Sunday, February 21, 2016

Employee Appreciation Day: Why It’s Important to Recognize Staff Efforts



Consider this as a warning - Employee Appreciation Day is March 4th.

Wait - don't groan about yet another Hallmark-sponsored obligation!  While we do live in a culture that's over saturated with holidays - today, for instance, happen to be National Margarita Day  - employers  would be ill-advised to dismiss Employee Appreciation Day.  The concept behind the holiday is certainly far from meaningless (no offense to the frozen drink).  Recognizing the contributions of employees is a valuable action, not to mention mutually beneficial.

Late last year, a survey conducted by on career site Glassdoor revealed that employees who work for appreciative bosses are more likely to work harder and stay with their current companies longer.  Showing appreciation not only creates good vibes in the office, it actually makes a difference in employees' work habits and long-term career decisions.

Not surprisingly, the preferred method of conveying appreciation was monetary compensation.  So, by all mean, dole out bonuses on March 4th - but you may find a more lasting impact from the survey's second favorite token of appreciation.  That's right Tied: Food and Promotional Products.

Shop for Promo can provide you great gift cards, apparel, mugs, incentives and more.  Let us help you find what you need to help your employees feel appreciated.



Saturday, February 13, 2016

Boogie Down - We Love Our Hometown

Many of you may not know that Shop for Promo is located in the wonderful city of Mobile, AL.  We love our town.  It has it's own quaint charm and style.

One of our favorite times of the year is Mardi Gras.   Many people do not know this, but Mardi Gras originated here.  Although our friends in New Orleans made it famous, Mobile knows how to boogie



WATCH: Even this cop can't help but feel the rhythm of this Mardi Gras parade in Alabama and breakout some dance moves!
Posted by Good Morning America on Friday, February 12, 2016


Of course being from a town who likes to party...we have some great stuff!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Top Trade Show Tips for Exhibitors and Attendees


Trade shows are essential in business. Whether you are attending or exhibiting, there are a few trade show tips that can help you navigate and make them more successful. You don’t want your trade show investment to be a flop, so let’s take a look at some of the top do’s before your next event rolls around.

Tips for attending a trade show:

  • Determine why you are attending. To meet new suppliers, educate yourself on a new topic, see the latest and greatest? Once you determine the reason you’re going, how you walk the show will point back to your mission.
  • Prepare for the show and know the answers to the following questions: What are the things you need? What are things you want?
  • Attend presentations. I know it is easy to blow these off, but educating yourself on your industry and competition is key.
  • Bring plenty of business cards. You may hand them out to the exhibitors or meet a future employee walking the show.
  • Strike up conversations. You never know who you are speaking with.
  • Set appointments with the exhibitors you really want to meet with. They may not be available if you just walk by.

 Tips for exhibiting at a trade show:

  • Get a feel of why your audience is attending. (I’ve listed the top reasons below.)
  • Have an exciting, professional booth. Let Shop for Promos help you.
  • Look professional in custom polo shirts or logo button-down shirts.Or Just say no to the Polo and let us style you.
  • Just as I advised above, set up appointments with your top prospects and customers. Make sure to have an extra-special incentive for them at the booth. (Here are our top 50)
  • Cost-effective giveaways are a must to get the casual contact to stop by. Some of our top items include: mints and gum, tote bags and drawstring bags, lip balm, car chargers, sticky notes (great for tagging your catalog!), and pens.
  • Collect data and contacts
  • Strike up conversations with everyone. Trade shows are all about face-to-face contact.
  • Follow up. You can do everything right, but not follow up on the conversations, and you have a tradeshow fail.
In a survey conducted by Skyline Exhibits and EXPO Magazine, attendees were asked why they attend trade shows, conventions, and conferences. Below are their responses.
  • See new products: 92%
  • Keep up to date on industry trends/issues: 78%
  • See many companies at one time: 75%
  • See existing suppliers: 67%
  • See specific companies or products: 67%
  • Network with colleagues and/or vendors: 65%
  • Create and/or strengthen industry relationships: 60%
  • See products in-person that were reviewed online: 57%
  • Get technical information or specifications: 52%
  • Attend seminars/workshops: 41%
  • Place orders: 25%
  • Source partners: 25%
  • Present at educational sessions: 16%
  • Because our competition attends: 14%
  • Recruit employees: 3%
We are here to talk trade shows with you. Are you unsure what promotional giveaways to choose? How many you’ll need? When to hand them out?

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

We Love this Commercial from Kia and we think you will too.




It's Super Bowl week, which means the internet will be filled with sneak peeks of commercials like this one from Kia.  The message while trying to sell you a mid-sized sedan is a great one.  Is your brand a boring beige sock?

If so, let www.shopforpromo.com help give you some pizzazz!