What the Brandelope Can Do

The digital age, with its constant advancement should make conducting business easier, shouldn’t it?   Every business has a website, where you can search for the person you think would be best to introduce yourself to.  Email addresses are readily available, phone numbers, addresses, even the smiling picture of the person you’re trying to reach.  No more trying to guess if the voice will match the face…now you know before the first ‘Hello’ is uttered.   With all the information available, connecting to others and spreading the word about your business should be a piece of cake.  The only problem is..it isn’t.  Everyone is checking websites,  sending introduction emails,  trying to set up appointments.  There’s an information overload on the information highway and most intros and offers are lost in the shuffle.

How can you stand out?  Get noticed?  Make it past the ‘gate-keeper’ and one step closer to the decision maker that you’d like to meet with?  Consider  The Brandelope. ™

The Brandelope ™    is a an eye catching way to send a direct mail piece to the people you want to reach.  In a stack of the usual correspondence, the Brandelope™  practically begs to be opened.  Other, bland envelopes and crumpled flyers will be lost in the glow of the bright colors and high gloss images of your Brandelope™.

Keeping your information at the fingertips of the contacts you’ve made with the Brandelope ™  is even easier if you send the Tabelope. ™   The same crisp and professional information in a file folder format available in standard and legal size.  The Tabelope ™ helps ensure that your contact is keeping your information close at hand, and in their mind. 

The Brandelope ™ and the Tabelope ™ provide a stunning visual way for you to market your business.  It prevents you from being lost in the shuffle of  technological communications as well as the standard mailers that are seen in every office ever day.    Contact us today and let us help you develop a marketing program that will not only get you noticed, but keep you  at the front of the pack.

Summer is Coming...Break Out the Warm Weather Products!

After the winter we had, it's about time to look forward to warmer weather and the fun products to get everyone into the spirit for summer fun.
Are you ready to head to the beach?  Hit the sand in comfort with a a double chair/cooler combo with an umbrella to keep things cool.  Your logo will be there for all to see as everyone gathers around for a good time.  Great for tailgating too!

Of course protection from the sun is important when you step out from under your umbrella too, so make sure you have your suntan lotion and lip balm and aloe vera handy as well. 

Walking on the beach can be an experience if you're not protected, so why not let everyone know who you are or who you represent along the way with these fun flip flops that stamp your logo in the sand as you stroll along the shore?

 And don't forget to shade your eyes with the classic Wayfarer sunglasses in great neon colors!

Whatever your summer needs (or wants!)  Safeguard is more than happy to help you put the cold winter behind you and let the sun shine in.  Give us a call today at 203-371-6000 or email us at info@ctsafeguard.com and we'll get you started making this a summer to remember.

Have a pen? Look around. I’ll be you have plenty, and I’ll bet that a good percent of them have the name of a local businessperson or company on them. The business could even be a competitor of yours. Why do you keep them? Because people use pens. People also use shopping bags, something you see more and more every day. With the push to conserve and reuse, many businesses are using reusable bags to make sure their message is carried around and viewed by many people. But what else is there? Are you doomed to a life of pens and post-its? Not if you don’t want to be. The enormous selection of promotional products that are available gives you the ability to find something that fits your business or event to a ‘T’. There’s no need to lock yourself into the ‘same old thing’ when there are plenty of useful products out there to choose from.

Planning an event for the summer? Get some sunscreen, or aloe printed with your information or logo. Lip Balm, lens cleaner, anti-fog wipes, even sunglasses or beach towels would be fun. If you’re looking to make a bigger statement, you can even get a beach chair! Your information would be there for all to see, every time your chair opens at a beach, park or parade. Above all, make sure the product you use provides use to your targeted market. A perfect example is the water proof case for smart phones seen here. The number of smart phones users is growing daily and this case is the perfect gift as the summer months arrive and outdoor activities are more frequent. This useful gift will be used again and again, and those who see it will want to know where it came from and how to get one for themselves.

