Today's Up to Date Report on Imprinted Items

Beware Silicone Wristbands!

2012-03-08T15:58:55Z

Lance Armstrong started it with his "Livestrong" silicone wristbands to raise money for cancer research. Millions have been sold since as fund raisers.
Beware, there is only one supplier in America who makes them here and he informed me that the Chinese add lead to theirs to make the colors brighter. As has been well documented, lead is harmful especially to infants and children and can cause brain damage. The suppliers are supposed to be checked but companies bribe the officials who tell them when the inspectors are coming.
I have the source for American made and I for one am not going to take the chance a child can get one of the wristbands I sell.
PS, the multicolor ones? I am told children are paid to mix the toxic chemicals to produce those pretty colors. You have been warned!

Is Pinterest in Your Marketing Plans?

2012-03-08T15:51:32Z

My new web site, Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/logomd is a new venture that I dismissed at first as "for the kids". I didn't see value to a business use.
Constant Contact showed me otherwise and highly suggests it to a business that can show pictures of products offered or services rendered. My plan:
1. Put pictures of things that show I am a good guy. First was a board on "Places Around Virginia" and included a picture of Mabry's Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway that I like. It was "repined" on another site soon after I put it up. I have added, "Priceless Pictures" and "Favorite Places and Things"
2. Put pictures that show projects I have done or am involved with using imprinted items. One project involves some friends who are walking in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" in May. I put a picture of the design and within 5 minutes two people had seen it and pinned it to their boards. I began to think, "This might be a way to build another online community"
3. I also put some video on a board. Pictures are good but video is even better.
Take a look at Pinterest. Let me know what you think of it.

Embroidery Leads the Way

2012-03-08T15:39:53Z

For my business in imprinted items, embroidery leads the way in promoting a professional image for a company or organization. Two key elements:
1. The right apparel for the use. I hear over and over again. "We thought we were doing right to pick cheap but we got burned with inferior goods". A lightweight 50/50 shirt is fine for a one day event but rarely is it good for long term repeated use (i.e. washed on a regular basis). See www.companycasuals.com for one of my best sources for embroidered goods. Also www.imprintit.biz
2. The quality is in the imprint as well. I had a prospective client say a week ago, "I got our logo done but it was inferior and I don't even want to show it to you". Everything in embroidery is by stitch count as far as pricing. My advise: "Don't skimp on doing the logo correctly--will look shabby if you do" Pick a quality professional and ask for samples of their work.
If you have questions, call me on 804-241-1152 or e-mail at matt@logomd.com

Will Work for Incentives-A Review

2011-04-18T19:50:00Z

According to a recent study by the Incentive Research Foundation, properly constructed incentive programs will increase performance from between 25% and 44%. The study was done by polling business executives who use incentives. Key findings are as follows:
* When programs are first offered for completing a task, a 15% increase in performance occurs.
* When asked to continue toward a goal, performance soared to 27% due to the incentive just given out.
* The study found that incentive programs that ran for a year or more produced an average of 44% increase.
* A shorter program length didn't produce as good a results, 6 months or less showed a 30% increase.
* There were five conditions under which incentive programs work:
    a. current performance is at least adequate
    b. the cause of current inadequate performance is deficiencies in motivation
    c. the desired performance level and type can be quantified
    d. the goal is challenging but achievable
    e. the goal does not conflict or override current daily organizational goals
* A model for the successful incentive program includes
    a. Assessment that studies the gap between the company's goals and employee performance
    b. Program Selection that rewards employees on a quota based model are more successful because they give a clear understanding of the "benchmarks" needed for achievement
    c. Work Value is important to help employees decide what values they should assign to work goals in the hope they they will make a stronger commitment to achieve goals.
    d. Establish Training and Communication reminds all that the focus of training is identify barriers that impede performance
    e. Support is essential for success and must be offered to the employees to the level that they believe the organization will support their goals and award incentives fairly.
    f. Emotional Appeal is crucial to the biggest performance gains because emotion after training is the one major factor in success. The leader's role is not only to get the employees to believe in the program but to get the management team supporting it as well.
   g. Measurement of the three outcomes is critical--
        active choice--choosing to do the work in the intended manner
        commitment--persistence over time
        mental effort--thinking clearly
    h. Analysis and Feedback of the efforts are key to long term improvement and always include costs versus benefits so adjustments can be made.

