It’s all hearts and flowers for our clients here at Dux D’Lux the February! We have some great things starting to unfold for the spring and a lot of love to extend to our clients in the way of SWEET deals and discounts. We’ll start with this little incentive to get ready for tee shirt weather with a custom Screen Printed T-Shirt for your business, organization or university club.

Be sure to print this coupon or use the promotional code included. Hurry! The offer expires February 28, 2010.

This week, we highlight five items in the $10 – $15 range that are great options for rewarding employees for a job well done or wishing your customers well this holiday season. Give us a call to avoid the rush and take advantage of this special pricing!

Collapsible Barrel Bag
Description:
12″ diameter, 20″ opened
600 denier material
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 1-side

Minimum order: 25 pieces
Price: $8.75 each
Set-up: First Set-up FREE
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Padfolio
Description:
AlluraHyde cover with a full sized pocket on the front for easy access to important papers
Front inside slip pocket with slot for notes
Pocket with window for business cards
Built in pen or pencil holder
11-1/2″h x 8″w notepad included
Actual size of padfolio is 12-1/2″h x 9-3/4″w
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 1-side

Minimum order: 80 pieces
Price: $7.99 each
Set-up: $50
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Chocolate Covered Almond Gift Box
Description:
Includes milk chocolate covered almonds
FDA approved
Gift box: 6″ x 3-1/2″ x 2″
1-lb per box
Other food items available, inquire for more information
Pricing includes gold foil stamp on Dark Navy or Bright Red Gift Box

Minimum order: 48 pieces
Price: $9.99 each
Set-up: Free foil stamp set-up charge
Place your order by: 12/1/09

PhotoVision Softouch Tumbler Gift Set
Description:
Double-walled construction with soft, comfortable finish
Full color, high resolution printing means great logo reproduction
Polyurethane doming protects your artwork
Includes matching coaster and black velvet bag with domed key/hand tag backgrounds with PhotoVision doming protection
Available in five great colors, Pink, Red, Blue, Green and Smoke
Price includes up to four imprint colors or four-color process on select stock

48 piece minimum
Price: $10.55  each
Set-up cost: $75.00

96 piece minimum
Price: $9.55 each
Set-up cost: $75.00
Place your order by: 12/1/09

PhotoVision Softouch Tumbler Gift Set – Stainless
Description:
Full color, high resolution processing means great logo reproduction
Polyurethane doming protects your artwork
16oz. tumbler with stainless steel, double-walled tumbler features foam insulation
Black plastic liner
Includes matching PVSC Coaster and black velvet bag with domed key/hang tag
Price includes up to four imprint colors or four-color process on select stock backgrounds

48 piece minimum
Price: $12.99 each
Set-up cost: $75.00

96 piece minimum
Price: $11.99 each
Set-up cost: $75.00
Place your order by: 12/1/09

There’s no question that using appropriate business etiquette in your company communications can produce a great marketing advantage. Beyond the common courtesies of “please” and “thank you,” exercising good manners in your marketing efforts gives your message a better chance of being heard. During the hectic holiday season, those etiquette skills can be seen most vividly in how you approach sending holiday cards. Whether you’re making a first impression or offering a seasoned thank you for continued business, consider these tips for minding your holiday manners.

Acknowledge the season. With the plethora of card options out there and the crazy lines at the post office, it’s tempting to simply opt out of the holiday card-sending game. Don’t do it! In this day and age, acknowledging the holiday season is a staunch expectation even in the business world. Even if you’ve chosen to shift your mailing to Thanksgiving or New Years to avoid the rush, it is still important to send a December holiday message of some kind–even if it is a simple emailing.

Fine-tune your message. Much debate exists around whether to use the phrases “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hannukah,” or “Happy Holidays.” Only you can decide which is most appropriate for your business and clientele. Err on the side of caution when writing your specific holiday verbiage. Reflect your own company’s “culture,” but avoid terminology that may be offensive to your broader audience. Also, be sure to communicate gratitude for continued business where appropriate and well-wishes for the coming year. Overselling in your holiday cards can be off-putting. Avoid overt marketing terminology and opt for a subtle presentation of your logo with a tag line of services.

Make sure your mailing list is up to date. It can be an arduous task, but be sure your names and addresses are correct. Sending holiday wishes to a contact who’s moved on from your business client simply highlights your lack of attention and undermines your efforts at “personal” service. It’s easiest to maintain your mailing list throughout the year, but at the least, devote staff time to verifying information before holiday cards are mailed.

