nd: Play Basketball Day
December 2nd - 9th: Hanukkah
December 3rd: Let's Hug Day
December 4th: Cracker Jack Day
December 5th: Play Hookey Day
December 6th: Saint Nicholas Day
December 7th: Pearl Harbor Day
December 8th: Bad Hair Day
December 9th: Night Gown Day
December 10th: Get a Poinsettia Day
December 11th: Say Hi To Your Neighbor Day
December 13th: New Calendar Day
December 14th: Buy a Tree Day
December 15th: Bill of Rights Day
December 16th: Sleep Comfort Day
December 17th: Cookie Cutter Day
December 18th: Play Bingo Day
December 19th: Chocolate Pizza Day
December 20th: Crossword Puzzle Day
December 21st: Fore Fathers Day
December 23rd: Popcorn Popping Day
December 24th: Family Caregivers Day
December 25th: Christmas
December 26th: Boxing Day (Canada)
December 27th: Fruitcake Forever Day
December 28th: Eat Chocolate Day
December 29th: Pepper Pot Day
December 30th: Bicarbonate of Soda Day
December 31st: New Year's Eve

January

January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. Encourage self-defense awareness among both your customers and your employees through the use of promotional products like flashlights and personal alarms. For more ideas, check out the 'Alarms and Protective Devices' category in our Product Search!

Some other designations for January that you might be interested in are:

Celebration of Life Month
National Thank You Month
National Get Organized Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
National Personal Self-Defense Month
National Book Month
January 1st: New Years Day
January 2nd: National Science Fiction Day
January 3rd: Festival of Sleep
January 4th: Tennis Day
January 5th: Take the Cake Day
January 5th: Bird Day
January 6th: Apple Tree Day
January 8th: World Literacy Day
January 8th: National Clean Off Your Desk Day
January 9th: National Static Electricity Day
January 9th: National Apricot Day
January 10th: Volunteer Fireman's Day
January 11th: Amelia Earhart Day
January 14th: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 15th: Hat Day
January 16th: National Fig Newton Day
January 17th: Ben Franklin's Birthday
January 18th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19th: National Popcorn Day
January 20th: Basketball Day
January 21st: Hugging Day
January 22nd: National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23rd: National Pie Day
January 24th: National Peanut Butter Day
January 25th: First Winter Olymics Began
January 26th: National Peanut Brittle Day
January 27th: National Chocolate Cake Day
January 28th: National Blueberry Pancake Day
January 29th: Carnation Day
January 30th: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Birthday
January 31st: Jackie Robinson's Birthday

February

February 14th is Valentine's Day

Send your salesforce out with logoed boxes of candies to leave with clients on this day. Create a promotion that delivers balloons, cards and heart shaped candies to your clients.

Some other designations for February that you might be interested in are:

National Black History Month
American Heart Month
American History Month
National Dental Month
Chocolate Lover's Month
National Bird Feeding Month
February 1st: National Freedom Day
February 2nd: Groundhog Day
February 3rd: Chinese New Year
February 4th: Rosa Park's Birthday
February 5th: World Nutella Day
February 6th: Babe Ruth's Birthday
February 7th - 11th: International Networking Week
February 8th: Boy Scouts Day
February 9th: Toothache Day
February 10th: Umbrella Day
February 11th: White T-Shirt Day
February 12th: Lincoln's Birthday
February 13th: Get a Different Name Day
February 14th: Valentine's Day
February 15th: Susan B. Anthony Day
February 17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 18th: Pluto Discovered
February 19th: US Landed on Iwo Jima Anniversary
February 21st: President's Day
February 21st: Love Your Pet Day
February 22nd: Washington's Birthday
February 23rd: National Dog Biscuit Day
February 24th: National Chili Day
February 26th: Carnival Day
February 27th: International Polar Bear Day
February 28th: National Tooth Fairy Day

Why Use Promotional Products

2010-11-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

WELCOME!

Our mission is to provide you with the best promotional products possible. We work with premier Suppliers, and are dedicated to providing you with top quality promotional products to help ensure the success of your business. We are ready to take on your marketing needs. No matter what your budget is, we have a solution for you!

Why Use Promotional Products?

Promotional products give you the most BANG for your buck when it comes to your advertising needs. Getting your information in the hands of potential customers is what it's all about, and nothing does the job better than promotional products.

Studies have shown the promotional products outlast most any type of advertising, such as classified ads, radio commercials and TV spots, and have the ability of staying visible to your customers for years to come. Best of all, there are 1000's of unique promotional products to choose from, and price ranges to meet any financial plan. Whether your budget is $10 or $10,000, we have a vast array of products for you to choose from to accommodate your needs.

Promotional Ideas From Kennedy Advertising: Charmin's Social Bathroom Breaks

2010-11-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Promotional Ideas From Kennedy Advertising: Charmin's Social Bathroom Breaks

Charmin's Social Bathroom Breaks

2010-11-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a great event is one that shows customers how your product can solve their problems, and there are few problems as pressing as the need to find a public bathroom in a big city. That was the thinking behind Charmin's Restrooms, which the brand has been bringing to New York's Times Square for the last six weeks of the year since 2006. The company rolled out comfy, clean bathrooms similar to what individuals would have in their home, with not only sinks and toilets, but televisions and iPods.

Since the event takes place over several weeks, the people at Charmin want to be sure that there are new things happening often. In the last event held at the end of 2009, there was a cause promotion with four celebrities including Mario Lopez and Martina McBride painting special toilet seats, which customers could use by donating a dollar to the charity of that celebrity's choice.

There was a graffiti wall where users could write messages, and a "confessional" where they could record video that would be uploaded to Charmin's site. Branded boxers, T-shirts and other souvenirs were also available for those looking to take home a memory of the event.

"With any brand, especially those in a very low-involvement category, it's about showing up at the right place and making a difference, having the benefit of your product come to life," said Jacques Hagopian, brand manager for Charmin.

For last year's event, the brand also recruited five bathroom enthusiasts to act as the Charmin "Go Team." The five ambassadors greeted and entertained guests at the Charmin restrooms and around the city, while also blogging, Facebooking and tweeting about their experiences and the nuances of "going."