Trade Show Tactics

Trade Show day is finally here and you’re ready to go.  You’ve sent out mailings inviting people to attend, you have an awesome booth design and the doors are about to open. Now what?

Have an assistant hand out a reusable shopping bag to people as they enter the trade show, with your company information and booth location imprinted on the outside.  Not only will visitors know where to find you, they will carry your name with them wherever they go for others to see.  As a bonus, your information will stop at each booth with the attendees, so even more people will see and hear about you.

Once you get them to your booth, what are you going to do with them?

Make sure you have an interesting, eye-catching display which clearly demonstrates what you do and what you can do for your customer.  Because of the nature of trade shows you’ll want to make sure you can provide the most information in a small amount of time. 

Give people an incentive to call you.  Are you an insurance agent?  Provide a free quote.  Caterer? Give a discount on an upcoming event.  Your incentive doesn’t have to be huge, just big enough to create a follow-up.

Give out some presents and make people remember you.  Everyone likes to get a present!  A useful promotional product with your contact information will be used repeatedly, not tucked away with a stack of business cards.   Pens are useful, though they too might get lost in a pile on someone’s desk.  Try and find an item that ties into your business to make an even bigger impression. 

Pizza shop?  Customize a pizza slicer. Tailor?   Hand out luggage tag/sewing kits for future travelers.  Wine shop?  A simple two bottle tote or wine tasting journal will make sure people remember you.  The possibilities are really endless.

The important thing to remember when it comes to a trade show is that you don’t have to go it alone.  Contact a professional who can help you plan the day and help you expand your ideas into a concrete plan to increase your business.   It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, so make sure your efforts count!

You're Going To A Trade Show..Now What?

So you’ve signed up to participate in a trade show and you’re planning on showcasing your amazing products or services.  You’re excited to make people aware of your business, but a little nervous as well.  How are you going to present your company?  Will there be competing businesses?  How are you going to make yourself stand out?  Will people remember you?

You’ve come to the right place.

Start with your table.   Sure you can just toss a plastic cover from the dollar store over the top and call it a day, but no one’s going to be very impressed.   Instead, consider investing in a trade show display that will feature your company name and logo.  There are many cost effective items available to give a professional and classy appearance. A simple table cover may be all you need, or you might decide that you'd rather go 'whole hog' with an entire display.  Either way, use your company colors and logo so that you'll be recognizable.

Simple works.

So does the whole enchilada. 

 Once you've decided on how to face the public, you have to figure out a way to get them to your table.  Usually everyone tries to stop at each table, but it's much better to have people consider your display a 'destination.' Word of mouth is the simplest solution.  If you give the people at the show a reason to talk about you, they will. If they talk about you, people will want to see what you're up to. One idea is to hand out 'Tabbers'.  Everyone who stops at your display gets a wrist band, branded with your company information.  Attendees hand tear off tabs from the wrist band to other attendees, who then rush to your booth to get a bracelet of their own when they present you with the tab.  Why would everyone be so excited to help your cause?  At the end of the trade show you hold a drawing, choosing from the tabs that have been returned to you.  Whether you're raffling off an i Pad or a 50 percent discount on an order, everyone likes the chance to win. And if there are four other businesses at the trade show that provide the same service or product you do?  You will be the one that people remember.

Tabbers, a great way to draw a crowd. 

 Check back often for more ideas to make your trade show not only a great  investment in your business but a great time too!

 

Marketing Your Business

When it comes to marketing a business, many people can become overwhelmed and with good reason. There are so many options available for such an array of costs,  even someone experienced in growing a business can wind up throwing their hands in the air and giving up. At Safeguard, we work to make sure your business image is exactly what you want. It's our priority to help you find exactly what you need for a great public impression. 

When deciding how you want to promote your business, consider the following points.

• Have a uniform appearance. Do your checks, business cards and business stationery give your customer an idea of what products or services you might provide? Are your forms professional, expressing the tone you want your business to convey?

• Outfit your employees so that you are comfortable with how they are representing your business. Whether your company apparel consists of a simple polo shirt with your logo or an entire uniform, it is important to remember that your employees are making an impression. Make sure they stand out in a positive way.