Add titles to your recipient names. The added formality of a “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your address block creates a festive appeal during the holiday season.These titles offer a show of respect to your individual client contacts that won’t be missed. Be safe with your women clients and use the “Ms.” prefix rather than risk offense with a “Miss” or “Mrs.” used incorrectly.

Personalize. Personal details always carry more power than “form” communications. Address your cards to actual people in addition to whole businesses or organizations. Write a personal note on your cards, if possible, making reference to individual relationships. Acknowledge specific projects on which you’ve worked, recognize specific accomplishments or extend greetings to family members. One sentence will suffice, but make it a personal one. Oh, and use your best penmanship!

Consider your envelope. Don’t forget that the envelope is the first thing your card recipient sees. You can make your holiday cards more special simply by printing the return address on the flap rather than the front of the envelope. Also, actual stamps make a more personal impression than printed bulk mail insignia and offer extra holiday cheer. In addition, hand-written addresses are another way to add personal detail to your cards–even if it’s not your own handwriting. Many direct mail vendors offer hand-addressing services.

Sending corporate or organizational Christmas cards can be an overwhelming task. Make sure you get the most marketing return from the process by using these mild-mannered tips.

Need help getting your “dux” in a row? Give us a call! We’ll help you craft your message, design a unique card presentation and handle your mailing–all in plenty of time for Santa’s milk and cookies!

For the $3 – $5 Budget

This month we are offering some great specials on customized holiday gifts that will fit into almost any budget. Whether you have $3 or $63 to spend on your customer gifts, each week we will highlight top-notch specially priced items that will show appreciation to your clients and make a lasting impression. This week, we highlight six items in the $3 – $5 range. Go ahead and give us a call to get your holiday promotions moving before the rush!

Shatterproof Ornaments

Description:
Economically priced, satin finished, durable, shatterproof ornaments are treasured mementos that will carry your message for years to come
3-1/4″ Round Shatterproof ornament
Will be packaged in a clear Happy Holiday gift box
Pricing includes 1-color imprint, 1-location

Minimum order: 100 pieces
Price: $2.67 each
Set-up: $30.00
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Two in One Kit: Mirror and Brush

Description:
High impact plastic with shatter-resistant, high quality mirror
Hair brush
Available in Yellow, Purple, Red, Fuchsia, Blue, Orange, Pink, Lime Green, Black, Silver or White
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 1-side

Minimum order: 250 pieces
Price: $1.09 each
Set-up: $40
Place your order by: 12/1/09

16 oz Journey Mug

Description:
Double wall insulated
Great for on the go
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 2-sides

Minimum order: 144 pieces
Price: $2.54 each
Set-up: $50
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Drawstring Backsack

Description:
Straps cinch together to close
Actual size of backsack is 13″h x 15″w
Made of 190T Nylon
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 1-side

Minimum order: 250 pieces
Price: $2.39 each
Set-up: $50
Place your order by: 12/1/09

28 oz Biodegradable Sports Bottle

Description:
Eco-Friendly
Made in the USA from FDA regulated materials
Bottle biodegrades in 1-5 years when properly disposed
Composed of HDPE
Great for outdoor sports
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 2-sides

Minimum order: 250 pieces
Price: $2.39 each
Set-up: $50
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Two-Tone Newport Mug

Check out that maroon & white option, Bulldog Fans!
Description:
New twist on classic mug
Comfortable O-handle
Colors include: white/maroon, white/blue, white/green, white/black
Includes Safe Pack packaging
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 2-sides

Minimum order: 144 pieces
Price: $2.98 each
Set-up: $50
Place your order by: 12/1/09

Are you the best media outlet for your customers?

I’ve been pondering that question over the last few weeks. I recently read the results of the “2009 Survey on Marketing, Media and Measurement” conducted by King Fish Media. It offers some great insights into how marketing managers across the country are approaching their jobs in today’s high-tech, social-media fluent market.

One of the most interesting thoughts that emerged from the survey responses was the concept of “custom content.” Rather than relying on traditional advertising outlets for engaging customers, 86% of marketing managers said their companies were currently creating or planned to create original content to educate their clients about their products, services and events. Eight out of ten respondents felt companies and brands could produce content just as engaging and informative as traditional media companies.