"The brand didn't lead us there, our consumers did," said Hagopian, who emphasized that it was consumers who had first begun putting up Youtube clips or Facebook posts about their Charmin Restroom experiences in previous years. "You gain fans and friends as a result of what you do, you don't have to actively recruit them."

Bringing the Brand Home to the Consumer

2010-11-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

To really connect with customers on a personal level, you can bring the event directly to their home. That's just what Purina did recently, hosting 1,000 "house parties" where individuals, their friends and pet dogs got together so the dogs could sample the Chef Michaels' K9 Creations line of dog food.

"It was our first dual-species event," joked Kitty Holding, CEO of House Party, which organized the Purina events and specializes in consumer-hosted in-home parties. "House parties are all about passionate consumers, and it's tough to find something that people get more passionate about than their pets."
For these "Sunday Supper" events, House Party conducted an initial promotion to get a list of qualified hosts together, reaching out to its own mailing list and the client's until it had 1,000 individuals that fit what Purina was looking for (in this case, women dog owners).

Once they settled on the list of hosts, House Party created an interactive website for the three weeks or so leading up to the event, where hosts could get suggestions for how to host the party, what games to play and food to make (for the people). "We want to give people lots of ideas and suggestions, but we want people to have the kind of party they are good at having," said Holding. "Consumers are so savvy anyway, and if you're going to have a party with your friends, you don't want me to tell you how to have your party."

For the event itself, each host invited 12 friends and their dogs over, and used the promotional products and supplies provided by Purina. Besides the Chef Michaels food itself, hosts received branded serving plates, tablecloths, napkins and even food-shaping tins that could put the dog food into a bone or a heart. Every guest received a gift bag that included coupons, recipe books and other goodies.

There were a total of 12,000 human participants, and 7,500 canine participants, with what House Party calculates to be over 50,000 hours of brand engagement (from the humans, that is). The events also greatly boosted the brand metrics, which House Party measures, including awareness, favorability and intent to purchase.

"It becomes a really personal, intimate experience with the brand," said Holding. "That experience last so much longer, so that when they are at a critical moment of purchase or recommendation, that favorable view is really cemented in their mind."

Strange Love Makes for a Hit Promotion

2010-10-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

An unusual product requires an unusual promotion. Culturelle, a company that makes dietary supplements that aid in digestive health and immune-system functioning, was looking to promote its brand in a quirky way. The company's products are "probiotics" – healthy bacteria that aid digestion – which might confuse the average consumer who associates bacteria with disease or things unhealthy.

With this in mind, Culturelle devised the "I Love Bacteria" campaign. The company gave away T-shirts imprinted with the classic "I ♥ " icon to curious customers who saw an ad for it. After an extremely successful test-run of the campaign in September 2009,

Culturelle widened the promotion, tying it into its print and television advertising campaigns, both of which featured someone wearing the "I ♥ Bacteria" T-shirt.

The quirky giveaway met every one of the company's goals. "We grew our consumer database substantially, increased our out-of-home branding since our logo was on the back of the shirts, and even used the shirts as a giveaway that bloggers used to kick-start a program which educated consumers about Culturelle and probiotics," says Dave O'Brien, brand manager for Culturelle.

In fact, the company got much more than it bargained for. Using social media as well as more traditional outlets, Culturelle ended up with more than 100,000 requests in the first week alone. The giveaways have been put on hold for awhile due to the speed with which they were snapped up. Currently the brand's leadership is considering new ways to get the "I Love Bacteria" message out.

"People like wearing shirts that cause others to take a second look, and this shirt definitely accomplishes that," says O'Brien. "The shirt also acts as a great way to connect consumers with the brand and make it a part of their life."

Reprinted from from the October 2010 Promotion Connection Newsletter at http://www.KennedyAdvertising.net

Lighters, Camera, Action!

2010-10-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

The new big-screen thriller Buried has received early buzz for star Ryan Reynolds, the only actor onscreen for virtually the entire film. But Reynolds, as a kidnapped truck driver trapped in an underground coffin, isn't the only star of the movie: the Zippo lighter he's lucky enough to have in his pocket also plays a prominent role.

"We met Ryan Reynolds at the premiere, and when we said we were from Zippo, he said, ‘Oh, my costar!' " says Pat Grandy, marketing communications manager for Zippo. "The lighter is on screen for about 75% of the movie."

Zippo has worked to showcase this major role in the film by sponsoring a number of Buried events around the world. Most recently, 200 lighters were given out at the premiere in New York City, branded with the spiraling design from the film's marketing material (and one autographed by Reynolds was even added to the Zippo Museum collection).

The company has created half a dozen designs for various regions where the film is being released, as well as an edition created for the cast and crew, distributed at the wrap party last August. For Spain and Italy, the word "Buried" is written in Spanish and Italian below the film's title.

Zippo is no stranger to the big screen. Grandy estimates that the iconic lighter has appeared in some 1,200 films, and he adds with pride that a Zippo appeared in every one of the films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2006. But besides the significant role the lighter plays in Buried, the fact that the film is also a great fit for the company's core customers makes the promotional tie-in a no-brainer.

"Our target audience is males 18 to 24, so it's a fairly young demo, and that group is certainly moviegoers who would go see Buried," says Grandy.

Reprinted from from the October 2010 Promotion Connection Newsletter at http://www.KennedyAdvertising.net

How to Buy Flash Drives That Won't Fail!

2008-05-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

What you should do when you find flash drives on the Internet for next to nothing!

Flash Drives can be confusing! I have over 7400 to choose from on my website. 1 GB at $5 a similar item at $9.50….what’s the deal?

At the heart of the problem there is a lot of misinformation about flash drive prices and the cost of memory.

Many customers believe they can buy flash drives at below or at unusually low prices. These prices are generally found online and are often quoted direct from the Chinese manufacturer or through their North American or European agent.

The reality is quality memory costs are the same for every manufacturer as demand for flash chips far outstrips the supply. Kennedy Advertising pays the same for 1000 1 GB pieces of memory as we do for 10,000!

So how do you work your way through this? Please read below as there are some important things you should know.

USB Flash Chips are divided up into 4 different classes/standards.

Grades A, B & C. And the sneaky, Grade D

Grade A:

Tier 1- These are bona fide premium chips with the flash chip manufacturers name & serial number imprinted on the chip itself. These chips are produced by manufacturers such as Samsung and Hynix. They are the most expensive, but also the most reliable offering a lifetime warranty. These are the chips Kennedy Advertising uses.

