Saturday, August 8, 2009

Tradeshows Gold Mine

Who doesn't love free stuff? If something is free, people take first and figure out where to put it later. Trade shows and events where businesses have booths marketing their services are a jackpot for the Freebie Finders. For those businesses, that Finder is also a potential customer, client or patient. Here, anything useful to that potential customer is an opportunity to get your name or logo in front of their face, and the more useful, the better: apparel, pens, mugs, mp3 players, watches, stress relievers, candy - all free for the taking or as a thank you for orders placed on the spot at a booth.

One important thing to remember is that you still need to find a way to be remembered among all the other booths around you. Beyond pens, there are so many creative ways to promote yourself at a show and really stand out from the crowd. A pen or mug might be useful and get your name in their house, but are they going to associate that memory of who you are and where they got that imprinted mug from?

Creative specialists in the promotional product industry are your key to finding the special something you most times didn't even know was available or within budget. At Graphicon, my entire job revolves around finding the right items for the right clients. I don't use a cookie-cutter presentation to provide our clients with promos. Researching your company, your consumer base, budget, and business philosophy are all taken into consideration. We wouldn't send you to a ground breaking ceramoney with a bunch of ceramic mugs or suggest chocolate candies for a tradeshow on senior care and diabetic supply. By keeping up to date on our industry knowledge of new products, what's succesful, and which suppliers are reliable and stock quality product, we've become specialists in the field when it comes to finding your "it" item.

For example:

An engineering firm wanted to stand out at a tradeshow recruiting new engineers. It was in the south (hot and humid). The client wanted to also show their support for the local team and include "Go Gators!" in their product. What we found was a personal fan, imprinted on the handle with the client's logo. When switched on, the fan spelled out in LED lights, the company's name and, phone number, and "Go Gators!" The fans were such a hit that they ran out half way through the show and have reordered them twice running out each time despite reordering in larger quantity.

A client of ours marketed to local high schools and colleges and usually did music download cards or t-shirts. They needed something new to entice more students to donate blood. What we came up with the first year was an insulated drawstring backpack, great for a light bookbag, purse, and even water proof and insulated to work as a cooler for lunch. The bags went over so well, they reordered twice and have since used the item for their online rewards program, where it was also one of the highest redemption prizes.

After the rough economic start to the year, banks were not looking so hot in the business world. One bank client needed a way to put their friendly side forward. For them, we let the pens do the talking.....literally. With "Thank you!" on one side and their logo on the other, these pens with fuzzy haired characters on the top bore a friendly smile for new customers and when pressed down, entended a hearty "Thank you very much! Thank you SOOO much!". Customers loved it and it was definitely a memorable way to show the bank how much they appreciate their loyal customers and trust from new clients.

So, do you have someone looking out for you? Try Graphicon, whether you just want ideas or would like us to help you brand an item for your next big event, we're here to put your best face forward.

Graphicon, Inc.
P: (317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Eco Friendly Promotional Items

Today "green" is in. Recycled, Reusable, Biodegradable, Earth-Friendly....these are all popular in the promotional product industry. I have saved a catalog for everyone looking for eco-friendly ideas and here's an additional link for some eco-responsible promotional items suitable for gifts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.


Thanks,

Jessica
Graphicon, Inc.
(317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com































Sunday, July 26, 2009

Why You Should Use Graphicon?

With today's economy, clients are tightening their purse strings, so the objections are mounting among the theme of "I just don't have the money right now". Believe me, our marketers and advertisers are well aware of the state of the economy and shrinking budgets and are here to help you market your business with targeted, proven ideas specific for your industry. With the help of fellow industry colleagues, I've decided to include a list of some of the most commonly heard objections.

Client Statement 1: "Sales are down and I need to cut my budget."
I understand and that's what I'm here to help you spend what budget you have more efficiently. In doing a little research into your company, and your target market, I can provide you a few ideas on how you can use promotional products to increase your sales and brand awareness. We are actually doing very well these days because we are better able to show our customers how they can measure a return on their clients how they can measure a return on their investment with ad specialties as opposed to other forms of advertising, like TV, radio, newspaper or billboards. We can better show direct ROI with programs using our products as motivational tools to drive their business.

Client Statement 2: "I can't really waste money on advertising premiums and trinkets when money is so tight."
I don't think you should be wasting money on premiums at any time! If you are, why have you bought them in the past? It sounds like you're working with someone asking your to buy these without rhyme or reason. We don't sell that way. We offer our services to show you how ad specialtes help grow your business. You shouldn't waste your money on them if you can't determine any measureable result from them.
In your mind, these "trinkets" have no value. We don't sell "trinkets." We demand accountability from the products we sell.

Client Statement 3: "I'm not buying until sales turn around."
Why not? Have your past promotional items not impacted your business? That tells me your previous ad specialty expert wasn't selling these products with measurable results in mind, and that is an unacceptable way of thinking in our company. The companies that will make it through the tumultuous economic times are those who can see the return they are going to get on the dollars they are spending on marketing. I can help you create a program where you can see just that with your promotional product purchases.

Client Statement 4: "How will promotional products help me stretch my marketing budget?"
Creative and targeted promos are useful. When the right product is chosen, there's a lasting value to it and your cost to keep engaged with your customer is spread out over a longer period of time. That's the underlying benefit. When you give your customer something they can use on a daily basis, as opposed to other forms of advertising that can come and go in 30 seconds, you're going to have your name and logo in front of your customer over a longer period of time.

Client Statement 5: "We've been laying off employees. How can we justify spending money on ad specialties?"
While it's a legitimate concern, a specialized program where promotional products can be used to boost your sales or get you ready when the economy does turn around so you'll be able to call back those people sooner. Plus, we've found that many companies in your same situation do want to make sure their staff still feel appreciated, so they give them a little something to boost morale.
Challenging conditions present challenging selling situations that require more preparation, research and creativity, which we can do for you, saving you time and money. We'll tailor creative promotional ideas to your customer base to help produce the sales you crave in this economy.

Who is Graphicon?

How can your promotional products set you apart?

Anyone can be average. Expect more. Get more with Graphicon. Our marketing philosophy of "promotional products with a purpose" helps you utilize your specialties budget in the most powerful and positive ways. We work diligently to assist you in just that - setting your organization apart in the marketplace.
At Graphicon, we help you find what works best for you organization's marketing goals. How? By listening, really listening to you and your objective, then we know where to start. Personal service is our cornerstone. And best of all, the advantage of our marketing expertise doesn't cost you a bit more. We want your business, and we will work hard to get it and keep it. Guaranteed.
Don't think in "giveaway" terms. Think of what your promotional products will give your company or organization in return. Graphicon will find out what your personal needs are, and provide you with a variety of options within your budget. Being up to date on the latest industry trends gives us the chance to provide you with ideas you didn't even know existed.
Not only does Graphicon offer you creative options, and plenty of them - but we work around your schedule as well. If you cannot visit our showroom, just call us. We'll come to you for a marketing consultation, or to bring samples - all at your convenience! We believe in personal service.

Why should you expect anything less?

8455 Castlewood Drive, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317.579.9090 Fax: 317.579.9191
jessica@graphicon.com