• Choose a promotional item to keep you in your customer’s thoughts. Research shows that almost 72 percent of people who receive promotional items remember the companies for more than 12 months.

• When choosing a promotional item, be sure to consider the usability, reliability and visibility of the product. To be most effective, the product should be something your customer will use often, so that others will see it as well as your company information. If the product is not reliable, your business will not get the maximum benefit.

Contact us at Safeguard today so that we can help you meet and exceed your business goals in 2012.

Who Should Consider Promotional Products?

Whether you’re the marketing manager of a large company or the director of a small charity, advertising and promotions are an important part of your business.  Promotional products are a cost effective way to get the best results for your dollar.  Here are a few key points to consider.

• People love presents.  If you choose a product that appeals to the people you are marketing to, you will already have their attention.  If you choose a quality product that will last and is useful, you’ll have their attention for a longer period of time. 
• Make sure it lasts.  Whether a promotional item, such as a pen or a quality piece of apparel, if it’s made well, it will be used and worn.  A pen that runs out of ink in a month will be in the garbage, and a shirt that is thin or tears easily will be headed there as well. 
• Whatever you choose, it doesn’t have to be expensive in order to serve your needs.  There are so many options available when it comes to promotional items, it’s fairly easy to find something to fit your budget.  If you’re not sure of the best way to go, contact someone who knows the industry and let them help you. Despite the ease of shopping on-line, it is often better to let someone who is in the business guide you.  You’ll get more value for your dollar and you’ll find an item that suits your needs.  Over 17 billion dollars (yes, that’s a ‘B’) will be spent on promotional items and apparel this year.  Don’t let your items get lost in the shuffle. 

Remember, three out of four people have some type of promotional item in their work space. (Look around, we bet you have some too!)   People will keep useful things, and use them again and again.  Every time a product you’ve supplied is used, it’s seen, a visual and useful reminder of you and your business.

How Will You Be Remembered?

How will you be remembered this holiday season?   A sure way to be remembered is with the gift of food. 

Why?

Food is for everyone.  When a business receives a food gift, everyone feels appreciated from the people answering the phone, to the service department, all the way up the ladder to the boss.  It’s important to remember everyone in a business works as a team.  Thank them all with a tasty treat they will remember.  

Smell and taste are the strongest two senses and the more senses applied to something means it will be learned faster and retained longer.   We’ve all experienced this at one time or another.  The smell of baking cookies reminds us of grandma’s house, and we can all relate to the smell of turkey roasting on Thanksgiving!

Giving the gift of food in a reusable container means that even when the food is gone, your container will still be around.  A branded container means that you’re name will still be seen, even after the holidays are over.

Of course food gifts aren’t just for the holidays.  Reward employees for a job well done with a delicious basket.  Drop off a branded jar of treats to a client for the break room.  Every time someone has a snack they’ll be thinking of you.

Why Branding?

Not only is it memorable, it’s fresh. You name on a bar of chocolate means it hasn’t been sitting on a shelf in a warehouse for months, waiting for the holidays to arrive.  Your clients will be able to tell the difference, and they’ll remember you for it!

Don't forget to visit our website for more great ideas to help your business grow.

http://www.ctsafeguard.com/

Cool Stuff!

We love cool stuff...who doesn't?  We also love sharing cool stuff and giving you ideas on how to use it to make your business grow.  Check back often to see what we've found and how you can use it in your business!



We love.... 'The Tangle' from our friends at Prime.

Are you tired of leaning over your desk, searching your computer for an extra hub?  You're sure you saw one, but it's dark in the corner, and hanging upside down is making the blood rush to your head.

Enter...The Tangle.  With a 30 foot cord and four ports that twist 180 degrees, you'll never feel like you're playing twister with your computer again.

Add your logo and give the gift of not having to see a chiropractor to your clients and customers. The Tangle, imprinted with your logo, will be on their desk for all to see.  Great word of mouth and visibility, while providing a useful product..who could ask for anything more?

