Author: Debbie Smith

6 Great Eco Friendly Shopping Bags

Earth Day is April 22.

Consider these Eco-friendly shopping bags.

How about getting trade-show giveaways that people will not only use but are good for the earth!

Our eco-friendly shopping bags are bound to be in the hands of your prospects and clients for years to come. And better yet – they will be spreading your brand where ever they shop!

Number 1: These bags are eco-friendly shopping bags and a great promotional item for conventions, trade shows, events, festivals, retail, school functions, club events, and shopping. The reusable bags are made out of durable water repellent, tear-resistant non-woven polypropylene with a large gusset.

Number 2: These ECO bags are matte laminated Recycled P.E.T. and come with your choice of stock designs on the gussets. This bag is sturdy and stylish and a great way to show your concern for our environment.

Number 3: This bag is all-natural and raw, non-coated jute which gives this tote its rugged appeal. The course weave is durable, yet soft. As natural as it comes! Soft cotton webbing in natural with contrasting black stripes. Its uncoated finish adds a uniquely rough and raw charm, moving it from a bag to an upscale sack. Its cotton striped web strap handles extend to the bottom of the bag for added accent and strength. At home, at the farmer’s market, Whole Foods store, or with the Birkenstock crowd.

Number 4: The Solo Recycled Collection presents the Revive Mini Backpack made from a heathered grey material created with 6 recycled PET bottles. This backpack has a black camo lining and a key fob to hang your keys. With a front zippered pocket, a carry handle and adjustable shoulder straps, wear this backpack when on-the-go and carry your essentials in style.

Number 5: An Eco-Responsible™ product. Our non-woven drawstring backpack is made of eco-friendly, non-woven polypropylene; corded shoulder straps and a drawstring closure. The backpack is an ideal promotional item for schools; sports teams; camps and clubs. Choose from among the vibrant color options and have your company name, logo, or promotional message imprinted on the bag.

Number 6: These large bags are durable and able to carry lots of groceries and other items. With large straps that hug the entire bag and a bottom that is large, these bags will last a long time. On the outside, there is ample room for your logo.

These eco-friendly bags are all so useful, you’ll want to order some for yourself and your family!

Contact me and I’ll help you get started.

Debbie Smith

March 9, 2020

Are Your Checks Secure?

Today, we are all aware of online fraud and security breaches online.

But what about the business checks we use every day?

You all are aware of the hologram chips on your credit cards, right?

When you need to use checks, you want to be sure they have the same security features as your credit cards!

Many businesses don’t expect they will be a victim of check fraud. But research indicates 66% of businesses experience actual or attempted payment fraud.

Why take the risk? For just pennies more per check, you can upgrade to High-Security Checks with features that deter, detect and defend your business against check fraud.

Put an extra lock on your bank account.

DETER criminals with features to prevent copying, identify when an alteration has been attempted and easily identify if a check is an original document.

DETECT fraud attempts more quickly, enabling fraudulent checks to be reported sooner thereby protecting your account.

DEFEND your credit record by demonstrating to authorities you’ve proactively reduced your risk.

Our checks are the most secure available and include:

Anti-Copy Technology	Invisible Fluorescent Fibers
High-Security Background Colors	Micro-Printed Borders
Mobile/Remote Deposit Reminder	Visible Fibers
Foil Hologram	Toner Adhesion
Chemical-Wash Detection Area	Padlock Icon
Original Document Backer	Security Warning Box
Thermochromic Ink	Warning border
True Watermark	High-Resolution Border Elements
Chemical-Sensitive Paper	Color Pantograph Background Pattern

Don’t let the biggest form of payment fraud take your business off course.

Business check fraud steals your time and your hard-earned money.

I look forward to helping you,

Debbie Smith

February 11, 2020

9 Great Promotional Items for 2020

2020 is Going to be a Great Year!

It’s true – promotional products generate 14% – 50% greater recall rate of who you are! If someone is regularly using a pen, tote bag, hat or golf ball with a logo on it, they are most likely going to think of that company when they need whatever service or product they have.

I am always asked what would be good promotional items to get for customers, employees or prospects. So I have come up with a list of some of my favorites. And of course, you can put your logo on all of them!

1) Tote Bag – KAPSTON™ Pierce Tote-Pack

A tote and backpack all in one! This bag features a sleek KAPSTON™ design, including a padded laptop compartment.

2)    Umbrella –WINDJAMMER® Vented Auto Open & Close Compact Umbrella

This umbrella features a 3 section shaft, automatic open & closing, a vented canopy engineered to resist windy conditions, black electrostatic steel shaft and ribs and an ergonomic rubber grip handle with a woven wrist strap.