For further information see the website for the Incentive Research Foundation at www.theirf.org and a full copy of the study is available for $50.

Your Guide for Embroidery and Screen Printing

2011-03-01T13:49:00Z

Embroidery is sold in the following way:
1. A computer file, often called a "tape" from the distant past when paper tapes ran the embroidery machine, is created to tell the sewing machine where to put the stitch. Remember in moving a logo from paper to fabric, we are working in miniature with usually no more than 2.5" high and 3.5" wide to work with. Also text has to be 1/4 to 3/8" tall to sew properly. Everything that can be done on paper can't be done in embroidery. There is a set-up charge for the set-up, usually about $45-60 but can be more if more than 5,000 stitches. A best practice is to quote you the price before set-up begins. There should not be a charge on another order unless a modification is requested.
2. A charge is made for each item that is stitched. It is based on the total number of stitches and number of positions. Often it is necessary to do a sleeve imprint to add a tagline that is part of a logo. Most run charges are in the $4-6.00 range. I have one that has 14,000 stitches and cost $8.00 each time it is run. I normally add the run charge to the item charge to give a unit price.
3. Often times people don't realize that with embroidery you can get 5 colors for the price of one. Most machines can do 5 thread colors at one time.
4. On small quantities, embroidery is comparable in price to screen printing and look a lot lot better.
5. A best practice is to provide a printout (on paper) or a sewout (actual stitching) before the job is done. Only way to get assurance the logo will be done correctly.
6. Thread colors can match most Pantone colors but if you request a special color, you may need to pay for a special order of thread. No embroidery shop should be expected to stock every thread color.
7. Often a company or organization will need a collection of items put together like a couple of golf shirts in both mens and ladies styles, caps, jackets, sweatshirts, etc. We are happy to work with them and create marketing materials. We can also assist in developing an online store where members can go and purchase goods. Store set-up has greatly dropped in price and can be done as cheap as $20 a month. We can process credit cards and forward a rebate check on a regular basis.
8. We fold and bag each item to keep them clean until delivered to the purchaser. Not everyone does.
9. Keep in mind the use of the item in deciding which ones to add to the collection. See www.companycasuals.com for one good source for apparel.
10. Call today to discuss your needs at 804-241-1152.
Screen Printing
1. Like embroidery there is a set-up and run charge for screen printing. You should not expect to pay a second set-up unless the art is modified. There is an added charge for multiple colors. Lighter color shirts are cheaper than dark colors and also will need a white undercoat to look right.
2. Color is usually added one at a time but with computers colors can be mixed to create the look of multiple colors. One job I did was 4 colors but looked like 6--client paid for 4 and liked that idea.
3. Screen printing allows for large size graphics at an economical price.
4. The test of a screen printer is the technical ability but more important is the art department. That separates the good from the best.
5. Pantone colors can be matched for exact color but expect to pay extra for an exact match. I once saw production people dropping ink by the drop into a batch to print to get the exact formula of color.
6. Large size graphics with a heavy concentration of ink can be uncomfortable on a person's chest. When exercise happens the ink sticks to the flesh. We call it "bullet proof"--wouldn't suggest it but not going to stop anyone from doing that kind of job. Large graphics are better on the back, small left chest on the front.
7. All ink is cured in a dryer to set the colors. Some fabrics are harder to cure than others-man made ones like nylon especially--they tend to melt.
8. All apparel comes off the dryer and are usually folded in dozens and dropped in a box. We like to fold and inspect each item to make sure there are no holes or loose threads. If included in the order, most shirts are bagged for delivery to ensure they stay clean.
9. We can create a collection that includes screen printing items in with embroidery. Call today to discuss your needs at 804-241-1152. One good source is at www.imprintit.biz Cotton continues to rise but screen printing prices haven't changed for me since 2005. Use a competent counselor to help you pick the right apparel items.
10. Only use the best screen printers, ask around. Everyone has horror stories of how art was "butchered" or ink did not cover the apparel completely. Poor quality is a reflection on you and your company or organization.

