Some of our newsletters generate more “talk” and interaction than others. I’m betting this one strikes a chord with many of you.

That’s what Stony Brook University did recently when the school announced that wearing red on campus on Fridays would be a new tradition. The concept of wearing red – to work, class and campus events – to inspire school spirit originated in the athletics department where wearing red on Fridays became a theme in support of the school’s teams. Now, with Multi Media Promotions’ help, the university has unveiled a business clothing line called “Fashion for Fridays” to expand the selection for those in search of a more professional look.

The new collection of Stony Brook University apparel includes sweaters for men and women, women’s blouses, men’s dress shirts, mock turtlenecks, and jackets. We also provided accessories such as handbags, silk ties and scarves.

To introduce the clothing, the university held a fashion show with staff and faculty modeling runway-style. Brochures were on hand to provide detailed descriptions and pricing of the items. The official gear is available both online and at one of several on-campus locations.

Like the concept of logoed apparel for your organization but don’t know where to start? Multi Media Promotions does! We know how to help you make an impact with employees, clients and prospects with professional attire. To learn more, call us at 516-935-0553 or send us an e-mail.

Let’s give your customers a reason to call on you every quarter with seasonal campaigns. Repeated exposure of your offerings will build rapport and get your target audience accustomed to hearing from you regularly.

Here are a few ideas:

Winter. Show your ability to warm up to your clients’ needs. For example, a financial planner mails a reusable heart-shaped hand warmer that heats when snapped. The hook: “Do your finances need some care and attention this season?” A temp agency sends gloves to retail managers with a reminder, “We’re here to give you a hand during the holiday rush.” To reach executives, send a USB Cup Warmer (a desktop hotplate with a 4-port hub to keep coffee hot longer) – “For service that’s never tepid, call us...”

Spring. Consider mailing flower-shaped products from stress balls to magnets with the message, “Come see what new products are in bloom.” Umbrellas allow professional service providers from insurance agents to banks to tie in a reminder that, “Rainy days don’t soak our clients.” A gardening tool with a note tied to the handle is ideal for a salesperson who wants to cultivate a customer relationship.

Summer. Consider imprinted sunglasses accompanied by a letter that explains how a salon/spa makes its customers “feel like stars.” Imprinted packets of sunscreen sent by an auto mechanic to his best customers reminding them, “Don’t get burned on the road. Have a maintenance check before traveling this summer.” 

Fall. There are leaf-shaped key tags, notepads, pencils, even a leaf-shaped compact mirror. Imagine the latter with the message, “This fall let’s take a look at how we can better serve you.” Also consider food products like maple syrup and nuts accompanied by a note that says, “Let us give you a taste of great service this fall” and include a short survey with a few key service questions.

Seasonal programs are abundant with opportunities. Send us an e-mail or give us a call at 516-935-0553 and we’ll plan a campaign that has clients thinking of you quarterly!

Your local Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau are both involved with promoting local businesses, and you may find that a little creative brainstorming will uncover a wealth of new marketing opportunities.

Naturally, if you’re already in this market, promotional products are a great way to publicize your goods and services. Hotels, B&Bs, taxi & shuttle services, railways, airlines, cruise lines, travel agents, and convention centers can all benefit from using imprinted items and are great believers in the power of promotional products. But even if you’re not directly connected to the travel and hospitality business, your company can tap into the potential this market offers.

Think about the impact your logo or ad message could have if you offered imprinted products, food baskets, maps, brochures, or other items to a local hotel or bed & breakfast to be distributed to guests as welcome gifts.

Another idea: Historical sites are always looking for ways to make the most of a limited budget. Get together with them and offer “activity kits” for kids that contain coloring books, crayons, toys and other amenities, again with your ad message prominently displayed.

The exposure you’ll get from hooking up with these kinds of businesses could open a whole new avenue for marketing your business. To explore this idea, call us at 516-935-0553 or send us an e-mail.