3)    Calendar – ThePresident™ Monthly Planner – Leatherette

Horizontal Monthly Planner…the President includes large date blocks for easy organization and die-cut tabs for quick reference to make this the ideal planning tool for fast, efficient date keeping. This version has a 2-part (front and back) leatherette cover, one-color foil imprint and black wire binding. There is an optional PenPort & Pen.

4)    Post It Note Cube – Post-it® Notes Cube Custom Printed Full Color

Side printed Post-it® Notes cube full color. Custom printed on the top sheet also.

5)    Reusable Straws – Stainless Steel Straw Set

These sustainable yet trendy stainless steel straws are perfect for anyone. Each set comes with one straight straw, one bent straw, 1 silicone tip, 1 cleaner brush, and its own branded muslin bag. Because who needs more plastic straws in our oceans?

6)    Pen – BIC® Intensity® Clic™ Gel Pen

This ultra-smooth gel roller and a variety of trendy colors, the BIC® Intensity® Clic™ Gel is a modern take on the retractable pen.

7)    Pen – Souvenir® Story Pen

This Pen features black ink, a black accent, and a pocket clip.

8)    Pen – Top Cat Comfort Pen

High-end looks and a comfortable feel no matter where you grip. Engraved silver imprint and shining trim contrast boldly with a matte finish. Black hybrid ink adds to writing enjoyment.

9)    Pen – Xeedee Pen

The diamond-cut silver bands accent shimmering barrels and a houndstooth textured grip. Smooth writing black Hybrid ink adds to the high-end appeal.

As you probably know, there are thousands of promotional items to choose from. I am sure you would be happy with any of the 9 promotional items above.

Contact me and I’ll help you decide which is best for you and your budget.

I look forward to helping you!

Debbie Smith

January 9, 2020
It’s all About the Journey!

We have all heard the phrase “It’s all about the journey.”

A Harvard study found that we spend almost 50 percent of our time thinking about the past and future, instead of focusing on the present, which leads to increased unhappiness.

The holidays can lead to an increase in stress – and much of it is about thinking about the past and the future.

We worry that we won’t have enough presents, or the right presents. We worry that we won’t have enough money.

Perhaps we’ve lost a loved one and grieve for the days when they were with us, or long for days past when our children were small and appreciated everything we did for them. Maybe the holidays bring up memories of not so great times when we were children and it makes us feel sad. Or we may had wonderful holiday memories that we wish we could relive. It seems our minds can come up with an endless amount of reasons to not be happy in this moment!

On TV and social media it can appear as if everyone else is having a perfect holiday season.

So, what are we to do?

Enjoy the journey.

I learned how true this is this past year when I took a long overdue vacation. While it may seem that just taking a vacation was the destination, I learned that it really is always the journey.

Some of you already know that I took a cruise to Alaska with my family. Just being on the journey to Alaska, on the ship, on the ocean, brought me relaxation and peace.

It was not about getting to Alaska at all.

It was about the journey there. Enjoying the ocean, the sky, my family, and of course the food. It was taking time to breath and enjoy what was right in front of me at that very moment.

When we got there it was thrilling! The landscape, the weather, the people were so different than what I am used to experiencing here in Columbus, Ohio. Every moment was an adventure.

You may ask – what about the journey home? Didn’t you think about how sad it would be for your vacation to end?

Yes and no. Yes, in that I am human and that’s what we do. And no in that, I had relaxed enough to come to a new understanding of what everyone means when they talk about being “mindful” and enjoying the journey.

I have so many things to be grateful for, my family, my friends and YOU!

Happy Holidays!

Debbie Smith

December 11, 2019
What We Are Thankful For…

This year I have so much to be thankful for.

Like most of you, I’ve had a very busy year. There is always so much to do for work and family and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But, as I reflect this month there is so much to be grateful for! I thought I would share a few with you…

1)    My Alaskan cruise this year, it was beautiful.

2)    Having great clients that were very understanding and definitely worked with me so I was able to take off 10 days. I never thought it would be possible to leave my business for an extended period of time. I am so grateful.

3)    Having good health for me and my family.

4)    Having wonderful friendships.

So often we get caught up in working, shopping and getting things done that we forget to take stock of how much we have to be thankful for in our lives that has nothing to do with money and work.

We have to work to “bring in the bacon”, but who and what is the bacon for?

It’s to live a life we love and be with the people we love! When we think of it this way, working is not such a bad deal. It supports the things that matter most and as long as we love (or at least like) what we do – we are the lucky ones.