It’s easy to see how the trend toward custom content is growing. It’s most easily seen in the online arena. An increasing number of businesses and organizations are creating social media profiles and using outlets like Facebook and Twitter to expand their reach. Many are starting company blogs like this one, designed offer information to clients in a more interactive format. Many are loading their websites with more customer-friendly features to foster easier communication. Whether through more content-rich organizational websites, corporate blogs or 140-character Twitter posts, more and more companies are determined to BE the media for their clients rather than rely on others to disseminate their stories through news coverage or paid advertisements.

Great. But, how do you go about “being” the media? I think it starts with seeing your website and other communication outlets as more than expanded business cards or sales flyers. Communications in today’s marketplace is a complete buyer’s market. With the plethora of media options available, your customers are holding all the cards. They decide who, when and where they get their information, and how often. If you want your message to be heard, you must make your communications a valuable and beneficial resource–not just a continual announcement of your latest sale.  Here are a few tips on how you can transform your internet presence into a media resource your clients won’t work without.

Start with knowing your audience. Who is your client base? The old-school adage of first marketing to your current customers holds true–even in this new age of digital communication. Customers who are already using your products and services are your best source for what your clients are looking for–not to mention your best source for repeat business. Pay attention. Look at who your customers are and how they typically contact you. What are the common questions they ask about your products and services? How do they like to place their orders? What motivates them to use your company? Let your answers to these questions impact the content you choose to communicate.

Focus on adding value. Make your website, emailings or profile posts more than just digital coupons. Granted, an online freebie every now and then is a great attraction for followers, but if that’s all you ever have to offer, customers will quickly tire of your message. Give your audience a reason to listen, whether through insider information, easy-to-follow tips or just plain good ideas.

Move beyond strict self-promotion to building relationships. Focus on engaging your audience and building relationships of trust.  Internet user “hits” and profile follower and fan counts are all comprised of people. Speak when spoken to. Be just as committed to learning about those folks as you are about communicating your message. Pose questions. Listen to the responses from clients and have conversations. Adjust your approach to the “message” based on your person-to-person communications.

Establish yourself as an expert in your industry. You know your business and your industry. Let that knowledge come through in your communications. Offer clients the unselfish benefit of your experience, and they will see you as a trusted first resource when a specific need arises.

Give it time and attention. Don’t apply the “squeaky wheel” approach to maintaining your website or online media profiles. A void in your online communication efforts will rarely present itself. Your customers will simply move on to another website or profile that offers a more engaging message.  Commit your team to daily time and creativity spent on building your online presence and communicating with your internet audience.

Just look at what Miss Jen found for us this week! What says “Seasons Greetings” better than Hallmark cards? The Hallmark brand is synonymous with glad tidings. That little gold crown communicates a personal touch with every piece of mail. This year, Hallmark is offering a holiday card option just for businesses–one that allows you to personalize a selection of their cards with your company logo and message.  Five of the 12 available designs are shown here:

Not only do these personalized Christmas cards employ the Hallmark seal of greetings approval, but they also promote “green” printing. Each card is made from 100% recycled paper with 30% made from post-consumer products. The cards are available with matching envelopes, and at a great price that includes your personalized message and logo. The low minimums are a great option for companies or organizations that just need a few holiday cards, but want the impact of including their logo.

50 cards = $2.69 each
100 cards = $1.95 each
250 cards = $1.49 each
Contact Miss Jen for more information!

Today begins a new series for the Quack! blog: Huesday! Color can be a powerful tool in communicating your marketing message, and maximizing the impact of your color choices can help you reduce printing costs and save money in your promotional budget. On Tuesdays, we’ll post insights on color trends, information about the common associations made with various colors and tips on choosing color for the most promotional power. So, without further ado…

It’s Huesday. And, the color of the day is GREEN.

One half of the holidays’ symbolic duo, the color green offers great promotional appeal year-round–and not just for projects showing environmental responsibility. Because of the color’s prevalence in nature, and the mulitple shades that appear side by side, various tones of green are rarely seen as “clashing.” In addition, green can be used much like a neutral in many color palettes because  of it’s abundance and basic positive associations. Indeed, green has almost universal appeal.

For logos and promotional pieces, green tones in their many variations are a great choice because of the positive associations they offer with the environment, growth, money and stability. Blue-greens are some of the most appealing shades because they evoke both earth and sky and are complimentary to many skin tones. Deeper green shades offer strong feelings of prestige and trustworthiness because of their association with American money.