Grade B:
Tier 1 OEM flash chips. These are made by the same legitimate chip manufacturers in Grade A but are without the manufacturer's brand name imprinted on them. These chips are as reliable but may not be of the same standards that the manufacturer would consider putting their name on it. Kennedy Advertising also sells Grade B. A and B are both fine to use.

Below is where the quality issues & problems begin. These will be some of the least expensive flash drives but also have a very high failure rate.

Grade C:
These are called recycled or reclaimed flash chips (not to be confused with the recycled plastic housings) . These chips are considered waste from the "wafer" that the original manufacturer does not want and considers to be garbage. These have a 30% - 40% failure rate. They are sold by the pound. Literally!!!

Grade D: (The Sneaky Grade)
A Sneaky flash drive supplier will actually imprint an original manufacturer's name on a Grade C chip. It may say Samsung or Hynix, etc. but its most definitely junk/knock-off flash drive. Until The Sneaky Grade Flash Drive land’s at your customer’s door you will not know that they don't work very well.

Payment: People don't always think about this.....All off-shore purchases are pre-paid to a Chinese bank before shipment. What is your recourse if the product fails? A reputable agency such as Kennedy Advertising gives you protection under US commerce laws and the insurance provided by Visa or MasterCard. Plus, we don’t deal with suppliers that sell us anything less than Grade A or B Quaility.

Conclusion: You may find flash drives cheaper than at Kennedy Advertising , but they won’t be better….or even the same! As the old saying goes………The taste of a bargain is easily replaced by the bitterness of being fooled.

If we can be of any help...please do not hesitate to give us a call at 888-725-4487 or in the Las Vegas Valley at 702-324-1334 or you can send an e-mail to john@kennedyadv.com

If you would like, feel free to pass this along to people you know that buy Imprinted Promotional Flash Drives. You may help them save a lot of money.

Visit the Kennedy Advertising Website to Search Product Ideas and Enter the $1000.00 Drawing for Imprinted Promotional Items.

2008-04-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

It has taken us a little while, but I think we have finally built our website to the best user friendly level that we have ever had to this point. Over the last few days I went over it with a fine tooth comb so let me share with you.

You can visit the Kennedy Advertising website using two URL’s. They are www.KennedyAdv.com or www.KennedyAdvertising.net You can also perform a Google Search for Kennedy Advertising, Las Vegas and end up at Kennedy Advertising Google Search

The home page gives you:

a. A General Overview of what we do, with a blend specific links of the most popular products that we offer and are purchased by our customers.

b. A Search for Promotional Products Search Engine if you are in need of a specific product at a certain price and want more information.

c. A CALL ME BUTTON that will connect you to me for FREE.

d. A Products Specials Link that will show you what my suppliers are closing out or liquidated from their inventory. (SOME REALLY GOOD BUYS are located here)

e. A Featured Products Link to show you what I currently have ON SALE.

f. A $1000.00 Promotional Product Drawing Link for you to fill out an entry form.

Then, of course, there is your relationship with the person with all the ideas. ME! My goal is to find the best promotional items to fit your promotion and give you the best results possible. If there is anything I can do to help you, please feel free to call on me at anytime.

Best Regards,

John Kennedy
Kennedy Advertising
Las Vegas, NV.
Phone: 702-324-1334
Toll Free: 888-725-4487

6 Warning Signs of Bad Customer Service

2008-03-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to several customer service and newsletter blogs. If I see one that to the point and aligns itself well with my message, I'll forward it. The following article by Bob Harris at The Attrition Busters doe it for me....Feel free to read and pass it along to others in your organization. A little refresher from time to time always helps and if I can be of any help please don't hesitate to call on me. John Kennedy, Kennedy Advertising, 702-324-1334.

6 Warning Signs of Bad Customer Service
By Bob Harris, Managing Director, The Attrition Busters

Many business owners and managers seem to be ignoring the main signs that customer service quality isn't as good as it should be, according to Bob Harris, managing director for The Attrition Busters, who has compiled a list of the six key signs to watch out for.

Businesses that deal with consumers seem to be suffering from a definite disconnect between the level of service they want to provide and the service that their employees actually provide.

Six signs of poor service
As a result, Harris suggests the following six key signs that customer service may be in need of some attention - and most probably some staff training - to help restore the customer's faith:

1. Poor employee retention
If employees are leaving too quickly (i.e. within three years), there can be no real opportunity for them to build up relationships with customers. Knowledge about individual customers leaves the company with every lost employee. If this is the case, consider bringing in an outside HR (human resources) consultant to talk to employees and find out what needs to be done to change the situation; employees will often tell an 'outsider' things that they would never tell their manager.

2. Customer complaints
On average, only around 6% of dissatisfied customers will actually take the time to complain. So, out of all the customers who encounter a problem, 94% won't tell you (but they'll tell their friends and family, of course). When these dissatisfied customers do gather the strength to actually complain, many front line employees have a natural instinct to refer the customer to someone else or, worse still, to deny that there's really a problem. So if management sees that there are very few complaints, that doesn't mean that customer service is perfect at all. If employees have not built relationships with customers, many customers will defect without any further prompting. Make sure that your front line teams are required to record all complaints and any action taken to solve them. Complaints data should be treasured, documented, and shared with management. If you're not getting complaint data from the front line, there's a serious problem.

3. Employees aren't empowered to handle problems
Unless front line employees are empowered to resolve customer complaints and problems without resorting to calling supervisors or referring the customer to a manager, customer service - and the company's reputation - will suffer greatly. Customer issues should be handled from start to finish by the same person if at all possible. Customers do not want to wait or, even worse, be transferred to multiple people to have their problems solved. There is nothing worse than having to repeat the problem over and over again to different people. This is where you need employee training and empowerment: give the whole customer-facing team the knowledge, tools, and authority they need to defuse angry customers.

4. Loss of long-term customers
When a long-term customer leaves, you need to notice it and query it. When you have built a long-term relationship with a customer, your ability to retain that customer significantly increases. So when a customer who would normally give you the benefit of the doubt takes their business elsewhere, the problem is almost always the service they've received. Try to find out the real reason they defected, and use that information to prevent it from happening again. Remember that flexibility is needed in order to make changes in the company based on information from lost customers.

