Most companies, at least from time to time, wrestle with how to keep their marketing fresh. Not only can it be a challenge to keep existing clients loyal, it can require serious brainstorming to get through to prospects who might otherwise not give you the time of day.

This month we’re highlighting a project we’re particularly proud of: the self-promotion kit we developed earlier this year. Given our society’s growing interest in caring for the planet, we want to make sure you’re aware of all the eco-friendly ways you can promote your organization.

Earlier this year we developed a marketing kit that followed the principle “Show, Don’t Tell.” Our goal was to introduce clients to all the organic, recyclable and biodegradable promotional items, gifts and apparel in the marketplace. Like many companies, we selected a presentation folder for housing various materials -- e.g., documentation that we’re a certified Woman’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and copies of previous newsletters – but from there we took a departure from the norm.

Our presentation folder is made of wildflower seeds so it will grow if planted. Since we figured most clients would hold on to the folder, we inserted items certain to hammer home the environmentally-friendly message. They included:

• A seeded bookmark with a vellum cover stating the recipient has been given the gift of green. The bookmark can be planted and the cover with our contact information kept and used as a bookmark. These bookmarks are available featuring different herbs, such as forget-me-nots, chili peppers, thyme and the money plant.
• A corn-shaped letter opener made of biodegradable corn plastic
• A pen made of recyclable material
• A pen made of biodegradable plastic
• A pamphlet of products made of corn plastic
• A flyer entitled “13 Easy Ways to Go Green”

Every day more and more promotional items are becoming available in environmentally-friendly materials. Our favorites include bags made of cloth, plastic and paper; journals or papers made of recycled materials; and apparel manufactured using organic and recyclable materials.

We’ve found that sending a green message to clients and prospects is well worth the investment. Our marketing kit has already inspired dozens of organizations to go green with their giveaways as well as products they sell. When you’re ready to showcase your creativity in conjunction with your concern for the environment, let’s talk! Call us at 516-935-0553 or send us an e-mail.

Few businesses think of the Arts as a promotional vehicle, but just about any company can find a way to get involved with local museums, galleries, orchestras, cultural institutions, or theaters by using promotional products.

Because most of these organizations are nonprofits, they’re always looking to partner with local businesses in order to stretch their operating budgets and marketing dollars. Of course, you’ll need to be a bit more creative to make this work, but you’ll be reaching a whole new audience in a very intimate and personal way, since people love to see businesses giving something back to the community.

There’s an emotional connection at work here, and it requires a different kind of approach. Traditional promotional products like wearables, electronics, writing instruments, magnets, etc. aren’t really going to resonate with this audience. The best way to get a feel for what works is to talk to marketing people at these organizations and see what kinds of opportunities there are for co-sponsoring certain events – and how promotional products might fit into the mix.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Totebags are always a great dual-sponsor item
• Products that reflect a theme – imprinted drumsticks for a concert, or miniatures of historic buildings
• Commemorative items for gallery shows that have a connection to the medium – ceramics, photography, prints, etc.
• Custom-imprinted CDs of artwork, exhibits, historical sites, etc. “brought to you by…”

By positioning yourself and your company as supporters of the Arts and offering to share your marketing dollars and expertise, you can open up a host of new channels for your products and services.

Send us an e-mail or call us at 516-935-0553 for ways to help your organization support the arts.

I hope our newsletter entices you to take a fresh (hmm, maybe I should say recycled!) look at your promotional marketing activities. Please call me at 516-935-0553 or send us an e-mail to talk about your marketing challenges and needs. We would love to help your organization!