All Things Promotional Marketing
The Most Important Piece of Success
Aug 30th
So, you want to be wildly successful? I just figured out the key ingredient in ascending to where I want to be. I, you, all of us really, need to start focusing on the next two words: BE AWESOME!
“Awesome” might be one of the most overused and undervalued words in our language; it is used so much that people seem to have misplaced what the word actually means. It doesn’t take a degree in English Literature from a division II state school to know that “awesome” simply means to inspire awe, but nobody seems to really remember what “awe” means anymore. Dictionary.com tells us that “awe” is defined as, an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like: in awe of god; in awe of great political figures. WOW!
If you truly inspired awe in the people around you, then you would have no choice but to be truly and fully successful. Being awesome isn’t about doing cool tricks on a skateboard, or writing a great song; being awesome is about moving people at their very core – affecting them. Be grand, be powerful, and inspire those around you to admire the life you live; touch the lives of everyone you can by being the best person you can be. Those that are truly awesome don’t even have to tell people; awesome people just live good lives and the rest falls in to place.
Being awesome is a personal choice and it’s unlikely that anyone can make you awesome, but rushIMPRINT can definitely help you spread the word! If you are already awesome and need some help getting people to talk about it for you, then let us help you promote your business and your personal brand!
The Key To Successful Branding
Aug 25th
Information is more accessible today than any other time in human history, and with that ease of access comes a new responsibility to consistently market yourself for who you are and who you want to be.
Let’s face it, most of our businesses aren’t Apple, Nike, McDonalds, Starbucks, or Wal-Mart, and most of us aren’t as recognized as Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, or Oprah. We are, however, placing decreasingly less value on previously established gatekeepers to approve us for super-stardom. You and your business can definitely climb the economic and social ladders by remembering that YOU are your brand.
Most people fail at branding themselves and their business because they get too caught up in the structural foundations of branding (logo, name, imaging, etc.) and lose track of what branding is fundamentally about. Branding is, without a doubt, about consistency and business. Think about it: you probably know that McDonalds sells hamburgers (primarily), Nike sells athletic essentials, and Apple makes user friendly tech. The outrageously successful companies across the world are successful because they consistently perform, people know what to expect, and (usually) they provide value to people’s lives in some way or another.
Success is yours, if you want it. But to be successful you need to provide outstanding products, services, and/or customer support; you also need to perform consistently so that those that do business with you KNOW what to expect and can share your message with others. Finally, remember that if you are consistently good GREAT at what you do, then eventually people will start talking.
As you develop your brand more thoroughly, remember that rushIMPRINT is happy to help you promote yourself and expedite the process of getting more people to talk about you and your business!
Achievement Unlocked: Business Lessons Learned from Xbox 360
Aug 25th
I like to consider myself a gamer and the Xbox 360 is my system of choice. Xbox 360 was the first next-gen console to debut and being a Sony Playstation devotee, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I researched it thoroughly and after reading previews, seeing images and videos, I decided this was something I had to own. I knew the launch date was drawing near but had no plan of action to secure one system of what I knew would be a limited supply. So I decided to patrol the retail stores to see how bad the lines were. At 11:30pm on the November pre-launch day, I found that Target had a surprisingly short line and decided without cold weather preparation to wait in it until 7am. (Probably something I’ll never do again) I succeeded in my efforts as the 360 was everything I wanted it to be. 
However there is one small feature on the 360 that didn’t really factor my purchase but has been a really enjoyable part of the experience. More >
Races can be Great Opportunities for Promotional Items
Aug 24th
I first began running in 2008 when I got the news about registration opening for the 2009 Pittsburgh Marathon. The race was coming back to our city for the first time since being canceled in 2004. The marathon was always such a big event in our city. Thousands of runners would participate in the event from all over the world. I remember as a kid going to the Southside with my family to cheer on the runners as they passed by. I thought that it was amazing that those runners could go such a distance (26.2 miles). How can that be possible? I would soon find out for myself.
After running the half marathon in 2009, I decided that 2010 was going to be my year to test my endurance and register for the full marathon. I began my 18 week training program in the winter and followed it consistently. 
Sometimes it was not easy going out in the cold and snow, but I was determined. I kept track of my miles in a weekly planner. By increasing my miles each week I finally ended up with 42 miles on the 16th week. It was enough to get me to the finish line. Race day came and I am proud to report that I accomplished the marathon successfully, and actually much faster than I anticipated. This was one of my greatest accomplishments. I enjoyed the race, scenery, people, entertainment along the course, and the enthusiastic crowd support. I can not wait to do it again.
Preparing for the race
Some of the necessary things I used in training that I never left home without are:
- Moisture Wick Apparel
-In the winter this is very important because you are running outside, and are at a great risk for Hypothermia.
-Moisture wick apparel keeps the moisture away from your body.
-This was definitely a necessity in the cold winter months and in warm weather as well.
-I downloaded some of my favorite music to keep me motivated.
