Design Innovators: Space Quilts by Jimmy McBride

Haley Montgomery — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:00:15 +0000

Wowza! I’ve been dying to highlight these quilts! In honor of last Friday’s historic final voyage of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the final launch of the United States Space Shuttle program, it’s the perfect time to share. I saw the M-64 Galaxy quilt (above left) in Dwell magazine last month and couldn’t wait to check out Jimmy McBride’s website. I was wowed by the innovative quilt designs he has on display that depict his love of space. The colors against the black night of outerspace are spectacular, but his translation of the images of galaxies and nebulas into shapes and fabric patterns is really inspiring. The quilts are hand-wrought and put together with either hand or machine quilting. I was blown away by their detail, color selection and composition. Enjoy!

For those space nerds like Mr. McBride and myself, take a closer look at images that are inspiring his quilting forays and get a view of what’s happening with Atlantis and the International Space Station at the NASA website – great photos and videos. I couldn’t tear my 5-year-old away!

Promo Spotlight: 3 Ways to Use Custom Wristbands

Haley Montgomery — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:00:21 +0000

You’ve seen the silicone wristbands made popular by Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong campaign. Similar wristbands have been popular tokens for several years in support of many different charitable causes. The bands offer a tangible way for individuals to show their involvement in the respective endeavors represented, and they also provide a sense of community among those impacted by the issues the bracelets highlight.

How can this concept be applied to YOUR marketing efforts?

In our effort to showcase quality ideas and quality promotions in the Quack! blog, we’re launching a promotional spotlight feature today. With this series, we hope to highlight specific products that may be of interest to our clients. Beyond simply offering special pricing, however, we hope to provide some specific ideas for how the chosen product could be used for real promotional impact. Just consider it a mini brainstorming session with the Sitting Dux designed to net some creative marketing ideas.

DEBOSSED SILICONE BRACELETS

Your message is debossed deep into the bracelet for a unique look. The bracelets are available in most Pantone colors to coordinate with your brand. Plan ahead with this item because the production time is approximately 4-6 weeks after artwork approval. Notice the low minimum order — only 100 pieces! Set-up is $50 and the pricing includes debossing in 1 location.

Qty = 100
Price = $4.40 each

Qty = 250
Price = $2.19 each

Qty = 1000
Price = $0.98

HOW CAN I USE THIS PRODUCT?

Multi-day festivals or events
If you need a way to offer visitors access to multi-day festivals or events, why not try the wristband? A festival-goer’s ticket buys them a customized bracelet that offers free entry for the duration of the event. Plus, attendees walk away with a built-in souvenir of a fun time–a great way to begin building a following for yearly events!

Summer camps or school orientation sessions
Whether you are planning a summer full of youth church camps or kid’s science and educational weeks, this silicone bracelet is a great team-building tool. Camp attendees love to have tangible reminders of a great experience. For children and teenagers, your camp’s bracelet will become a treasured possession. During camp, this bracelet can serve as a camper’s entry access for camp transportation, a “purchasing” tool for camp materials or supplies, and another opportunity for providing security. In addition, purchase quantities in various colors and use the bracelet as a means of organizing “teams” for recreation, transportation, rotating seminars or activities, etc.

Preferred customer promotions
For retail businesses or restaurants this wristband is also a unique way to execute customer appreciation or preferred customer purchasing programs. If you need a way for customers to show their loyalty to your store or restaurant, offer the bracelet with a “cool” statement that customers will want to wear. Offer special deals or discounts to customers who wear it into the store. This product is a fun summer alternative to the standard punch card for restaurant or bar drink specials or food discounts. Patrons can purchase the bracelet for a one-time fee and wear to gain discounts on selected items — a great option in college towns like ours!

Client Kudos: Hydrovac Industrial Services

Haley Montgomery — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:21:23 +0000

Congratulations to our long-time client, Hydrovac Industrial Services, Inc, on the launch of their new website! This website redesign came on the heels of a corporate brochure update and the need to give their online presence a fresher look.

Hydrovac offers state-of-the-art and high-tech industrial services to a variety of industries. As a leader in the industrial services field, their training methods, high-quality equipment and unmatched execution and company culture is quite impressive. Their marketing efforts were overdue for a website that matched the progressive approach they take to providing services like industrial vacuuming, hi-flow, watercutting, bioblasting, video inspection and more.

Dux D’Lux worked with the Hydrovac team to create a new look for the website that offered more visual appeal with the use of eye-catching colors and more photographs of the company in action. We also revamped the information in the website to reflect changes in the company services and to boost the site’s exposure in search engines.

