Eco Friendly Products - Easier Going Green

Eco-Friendly Promotions - It's Getting Easier Being Green

Years ago, if a client wanted a green promotional product, the first question was “lime or kelly?” Nowadays, environmental friendliness has ushered in a whole new set of questions: What qualifies as a green product? Can I provide a wide range of options to clients? How can I pitch the eco-friendly angle without making customers feel guilty for their non-sustainable product choices?

Earlier this year, when I received “eco-lifestyle 2008” from Logomark, a lot of my questions were answered. As much an educational resource as a product catalog, eco-lifestyle is filled with solid educational information about the green movement. Neat and easy to understand, Logomark breaks products into five categories with great facts you can share with your clients:

*Sustainable
These resources are naturally replenished at the same rate that they are consumed and include products made from organic cotton, cotton canvas, bamboo and corn. Sample bamboo items include blankets, kitchen utensils, key tags, cutting boards, desk supplies and frames. Renewable corn plastic – which comes from corn resin, also known as polylactic acid or PLA – is being used to make pens and golf tees.

*Recycled
Made from recycled plastic and paper, these items keep trees from being cut down and save additional energy that typically goes into harvesting non-recycled materials. Of special interest are totes and bags made from recycled plastic bottles (denoted by the number 1 or “PET,” the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat). Approximately two to three 600 ml. plastic bottles are used to make one average-size tote bag.

*Recyclable
“Paper or plastic” sounded so liberating when it first hit grocery stores, but plastic shopping bags have become a real pain. The average family of four accumulates 1,460 of them a year – and it can take up to 1,000 years for a single bag to break down in the environment. Bags made from non-woven polypropylene (or PP) material allow for repeated use and are recyclable.

*Energy-Saving
These products reduce or eliminate battery or electrical use in favor of alternative non-harmful resources such as dynamo power, solar energy and water energy. Choices range from clocks, lights and calculators to radios and emergency cell-phone chargers.

*Reusable
One great suggestion for clients who haven’t totally warmed up to green is reusable products that replace throwaway items. Practical items that reduce waste through reuse include lunch sacks, coolers, picnic sets and beverage containers. Americans throw away 25 million Styrofoam coffee cups every year – and it takes 500 years for a single cup to dissolve. With that info, who could turn away a reusable coffee mug?

As I survey the promotional products landscape, I’m pleased to see an increase in the amount and quality of green options. As the trend becomes the norm, the suppliers providing not just products – but quality education – are sure to find themselves among distributors’ favorite “reusable” natural resources.

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Eco Friendly Promotions - Become an Expert

Becoming Your Client's Eco Promotions Expert

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve noticed the green trend sweeping the promotional products industry. Every industry show is inundated with green options, and many distributors have created end-user green catalogs. It’s no longer just a fad.
Ms. Chandler, a nationally renowned green and LOHAS marketing, communications and trends expert, says the green lifestyle appeals to a group of consumers wielding a $230-billion market share. Chandler, helps companies better understand environmental and health trends so organizations of all sizes and types can position their green brands.

Below are Chandler’s five critical insights into providing value-added, eco-friendly solutions to your clients that will set you apart from your competition.

1. The Low-Down on LOHAS
In lay terms, Chandler is referring to the group we think of as eco-friendly consumers who generally aren’t making purchase decisions based on convenience or cost. These are the people who shop farther from their homes to purchase organic foods and pay more to buy recycled or fair-trade products. It’s important to remember that LOHAS consumers’ preferences extend beyond environmental concerns to social justice, fair trade, inclusion and other key social issues.
These consumers are quickly becoming a major force in today’s market. They may be prospects that were previously unreachable but have come within reach due to the eco-friendly products and services your clients now provide. Your clients will appreciate the time you take to educate them. Many may not be aware of LOHAS or the terminology surrounding this group. Consider compiling a resource and presentation tool that contains common vocabulary — everything from LOHAS to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Also, if you do not have a green catalog, put together a small sampling of products to share with them at your first appointment. By educating clients, you are demonstrating that you bring value to the table.