5. Fewer referrals
A business with delighted customers should always be gaining new customers from referrals. If your service isn't good, referrals will drop off first - even before your existing customers defect to a competitor. This makes the continual monitoring of referral levels one of the most powerful indicators of ongoing customer satisfaction. To quote a wise mentor, "Satisfied customers buy from you, but delighted customers sell for you." Also, if you're gaining lots of new customers but losing just as many existing customers, this indicates a serious disparity between what your brand is promising and what it actually delivers.

6. Low morale
Employees' morale is something that shows whenever they interact with customers, and the customer is quick to pick up on negative sentiment toward the company. While low morale is not always a result of poor customer service (although it can be due to a lack of empowerment), it always creates poor service. If this is the case, the management needs to try to instill a sense of pride throughout the company, and offer employees some well-deserved rewards and recognition. Empower employees to make decisions (within reasonable limits), and train them to make good decisions that have both the customer's and company's interests at heart.

While there are obviously more than six signs that identify bad customer service, these are certainly among the main ones to watch out for. If you recognize any single one of these six signs, the time has come to focus attention on fixing it urgently. If you recognize more than one of these six signs, there's no time to waste: you're already losing market share.

---Source: Reprinted from The Wise Marketer Feb 22, 2008 newsletter www.thewisemarketer.com.

Kennedy Advertising Launches New Web Site

2008-03-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, Nevada- Kennedy Advertising, http://www.kennedyadv.com/ , recently launched a Web site to continue giving custom printing and promotional products buyers the best service possible. The new site features an electronic catalog of more than 155,000 promotional products along with a detailed list of custom printing services.

Customers can now go to http://www.kennedyadv.com/ and research products for any promotional opportunity including: custom printing, business gifts, awards, recognition items, motivation, event promotion and product fulfillment. With the advanced product search function, visitors can search for products by price range, production time, or product category.

Kennedy Advertising also serves up promotional ideas in Promotion Connection, the company’s monthly online newsletter to keep you informed of the latest trends in promotions. Just visit the store, click on Promotion Connection and read about a successful promotion. There's even a planning calendar that lists well-known and not-so-well-known events throughout the year.

Kennedy Advertising has a secure server that accepts orders directly from the Web site in a secure setting. The server uses the latest encryption technology to ensure that all sensitive information is transmitted virtually risk-free. Still, many people prefer to place orders by phone. Users who wish to research the products online and then place an order by phone may call Kennedy Advertising at: 888-725-4487

As an added bonus, each month visitors to Kennedy Advertising’s web site, can register for a chance to win $1,000 in promotional products of their choice. Just click on the moneybag icon that says, "Enter $1000 Drawing."

Kennedy Advertising is a Full Service Custom Printing and Imprinted Promotional Products Company located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Established in Minneapolis Minnesota in 1971, Kennedy Advertising, has been a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute for over 35 years. As the company expanded its selling capabilities on the Internet, they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2002 to centralize fulfillment operations, expand fulfillment capabilities and trade show services.

For more information contact:

John Kennedy
Kennedy Advertising
Phone: In Las Vegas: 702-324-1334 or Toll Free 888-725-4487
E-mail: john@kennedyadv.com
Fax: 702-974-0119
Date: March 26, 2008

Make It a Date to Remember

2008-03-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Thousands of organizations and Presidential Proclamations set aside specific days, weeks and months for political, cultural and historical events and causes. Many of these occasions offer you an opportunity to promote your business, organization or product.

April

The week of April 27th is National Volunteer Week
Thank all of your volunteers with a small memento of their efforts. Hold a thank-you celebration and include table favors that commemorate their contributions. Select a Volunteer of the Year and award them with a larger commemorative gift. And, be sure to get pictures and send to the local papers.

Some other designations for April that you might be interested in are:

* Alcohol Awareness Month
* National Child Abuse Prevention Month
* Holy Week
* National Donate Life Month
* April 1st: April Fools Day
* April 2nd: International Children's Book Day
* April 3rd: Tweed Day
* April 4th: Victims Of Violence day
* April 5th: National Fun At Work Day
* April 6th: Teflon Day
* April 7th: No Housework Day
* April 9th - 15th: Egg Salad Week
* April 10th: National Sibilings Day
* April 11th: Trivia Day
* April 13th: International Plant Appreciation Day
* April 7th - 11th: National Public Health Week
* April 13th - 19th: National Library Week
* April 27th: National Volunteer Week
* April 15th: Income Tax Pay Day
* April 17th: International Ford Mustang Day
* April 19th - 27th: National Wildlife Week
* April 22nd: Earth Day
* April 24th: Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day
* April 27th: Mother, Father Deaf Day
* April 28th: Cubicle Day
* April 29th: National Dance Day
* April 30th: Spank Out Day USA

May

May 11th is Eat What You Want Day

* Have salespeople deliver snack baskets to their customers when they visit on this day.
* Create a promotion based on the Eat What You Want Day making the connection between feeling like you can't eat what you want and you can't seem to get what you want when it comes to (plug in your product or service category). Tell them that on May 11th they can not only eat what they want, but they can have what they want when it comes to (plug in your product or service) by scheduling an appointment with one of your sales reps. When the rep makes the call on May 11 he or she brings a logoed basket of goodies or cookies.

Some other designations for May that you might be interested in are:

* National Barbecue Month
* National Arthritis Month
* Heal The Children Month
* Motorcycle Safety Month
* May 1st: School Principals Day
* May 2nd: No Pants Day
* May 3rd: Free Comic Book Day
* May 4th: Respect for Chickens Day
* May 5th: Cindo e Mayo
* May 4th - 10th: Be Kind To Animals Week ®
* May 5th - 11th: National Wildflower Week
* May 8th: World Red Cross Day
* May 11th: Mother's Day
* May 11th: Eat What You Want Day
* May 12th: Stamp Out Hunger
* May 11th - 17th: National Police Week
* May 14th: National Receptionists Day
* May 16th: National Pizza Party Day
* May 17th: Armed Forces Day
* May 18th: International Museum Day
* May 19th: Armed Forces Day
* May 18th - 24th: National Dog Bite Prevention Week
* May 20th - 26th: World Trade Week
* May 21st: National Employee Health & Fitness Day
* May 23rd: World Turtle Day
* May 24th: Brother's Day
* May 25th: National Missing Children's Day
* May 26th: International Jazz Day
* May 26th: Memorial Day
* May 30th: Hg Your Cat Day
* May 31st: World No-Tobacco Day

June

June 14th is World Juggling Day
Everyone is juggling something so recognizing that can be used for a broad spectrum of promotional needs. There are juggling balls, juggle sets and juggle stress relievers.