Kudos to Hydrovac Industrial Services, Inc! It’s been a pleasure working with you through the years.

Tee Off with Golf Products

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Warmer weather has arrived and golf season is well under way. Golfing is a time-honored sport for both men and women, and it remains a prime business networking opportunity as well. Customized golf products are highly valued promotional items for many businesses and organizations. Whether you are producing a charity golf tournament, looking for conference gifts or showing customer appreciation, golf accessories carry long-lasting promotional benefits.

Miss Jenn has found five sensational golfing products that are sure to inspire plenty of birdies or better. These promotional items are the perfect marketing solution for:

Golf Tournaments
Golf Pro Shops
Tradeshow Give-aways
Conference Momentos
Customer Appreciation
Corporate Retreats & Meetings

PACKAGED TALL TEES
This pack includes ten 2 3/4″ tees pre-packaged. Pricing includes 1-color imprint on the tees
Tee colors = white, black, blue, green, orange, red, yellow

Qty = 250 packs
Price = $0.95 each
Set-up = $45

Qty = 1000 packs
Price = $0.75 each
Set-up = $45

Special expires 6/25/10

CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA DIABLO GOLF BALLS
New, softer cover and HEX aerodynamics provide longer, more penetrating ball flight for added distance. Priced per dozen. Pricing includes 1- to 2-color imprint on 1 location.

Qty = 6 packages
Price = $39.00 each
Set-up = $45

Qty = 24 packages
Price = $35.00 each
Set-up = $45

Special expires 6/25/10

HEMMED WHITE GOLF TOWEL
100% cotton velour hemmed towel with brass grommet and hook. “Soft-hand” silk screened impring
Size = 15 x 18″
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Qty = 125 towels
Price = $2.28 each
Set-up = $45

Qty = 250 towels
Price = $2.10 each
Set-up = $45

Special expires 6/25/10

GOLF ACCESSORY KIT
We love this item! And your minimum quantity is only 100!
2 3/4 x 2 5/8″ kit includes 1 divot fixer, permanent ball marking pen, 2 plastic ball markers and 4 tees. Fits easily into pocket or golf bag.
Box colors = clear or translucent blue
Marker colors = black, blue, red or green
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on box

Qty = 100 kits
Price = $1.84 each
Set-up = $45

Special expires 7/25/10

ECO-FRIENDLY GOLF BALLS
A green to the core, environmentally friendly ball made of eco-friendly material.
100% recyclable and made from renewable material.
Packaging is also eco-friendly, so it’s a responsible product all around!
Priced per dozen.
Pricing includes 1-color imprint on 1 location.

Qty = 6 packages
Price = $23.50 each
Set-up = $50

Special expires 12/25/10

Inspired By: Plant Forms

Haley Montgomery — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:50:01 +0000

I came across this extraordinary fabric pattern by Palace Papers in a magazine recently. The fern fronds provide a touch of natural whimsy and unexpected detail to the traditional herringbone pattern. I couldn’t stop looking at it!

Plant forms are some of the most prolific sources of design inspiration. What better teacher of principles for design like economy, variation, pattern or form? The Palace Papers swatches got me thinking of some of our own past projects that have interpreted leaf and plant forms. Enjoy this flash from the past with Dux D’Lux logo designs inspired by plant life.

“Keys” for Promotional Success

Haley Montgomery — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:35:35 +0000

I’ve been noticing how often I use my keys — at home, in the car, at the office. They are with me almost all the time, and I’m sure it’s the same for you. The key chain that holds my entry essentials is prime real estate for getting my attention. This makes it prime real estate for a creative marketing message and a valuable product I can use every day or just in a pinch.

Check out this special pricing on three great ways to put your marketing message in the hands of customers every day. Promotional key chains are some of our most popular and successful promotional products. Whether it’s the standard beverage wrench, a handy key flashlight or a pocket key ring knife, these options are good solutions for getting your “key” message front and center!