We recommend a cautious use of green when paired with red because of the strong holiday “look” the combination creates. In addition, because red and green are complimentary colors, the combination can sometimes look dull if neither color is allowed to dominate. It is also wise to choose greens carefully for message-oriented applications because of the colloquial associations the color has with envy, jealously or inexperience. Be careful about using green tones that are on the extreme yellow end of the spectrum. Those tones are more trendy options and can quickly date a piece. In addition, strong yellow-greens sometimes carry a sick or unhealthy connotation, making them wary choices for food-, travel- or tourism-related audiences.

In general, green offers a rich set of positive responses and can be used effectively in a variety of color palettes. It can infuse a sense of familiarity to promotional messages and offer an unmistakeable sense of growth and stability. Happy Green Huesday!

In Starkville, we’ve just now started getting some crisp, cooler days, and stores and houses are sporting pumpkins, scarecrows and orange. But, if you look a little closer, you’ll still find some red and green peeking through in preparation for the Holiday season.

That’s right. It’s only October, but it’s time to begin thinking about how your business or organization will offer well-wishes to customers this Christmas season. It pays to plan ahead for your corporate holiday gifting to take advantage of early specials and avoid the last minute production and shipping rush.

Acknowledging the holiday season with client cards or gifts is a great way to show gratitude for the blessings of the year, reward customer loyalty and remind your clients of your offerings in the coming new year. However, with the abundance of mail and office gifts that filter through during the season, you want to be sure yours will stand out.  Consider these creative ideas for choosing promotional items and holiday cards that will make an impression this season.

1. When choosing client holiday gifts, get long-term promotional impact with items that are useful beyond the Christmas season. Gifts like customized desktop calendars, planners or note-taking journals give your company regular exposure all year long. For years, Dux D’Lux provided our clients with slim month-at-a-glance desktop planners as Christmas gifts. They were wildly popular because they offered just enough space for writing events and could easily be slipped into a portfolio pocket for meetings.

One of the favorite items we received from one of our vendors was custom printed legal pads that included the coming year’s calendar in the margin — very helpful for planning meetings and creative brainstorming! Regardless of the season, practical promotional items put your brand front and center well beyond the delivery date.

2. Consider customer holiday gifts that offer clients a sampling of your products and services. What better way to show them what you have to offer? Restaurant or retail businesses could offer gift baskets with favorite product samples. Clothing companies or screen printers like ourselves could give custom designed tee shirts.

For several years, Dux D’Lux sent Christmas cards that included a custom-designed set of gift tag/enclosures. The to-from tags offered clients a way to spread their own holiday cheer as well as offered examples of our agency’s creativity and design prowess. Our favorite theme centered on “a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer” where each member of our staff produced their own portrait of one of Santa’s sleigh-pullers. “Vixen” was probably the funniest!

3. For your best clients, make holiday gifts personal. Consider monogramming or having a client’s logo embroidered on an item. Personalization makes standard gifts like briefcases, computer cases or pad portfolios more special. Winter wearables are also great items that can be embroidered or screen printed with custom logos when you want to give to several people within the same office. With personalized items, sometimes your thoughtful consideration and attention to detail will make even more of an impression than something bearing YOUR business logo.

4. When choosing holiday gifts for multiple customers within the same organization, consider a gift directed to the “office” as well as items for specific individuals with whom you’ve worked. Personal contact is such an important factor for clients making decisions about products and services–especially in a slower economy. When gifting for B2B clients, don’t overlook the personal relationships you and your staff have built with individuals. Office gifts are appropriate, but additional, more personalized gifts can show appreciation to individual decision-makers.

And, don’t forget the administrative professionals! Make a lasting impression with the ones who take your phone messages or schedule your meetings with a small token of your appreciation. Gift cards to local restaurants, desktop items, or even flower deliveries are great choices.

5. Use the season to give back–in your clients’ names. Nothing spreads holiday cheer like giving, especially to worthy causes. You can show your business’ corporate responsibility by sending gifts to charitable organizations in honor of your clients. If you client base is primarily local, why not choose a local organization where your donation can benefit your own community. In addition, non-profit groups that relate to your specific industry can also be worthy options.

Be sure to choose reputable charities that have a verifiable record of how donations are used. And, send your own announcement to your clients. Although many charities send acknowledgements when receiving donations in honor of a third party, you can offer a customized message to your customers alerting them to the gift as well.

If you would like more ideas for how you can creatively say “thank you” to your customers and associates during the holiday season, give Dux D’Lux a call. We can help you tailor a gift-giving message to your specific organization’s needs. We can even handle your direct-mail distribution if required.