2. Know Your Audience
As you know, understanding what makes your target end users tick is one of the most crucial elements of a successful marketing campaign. When promoting an eco-friendly initiative, you first need to identify and reach the audience. You’ll need to know the behaviors and preferences of audience members to ensure communications are well-received. One challenge many distributors currently face is finding detailed information about LOHAS audiences or those audiences you can influence with a green message.

While existing research and white papers are available, finding that information can be challenging. That’s where the experts come in. In addition to consulting, Chandler and The Marketing Insider offer detailed information about LOHAS consumers that can help you better understand this demographic and its purchasing preferences. For instance, it’s helpful to know that 60 percent of LOHAS consumers are women, and the group, in general, heavily influences family purchasing decisions. They are also avid readers and radio listeners, Chandler reports.
Imagine the reception you would get walking into your client’s office armed with specific demographic information for the audience he or she wants to reach; you could quickly rise from a promotional products provider to a marketing expert who is able to recommend the best media vehicles, messages and eco-friendly promos. Make use of free educational resources, and consider attending more educational events. Gaining audience knowledge will place you a step ahead of your competition and make your client’s eco-friendly promotions more effective.

3. Protect Your Client from Greenwashing
As a marketing consultant, you should ensure your client is making the best decisions about eco-friendly promos and communications — and not greenwashing. Viewed negatively by the LOHAS crowd and others, greenwashing is any practice to make something appear environmentally friendly when it is not. “You can equate this to false advertising,” Chandler explains. When people buy products or services based on false or misleading attributes, they tend to question their faith and loyalty to the company, she says.
LOHAS consumers are especially sensitive to authenticity concerns. “Green individuals are a little less trusting and will investigate companies to see if they are greenwashing,” Chandler cautions. When they discover companies are greenwashing, these comsumers don’t hesitate to pass the word through their communities, the media and more, which can destroy a company’s credibility.

To protect your clients from being blacklisted as greenwashers, first make sure the products or services they’re advertising are truly green and that they can prove it, if asked. “For a company to be effective in this green space, transparency is key,” Chandler advises. Bottom line: they should practice what they preach and be true to being a green brand. Second, educate your client in being authentically green. You might share with them a case study that illustrates how greenwashing (even inadvertently) can affect business. Finally, dig into business practices surrounding the new product or service, including how it’s shipped and packaged. If a truly green product is packaged in Styrofoam, the company still might get pegged as greenwashers.
Many companies do not understand what it means to be green and are unaware of the potential to turn off consumers. “They think something such as recycling allows them to say they are a green company, where it’s really just a first step in an overall process toward becoming more environmentally friendly,” Chandler says. “Green is not a marketing, PR or advertising tactic; it’s a lifestyle for many consumers. They expect companies to understand that and support their lifestyle with products and services they can believe in.”

4. Do Your Due Diligence
A critical part of being a green expert is doing your due diligence to ensure you’re selling truly eco-friendly products. Many times, greenwashing happens outside the knowledge of companies trying to communicate their eco-friendly initiatives, Chandler points out. “While industry suppliers are advertising eco-friendly products left and right, on occasion, those products are not as eco-friendly as they seem,” she says. For instance, a product made of a sustainable material [such as bamboo or organic cotton] may be less than green if the manufacturing process creates more waste and toxins than the non-eco-friendly alternative method. Or, there’s always the possibility of a supplier misrepresenting its product as green, even if they really believe it is so. You could lose clients if they hear from one of their end users that the product you sold them really is not eco-friendly.
Due diligence means asking for certification or other forms of documentation from your supplier stating that the product meets green standards. Always probe a little deeper to ensure that products are what they claim to be, and share the proof or certification with your clients. They will appreciate your expertise and feel more confident purchasing eco-friendly items from you if they know you do your homework and protect their interests.

5. Call in the Cavalry

Let’s face it: Even after reading this article, researching and creating presentation tools, you aren’t going to have every answer about the LOHAS market, green marketing and eco-friendly certifications. If you encounter a client who is interested in a large eco-friendly campaign or who could be accused of greenwashing, consider bringing in an expert for support. “If a promotional products distributor needs to tactfully make their clients aware of what it means to be green, there is research and expertise to support the position,” Chandler says. “Sometimes, it is easier to bring in an outside expert.”