Inexpensive Ways to Get You Recognized

2011-01-05T19:34:00Z

Anyone can do something simple to get their name out in the marketplace. Here are some inexpensive ways:
Magnets-Business card sized, full color to "show case" something you do. Bic has a special for the first quarter, 500 @ .15/ea ( $75) plus shipping. See www.bicgraphic.com for other ideas. I put my new blog address on a pen.
Dealing with women customers? Cheap and effective--emery boards. Women love them. Learned that a long time ago. Have given out thousands over the years.
Events tend toward balloons and balls.
Creative ideas range all over in price, Call today to discuss your budget and needs. M

it's About Time--FYI on Calendars and Planners

2010-10-12T14:43:00Z

Additional Information to add to "Put YOUR Logo to Work", the Oct. 13th edition. You can subscribe at www.logomd.com
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1. The custom safety calendar I did locally with a print shop. We did 1,000 pieces at about $6.00/ea. That was a few years ago price might be $7.-8.00 range now. This was a each page/month a different picture and there is a way to be cheaper with only one picture. We can do custom as few as 100.
2. Planners are very handy ways to get your logo in front of people on a consistent basis. Most people like the desk top style because they can write in them easier. Week at a glance is definitely more popular than month at a glance. One Virginia manufacturer is online at www.paynepubpromo.com
3. One of the best collections of stock calenders is from a company called Norwood. See www.norwood.com and look for calendars in the mix of items this collection of companies offers. All ship from MN so needs 3 days to get to VA. There is a quick turnaround of 3-5 days on some styles.
4. Watches and Clocks are the ultimate identity item to let everyone know who you identify with--school, church, social organization. For watches as few as 12, see www.elramcorp.com All the major brands have imprinted item divisions, Bulova, Selco, Seiko, Times, etc. We can also do wall clocks in a variety of shapes and sizes. Even grandfather clocks for a retirement gift.

New Blog-Small Business Marketing

2010-09-23T12:46:00Z

A new blog is at www.growyourbusinesswithcc.com and will complement what is here. I will continue to write about imprinted items here but see another area to discuss having to do with small business marketing. Subscribe there if the following fits your situation:
1. There is never enough money to do all the marketing you would like to do.
   2. There is never enough time to do all the marketing you would like to do.
   3. You see all these great technologies associated with the Internet and wonder, "How can I use that in my business?"
   4. What you have been doing doesn't seem to work anymore.
   5. How can I compete on my "shoe string" budget with people who have a lot more money than me? (Pssst--You can)
If that interests you, go sign up at www.logomd.wordpress.com

Marketing Your Church with Imprinted Items

2010-08-29T02:26:00Z

A Review

Synopsis: As small business owners are coming to realize, the time is past to wait for prospects to come to the business location and ask to make transactions. Business owners have to find new, inexpensive and creative ways to get their name and message in front of the public. The same is true for the local church.

Assumptions:

1. There are limited funds available for marketing projects.

2. Planning is essential to maximizing the effects of the purchases made.

3. Identify target groups and develop a strategy and theme to reach them. relational evangelism is what Jesus practiced and so should we.
4. The media is picked based on the theme developed, the item should not be picked first.
5. Each item usually has room for a tag line as well as a logo. Use a tag line for maximum effectiveness.
6. A plan should include a time line of groups to be reached and when
7. Review the results of implementing the plan and modify as needed.
8. The information below is designed to help develop a plan for outreach. Other resources might be used internally.
9. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Our database has over 4,000 suppliers and a million items.
10. If LOGO Dynamics can help in any way call us.