- Staying hydrated is very important even in the winter. I would use it for Gatorade & water.
- Drawstring Backpack
- On weekends, I would go out for long runs between 12 and 17 miles.
The drawstring back pack was light weight and easy to carry snacks I would need to take along to stay fueled.
Whether you sponsor your favorite Charity that is racing, volunteer, or even run with a team, it is a great way to promote your company.
Friday Matinee: Let’s Talks Movies…
Aug 20th
Who doesn’t love summer blockbuster time? Flashback: Summer 1977. My family and I sitting in a classic theater complete with marble pillars, balcony, vaulted ceiling, ornate decor and deep burgundy drapery throughout. I am sure ‘Gone with the Wind’ and countless other classics debuted in this theater.
As a 10 year old kid I had been to plenty of movies; lots of Disney flicks mainly. Jodie Foster and I were practically boyfriend/girlfriend. Yeah, I’d been to see other “big” movies as well, like the awful ‘King Kong’ remake the summer of 1976. With all these movies I’d been to, this was the first time I had to wait in line to get into the theater after purchasing tickets. “What’s this all about” I wondered. There had to be 500 people in line, roped in by the soft velvet ropes and chrome poles. Some looked excited, some looked bored. I really had no idea what all the fuss was about.
Simple ways to get organized for vacation
Aug 19th
Almost everyone has taken a vacation. Whether it’s a short or a long one, it helps to plan ahead. Knowing where you’re going and what you’ll be doing will be the reasoning for what you pack.
Step #1 Buy a planner
Like me, if you always feel like you’re forgetting to pack something, you can start off with writing everything in a pocket planner or a journal. I would start by writing down the most important items that you can first think of, then write anything else that comes to mind. Always double check the items on the list against the items you are packing.
Step #2 Pack to your own needs
If you usually carry a wallet, it would probably be best not to pack that into the travel bag so you have all of your most important information with you. While you’re on vacation you may need something a bit smaller to carry around with you and keep your personal items together. How about a tote bag, they are big enough to fit many things into but small enough to not get in the way. Don’t forget to take your sunscreen! I hate going on vacations and turning red.
3 “Aha” Moments to Think About For Your Next Promotional Plan
Aug 18th
I was having a conversation with a friend of mine the other day discussing some of the more difficult aspects of his job. My friend works for a professional sports team and is responsible for ALL of the promotional products, giveaways, and half-time events. During our chat I had a few “A-Ha!” moments about finding the right promotional goods for the right clients; I thought I might share them with you today:
Start at the end and work your way back
Sometimes we forget to think like an end user, and end up buying things that can quickly find their way to the trash. Before your next event, giveaway, retreat, or any other thing that would benefit from things with your logo on it, spend some time considering how the product will be used and who will use it. Notepad holders are great for conferences, water bottles for sporting events, and reusable grocery bags would be great for green folks.
Be unique and stand out
Pencils, pens, and foamy balls may be inexpensive when preparing for a mass giveaway, but I can’t begin to count the writing utensils I have amassed over the years that have gotten lost or lent without ever even being looked at. When planning your next move try to come up with a few ideas the might help you stand out from the rest. Don’t be bland and boring just because of cost.
Stay on target with the environment
It seems off to me when people give out USB drives at sporting events – sure everybody at some point can use a USB drive, but that isn’t the right crowd; perhaps a warm knit cap for a football game this Fall would be a wiser choice. Plan ahead and remember where you are going to be distributing your promotional goods.
By the end of the conversation we had come up with some unique, useful, and valuable solutions for him and his clients. Surely this fall should have some surprises for the fans of this team. RushIMPRINT can be your one stop shop for promotional goods – let’s find some solutions together.
rushIMPRINT and the return of Fantasy Football
Aug 18th
If your office is anything like ours, the month of August is a lot more boisterous then previous months. It brings the start of fantasy football and the hope for redemption, at least in my case. This will be the company’s 3rd season of fantasy football and each season has evolved. Competition gets better and talk gets louder, but it’s all in good fun. Our first season started innocent enough, no one really talked too much. Which would have been fine if we started a book club but half of the fantasy fun is talking smack, win or lose. That was a role I was happy to get behind. It kind of loosened the mood a bit and the smack talk started to build especially around playoff time. Anthony from the IT department had the best team on paper and in the regular season but I was feeling good about my chances. My dreams were crumbled when I lost to Dan, our CEO. He was riding the Cinderella story, and my Wide Receiver threw a pick. You read that right, I lost by hundredths of a point. Anthony ended up with the crown the first season and ended Dan’s Cinderella story. Considering the dramatic fashion and narrow margin of defeat, I was chomping at the bit for our 2nd season. More >
Holidays are right around the corner… are you ready?
Aug 17th
Need Holiday ideas? Haven’t begun to plan for your corporate, business, event and partner holiday gifts? Well, consider rushIMPRINT your official headquarters for all of your holiday needs. Check us out for holiday cards, wine & cheese accessories, technology gifts, food items and much more!