Imagine how much more productive your employees would be with The Tangle.  Everything they need at their fingertips, and no more work related injuries with heads bumped on desks.   Give 'The Tangle'  to new employees, as awards for great service, or as gifts around the holidays. 

Dont forget to visit our website for more great ideas to make your business grow!

http://www.ctsafeguard.com/

 

Joe and Althea Take Vegas

Althea and I recently attended the Safeguard North American Business Meeting in Las Vegas.  The meeting lasted for 3 days and offered a number of classes focused on finding solutions for our customers needs, from social media marketing to high security check products to promotional product campaigns.  We also visited 70 of our top print and promotional vendors at a private tradeshow. 

With the end of the year coming it is time to begin planning for 2012 and our team at Safeguard is uniquely positioned to offer everything a business needs to drive sales, operate more efficiently and reward top employees.

-Joe

Why Direct Mail?

Direct mail provides you with a more personal connection with your customers than other forms of advertising.  Newspapers, television and online ads are more generic and impersonal, and there is no guarantee they are going to reach the audience you want to interact with. With direct mail, you can target a specific group of people who are more likely to respond to your offer.

By placing your message directly in your customers’ hand, you are encouraging them to do business with you.   Providing them with information about an upcoming event, or a coupon, gives them the incentive to act.  By counting how many coupons are used, or how many sales are made, you can easily analyze the success of your program and adjust marketing as needed.

Another option with direct mail is to provide information about your business to potential clients.  By explaining the services you offer, you can make sure that potential clients don’t pass you by because they were unaware that you provided a certain service.  Sending along a small but useful gift, such as a calendar or key chain, also keeps your business in front of your current and potential customers each day.

Keep direct mail in mind when deciding how to establish a new connection, or to reconnect with a former customer.  Whether you send a simple postcard updating your clients about your business, or an elaborate flyer with professional images to announce a major event, by personalizing your news, you are more likely to get and keep the attention of those you are trying to reach.

Who Needs a QR Code Anyway?

Everyone.  Why?  With the amount of people carrying smart phones, and using them to access everything from Amazon to Zappos, it’s time to take advantage of QR technology to drive business your way. QR codes give instant access to the information you want people to have.  No waiting for an email, fax or phone call, QR is all about instant gratification.  QR can also increase your business by linking to coupons, discounts and special offers. The potential for growth is fantastic.

What's a QR Code...and what can I do with it?

A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional code that is readable by QR readers and smart phones.  It looks kind of like someone took an old fashioned bar code and shook it up.  Originally used as a way to track inventory, the QR code is now used just about everywhere.  It’s not hard to find a way to utilize these little guys in your business.

• Link your code to your Facebook/Twitter pages to increase your social media presence. A QR code will get you more ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ because it will be easier for people to find you.
• Put a QR on your front door to provide your customers with an instant coupon.  Because QR codes are so versatile, it is easy to change offers frequently, which increases traffic to your store.
• In real estate, add a code to a ‘For Sale’ sign, providing quick contact information for any interested buyers or a slide show of the property.  Why risk losing a potential sale because they drive by and run across another property with more information available?
• A QR code on a table tent can increase traffic by providing information of upcoming events, specials, drink menus, etc.  Offer a free appetizer or a discount on a second dinner on specific days to increase business.
• Have a ‘contest’.  Have two or three QR codes that are different from the rest, offering deeper discounts to those who scan them.  The code can link a customer directly to your mobile site, allowing them to shop and apply the discount immediately.
• Link a QR code to a video, showcasing your business or product.  Give your potential and existing customers instant access to information and new products, engaging them immediately.
• On your business card, have a QR linked directly to your phone so calls are immediate, or provide a map directing customers to your location.  
• A code directly on a product label can provide a link to more information or reviews for those interested.
• Put a QR code on your promotional items.  Provide your clients with information about your company, your contact information or special offers.

The potential for QR codes is really limitless.  Be sure that wherever your QR code takes those who scan it, that the page is optimized for mobile use.  Use your imagination and find a way to bring this technology into your business.