I do love my company, my job. Mostly because I get to hang out with people like YOU! The rest of the time, I get to spend it with people I love.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

And speaking of work… I do want to remind you that you may need tax forms for next year! I can certainly help you with that. It would be my pleasure.

Contact me and we’ll get you started.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Debbie Smith

November 7, 2019
Wanna Have Peace of Mind This Holiday Season?

Order your holiday cards and gifts now and give yourself the early gift of peace of mind.

It’s been a really warm fall here in Ohio but…. the holidays are just around the corner.

If you plan it correctly, you will have a much more peaceful holiday season at work and even at home if you take care of this now!

There are many options when it comes to both cards and gifts.

The good news is that we can help you find the perfect cards and gifts that reflect you and your organization. We are here to help you get through the myriad of choices.

Below are a few examples.

Navy Gift of Distinction

Here you will find the finest premium chocolates nestled within stylish gift boxes. Our navy Gift of Distinction is filled with 12 mouth-watering Pecan Turtles, made with creamy caramel and full-flavored pecans, approximately 40 of our famous Chocolate Covered Almonds and 11 rich and creamy melt-in-your-mouth Cocoa Dusted Truffles. Nearly a pound of sweet temptation! Your logo is foil-stamped in white on the gift box.

Winter Delight

An irresistible assortment of chocolate treats fills this silver pail emblazoned with an intricate snowflake. Winter’s chill can’t compete with the heartwarming delights your recipients will find in this amazing gift, including Ghirardelli® hot cocoa, Godiva® chocolate, and more. A navy ribbon imprinted with your logo in silver is the perfect complement to tie it together.

English Butter Toffee in Metallic Blue Gift Box

Our English Butter Toffee is crafted in small batches from a perfect blend of freshly toasted California almonds, sweet creamery butter and pure cane sugar. It is covered with a generous layer of rich milk chocolate and sprinkled with crushed almonds creating a buttery, crunchy, wonderful taste sensation. The blue metallic gift box is foil-stamped in silver and tied with a silver bow.

Gift Cards

So many cards, so many choices! You have your option of religions, non-religious, humorous, pets and more. Let us help you pick out the best holiday cards for you and your company.

Oh, and tax forms!

Yes, you will need new tax forms come 2020, so let’s get those handled now.

Order this season and get 10% off! Click here and mention TaxForms2019 in the quote form.

Contact me and I’ll get you started!

Debbie Smith

October 10, 2019
Happy Football Season: and Don’t Forget About Holiday Card Orders

Are you enjoying the football season?

Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s hard not to get into the Buckeye Season here in Ohio!

We have lots of promotional items great for the fall football season, blankets, cozies, chairs, coolers… you know all the essential tail gating and football watching items.

And now, back to business…

It’s time to consider what holiday cards, you’re going to order!

If you prefer to wait for the new year, calendars are fantastic as they are with your customers and prospects all year.

There are many options for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, general holidays, and the new year. Here are just a few:

How about a calendar or a journal which will be around much longer?

Calendars and journals are really a great way to keep your name and brand in the minds of your prospects and customers all year.

The likelihood of them getting thrown away is so low, you’re almost guaranteed to be perceived as providing a valuable service just by giving such a nice gift.

Bottom line, enjoy the football season but don’t delay getting your holiday items ordered.

Contact me to help you get started.

I look forward to helping you,

Debbie Smith

August 29, 2019
Fall and Football Promotional Items #gobucks!

Fall is just around the corner and guess what that means? Football!

If you live in Ohio, or are a graduate of The Ohio State University, you know how important this time of year is to Buckeye fans. We’re gearing up for the football season that officially starts on August 31, 2019. (Click here for the schedule).

And of course with fall comes cooler weather and shorter days. Time to break out the sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets and blankets.

While there are hundreds of football and fall promotional items to choose from, why not spend your precious promotional dollars on something that will last for a long time?

Stadium and Camping Blankets

Useful for going to games, tailgating and camping. This will become a favorite go-to for those out of door events.

Women’s Sweatshirts

There are lots of sweatshirts styled specifically for women. Make your customers and employees happy with a trendy yet warm and cozy sweatshirt this fall.

Cool Weather Jackets

Perfect go to jacket for outdoors this fall. Game day, cookouts, tailgating and camping. Make an impression by putting your brand on one.

Sweatshirts

These zipper sweatshirts can be worn by men and women! They come in all colors and will be used for years to come.

A few smaller items. Cozies and footballs.

Let’s face it – people love to get free gifts and at this time of year, cozies and footballs make perfect sense. You can not go wrong giving these away. Cozies are not only used at football get togethers throughout the football season, they then get put in drawers to be pulled out in spring and will be used all summer. And footballs get thrown around at parties and picnics and stay in the kids toy box for years.