BEVERAGE WRENCH
Features a stainless steel insert for opening bottle caps and a lever edge for opening cans.
Colors = 16 colors to choose from, including Mississippi State Maroon for our Bulldog fans!
(Mix and match colors at no additional charge)
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum Qty = 250
Price = $0.49 each
Set-up = $50
Special pricing expires 6/30/10

MINI FLASHLIGHT
Includes an incandescent bulb, slide switch and batteries (not inserted)
Size: 3 3/16 x 1″
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum Qty = 100
Price = $0.95 each
Set-up = $45
Special pricing expires 9/25/10

6-FUNCTION POCKET KNIFE
Perfect for a keyring. Knife includes 6 features: knife, nail groomer, scissors, split-ring, toothpick, tweezers
Size = 2 1/4″ x 3/4″ x 5/16″
Includes 1-color imprint in 1 location

Minimum Qty = 150
Price = $1.64 each
Set-up = $50
Special pricing expires 8/25/10

Corporate Wear for Women

Haley Montgomery — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:30:33 +0000

As we’ve been focusing on working women this week leading up to the celebration of Mother’s Day, we’ve shared some ideas for pampering those women executives and business owners on your client list with great give-aways. We’ve also shared the second installment of Debra Shafer’s online mentoring session featuring great insights from her 30 years as a woman entrepreneur. Today, we shift our focus to outfitting women in the workplace.

The corporate “uniform” today is becoming more and more varied and often times more casual. However, businesses and organizations are seeing that the way their team members are clothed can make a powerful impression on customers. Offering employees a collection of brand-sensitive and logo-embellished wearables is a great way to foster a consistent brand image with the public as well as help team members to “buy in” to the brand identity. In addition, corporate-centered wearables can be a huge asset for visibility in situations like tradeshows, conferences, or industry events. But, how do you provide wearables your women executives and team members will want to wear — and items they’ll feel comfortable in?

Women often feel at their best and most productive when they are comfortable and at ease in their clothing. Corporate wearables are no different than personal fashion choices in that regard. Offering adequate choices is one of the keys to creating a successful corporate wearables program that will meet the requirements of both men and women.

Because of the considerable trend toward logo-wear in the workplace, there are a multitude of garment options for women to choose from. When determining pieces to include in your corporate wearables package for women, pay attention to these three considerations: options, details and flexibility.

Options.
For women, the thought of wearing a specific “uniform” is sometimes off-putting. Women value individuality in their clothing choices, so offering those options can make a corporate wearable program more successful. When planning your logo-wear options, color can be a great way to provide brand consistency while also allowing for individuality. Offering a variety of clothing pieces and styles within the same brand color palette can offer a uniform “look” as well as enable team members to exercise personal preferences. For example, the polished blouse and women’s cut polo in the blue color family above offer both “dressed-up” and more casual options that will work in different business situations and for different tastes. In addition, this flexible approach to a team look gives your business a less “Stepford” and more current look, showing prospects and other companies a more individual-based approach to doing business–a real plus for larger companies in particular.

Details.
One of the main areas where corporate wearables fall short in outifitting women team members is in choosing items that are primarily designed for men. The details in the cuts of men’s clothing versus women’s is very noticeable for women employees. Pay attention to size breakdowns and choose items that are available specifically in women’s sizes to provide a more comfortable fit. Consider fashion details such as the cut of the waist or shape of the hemline. Items that flatter women tend to include a cut that is smaller at the waist and wider at the hip, rather than a straight cut. Also, women often enjoy wearing their blouses and shirts untucked, so a straight or only slightly curved hemline can provide a more professional look. In addition, take sleeve lengths into account when choosing items to include in the program. Options like the 3/4 sleeve straight-hem shirt and the more casual v-neck tee shirt shown above offer alternatives to the standard boxy company tee shirt.

Flexibility.
Women tend to layer their clothing year-round. By providing a selection of wearables that can be layered, the flexibility of the pieces is greatly expanded. Consider items like tee shirts, polos and button-downs that can be combined, as well as vest, sweater and jacket options. By maintaining a limited selection of colors for some of the pieces and expanded options for others, team members can create an individual look that also maintains a consistent image. Even for the warmer months, include items like the cardigan sweater or casual trench shown above. These items lend a professional image, but are more flexible for various events than the standard blue blazer approach.

By creatively choosing logo-embellished clothing options that afford individuality and flexibility along with reinforcing the company brand and image, businesses can develop corporate wearables programs that receive full support from both their men and women team members.

Audience with the Queen: 7 More Questions

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:00:21 +0000

Today’s post features Part 2 of an online discussion conducted with Dux Queen, Debra Shafer during our recent Online Women in Business Forum. Held exclusively on Facebook in collaboration with our our friend and colleague Jennifer Wyatt of Her Executive Coach, this 2-part live “mentoring session” with Deb featured her insights on conducting business as a woman for 30 years as well as her advice for marketing a small business. Take a look!