Because LOHAS consumers are more involved with the brands they purchase, Chandler suggests involving an expert for those whose primary focus is green products and services. “It is critical for both the distributor and the client to collaborate or consult with an outside expert who is familiar with this marketplace, if they are not an expert,” she says. “It’s a tough marketplace to navigate, and it’s less forgiving than a traditional marketplace. Plus, the ways you communicate, the vehicles you use to communicate and the market are much different.”
The more you know about eco-friendly promotional products, LOHAS consumers and best green business practices, the more value you can offer your clients. If you take these five tips to heart, you can position yourself as an expert and set yourself apart from the competition in green promotions.

A Greenwashing Case Study
A company — we’ll call it ABC Co. — was excited to launch its brand-new, eco-friendly product. The marketing team sent releases to media outlets and consumers of ABC’s products. A blogger covered the launch and gave it rave reviews. The company decided to send him a small thank-you gift to help foster a relationship.
The blogger received the package a few days later. Much to his surprise, the package was shipped through a common shipping company via a city more than 100 miles away, despite ABC being only blocks away. He marveled that ABC, with its new eco-friendly product, didn’t think to hand-deliver the package to save fuel and carbon emissions from the shipping. When he opened the package, he saw it was packed with Styrofoam peanuts.
The blogger was displeased that ABC promoted a green product with very un-green means. He roasted the company in his next blog, pointing out ABC’s environmentally unfriendly business practices and effectively alienating many LOHAS consumers who were interested in the new product. Branded as a greenwasher, the company lost potential revenue from the new product when intensely loyal LOHAS consumers refused to purchase from a non-eco-friendly company.

The LOHAS Demographic
Empower your clients with details on LOHAS consumers.

They are: • 60 percent female • Highly educated • Average income-earners • Highly influenced by brand image • Not price-sensitive • Very influential over the buying decisions of family and friends

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Sales Training - Personality Types

Simply Selling - Advanced Communication Skills

Let’s face it.

We all have those difficult customers to whom we are required to sell. From the demanding, abrasive buyer to the individual who never seems to make a buying decision, we encounter challenging people on a regular basis.

Part of the reason this happens is due to the disconnect we have because of conflicting personalities. This article will look at the four key types of people and how to improve your results with each.

Driver - Direct Dana (FACTS-TELL)

Net Things Out - Don't Be Wishy-Washy - Be Bottom Line and All Business

Dana is very direct in her approach.

She tends to be forceful and always wants to dominate or control the sales call.

Her behavior is aggressive, she points at you while she talks, interrupts your sales pitch to challenge you, and she seldom cares about hearing the details of your new product or service. Instead, she demands that you “cut to chase” and “tell her the bottom line.” Danais very results-focused and goal-oriented, and she hates wasting time.

To achieve the best sales results with this type of individual, you need to be direct and assertive. Tell her at the beginning of the sales call or meeting that you know how busy she is and how valuable her time is. Tell her that you will “get right to the point” and focus your conversation on the results she will achieve by using you product or service. Resist the temptation to back down if she confronts you because you will lose her respect. To Donna, it is not personal, it’s just business. Lastly, be direct in asking for her business—you don’t have to dance around this issue.

Expressive - Talkative Tom ( FEEL - TELL).

Become their Buddy and Earn their Trust to Earn their Business

Tom is a gregarious and outgoing person but very ego-centric. He is often late for your meetings and his constant interruptions and long stories cause your sales calls to go beyond the scheduled time. He appears to be more concerned with listening to himself talk — which is frustrating because you don’t always get enough time to discuss your solution. Relationships are very important to Talkative Tom, so invest more time in social conversation. Even if you don’t see the point in this, he will appreciate the gesture and will like you more.

This person often makes buying decisions on intuition and how he feels about the sales person. Be careful not to challenge Tom because he will feel rejected and when this happens he will “shut down” and become unresponsive. During your sales presentation, tell him how good your solution will make him look to others in the company or how his status or image will improve. In other words, appeal to his ego.