The bottom line is you want to spend your promotional dollars on things that people will appreciate, use and have some fun with!

Let us help you pick out items that fit your company’s needs and budget.

Go Bucks!

Contact us and we’ll help you get started!

Debbie Smith

August 13, 2019
6 Promotional Items for Pets and Veterinarians
Let’s face it. People love their pets.

If you’re an employer, you have most likely had people need to take time off for a pet emergency or death. You’ve probably heard your people talk about their pets. You probably see pictures of pets on desks and in workspaces.

Often during small talk with your customers or prospects, pet talk comes up.

New pets, old pets, sick pets, funny pets.

Pets Rule

No one knows this better than veterinarians.

If you are a vet, you know. Pets bring joy, tears and frustration. They invoke the same emotions and attachments as children.

People will do and sometimes spend what ever is necessary for their beloved dog, cat, bird, rabbit…

Gifts for Pets Invoke Strong Emotions

The truth is, promotional items are intended to extend your brand. This is tricky as you want to be tasteful, stay in budget and purchase items that won’t just be thrown in the trash.

Successful promotional items are those that people keep. Even if they don’t consciously associate your brand with the item, they will know at some level where it came from.

Wether you are a veterinarian looking to promote your practice, or buying promotional items to extend your corporate, business or small business brand, buying pet items with your brand on them is a pretty safe bet.

We’ve picked 6 out of the hundreds of promotional pet items to choose from.

1. Perfect Pet Gift Set

Includes 3 best-selling pet items bundled together in a kit perfect for promotions! Kit contains:
- Poop & Light waste bag dispenser with LED flashlight
- Food-To-Go travel pet bowl
- 2-in-1 Treat Bag/Poop Dispenser Bag
2. Pick It Up Pet Bag Dispenser

Picking up after pets has never been so easy! A great aide to bring to the park, beach, or a walk around the block. Great for veterinarians, pet stores, dog walks, home services companies.

3. Travel Water Container

Our travel water container is a great travel tool for pet owners. A great promotional item for animal leagues, veterinarians, pet stores and more. Add your imprint to the bottle or the side of the container.

4. Paws for Life® Pet Bandanna – Medium/Large

Made out of 100% Cotton. White is 100% polyester. Stylize a pet with a colorful bandana. Made for medium to large dogs!

5. Dog Food Scoop N Clip

Serve and store a pet’s dry food with our Scoop n Clip. Use the scoop to measure the appropriate amount of food for each meal and then use the handle to help keep the bag shut and secure. Markings in the scoop can measure 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 3/4 cup. Available in several fun colors, this item is perfect for any pet lover.

6. Collapsable Pet Food Bowl

These Collapsible Silicone Pet Bowls are perfect for on the go feeding and watering of your client’s pet. Your clients will use them for traveling, camping, walks, dog parks and events. Don’t miss out on getting your logo on this practical, pet friendly promo item!

These are just a few of the many items to choose from.

Let us help you pick the perfect promotional pet item that matches your companies needs and budget.

Contact us and we’ll help you get started!

Debbie Smith
July 12, 2019
4 Perfect Promotional Camping Items

It’s summer time again! People are planning their trips to the great outdoors.

Sometimes as marketers, you may wonder what would be a unique, and not too expensive giveaway, gift or promotional item?

Here are a few ideas for handy, dandy camping items:

1. Coffee Mugs

Oh yes, that cup of coffee in the morning is just what everyone is looking for on a cold brisk morning. Coming out of the tent, lighting a fire and brewing up a cup-o-joe is camping at it’s best. Why not have your logo put on a classic camping mug? It’s the kind of thing that people will love to hold and savor and keep for years to come.

2. Camping Chairs

No camping experience is complete without a lot of foldable chairs for around the fire, taking to the beach or concert or the 4th of July fireworks. It’s a great promotional gift that will be used for a long time, and seen by a lot of people as it travels from place to place.

3. Headlamps

Headlamps make great promotional items because they are unique! People will ask about them. They will get used for fun excursions in the dark, and they will not get thrown away. Be the talk of the trip by putting your logo on a few of these!

4. Blankets

Blankets are another great summer item as they are multi-purpose. They are great of course to travel with on picnics and to the beach. They’re great for kids, babies and pets. And there is nothing like having a few extra blankets when the sun goes down and the chill of a summer night sets in.

Make a lasting impression with any of these great camping / summer promotional items.

There are of course hundreds of other summer promotional items to choose from.

If you’re looking to get just the right promotional gifts for your company and your budget, contact us and we’ll help you get what works best for you.

Happy Camping!

Debbie Smith

June 5, 2019