1. How important do you feel it is to bring back the “fun” at work? Do you find that your employees are more creative when you have a relaxed environment?

Queen: Fun is very important … unfortunately, we were more fun [or funny] when we were younger and the business was smaller, but we try very hard to have fun in the office. The creativity business can, at times, be very stressful … keeping it “light” can be a challenge, but we do our best. We like to keep the office as relaxed as possible, but more importantly, “drama-free.”

2. If given a do-over with your business, what would you choose to do differently and what would you choose to do the same?

Queen: A do-over would be interesting … and I would be 29 years old again, I like that! The realty is that I wouldn’t change anything. My reason for going into business was to satisfy my need to “do something” and in the process, I would like to believe that Dux D’Lux made a difference in how the businesses that we have worked with over the many years present themselves and their products.

3. There are always ups and downs in business, and I’m sure you have to keep things in perspective– and in a sense take things as they come. What do you think has been the single most difficult decision you have had to make in the development of Dux D’Lux over the years?

Queen: Actually, I have made 3 really difficult decisions – the first to move to England for 6 months – the business was very young and small, I could put Dux under management and “run” it from abroad with the help of the phone & FedEx.   The second was the choice to spend another year+ in England. Dux was a bit more complex and I took on a partner [for 2 years] and again relied on phone, fax & FedEx [and a few return trips to the US] to “run” the business. With each of the moves, I gave a great deal of thought and had many “soul-searching” conversations with my husband on whether to remain in business upon our return. Needless to say, the business won!  The third decision was to build our current location to expand our showroom and production facilities – that was in 1997 … and fortunately, we’re still up and running.

4. What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in the business marketplace?

Queen: In this economy, the biggest issue is the business marketplace itself and not just for women. That aside, the biggest issue from my perspective is that women need to do business as women. I am not being negative about the way men do business, but women are different and our difference is our strength … we juggle better and may be a bit more sensitive to client and employee issues. This, of course, is a gross generalization, but this is a Women’s Forum and I am a woman and we are looking at the big picture.   Women in business may face more challenges [especially if also raising a family] however, I had never really considered the “pitfalls” of being a woman starting a business. Over the last decade or two or three, doing business as a woman has been afforded many advantages. My first “contract” was awarded to me because I was a “woman-owned” business and that relationship has continued for 30 years. The business world is difficult enough to navigate without the worry of gender inequities and actually, woman are doing pretty well in the business world as illustrated by the statistic that Jennifer Wyatt [Her Executive Coach] pointed out “that 1 in every 11 adult women in the US are business owners.”

5.For a small business in particular, the mix and personalities of team members can really make or break productivity and success in the office. What criteria do you consider when choosing team members?

Queen: Any business owner knows that your employees can make or break your business – no matter how strong the BRAND, if your employees are not “on board” your business is at risk. My criteria for choosing the Dux team is fairly simple, all the personalities must be able to work together. We are a very small “creativity” business. And, creativity thrives when all the “stars” are aligned. I have learned over my 30 years that every now & then the person you interview is not the person who shows up for work after the first few weeks. My “mistakes” in hiring have allowed me to tweak our interview process to include our staff. The first interview is with me but, the follow-up interview is a roundtable discussion with staff members. The insight from other staffers has been very valuable in selecting the “right” team members for Dux. The right “team” will give you the advantage in the business “game.”

6. What is the one single marketing item every small business should implement – regardless of cost?

Queen: Ahhhhhhhh…the one that costs NOTHING…wonderful customer service. It’s true that you can have a great brand, a terrific logo, first class marketing materials, but if “wonderful customer service” is not available your business will be in trouble … and … we’re back to “team-building.”

7. What insights can you share about best business practices that can affect your marketing efforts?

Queen: Best business practices … the first thing that comes to mind is respect. The client or customer is the reason you are in business … so listen to their needs, wants, problems and deal with them the way you would want someone to deal with you. Respect goes hand-in-hand with “wonderful customer service.” This will keep your client/customer coming back time after time.

Products That Pamper

Haley Montgomery — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:54:01 +0000

Sunday, May 9th we celebrate Mother’s Day! For those of us that are moms among the Sitting Dux (and you out there), this holiday has special meaning. As working mothers, our families often give us experience-tested wisdom and a new perspective on dealing with unhappy clients, on inspiring employees and certainly on managing our time wisely. I was reading an article in Wearables Magazine last week that contained some interesting statistics about women in the workplace. Look at these numbers:

There are 68 million women in the American workforce.