Some other designations for June that you might be interested in are:

* Adopt - A Shelter-Cat Month
* Children's Awareness Month
* National Candy Month
* National Rose Month
* June 1st: National Leave The Office Earlier Day
* June 1st: National Cancer Survivors Day
* June 1st - 7th: National Business Etiquette Week
* June 7th - 14th: International Clothesline Week
* June 2nd: National Bubba Day
* June 4th: National Tailors Day
* June 5th: Hunger Awareness Day
* June 6th: D-Day Anniversary
* June 8th - 14th: National Flag Week
* June 14th: World Juggling Day
* June 15th: Native American Citizenship Day
* June 15th: Father's Day
* June 16th: Fudge Day
* June 20th: June Solstice
* June 20th: Toad Hollow Day Of Thank You
* June 21st: Baby Boomer's Recognition Day
* June 22nd: Stupid Guy Thing Day
* June 23rd: Let It Go Day
* June 24th: Celebration Of The Senses
* June 26th: Hand Shake Day
* June 27th: National HIV Testing Day
* June 28th: Marble Day
* June 29th: Log Cabin Day
* June 30th: Please Take My Children To Work Day

7 Steps to Sharper Networking

2008-03-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the prowl for new ideas to get the word out about the kinds of products and services I can provide to clients and prospects. I find that a little refresher course in networking ideas and techniques to be helpful. Networking isn’t as easy as just showing up to an event and handing out business cards. Networking is an art. I would like to add to this list, so if you have some good networking ideas to share, feel free to add a comment to the bottom and I'll add it and list you as the source for the idea

Here are seven ideas to get you started on a master plan from Renea Myers at Myers Marketing.

1. Wait for the right window of opportunity to share your information.
Show an interest in others first and then when the focus turns to you, share your business card and business goals. When someone walks in handing out business cards indiscriminately, it’s tantamount to “network spamming.”

2. Networking is about looking for opportunities to give.
Anyone is capable of great networking through good listening and caring about others’ success. Furthermore, everyone has a wealth of resources to offer. If your first goal is to be a valuable resource to others, the networking karma will be returned many times over.

3. Become adept at gathering information.
After you have built relationships with your contacts, it’s time to share your business needs. Be as specific as possible when asking for leads, referrals or information. Specific requests glean the best results. It’s also helpful to provide examples of how you have helped a client. Always acknowledge any kind of help you receive and ask how you can return the favor.

4. Find your comfort zone.
If you’re uncomfortable in a new group situation, it’s helpful to have a job. Volunteer to work registration or serve as a greeter. You will meet the attendees, but you’ll also be positioning yourself as one of the “inner circle.” You can also mitigate the fear of rejection by getting into the habit of talking about your business goals in a conversational manner, avoiding “yes or no” questions. You can also ask for “advice” instead of business leads. People like to be asked for their opinion.

5. Identify your sphere of influence.
Make a list of people you know who are considered “connectors” to your customers, prospects, or industry. Identify which ones are in your sphere of influence. These are people who consider you visible, credible, resourceful and knowledgeable. Look for opportunities to build relationships with connectors and grow that sphere.

6. Strategic organizational involvement.
Consider getting involved in select organizations such as your industry group or your best customer’s trade association. Be willing to take on a leadership role, but if you’re not willing to commit the necessary time, don’t add your name to the list. Additionally, finding creative ways to contribute will differentiate you within the organization. Remember, having your picture taken is a good thing, so don’t get shy!

7. Develop some stealth marketing strategies.
• Be willing to give away something to build visibility.
• Attend industry trade shows to evaluate the competition.
• Teach a class.
• Write an article or a column.
• Prepare for networking events as if it were a sales call.

Source: Renea Myers is the President of Renea Myers Marketing.

Get the Most Out of Your Trade Show Promotional Products

2008-03-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

"Nothing beats promotional items for getting a targeted message to a designated recipient on a repetitive basis". The key part of this statement is "On a Repetitive Basis."

This fundamental benefit of imprinted promotional items is probably the most overlooked and misunderstood factor in buying imprinted items to give-away at trade shows

Here's a typical call I get from Las Vegas Trade Show Exhibitors

"I need some giveaways for a trade show. Do you have blah blah blah? They are really cute and I saw an exhibitor giving them away last year.”

Just imagine… billions of dollars are wasted every year. Most trade show exhibitors only get a fraction of the return on investment. Why? Because they spend their money on giveaways and not repetitive message senders.

Promotional Products Work

Studies show that 7 out of 10 people who receive promotional items at trade shows can recall the name of the company that gave them the product. That sounds good, but that's not all - not even close. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

While most trade show exhibitors would be overjoyed at these results, they are missing one simple point:

If your prospect has a "RE-USABLE" product, your company gets seen over, and over and over again, your cost per impression goes down and your return on investment goes up. Retention is the key to maximizing your effectiveness.

Want to Maximize Your Budget?

Think about this for a minute. Say you spend $1 on 1000 items. If 9 out of 10 get thrown away, only 1 in 10 is reused. Your cost per retention is $10 each and your $1000 got your message re-used by 100 people.

But if that $1 item is kept and reused by 5 out of 10 people, your cost per retention is $2 each and you have exposed 500 people on a repetitive basis for $1000. So for $1000 if I had the choice of being seen by either 100 people or by 500 people over and over, what should I do?

So Why Doesn't Everybody Get Maximum Results?

The reality is the promotional products industry (unfortunately) is more concerned about selling products than about maximizing their customers return on their investment.

Have you ever met a promotional product sales rep that has taken the time to educate you on what will and will not WORK FOR YOU, instead of trying to up sell you on the most popular items? The second biggest problem is this. Customers go to catalogs, websites, and salespeople who simply sell products and not solutions.

Still not convinced? Go to any promotional product website (not ours, www.kennedyadv.com) and you will find thousands of products. Most of these – about 9 out of 10 – if you think about it, people will never use.