Printed Materials support this effort.

Brochures
Door Hangers
Bookmarks

Imprinted Items

Apparel
1. Screen printing is mainly used for tee shirts and sweatshirts, some outerwear.

Shirts are mainly 100% cotton and 50/50 cotton/polyester blends. Sizes range from Youth XS (2-4) to Adult 6X. There is no difference in quality in 100% cotton and 50/50 blends. A key to quality is the weight of a square yard of material and it is expressed in ounces. A 5.4 oz. material is fine, 6.1 ounce is heavy like a Hanes Beefy Tee. The performance shirts will be in the 3.-4. ounce range.

Pricing is figured as the cost of the shirt, run charge for imprint, and set-up which generally includes art time and screen making. Most screen printers do not charge a set-up on an exact repeat.

Price breaks are for screen printing, 100 is the first good one, 250 and 500 are better. 24 is the minimum.

White shirts are cheaper, lights more expensive and darks the most expensive. Each color printed will add a run charge to the order.

Youth groups, mission’s teams, and handyman ministry will need good quality tee shirts and 25-99 quantity for a simple design should run about $5.00 a shirt.

Embroidery is often not much more expensive than screen printing, especially on small quantities. Three ways are available to get a design for a shirt.

1). A simple text logo can be developed from the computer that runs the sewing machine. Approx. 20-25 fonts available. Little or no set-up costs.

2). Stock embroidery designs that can have text added. See www.dakotacollectibles.com or www.greatnotions.com . Set-up: can be $15-50 depending on how many stitches.

3). Total Custom designs are done by a digitizer and may run $75-150.

Shirts can be described as the following:

1). Good—which are made of heavy weight jersey knit tee shirt material, Hanes Stedman and Jerzees are two brand names. With simple embroidery like text on S-XL one should look to pay about $10/shirt. Only offered as men’s/unisex styles

2). Better—which are usually coarse knit pique material, about 5.5 oz. and names like Outer Banks and Hanes. They will be offered in both men’s and ladies styles. With simple embroidery, look to pay about $12-15.00 on S-XL. See www.imprintit.biz for our local warehouse.

3). Best—is also pique but can also be textured and offers features like a trim in the collar and longer shirt tail. Expect to pay $20 and above on a shirt in these styles. Weight may be 6 oz. of more. Golf shirts may not suit all occasions and oxford dress shirts would be in the “Best” category. See www.companycasuals.com for one regional warehouse that offers a wide range of apparel and headwear.

b. Headwear—ball caps are a great way to advertise your church. Most are embroidered and usually run about $6.-8.00/ea. Most have fabric or leather straps for an exact fit. Two main styles are the traditional high crown and more contemporary low rise. People are fussy about caps, good to offer both styles.

c. Outerwear—sweaters and jackets are a great way to promote your church. Most are embroidered.

Identity Items
1. Automobile Related

Stickers and Decals

Magnets

Flags and Pennants

One Henrico Catholic parish is creating a mailbox flag to promote their church. These are the 12’ X 18” weatherproof flags people hang from a metal rod.

Magnets

Most popular size is 2” X 3.5” business card. 500 full color about $.25/ea. Plus shipping

Some people do not like to put bumper stickers on their car, magnets are the solution. Large up to 5” diameter work best.

Kids
1. Frisbees
2. Fun Items like bubble stuff, bolo bats, and balloons
3. ID Kits
4. Stickers
5. Coloring books and crayons
6. Growth Chart
7. Puzzle
8. Sports or Beach Balls
9. Magnets, one is “50 Ways to Praise Your Child”
10. Bags

Tote, Athletic etc.

