Brainstorming and potlucks have a lot in common. They both have contributions from various people with a bit of the unkown - or luck - in the outcome. We all know who we choose to bring food to our potlucks and may even which recipes we want them to bring. We also know who we turn to when we need to brainstorm. We are all looking for contributors who can deliver the best and most interesting results. 

Getting different people's contributions in either case adds variety, perspective and collaboration to any project. One idea or food item might spark another one. As an example, at our office potluck, one person is know for their great pulled pork fajitas. That leads to tortilla soup, guacamole and salsa. Not exactly earth shattering but it shows how one idea inspires others. 

We put on our chef hats and brainstorm ideas every day. You inspire us. We'd love to inspire you! Turn to us for your promotional potlucks. Together we will create great results.

"Paper" seems like the obvious answer but now we know that paper takes a lot of resources to produce. So, the real answer continues to be: NEITHER. The solution is to bring reusable bags when you shop and not just at the grocery store. For a great explanation of paper vs plastic, check out this link.

If you are interested in using reusable bags in your marketing campaigns and holiday events, let us know. We have many choices in various materials: recycled non woven, organic cotton, jute, denier, neoprene and canvas. There are sizes and styles for every budget.

It's a good idea to question all aspects of our business expenses to determine if and why we need these expenses. Promos are one of the first things that get cut in a crummy economy. People lose sight of the reason they ordered them in the first place. It's easy to want some ego swag - feel good items for the employees or customers; but don't forget the real reasons you included them in your marketing and human resource mix:

They are tangible - they last beyond the latest tweet

They have value - most are functional

They reinforce your message - get the point? knife? anyone?

They are targeted - you give them directly to your intended audience versus mass unkown people

They create goodwill - tough to measure until you get a negative review

They are inexpensive - you can find a promo to fit almost any budget

They support your health and safety programs - proof to your insurance company that you are trying to improve

They create conversation and action - sign up today for your free promo or wow, what's that?

Remember: targeted, tangible and lasting!

In our search for food ideas for our clients, we stubbled across some tips for tasting chocolate. Of course, we recommend dark chocolate for its health benefits! Here is the condensed version of tips for your next chocolate tasting party:

1. Chocolate should be a room temperature - so it can melt in your mouth right away.

2. Be still and focus on the chocolate.

3. Clear your palate between bites - bread or pickles are suggested.

4.  Look at the chocolate - shiny is good.

5. Break a piece - snap!

6. Rub it - smooth is best.

7. Smell it - like tasting wines, you will pick up hints of smells.

8. Feel it in your mouth - is it melting richly?

9. Taste it and notice the flavors.

10. Finish - what is the lingering flavor?

You can give your customers the gift of health and sweetness with custom chocolate.

Contact us for more info!

We'd like to take one ball out of the air for you - the promotional marketing one. You CAN spend hours looking online for mugs but we can send you several that fit your budget and your design needs in less time. You CAN have several companies send you samples of t-shirts but we can send you several samples in one shipment at various price points. You CAN try designing a logo for your next campaign but we can do it more creatively in the best program for the project.

We are not denying you the fun of juggling - just the encouraging the success of less of it.

Connect with us for ideas!

It's a "Spare the Air" day today in the San Francisco Bay Area with the worst air in the East Bay. While these happen from time to time, we are trying to promote more O2 every day with every order. Since we launched our tree donation program through American Forests in April, we are up to 77 trees so far! Our goal is to donate over 300 trees by the end of the year. So, while we carpool and reduce electricity use, we can also SHARE THE AIR by donating trees!

Consider working with us on your next promotional marketing campaign and spread O2.