What's New?

99% of the time "What's new?" is an abbreviated way of saying for "What can I buy that no one will ever use?" Remember the "Carabineer" craze? For 3 years everyone under the sun was buying these things. (Like the metal clips that rock climbers use.) Not only was everyone selling them, but then they made 500 different flavors of the product.

They had Carabineers with Compasses, Carabineers with Flashlights, with Key Chains, and Locks built in. They came in plastic, aluminum and steel. They became available in 90 different colors! Think about this! How many people do you know carry a carabineers key holder around with them on a daily basis? The promotional products industry sold 5 billion dollars worth of them. 2 billion at trade shows. Why? Because it was new. The colors were cute. They matched the trade show booth. "Oh it has a compass; this will come in handy if I get lost on my way home from the office!"

Let's face it. How many of us have used a compass in our life after boy scouts and girl scouts? The landfills are full of them. My point is this: There are items that have a high retention rate that have been around a long time and there is a reason they are the top items. Quite simply, THEY WORK.

Let me try to narrow it down for you. Here are the top selling categories of promotion products and percentage of overall sales.

1) Wearables 30%
2) Writing Instruments 11%
3) Calendars 8%
4) Drink Ware 6%
5) Desk/Business accessories 6%
6) Bags 5%

I have sold thousands of T shirts in my career. They are the highest retained item in the promotional products industry and there is no greater value. Look around your desk: Mouse pad, paper cube, many pens, highlighter, letter opener, carabineer (just a joke), coffee mug, calendar, and a ruler. Look in your house: Bag Clips, Jar Openers, Refrigerator Magnets, Coffee Mugs, Tee shirts, hats.

Get in your prospect's house, on their desk, in their briefcase, on their backs, and in their drawers. Every day items have the greatest return. Remind them of your products and services and you'll micro brand them. Never buy a throwaway again and you'll no longer see the promotional product budget as an expense. You'll know what the Wise Buyer knows, you bought an asset.

Never hesitate to call with questions. If you wish to speak with me directly, you can contact me toll free at 888-725-4487 or e-mail to john@kennedyadv.com I would be happy to help you in anyway that I can.

Ordering Late: What To Do When Time… Isn't on Your Side

2008-03-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Let me ask you this question – What portion of your overall responsibility would you say includes purchasing promotional products for tradeshows, mailings or other company functions? Probably less than 1%, right! This is probably the reason why so many buyers find themselves ordering late and paying for rush service and overnight shipping.

So Why Does It Take So Long?

Think about this - every promotional product I sell is customized. Unlike retail products, these products aren't just taken off shelves and shipped. The reality is that they require time to produce.

So what should you expect when it comes to timing? Well to start, you should figure on the art preparation (1 to 3 days) the production (standard 5 to 14 days) and the shipping (ground 3 to 5 days).A good rule of thumb is standard production on most items with shipping and art prep require 3 to 4 weeks from the time you order to the time you receive your goods. Keep in mind some products require more or less time.The bottom line is this - If you order early, you will save money and eliminate unnecessary stress for both of us.

Rush Jobs Go Bad

Consider this! If you think paying through the nose to rush an order is your biggest problem, guess again! The fact is- rush orders have twice the risk of creating much bigger problems. Imagine getting the wrong product, having a misprint, or even missing a delivery in time for the show.

So what should you do? Remember, there are approximately 5000 manufacturers in this industry. The problems start when you pick a product you see on a large website or catalog and your distributor has to deal with a manufacturer they have no experience with. The solution! Keep it simple… like my Blog Postings. And believe me when I tell you to trust only about 50 of them.

Here's a True Story

I had a customer who ordered luggage tags requiring a special imprint. So I called a manufacturer I found who could print them. They assured me the order would ship on time with a 30% increase in the price. It was a large order and it absolutely had to ship on time, so cost was not an issue. Just to make sure, I would call every couple of days to see that we were on schedule. Needless to say, they assured me everything was O.K. You can probably guess what happened next.

I called on the day the tags were scheduled to ship and what did the customer service agent tell me? "We don't guarantee any order would ship when it is scheduled. Just because you have a scheduled ship date doesn't mean it will ship on that day" They conveniently forgot to mention this "Company Policy" when I was calling around with this large order.

Now, I'm a guy who is always honest with my customers. I like to keep them informed of the status of rush orders. So I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I felt sick to my stomach over this. So completely nerve wracked, I had to wait until the next day (the day my customer was expecting the shipment!) to find out if it had shipped out or not. Meanwhile my client was in Las Vegas anxiously awaiting the product at the hotel where the trade show was located.

Fortunately, this story did have a happy ending. This order did ship that day and the customer was happy. But make no mistake about it - it could have been a disaster. I'm a firm believer in the "under-promise," "over-deliver" philosophy. If I can't say with confidence that I can't get an order to them on time – I will tell them that. Better that, than let them down and ruin my customer's confidence in my service.

Believe me when I tell you again - there are a large majority of manufacturers in this industry who simply do not care about you or me. But always keep in mind that there are 50 great suppliers who do and I do a lot of business with 33 of them.

Times Have Changed

Here is the good news! Because of the nature of the Promotional Products Industry, (and our customers buying habits) companies that can turn things around quickly, with quality, have risen to the top.

Standard production times over the last 10 years have been cut in half. Rush service has been built into production schedules and some companies have mastered it without charging you an arm and a leg. Believe it or not, one of the leading manufacturers in the industry now offers all of their products available to ship in 4 days at just a small additional cost. (And YES, you will find them at www.KennedyAdv.com

Promotional Ideas for Your Small Business

2008-03-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Since the marketing budget for a small business is typically limited, you’ll want to have some promotional ideas on hand that are cost-effective. With that in mind, below are some of the many possible promotional ideas that can be easy to execute.

Local Events and Activities: Use anything from setting up a booth at a street fair to sponsoring a little league team to display your product or company name.

Free Samples: Look for key locations where your target group can be found and give out free samples. If possible give free demonstrations of your service or product.

Contests: Find a prize of interest to your target audience and hold a contest.

Speaking Engagements: Contact local schools, speaker groups and associations to inquire about speaking engagements, lectures, seminars or teaching a class.

Fliers: Exchange fliers with other noncompetitive businesses who will display them at their location. Also find locations where you can post a flier or bulletin.