Litter and Plastic Bags, can be used to put literature in for door to door

Writing Instruments

Prefer Bic, www.bicgraphic.com Good mass distribution items under .50/ea.

Kitchen Items

Magnetic Memo Boards for the Family Message Center, the refrigerator, can be set up with frequently used phone numbers or tips for the babysitter.

Jar gripper

Picture frame, magnetic available

Magnifying glass

Calendars

Wall to small desktop to adhesive stick-on

Custom can be done with small quantity like 100, have an art contest with the community or church family.

Mugs and drinkware

Includes a wide variety of items from plastic stadium cups, ceramic white coffee mugs to stainless steel and acrylic travel mugs. 144 is generally the first good price break. Prices start at about $1.10 and go up. Set-up and freight costs extra. See the following as good regional sources.

www.theworks.com Wide range of styles

www.garyline.com Sipper bottles, cups

www.dooleycups.com plastic stadium cups, 1 day service with no rush charge

www.glassamerica.com wide range of mugs

Any prices seen are list.

Suggested Plan

Simple Program-Apparel for church leaders. We can help with an order form and are quick to supply samples so sizes are correctly ordered. A second phase might include mass distribution items to give to worship hour guests and targeted neighborhoods. A door know bag, pen, and child's item would be good choices.

Expanded program- might ad more apparel items. Mailbox flags with a church logo might be good to identify church members in their neighborhoods. Kitchen items might be good as well.

Additionally, it is always good to recognize volunteer leadership with items like clocks, travel mugs, calculators and lunch coolers. See www.elramcorp.com for one supplier I use that has a 12 piece minimum. Umbrellas printed with the church logo should be at every entrance and available for the ushers to use in the parking lot when there is inclement weather. See samples of my main supplier at www.aaaumbrella.com

LOGO Dynamics is owned by Matt Davidson, SS Director at Glen Allen Baptist Church. For further information, contact him at 804-241-1152 or matt@logomd.com

LOGO Dynamics is based in Henrico at 7206 Impala Drive, Richmond, 23228

Appointments available upon request.

For further information on the above, call Matt or go to the following

www.logomd.com web site with link to the national database and online catalogues. www.logo-richmond.com, our blog with helpful information, especially on small business marketing that can be applied to churches.

Times Change, Times Stay the Same

2010-04-28T01:46:00Z

I rode through the old neighborhood in Portsmouth Saturday after the MAPPA Board meeting in VA Beach. Old house is till standing that I grew up in, neighborhood looks similar but not the same. I have been thinking a lot bout marketing and being back home got me to thinking about the people my mother did business with back in the 60's with I was growing up.
She was a widow when I was three and took my Dad's life insurance to put the down payment on a $7500 house. She went to see Mr. West at the local appliance store and said, "I need a washer" and told him her situation. He extended credit which wasn't automatic back then and that began a relationship with him that lasted until he sold the store when Sears came to town several years later. She wouldn't think of going anywhere else until she was forced to do it.
On furniture there was a store on the main street, High Street, and she became good friends with Mr. Cantor, a small, frail man who she liked to do business with. I think it was not only because of what he knew about furniture but the way he got personally involved and showed he cared. Whenever we walked into the store, Mr. Cantor seemed always amazed at how much I had grown. I don't think Mom ever did business with anyone else until Mr. Cantor died.
I thank God everyday for people who want to have a personal as well as a business relationship with me. In my rebranding I am committed to doing everything I can to make life easier for them. Today it was bagging a labeling an apparel order so the client didn't have to waste time figuring out who got what goods. Tonight it was doing a layout for some signage a client needs.
If you don't think people care about your business, find people who do. There may be fewer now than the days of Mr. West and Mr. Cantor, but they are out there. Want to succeed? try acting like these old guys would be my advise. Have a great selling day. M

