Monday, August 27, 2012

Is your Brand Human?

A peculiar question, considering most of our brands are inanimate objects.  However, when it comes to promotion, personifying your brand does equate to increased sales, and in terms of the non-profit world - donations.

Take, for example, one of my favorite Brands - Apple.  Now, their products do rock, but you would think that an average consumer would be hard-pressed to drop $500+ on an iPad or iPhone.  However, with the way the Apple retail outlets are laid out, to the utilization of the late Steve Jobs, etc., Apple has been able to create a brand that has a humanistic appeal.

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Monday, August 20, 2012

Zumba - How to build a brand off of Fun!

Everyone has heard of the Zumba experience - how Latin Dance rhythms are combined with cardio to create a fun-filled exercise regimen.  I'm sure you've seen the infomercials, or have gone to a class at your local gym to see what this is really all about.

But what is also interesting is how a re-focus on its branding, and a re-design of its website catapulted this brand to newer heights - and created raving fans

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Instagram - Add another site to the Social Media mix!

So, we went social with MySpace and YouTube, and when that wasn't enough, we went to Facebook.  Shortly thereafter, we Tweeted, and FourSquared, and Yelped our way around the internet stratosphere.  We Pinned things, Google Plused, and LinkedIn to anything we could.  So, what's next you say?

Instagramming!  Yes, a quicker, kinder, gentler way to put your pics up quickly!  So, how does THIS one work for business you ask?  Well, Instagram is mobile - and unless you've been under a rock all these years, mobile IS the IT thing for, well, everybody!

Now more and more businesses are utilizing Instagram as yet another tool in their Social arsental:

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Friday, August 10, 2012

Janelle Nevins - Innovator and Friend












I wanted to share my thoughts on a friend who passed away yesterday, after battling illness for many months.  I know in my heart that she's in a much better place, looking down on us today.

Janelle Nevins was what I call a friendly competitor, and as we roamed the halls at the Coca-Cola Company for many years, I came to respect how she ran her business.  Janelle started part time in this crazy industry of Advertising Specialties working with her husband Art, and as a newcomer to this industry, she did what all new salespeople do - she called on the biggest buyer in town - Coca-Cola.  Her first order was for 50 lighters, which ended up being a long-term client for well over 30 years.

Janelle grew her business into one of the largest distributors in Atlanta, and as a result became one of the most respected women in the Industry.  I remember meeting her for the first time at Coca-Cola, and what struck me most was how open she was to talking to some newbie, and how over the years she would make a point to talk shop with me on a business and personal level.

When I was diagnosed with my kidney illness, Janelle reached out to me with emails, notes, and a get-well package - that alone sticks out as to the person she was - gracious, open, and giving.  We talked on the phone and via email while she was going through her medical journey, and she always maintained a positive attitude.  She also stuck to her business even when she was sick, she truly loved this industry, which speaks to her dedication to success.

I will miss Janelle Nevins, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Art, her children and grandchildren, as well as to all those who were touched by her.  Godspeed Janelle, you will be missed, but I thoroughly believe that Heaven received a good one yesterday.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Game Day Gear!

Your Game Day tailgating gear is here!  Get ready for football with branded products from Whiteboard Promotions

Game Day Products!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Can we survive without the Postal Service?

The US Post Office is in trouble, stating it will miss its next 2 benefit payments that were mandated by Congress.  With this news, the releases of tapering service, and of course the rise of the Internet and email - is the Post Office on the outs?

The US Postal Service is one of the few institutions that is written into the US Constitution, making it's demise a true constitutional crisis.  So, what can the Post Office do?  We all get mail in some way or shape - be it a circular, bills, cards, advertisements, etc.  And the founders set up the Post to essentially be the backbone of commerce.  But as Rand Paul suggests, it's bound to go bankrupt soon, so what's next?  Read the article below for more info...

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