Have you ever wondered why certain colors are often associated with specific industries?  For instance, many fast-food companies use red in their corporate branding, while technology companies tend to favor various shades of blue.

There’s a reason for this.  A brand's colors are intended to project a certain image, reflect a certain energy, or send a message about the business’ products and the company’s trustworthiness.  These companies are attempting to influence their target audience by taking advantage of their emotional reaction to their corporate colors.

Drinkware has long been a favorite among branded promotional item categories—an accessory that makes a statement that its owner is a member of the current in crowd.

It seems that every season there is a new drinkware brand that everyone is desperate to get their hands on. In the not-too-distant past it was Yeti or Stanley; today Owala is so popular that the promotional industry can’t meet the demand or keep the shelves stocked.

Drinkware has a long and interesting history, with favorites coming and going so quickly that a disruptive brand today might be rejected tomorrow as trends head in a new direction. In this blog, we’ll explore where it all started and offer predictions on where it might be headed.

When conducting an outbound marketing or lead generation campaign, choosing between branded promotional products and printed collateral (such as brochures, direct mailers, or flyers) can be difficult.

Both are considered giveaways, and both consume a considerable amount of the marketing budget. While both can be effective, each has a specific role in the sales funnel and are treated very differently by those with purchasing authority. Ultimately, the decision on which to use comes down to how you want prospects to experience your brand—tangible utility vs. informational clarity.

Let’s explore the various pros and cons of print vs. promo and help clarify where one might be superior to the other.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous.

It’s understandable.  AI can perform in seconds a task that might take a person hours to complete.  AI is fast, impartial, and tireless.  It doesn’t require breaks, praise, or even a salary.  The appeal is intoxicating.

In response, companies around the world are moving quickly to incorporate AI into their operations—some might say too quickly.  In their haste to adopt the technology and increase revenues, these companies are losing sight of the human cost in terms of displacement and lost jobs.

The most common question we get from customers seeking branded promotional merchandise is whether we have access to the same well-known retail brands, products, and apparel as their other promotional distributors.