Small Business Marketing

2010-03-16T17:11:00Z

If you haven't seen it, look at the video on www.youtube.com of Scott McKain and his 5 minute presentation on "Taxi Terry". It is great just for the sake of humor but also to drive the point that in today's business world a business owner has to decide what the purpose of the business is then plan how to do the best job possible to focus on that purpose. In the process of discovering your purpose, you will decide what you are not as well as what you are. I have decided I have tried long enough and hard enough to get the attention of procurement people in federal, state, and local governments. I spend untold hours and fair sum of money all last year to get the attention of the federal government. I believed all the press about the stimulus and how Uncle Sam wanted to buy from me. I spent hours writing capability statements to tell them what I could supply and handed out flash drives with 15 statements on them last spring at their conference where they insisted they wanted to do business with me. The last "straw" was getting a call from the Navy at Lakehurst, NJ asking me to come up with a proposal to create plastic templates to use in probing the wings of aircraft. With hours of effort and two FEDEX shipments of samples, the requestor says "That will work." I have called repeatedly and keep getting "It is up to Contracting". I believe the lower bidder got it. On another bid opportunity for the Defense Commissary Agency, I found out I was bidding against a manufacturer on a nice size contract.
From now on, I may look at the bid notices just to see what they are buying but all my competitors are free to go after that stuff from now on. I want to focus on people who want to grow their business and want to learn more about it. I think I have figured out a few things like commitment to excellence and the Internet. Will share others are I try them out. Check back often or subscribe to see what I am up to. M

Who We Are and What We Do

2010-03-10T14:15:00Z

I have been challenged by a book I read called the "Collapse of Distinction" by Scott McKain. Mr. McKain spoke to my industry and even though I couldn't afford to be there I profited greatly by reading about him in our trade magazine, on his web site (www.scottmckain.com) and watching his videos on YouTube (especaily see the one about "TaxiTerry") He as caused me to rethink my business purpose statement. I though I had a good one before but realized I had written it from my perspective, not my customers. Here is my revised statement:
Who We Are: We put your logo to work in cost effective ways to help you reach your goals and objectives.
Our Points of Distinction:
     1. Marketing--Our goal is to educate and inform so our clients can make a great decision
     2. Research--Our goal is to find the best options and the right choice
     3. The Promise--We will respond by phone, e-mail, or in person usually in 1-2 hours and our focus is to understand the client's needs and write a written proposal to meet those needs.
     4.The Transaction
           A. Quote--to achieve clarity a written quote is required.
           B. Proof--to achieve satisfaction a proof of the logo to size is required.
           C. Confirmation--to achieve understanding a written confirmation noting a complete description of the details is required.
           D. Appreciation--to achieve gratitude a hand written thank you note is sent and, if appropriate, an appreciation gift will be delivered.
     5. Ongoing Evaluation through surveys, interviews, and e-mails is necessary to achieve excellence. We are never so smart we can't learn something new.
In Addition:
*18 years experience in the imprinted item industry
* Connected to the industry's largest database of over a million items and over 3,000 suppliers
* Participation in the local trade group, the Mid-Atlantic Promotional Products Association (MAPPA) to foster professionalism and help new distributors get off to a good start.
   * Participation in national trade groups, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI, #255454) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