51% of workers in high-paying management, professional and related occupations are women

There are 9.1 million women-owned business in the U.S.

Women are starting new business at a rate of 2 to 1 over men.

13.5% of Fortune 500 executive positions in 2009 were held by women

What I’m reading from these figures is that women make up a huge segment of the workforce and hold a significant number of decision-making positions. The numbers are a great reminder to consider women when determining your marketing strategies and choosing your most effective promotional items. Depending on your specific industry, your key business prospects are increasingly more likely to be women. This week, as Mother’s Day approaches, we’re focusing on ideas for products and wearables that will appeal to women in the workplace, from woman-conscious corporate wearables and the latest in women’s tee shirt wear to more insight from Debra Shafer on the world of marketing for women entrepreneurs.

Today, we’re starting with a collection of promotional items designed to pamper. With all those women in executive and ownership positions, these gift packages are an ideal way to show customer appreciation and provide some much-needed stress relief — all with your logo and message front and center. [Two of these items were included in our Nurse's Week specials, but they bear repeating!] If you offer services in primarily women-centered industries, these self-care sets will offer long-lasting promotional impact. And, they’re just plain cool.

THE SPA GIFT SET
This collection of a nail brush, exfoliating gauze sponge, loofah and pumice stone are presented in a natural wood caddy we love! Your logo can be imprinted on the 3 1/2 x 4 1/2″ container for a classic and up-scale look. Pricing includes 1-color logo on 1 location. (Set-up = $45)

Qty = 100 items
Price = $5.00 each

Qty = 500 items
Price = $4.75 each

Special expires 6/25/10

RENEW CARABINER BATH & BODY KIT
This mini vinyl tote contains a nail brush, loofa pad and candle tin. The 2 3/4 x 4 1/2″ bag is available in blue, green or red and easily clips to a gym bag handle, purse or computer case. Pricing includs a 1-color imprint on 1 location (Set-up = $45)

Qty = 100 items
Price = $7.44 each

Special expires 6/25/10

ESSENTIALS PAMPER-U POUCH
This set combines 1oz lavender fragrance body lotion, 8oz lavender fragrance bath crystals, unscented tea light candle and cool gel eye mask into a zippered pouch. Pricing includes a 1-color imprint on 1 location. (Set-up = $55)

Qty = 48 items
Price = $9.66 each

Qty = 150 items
Price = $8.60 each

Special expires 6/25/10

Friday Lunch

Haley Montgomery — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:26:59 +0000

We have a tradition here at the office. For the past five or six years, through the inspiration of one of our former designers, we eat lunch together. We lovingly call it “Friday Lunch,” and it’s open to those on our staff who want to join in. Usually around 10am, we start contemplating our favorite local restaurant choice. We have our favorites, and we usually choose by the process of eliminating what we’ve already had recently and by the process of passing the buck to whoever feels like a decision-maker for the day. Realistically, Friday Lunch usually ends up being just the girls. For some reason, the men on our staff don’t seem to want to enjoy our company around take-out boxes. That could have something to do with the years we used the hour to discuss the various stages of pregnancy or applicable wedding plans going on in the office. I guess I can understand their reluctance to join the discussion. Still, it’s a tradition we’ve kept going for a while, and we sometimes have former staff or even clients stop by to join us.

As I was anticipating our lunch discussion this morning, I was thinking about this tradition. We look forward to it now. We sometimes talk about on-going projects, but more often than not, it sparks conversation about life outside the office. It has afforded us the opportunity to build office relationships, to foster teamwork and to be more involved with each others’ lives. It’s helped us to be a better team.

What team-building practices does your business or organization have in place?

SPEAKING OF LUNCH…

Miss Jen rustled up a very nice special on an outstanding lunch product. This to-go lunch container is a truly versatile promotional item. It fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and conservation. It’s practical and useful — the hallmarks of a quality promotion with the potential to offer great marketing rewards. Check it out:

LUNCH TO GO

No more messy ice packs, leaking bags or soggy sandwiches! This lunch on-the-go box includes a divided compartment to keep food separated. The bottom container is microwave safe. Snap closer hinges keep the lid secure. The lid has a utensil compartment and contains built-in freezer gel. This is a great item for maintenance or construction crew gifts, student organization incentives, employee reward programs, company picnic give-aways and more.
Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location.
Set-up = $50

Qty = 48
Price = $11.50

Qty = 72
Price = $10.99

Qty = 144
Price = $9.58