Vehicles: Paint the name of your business on any trucks you use and even put a sign on your car or in the car window.

Press: Develop a list of local editors and producers and send press releases of important upcoming activities. Also look for unique angles about your business that might make for an interesting story.

Newsletters: Email newsletters or print newsletters are an effective, inexpensive means of promoting your business.

Printed Matter: Promote yourself on all of your printed matter.

Imprinted Promotional Items: Keep an inventory of useful imprinted promotional items to hand out as gifts at trade shows, as customer and employee appreciation gifts.

Contacts and Networking: Hand out your business cards to as many people as possible and network regularly to make new contacts.

In Store or Online Values: Offer special discounts for second purchases or free downloads online.

Attend Meetings of Professional Groups: Attend meetings of the Chamber of Commerce and other local groups where you can introduce yourself and your business to others.

Directories: Make sure to list your company in all appropriate free directories.

The Proof is in the Performance

2007-09-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

Like any business, I have lots of competitors. Maybe some of them have called on you. If they haven’t yet, they will. And when they do, one of the first things they’ll talk about is price.
This is one of the great ironies of promotional products. To get your business (or lure you away from a competitor), promotional products distributors invariably focus on how much more cost-effective imprinted items are or how they can do more for you at a lower cost. But once they have the business locked up, price takes a backseat to relationships, creativity and numerous other factors. And that’s as it should be. As I’ve said before, staying on budget is only one element in the promotional mix. Here are some other key considerations to keep in mind:

Turnaround time. When do you need it? Is on-time delivery guaranteed? Does your current provider have a good track record in this area?
Quality. Do the products you use have a high perceived value? Will they last? Will logoed apparel stand up under repeated washing/wearing? Remember that your company’s image and reputation are a reflection of the imprinted items you distribute.
Creativity. Are the ideas your provider comes up with cutting through the clutter and achieving your marketing goals? Is packaging always discussed? How about targeting and delivery?
Availability. Will the items you choose be in stock if you need to re-order? How about color, size, etc.? This factor also ties in with turnaround time.
Imprint. Is your message visible? Does it fit the item? Will it last? This is critical to the longevity of your promotion.
Shipping/Delivery. Who chooses the most cost effective method? Is it traceable in case time becomes a factor?

These are the things that, taken together, create successful long-term relationships. As you can see, price is not the only factor in determining who you do business with. Delivering outstanding customer service to my clients, and doing what I say I’m going to do, is what has kept Kennedy Advertising in business for the past 36 years.

I hope you find this newsletter helpful. I’ll be back with some more ideas. In the meantime, if you want to explore what’s currently on special, click here or call me toll free at 888-725-4487, locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334 or send us an e-mail if I can be of help.

Double the Effectiveness of Your Promotion

2007-09-18T03:30:00.000-07:00

When I help clients develop promotions I’m usually in pursuit of a resounding “Wow!” from their target audience. Although this kind of response isn’t always realistic or appropriate I think it’s wise to aim high.

One of the things I’ve learned in the past few years is that a high percentage of successful, meaningful promotions – ones that generate a “Wow!” – are comprised of multiple products.
You might be thinking, “Nope, can’t afford to give away too much at once.” Fortunately, there are many ways to present multiple products without blowing your budget. Often times the second product costs significantly less per piece yet greatly enhances the promotion.

Consider these examples:

A gift book with a custom cover imprint or a glued-in promotional page accompanied by a leather bookmark.
An etched crystal container with golf balls for the participants in a golf tournament for charity.
A business brief with a jotter pad or writing instruments in the pockets
A stainless-steel travel mug stuffed with single-serving coffee or tea bags
An insulated cooler with private labeled water bottles

Certainly, one promotional product may generate the desired results. But if you’ve got a big goal to reach, and your budget allows for it, I think it’s a good strategy to at least consider this approach. (By the way, don’t forget that many promotions should be accompanied by a card of some kind to explain the purpose or significance of the gift.)

I hope you find this concept of interest. If you’d like to do some brainstorming along these lines, call me toll free at 888-725-4487, locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334 or send us an e-mail or visit my website at http://www.kennedyadv.com/

I’m always happy to kick around ideas!

Tipping the Trade Show Scales in Your Favor

2007-09-18T03:16:00.000-07:00

Three simple steps can set you apart from more than three-quarters of the competition at your next trade show. You see, a significant majority of exhibitors do not plan to engage attendees appropriately or reward their attention. Even more shocking – 80% of leads are never followed up post-show. So what’s an exhibitor to do?

Target & Tantalize – Before the show floor ever opens make sure your best prospects and/or clients are engaged. By narrowing your field to the 20% “best bets” among the attendee list, you can offer better bait that will land bigger sales.The most effective pre-show invitations create a two-part dialog. A classic example is a “Main Event” themed promotion that sent key prospects a left-hand boxing glove along with company information and an invitation to visit the exhibitor’s booth. Those who did received the right-hand glove – autographed by Joe Frazier. Sales increased 22% post-show!

Relate & Reward – Merely putting out a bowl of candies or passing out thousands of pens isn’t going to create the interest and recognition you need to develop a long-term relationship with prospects. Instead, you should tie the promotional products you use at trade shows to your product, service, or brand image. For example, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau hands out miniature Louisville Sluggers when it exhibits. The product is easily identifiable with the city and has collectible appeal.

Follow-up & Follow-through – Before you ever leave for the trade show, organize follow-up packets that will mail the day you return from the event. Use colorful or dimensional packaging that will stand out in the deluge of mail that awaits attendees post-show.

If you like these ideas, let us help you tailor the concepts to your audience and next trade show. Call me toll free at 888-725-4487, locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334 or send us an e-mail for more information or visit us on the Internet at http://www.KennedyAdv.com.

Save Money for Your Next Las Vegas Trade Show

2007-09-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU MADE ALL OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR LAS VEGAS TRADE SHOW? ORDER NOW AND SAVE! Do you need presentation pocket folders, full color flyers, business cards or imprinted promotion items for your exhibitor booth? How about Tri-Fold Brochures, Posters, Product Catalogs, Booklets or Imprinted Promotional Products?