I welcome your comments and response. M

Marketing Check-Up

2010-02-26T03:53:00Z

One good thing I have found about a recession is that it sure makes you think about the marketing you should have been doing while things were going good. I know now the importance of at the end of the day asking myself, "What did you do today to build sales for tomorrow?". Here are some recent developments:
1. I learned about Constant Contact (see www.constantcontact,com ) at a professional products association meeting last month. I didn't do much about it because of spending time on taxes and getting over an illness. Last week I took a crash course in developing an e-mail newsletter and launched one yesterday morning about 9:00 a.m. Some results, so far of the 100 I sent out, 40 people have opened their newsletter from me. One was opened and I got an e-mail back in 15 minutes that resulted in a $300 commission a few minutes later on an umbrella reorder for a local church. I can tell that 2 people have been to this blog and several gone to web sites of suppliers. Hopefully, others will open their messages in the next few days
Note: This is definitely not a way to create spam. The only way to get the second edition in late March is to subscribe to my newsletter. I think it helps you figure out who your loyal clients are.
2. I made a New Year's resolution to send a "World of Thanks" card to every person who made an order with me as soon as they paid their bill. I got all of them out today for people who have done business this year. Try it. A little appreciation can go a long way.
3. Still doing capability statements on the various ways my programs can help a business, service group, government agency, school or church. If you want to see samples, let me know.
4. Are you involved in the community where you do business? For me it is Exchange Club and Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber started a new program called "Connect For Lunch" and I have been to 8 lunch meetings with strangers who are also members of the Chamber. Meet some nice people and eventually hope it will "pay off" in new business.
5. Read any good books? great stuff out there on marketing. See what you can find on Internet, social networking, blogs, etc. I shutter to think what my year last year would be like if I still tried to do business like I did 3-5-10 years ago. Most likely be out of business.
Never hurts to have a check-up from the neck up. Think about it. M

Recognize a Hero?

2010-02-16T15:55:00Z

At a recent seminar of blogging, the speaker encouraged me to make my blog more personal and talk about the corporate culture of LOGO Dynamics. Since LOGO Dynamics is me, that makes my culture something to discuss. Frankly, I have tried to keep "me" in the background on my blogging but perhaps I should tell more about my off business time.
In 2008, the local family support resource person for the National Guard in Central VA asked me, "How can I get some cheap teddy bears?" To make a long story short, I passed the hat, contacted some friends and made a donation myself to raise about $900 for 200 teddy bears to be given to members of the 276th Engineer Battalion that was being deployed to Afghanistan. They wanted to give them to their children as they left town. (Happy to report that even though they spent a year in country, every made it back--their assignment defuse roadside bombs.)
Chapter 2, Gen. Stephen Huxtable of the VA National Guard contacted me in 2009 and said, "I just heard what you did. How can I get you to do more?" He went on to say that for projects like this one, he can't get any money out of the Federal Government. I told him I'd see what I could do.
Chapter 3, still working to fulfill Ch 2. Some plans are in the works. Will pass them on as details emerge. A bear is a 10" one with the National Guard or a unit symbol (like we did for the 276th) on a camo tee shirt. The bear has a floppy army cap on him. With shipping and set-up, bears are $5/ea. Gen. Huxtable wants to add coins for the older kids. I think it would be nice to give restaurant gift certificates to soldiers on their two weeks leave in the middle of their tour.
Check back for updates or call me on 804-241-1152 if you want to help. M

Designing A Tee Shirt--A Return to An Old Article

2010-01-20T14:13:00Z

Someone recently contacted me with "Help, I'm in charge of tee shirts for our organization. What do I do?" Here is my response, basically the same as an article I wrote several years ago. Times have not changed very much on this one.
1. Components in price. Usually the imprint cost more than the shirt. Tee Shirts are cheapest in white or light colors because they are quicker to make. Dark colors look nice but almost all of them require two passes of ink to make the imprint look right also raising the cost. Tee shirts are a commodity and prices change often, usually every week. My price is based on two factors, the number of shirts I purchase in a year and how many color you want to see on the shirt. On the shirt cost, I purchase about $50,000 in apparel each year so prices are based on that far more than how many the client buys. Screen printing costs are based on quantity as well as number of colors. Price breaks are at 24-99, 100-249, 250-499, 500-999, 1000. I am happy to quote any quantity.
2. Design. We take what ever art the client has and work to make it the most professional we can. We have huge ability to find art with the power of the Internet. Recently a high school wanted to find art of their mascot, we searched Google images and found a graphic which we then used as a starting point for art. Everyone is very happy with the outcome and we have reprinted the order already. We never print without providing a proof in a graphics pdf file. We can't print one shirt because the screen would have to be destroyed. We can show colors and size in a pdf file so wasting a screen is not necessary.
3. Shirts are grouped by size and delivered that way. Recently someone at a school asked for the order to be broken down into what each classroom ordered. That is not a problem, there is an extra charge for that service.
Call today to discuss your next project, "off season" prices are in effect until about mid-March. M