Amiable - Steady Freddy ( ASK - FEEL-REASSURE)

Re-Assure and Give Plenty of References

Soft-spoken Freddy is a “nice” fellow who seems more focused on his team and coworkers than on his personal results. He is very quiet compared to some of your other prospects and can be difficult to read. But most frustrating is his reluctance to make a buying decision.

Freddy’s mantra seems to be “I’m still thinking, but thanks for following up.”

Structure and security is important to Freddy, which means it is difficult for him to make changes. He often contemplates how the decision will affect other people within the organization. Counterbalance this by slowing down the sales process — demonstrate how your solution will benefit the team and remove as much risk from the decision-making process as possible. Soften your voice and make sure your sales presentation flows in a logical manner. Use words like “fair” “logical” and “your team” in your presentation.

Analytical - Lot's-o-Info Amy (ASK - FACT-)

GIVE FACTUALY REASON WHY TO BUY NOW.

She reads every point and specification about your product or service and, regardless of how much information you give her, Amy always wants more, including written guarantees and back-up documentation. She is very difficult to read and it is extremely difficult to get her engaged in an open conversation because personal feelings and emotions do not enter the picture when Amy makes a decision.

Whenever possible, give Amy a written, bullet-point agenda of your meeting — beforehand. Ideally, e-mail it to her a few days in advance so she can prepare herself. Make sure it is completely free of typos, spelling mistakes and punctuation errors. When you meet, follow the agenda in perfect order and if you make any type of claim, have supporting documentation available for her to read.

While the approach to use with each of these people may not make sense to you or seem completely rational, it is critical to recognize that how you naturally and instinctively sell may not be the best way to get results with someone else. Modifying your approach and style, even briefly, will help you better connect with your customers and prospects, which means you will generate better sales.

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Client Gifts - Tower of Treats

TOWER OF TREATS

There are lots of famous towers—the CN, Eiffel and Leaning to name a few.

They might be tall, but unfortunately, none of them are made of chocolate. The Grand Tower Of Distinction sets itself apart by being deliciously edible. Dipped chocolate chip cookies, chocolate-covered nuts and a wintertime deluxe assortment loom from three canisters. But they are too tasty to be imposing.

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Breast-Cancer Awareness Promotions

Breast-Cancer Awareness Promotions

The little pink ribbon is arguably the most recognizable of all awareness-campaign symbols. As a show of support for breast-cancer awareness, it’s been placed on everything from tubes of ChapStick and yogurt containers to M&Ms and Visa credit cards. But not everyone’s happy about the cause-awareness craze. Somewhere along the way, efforts to raise awareness have been labeled as “pinkwashing,” or using the cause for financial gain to help promote products. While a percentage of proceeds is generally donated to breast-cancer research (Susan G. Komen for the Cure reportedly benefits from these corporate partnerships to the tune of $30 million a year), critics claim the means are deceptive and that the companies gain much more than the charity does.

Still, breast-cancer awareness is big. Many dollars are spent promoting it and raising awareness, and many organizations are trying to associate their brands with this goodwill. Right now, there are about 2.5 million breast-cancer survivors in the United States. Add to that their families and friends, and you’ve got a huge market of people all very receptive to the pink ribbon. To help your clients exercise sensitive, goodwill marketing — and hopefully raise a little awareness in the process — read on for more information about the disease.

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NEW Desk Gift Idea - Personalized Tape Dispenser

CUSTOM DESK GIFTS that POP

It may be time to revamp. Surely, it’s not good being surrounded by drab, inanimate objects all day. The Liquid Filled "Personalized" Tape Dispenser, with its punchy color and fun motion, brightens any workspace. One 2-D or 3-D floater is included. Heck, a roll of tape is even included, so who knows how the office remodeling will unfold.

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Custom Desk Gifts - Custom Pen Cup Clock

TIMELY DESK PROMOTIONS

What do you get when you cross a regal timepiece with a luxe pen holder?

The fabulously sheek Pen Cup Clock. It’s made of genuine top-grain leather and mahogany, so it’s sure to become a favorite desktop accessory.

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Promotional Lanyards - 101

Lanyards are a staple in the promotional products industry,

but selling them can be daunting when there are so many options of materials and attachments. If you focus on the major requirements of lanyards, the process can easily be simplified.