We can print and deliver all of these items directly to your exhibitor booth for you on set-up day. THAT'S RIGHT! You don't have to drag your marketing materials to Las Vegas anymore. Let Kennedy Advertising do all of the work for you. That will give you more time to spend with clients and prospects.

We also have imprinted promotional items that you can use for give-aways at the trade show. To conduct a search for items, just left click on the Product Search link below. But the best way is to call me at 888-725-4487, tell me what you want and let me put the best pricing together for you. Or, just drop me an e-mail. It's easier.

Just Think, You Don't Have to Drag Your Marketing Materials Through Airports Anymore!

Interactive Trade Show Promotions

2007-09-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have learned that the best trade show promotions don’t just blanket pre-registered attendees with a postcard sporting the exhibitor’s logo. Instead, they draw the right prospects into a booth and entice them to linger and learn more about a firm’s products/services. That’s what I have in mind for you – an interactive trade show promotion that will keep your audience involved and interested. Here are three ideas:

1. Offer a little good-humor stress relief. Schedule a local comedian to perform at certain times at your booth. Have him/her tie the industry or services being represented into the jokes. Send a pre-show invitation to announce the appearance, inviting attendees to stop by the booth to receive “A few laughs, some cost-saving lessons and a fun imprinted gift.” Or, promise a caricature artist at your booth and provide imprinted frames for those booth-visitors who have their drawings done.

2. Highlight the results you deliver with an “on-target” trade show promo. Pre-mail a set of imprinted magnetic darts, promising the dart board when the recipient stops by your booth. Involve attendees with a dart-throwing contest and prizes for hitting certain targets. The incentives should relate to your business – perhaps a percentage off an order, a complimentary sample kit, free evaluation, etc. – something that will help you highlight the advantages of your company.

3. Provide a meaningful take-home gift. Consider an advance mailing that offers your top clients special recognition. Tell them you’ve planned a surprise gift for a few top-notch client partners. When they arrive, present them with a plaque for valued patronage and have a professional photographer on hand to snap the occasion. Digital images can then be immediately printed and given to your client for his/her office. Make the award all the more meaningful by tying it to a special service or new product exclusive you’ve planned for the “elite few.”

These are just a few ideas. Give me a call at 888-725-4487, locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334 or send us an e-mail and we can work with your specific industry and client base as a jumping off point for some fun, interactive ways to create better booth action and results.

Fool-Proof Ways to Follow Up a Trade Show

2007-09-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Get this: 80% of leads are not properly followed-up after a trade show. That means when you follow through with your clients post-show, you’ve already beat 80% of the competition. Make your efforts even more effective with promotional techniques that stand out and/or encourage ongoing contact and you’ll reap greater rewards from your investment.

Set up an expectation. You’ve heard of two-part mailings prior to a trade show. Consider applying the same concept to post-show efforts. You can give part of a gift when visitors arrive at your booth and set their expectation to receive the second half in a mailing after the show.

This will ensure that your priority piece of mail won’t get lost among the flood that folks receive after a week away from the office. One example is a two-part foam puzzle. The first half is imprinted with the beginning sentences that highlight “$10 Gift Certificate for” or “Special early-bird offer of,” etc. The recipient won’t be able to redeem the certificate until he/she opens your follow-up letter post-show to receive the second half of the revealing puzzle.

Show clients how well you listened when they spoke with you at the trade show. Imprint notepads with your company logo. Then, have your salespeople jot a personal note to the prospect, listing two or three concepts that address the needs the prospect voiced at the booth. Mail the notepad post-show to let the prospect know they’ve been heard and you’re on the job.
Create a continuing reason to contact the prospect. For a female audience, this might be giving a charm bracelet as an incentive at the trade show that will be followed up with quarterly charms given when salespeople make in-office visits. For a gender-neutral gift, consider an etched candy jar that you refill during post-show office visits. The goal is to create a reason to pop into a prospect’s office or to have them look forward to your regular mailings.

Fulfill a special incentive. Today’s digital technology allows for some very personalized follow-through. Ask your clients to bring a photo of their office staff, child or even pet to your trade show booth. You can then scan it and promise to deliver a mug, t-shirt or other item customized with the image at a post-show sales visit.

You get the idea. Now let’s start planning. Give me a call at 888-725-4487, locally in Las Vegas at 702-324-1334 or send us an e-mail and we’ll set you ahead of 100% of the trade show competition after the booths close.

Welcome to John Kennedy's Blog

2007-09-10T11:41:00.001-07:00

My background in the Newspaper, Magazine and Internet Publishing Industry has taught me that it's organizing and sharing credible information that people value is what keeps them coming back to read. Easy access and speed are right up there. This is truly the information age.

My experience started in the newspaper industry in 1973. Newspapers are still a traditional mass marketing tool that served us well in the, 60's, 70's, 80's and into the 90's. But as the Internet came online, you could begin to see a paradigm shift taking place.

Then I moved to another, even bigger mass environment of the newspaper non-reader to learn about FREE Distribution. The world of free newspapers/magazines that are home delivered or available for FREE at retail outlets. What did I learn from those 2 experiences? There was a lot of money being spent on wasted distribution but the cost per 1000 was rather low because they printed high quantities everything.

This pushed me to more of a targeted message concept. Was direct mail the answer? Nope! The cost per piece (including postage) was astronomically high and by the time you pulled them from your mailboxes with 10 to 20 other pieces, I found that was still not the answer.

Then along came the Internet and e-mail! After that, websites and e-mail templates that you could use to build targeted information that people value. You could send e-mails with links to resource web pages where you could share important resource information or even sell a product. But you know, even that gets cumbersome after awhile. (Are we spoiled compared to the past or what?)

During the past month, I spent some time helping my wife, Mary Kennedy build a blog
(Mary Kennedy's Blog) for her RE/MAX Real Estate business here in Las Vegas on ActiveRain.com. I found this casual environment to be very refreshing. A place where you can organize specific information for targeted groups. (Buyers or Sellers, East Coast, West Cost or even Middle of the Country. Include States, Cities and Communities). You can even write some good things about yourself or thoughts so people get to know you better.

In the Promotional Ideas From Kennedy Advertising blog, my goal is to gather information, based on your feedback, and organize it in such a way that it easy to access right from here. I continue to be excited about the future and your feedback is always encouraged.

John Kennedy
Kennedy Advertising
Kennedy Advertisings Website
888-725-4487