The Power of A Good Idea-Awards

2010-01-07T02:54:00Z

I have done an award program for an association for a number of years. It always "kicks off" my new year with a nice order. Would you believe in this down economy it is a better order than last year. What the companies do that are receiving the awards is they get a crystal pyramid shaped award from the association but they buy ones for the sub contractors on the jobs being recognized. In an added bonus for me, they purchase awards that they give to their clients as a sales incentive for the next job upcoming. It was already at a $8500 project and today they add 14 more awards which pushed the project over $11,000. Could this idea work for you and your project? I learned today it is better to be an opportunity seeker rather than a consequence avoider. Great selling whatever the product. M

Great Way to End the Year--Start A New One

2009-12-29T02:56:00Z

I stopped by to see a client new this year and had an eye opening experience. I said, "Not sure how you got me off Google but glad you did". She said, "I put in promotional products in Richmond and LOGO Dynamics came up." We continued to talk and she said, "I called three others and they all came and brought us a mound of stuff. You came and talked to me about what I needed and then started to get it for us. I like how you worked for us."
I can certainly see how my competition in the promotional products business would make a presentation focused on "stuff" but to me if is secondary to the real issue--communication with the client. As I reflect on the year, I would say while it has been a "downer", I certainly feel good about my ability to market myself and my company. Much better than ever before. Statements like the above confirm it. Have a great new year. Good selling and good will. M

Wrapping up the Holidays, Looking Ahead to New Opportunitity

2009-12-24T13:49:00Z

As 2009, comes to a close, I am thankful to survive a tough year. (Didn't realize how tough until meeting with my CPA this week). I was saying, "Flat is Up as far as sales go" but it looks like keeping everyone paid is a major achievement. In any case the year closed on an up swing so maybe the hits we all have been taking are coming to an end.
I am excited about the new year because it does look like I have a better handle than ever before on how to market myself in any economy and especially in a negative one. I suspect we are in for more of these in the future.
In any case, needs go on and the ones who position themselves as a problem solver, approach provider, and needs proposer are going to be ahead of the game. Business owners and managers will continue to have issues and situations that need "fixes" and I intend to be the one promoting that I am here to help.
On another note, late news is a Richmond unit, the 224th Aviation Btn. at Sandston will be deployed to Afghanistan in the new year. This unit flies Blackhawk helicopters and was deployed in 2006-2007 in Iraq. Several of my friends in the Exchange Club are planning an effort to revive Armed Forces Day as well as get a "Farewell Teddy" program going in which teddy bears are made available to the troops to give to their kids before they leave on deployment. More details to come.
Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2010.

Principal Saw A Need-New Raincoats Was the Result

2009-12-10T15:39:00Z

As everyone knows, schools are under financial pressure. Some are considering furlough days with no pay and in others there will be job cuts. One principal decided that even when he couldn't guarantee everyone a job for next year, he could at least keep his teachers and staff dry while on car and bus duty. He asked me about rain slicker and the result was a purchase of 15 in various sizes with the school logo on them. Lesson here: Do what you can. M

New Networking Program at the Chamber of Commerce

2009-12-10T03:38:00Z

The Metro Chamber of Commerce has a new networking program called Connect for Lunch and I have been to three sessions with three different sets of business professionals. This is a national program that our local Chamber is partnering with to arrange the meetings. In the three sessions, I have met 8 people who all seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me and learning about the promotional products industry. I have tried to return the favor and I know more about their. Are you a Chamber member, you might want to try this approach out. All is costs for this initial period is a lunch in a good eating place. M