It is definitely worth the time to present this product for your customer’s programs because most companies will buy lanyards at one time or another and repeat orders are common. Once you put in the initial work, the results of lanyards placed in your programs can be very beneficial.

But which lanyard to choose? The answer is simple if you identify your customer’s needs. Once you identify the needs of the promotion, you can easily find the right lanyard to fit the client's expectations.

When asked about how to provide lanyards, here are the steps I recommend they ask yourself to help them determine the best lanyard for the job:

Identity Your Budget.

Lanyards range dramatically in price based on the imprint method, style, quantity and attachments. So, figure out how much money your client has to spend, and investigate the options that fit their budget. For example, if you know they would like the least-expensive lanyard, you can offer an economical polyester over a dye sublimation lanyard.

Do Some Logo Evaluation.

Often the imprint will determine the best lanyard choice for your customer. The imprint area is quite small on lanyards; therefore, choosing the best material and imprint method for the job is pertinent. If you're working with a logo with multiple colors or fine details, a dye sublimation lanyard may best accomplish the look. If the logo is simple, a screen-printed lanyard is a great option. The fonts also make a difference in determining the best material. For example, if the logo is a serif font, it will require a very smooth, flat material, such as polyester or cotton.

If the logo has a bold, block-style imprint, then a nylon material is best. Does your customer want a PMS color-match on the imprint? Be aware that some materials allow for that, while others do not. Lanyards come in several different widths ranging from 3/8-inch to 1-inch. A more detailed logo will require a wider imprint area.

Identify the Lead Time - Call Gallant for Special Import Pricing....

How soon does your customer need the lanyards? Lanyard suppliers can finish some processes, such as screen printing, much faster than other options, including dye sublimation or woven lanyards. Timing can greatly affect your decision. Is your customer able to consider an overseas quote, or did he or she forget to order lanyards that are needed the next day? Ask your supplier if they have options available on a same- or next-day ship program to accommodate fast turnarounds. Once you determine the lead time, you will be able to evaluate how extensive your options are.

Don't Forget About Attachments.

One of the most confusing aspects of ordering lanyards is sorting through all of the attachment options. When you discuss this with your client, be sure to ask, “What do you want or need to connect to the lanyard?” It may be a badge holder, key card, cell phone, lip balm or keys. No matter what it is, the product must have a hole or other connection device. Here is a safe way to consider the appropriate attachment:

If a badge has a rounded hole, a swivel hook or j-hook style attachment is your best option. If the badge has a rectangular slot, a bulldog clip is ideal. If there is no slot for an attachment, you will need a bulldog clip attachment with pads included to hold a credit-card style badge firmly. Many badges come with their own attachment device, such as a bulldog clip. If the badge has a bulldog clip, it will clip sufficiently to the split ring or o-ring of the lanyard.

Lanyards can be assembled with metal or plastic components. Both options are quite sturdy and similar in price. But determining your audience will help establish the appropriate components. For example, metal crimps are a great recommendation for schools as they are hard to pry apart. However, plastic may be a better option if your customer wants a very clean, finished look. Also, lanyards have the option of a convenience release. Always remember to ask if your customer wants a convenience release on their lanyards.

Consider the Type of Event.

You can be really creative with lanyards. Consider asking questions such as: “Will you use the lanyard for a one-day event or for multiple occasions?” “Will the end users wear the lanyard every day at work?” “Is there a theme for the event?” Depending on the answers, you can better determine the best lanyard. For example, if the end users will wear the lanyard every day for work, white may not be a good color suggestion. Also, they may want a snap buckle release to scan an entry pass. If there is a theme, such as a Hawaiian luau, choose a fun dye-sublimated Hawaiian floral pattern for the background. If it is a one-day event, you can substitute a water bottle strap or an eyewear retainer to double as the lanyard for the day. Afterward, the end user has something to keep long term — extending the life of the promotion!

Most important, use the expert knowledge of your favorite suppliers.

If you are ever uncertain of which style to choose, call your lanyard supplier and let them walk you through the process. The more information you can provide, the better your supplier can determine the best lanyard for your promotion. With the information you collected from the above considerations, we are able to easily make recommendations your clients will be thrilled about.

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Desk Promotions - Customized Calculators

DO THE WAVE - for Big Time Desk Promotions

Who knew basic math could be fun?

The Wave Calculator adds a burst of unexpected color and motion to an ordinary calculator, with red or blue swirling liquid on the side. Batteries are included, so you can start calculating right away.

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HR Article - Motivating Staff after Layoffs

Handle With Care: Motivating After Layoffs

Back in February, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice did something that law firms rarely do: It streamlined its workforce by laying off 45 support staff in its 11 offices along the East Coast."This was quite a blow," says Carmen Canales, chief talent officer at the law firm, based in Winston-Salem, N.C. "People were in fact scared and surprised, because for a law firm or professional services environment, this is not something that happens every day."Layoffs are among HR's worst nightmares. Telling people they've lost their job can be a difficult or even traumatic experience, not just for HR or the employees about to leave, but also for the employees who remain. Numerous questions pop up in their minds. Will there be more layoffs? Were the other employees treated fairly? Will I be next?Many HR professionals are savvy at helping fragile employees who've lost their jobs transition to new careers or employers. Offering severance packages, a job search counselor, training and other forms of assistance is common. However, HR must pay close attention to all workers, not just those left behind. Productivity and job satisfaction can plunge if employees aren't motivated, engaged, treated fairly, reassured and kept continuously in the loop.

Promote the Truth

Almost every day, newspaper headlines announce employee layoffs. Ford Motor Co., Starbucks, United and Continental airlines, Polaroid Corp.…the list seems endless of employers that are closing plants, downsizing or streamlining their business operations.Womble found itself in the same predicament. This was the first layoff the company had ever experienced. Still, Canales suspected everything would turn out well if the people who were being laid off were treated fairly and if the remaining employees knew it.So on that fateful Tuesday, 45 employees were notified that they would lose their jobs. Canales says what came next softened the blow. They were offered immediate support or counseling by a local outplacement firm. Some received severance pay for one month, others for longer. They could also attend a series of how-to workshops that covered a variety of topics, such as interviewing or résumé-writing techniques, or, depending upon their position and tenure, could work with a personal job coach for several months.That same day, the remaining 1,500 employees were told about the layoffs through a series of meetings and individual conversations with management. Canales says discussions revolved around why the layoffs were necessary, what the former workers received and how the firm would proceed. Canales adds that the firm's managing member—Keith Vaughan—traveled to every office over the next several weeks to help ease employees' fears and address their questions about the firm's plans for the future. By having an effective communication outlet, employees could talk about changes in a positive way and see how they could be more productive."We did have lots of meetings," Canales says. "We told them that people were offered fair transition services, that we had a good strategic plan in place with the right amount of staff. We said, 'We're happy to have you here and want to know what we can do to make you feel more comfortable.'"Since then, she says, managers constantly engage employees by encouraging them to come forward with creative ideas on how their office could be more efficient."That's motivating, because people are starting to see that what they say matters," Canales says. "We'll keep asking [for their input] and where possible, use it to [impact] the strategy of the firm to serve our clients and talent well, to keep the talent we have here, keeping them happy and engaged." Open Communication Many companies still believe it's best to provide employees with minimal information about layoffs to prevent them from talking about it. But just the opposite is true. "In the absence of information, people make up stuff and panic," says Simma Lieberman, who owns a business consulting firm that bears her name in Albany, Calif. "There's resentment, and they get very paranoid. HR needs to stand up for those being laid off in terms of how they're treated and the benefits they get."As an example, she points to one technology company that hired her several years ago to deal with the aftermath of a layoff. The company laid off more than 200 people, many of whom were preparing for retirement. They received no benefits except outplacement services for one day. Security guards escorted them out of the building. Senior management didn't provide any explanations or communicate with existing staff about what had occurred, which turned otherwise loyal employees against the company."It was horrific what the company had done," says Lieberman. "The remaining employees were so demoralized. I couldn't fix it."Not every layoff is a one-time deal. Companies frequently engage in several rounds that create workplace anxiety and tension, which in turn negatively impacts the workforce.Back in the early 1990s, when Ron McKinley was the vice president of Long John Silver's fast-service seafood chain, he says half of the 600 employees at the company's headquarters lost their jobs through a series of layoffs.Tensions rose. Some employees started to panic. So McKinley went from unit to unit, talking with employees in small groups."I said, 'The very best thing anybody can do to prevent being laid off is to do his job well,'"says McKinley, now vice president of HR at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio. For some, just talking it out helped relieve their anxiety. For others who were more visibly stressed, he told them they could be jeopardizing their health and suggested that if they wanted to quit, HR would help them write a résumé and find another job. This type of approach demonstrates compassion. He says it helps employees have closure and gracefully exit the workplace with their self-respect and dignity intact.The same holds true for employees who will not be laid off. HR needs to engage them in conversations, too. Tell them that they won't be affected and to keep performing at their high level, which at the very least, will boost their morale.Meanwhile, McKinley suggests that HR cover its bases by administering a few small "pulse" surveys. He says that's partly how his department finds out about employee confusion, ugly rumors or if there are employees—such as new hires—who are in the dark.

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Fresh Promos - Personalized Perfumes and Colonge

FRESHEN UP with these Personalized Perfumes & Colonge

Complexion Mist is a soothing, alcohol-free hydrating mist ideal for outdoor events or tournaments. The spray, which is offered in 100 mouthwatering fragrances such as honey-coco-mango and passion fruit, is packaged in a brushed aluminum or clear plastic spray bottle topped off with a clear or silver atomizer.

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New Promotional Product - Personalized USB Aquarium

GO FISH with these awesome PROMOTIONAL USB AQUARIUM

Complete with a USB cord, two plastic fish and instructions, Deep Sea is an office-friendly aquarium that plugs into a computer. Recipients simply fill the tank with water, plug in the USB and watch their faux pets swim.

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Golf Promotions - Promo Green Reader

TEE OFF with these Promotional Green Readers

Golfers can place the EASY-READ precision level on the green to see how a putt will break.

This pocket-sized putting aid features a solid stainless steel watchmaker’s base and can be customized with up to six spot colors or a four-color process print.

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NEW Promotional Ideas - Personalized Putty

PROMOTIONAL PUTTY

Dole out containers of Thinking Putty at sales meetings or brainstorming sessions.

Available in small, medium and large sizes with ample room for imprinting a full-color logo or message, the putty is offered in heat-sensitive hypercolors, glow-in-the-dark colors, metallic colors and one magnetic color.

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Eco Friendly - Go Green Customized Coolers

EARTHY COOLERS CUSTOMIZED with your Logo

Ideal for company picnics and outdoor events,

the Eco-Cooler is made from hand-woven wheat and 100-percent cotton canvas.

It’s roomy enough for 18 bottles or cans and plenty of snacks, and features a zippered, gusseted front pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap. A removable lining makes for an easy clean-up.

Call 800-GALLANT(330-1343)for a custom quote

or visit http://www.gallantgifts.com/

Great Promotional Ideas - Customized Baseballs

PLAY BALL with your Promotions

Commemorate a season or recognize all-star players with a Four-Color Leather Baseball. Artwork is digitally wrapped around the ball and beneath the stitching for an eye-catching, impactful promotion. Include a laser-engraved wood stand so players and coaches can show it off.

Call 800-GALLANT(330-1343)for a custom quote
or visit http://www.GallantGifts.com

Promotional Idea - Custom Remote Trucks

TAKE YOUR PROMOTIONS FOR A SPIN

Put kids behind the wheel of your next promotion with Electric Cars.
They can hot-rod around the neighborhood in a number of different styles: Army-themed jeeps, police cars and tricked-out trucks. Schools and sports teams can use these cars as exciting incentives for youngsters.

Call 800-GALLANT(330-1343)for a custom quote

or visit http://www.gallantgifts.com

Famous Quotes - Ali

Champions aren't made in gyms.
Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

- Muhammad Ali

brought to you by www.GallantGifts.com
for a custom Promotional Products quote
visit our website or call 800-GALLANT (330-1343)