Top 10 Sexiest Valentine’s Day Promo Products

These promotional products were just voted in as the top 10 sexiest Valentine's day promos. Perfect for any adult themed event, hotels, safe sex awareness campaign or just to add some buzz!

	1. Chocolate Lip Balm – Chocolate-flavored SPF-15 lip balm has hempseed oil, beeswax and other natural oils for smooth application.
2. Little Black Book of Sex Secrets - The 160-page book by Dee Flower embraces everything from naughty tips to celebrity sex.
	3. Edible Bubble Bath - Edible flavored bubble bath, body sprays and lotions make a fun, romantic intimacy kit.
4. Thigh-High Sock - Triple-striped soft knit thigh-length sock is 26" long.
	5. Feathered Bikini Top - Adjustable Mardi Gras feathered bikini top.
6. Tongue and Lips Pin - Magnetic flashing tongue and lips pin.
	7. Boy Briefs - Inspired by the classic men's briefs but made for style-conscious women, these 100% cotton briefs have a comfortable elastic waistband.
8. Sexy Necklace - Queens symbols necklace displays the word "sexy."
	9. Condoms - Condom in standard foil packaging with discreet matchbook-style packaging.
10. Bobblehead - Female bobblehead with dark hair and a purple bikini. The custom dolls are 100% handmade by professional sculptors.

Let us know if you'd like more info. on any of these items by emailing shana@spitfireads.com.

To your success!
Shana Anderson
Spitfire Advertising

Increase Business Through Networking!

Looking for a way to meet new prospects? Go to a networking event!

It instantly creates personal relationships. You aren't just a name on a card or a business on the internet. You are a real person and the companies who are focusing on building personal relationships are the ones doing more business.

I attended my first one just two weeks ago. A monthly networking group put together by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center. There were about 75-100 people who attended and the cost is FREE. Businesses of different sizes and stages were there. Startups, established businesses, small businesses to large businesses. Yes, anyone can attend!

I had my reservations about going since I hadn't attended a networking function before. I had almost talked myself out of it, but decided I had nothing to lose and glad I went.

It was a great experience. The food was great, the people were nice. Everyone is there for the same reason making it really easy to start up a conversation.

They even had a quick 15 minute talk about tips on doing business in tough times. Then separated us up in small groups of 6-8 people where we were given 2 topics to discuss which made it easy to break the ice. We all passed out our business cards to each other and talked about our businesses and challenges and how we are overcoming them. There were some great ideas and it was reassuring to know that everyone was facing the same challenges.

In just 1-1/2 hours I walked away with 3 good contacts. One is placing his first order with me this week!

I am already thinking about what will make your business more memorable at these events. For starters wear a shirt with your logo on it. Seeing, not just hearing your company name will help your prospects remember you. Handing out a useful promotional product will keep your name in front of them and initiates the law of reciprocity. Everyone hands out a business card. Do something different!

There are several networking groups out there. I have been told www.infobayarea.com has great networking events. I was introduced to the owner, Cesar Plata, and definitely plan on attending.

There is a FREE networking class this Thursday from 8:00-9:30 through the Business Journal. Go to: http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/event/6302 to receive more info. and to register.

If you have attended any free or low cost networking groups that you feel are will help others let me know and I will post their info. on my blog.

Find a networking group that your potential prospects attend and get out there!

To your success,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
T:408.586.9464
F:408.212.9601
E-mail: shana@completeworkplace.com
http://www.completeworkplace.com/

Do you have a 30 second elevator pitch?

Most business people don't yet it's very important to have when you are meeting someone for the first time.

Close your eyes and imagine that you are standing in line at the grocery store. The person behind you strikes up a conversation with you then asks "What do you do?" It's the perfect opportunity to promote your business. What comes out of your mouth is an ordinary, non-exciting response like "I work for a company that sales USB drives". They respond with a dull, "Oh, ok." and because there is nothing extraordinary there the conversation moves on to something else.

You never know where you'll meet a new client and everyone from the receptionist to the owner needs to promote the business. Especially in today's economy.

You need to have a 30 second elevator pitch that entices the listener to want to know more about what you do. If you include the following 3 phrases into your elevator pitch you will have a 90% higher chance of being remembered.

#1-"I work with___________."
#2-"Who have the challenge of ____________."
#3-"Who receives ___________ "(what end result(s).

For example for the person who works for the USB drive company. The elevator pitch can be:

"I work with businesses who have the challenge of keeping their data secure both online and offline. By using our innovative USB drives they receive complete piece of mind that their computers are safe from hacking, viruses, lost passwords and that their files are protected saving them thousands in lost revenue."

The key is to make it into your own words so it rolls off your tongue, creates interest and you are comfortable with it.

Introduce the law of reciprocity along with your pitch and hand them a useful promotional product such as a pen, a game, a business card case (of course with your business card inside), a deck of cards, a game card that they can scratch off and win a prize, discount on their first order, etc. Add a memory hook that relates to your business and the item you are giving and you won't be forgotten.

I was in a class a few weeks ago and sat next to a lady who asked me what I do. I gave her my 30 second pitch and immediately she was drawn in and started asking me questions. The funny part was that after we talked for a few minutes she said, "I met a lady last week who did the same thing you do except you made it sound so fun and interesting." She then gave me her number and asked me to call her because she needed to order some promotional apparel.

Come up with your own today. Memorize it and start using it! You never know who you will meet!

To your success,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.

T:408.586.9464
F:408.212.9601
E-mail: shana@completeworkplace.com
http://www.completeworkplace.com/

Maximize your trasdeshow ROI! Parts 7-10

We are almost there. The last four sections of Maximizing your tradeshow ROI here. Enjoy reading and implementing these steps.

7. What will you do post-show to follow up and solidify the sale? When will you do it? What forms, cards, letters, etc. can you have done in advance?
The follow up piece should include specific interests or needs that your prospect addressed with you.

Personalization is key to creating greater marketing impact and building the relationship with your new prospect.

If there are prospects/clients that can’t attend the tradeshow hold an open house to demonstrate your new products.

Follow up should be done within 1 week maximum from the date you met the prospect. 3-4 days maximum is preferred and is shown to yield greater results.

What can you do BEFORE the show to help you expedite the post-show follow up? Type up templates, print mailing labels, enough postage readily available, sample kits already packaged, etc.

8. What grading scale will you use to track the sales potential of a lead? How will you segment prospects based on the different types of follow up you need to do?

An example of a grading scale would be to have letter grades assigned for each tier of prospect. For example if the prospect is a decision maker, has the budget and interest in your product or service then they would get an “A”and you would follow up with them more intensely. If it is determined that the prospect may have a need for your product in the future, but is not a decision maker then they would get a low grade. The grading scale should be printed and your staff should have a clear understanding of it BEFORE the show.

Have a form that can be filled in with a column to staple/write in their contact name, phone/e-mail, activity to do, date needed by and lead grade.

9.Who will you use for your trade show staff? What type of characteristics do you want them to have? What image do you want them to portray? What are your expectations of them?
An often overlooked component is your staff. Train them to promote your company before, during and after the show. Keeping your message simple will help put you ahead of your competition. Remember that the attendees are bombarded with information and the more complex your sales pitch, products, etc. are the less likely they will remember you.
At the show remember the attendees are tired, impatient and feeling that they need to hurry on in order to see all the booths before the show closes. Quickly and effectively ask questions that get to the root of their needs so you can give them your solutions in a quick and timely matter. When you follow up after the show is when you can get into more details if you need to.
Does your staff understand the importance of catering to the ego of your prospects? Engaging them in conversations to discover their needs and making them feel special? It’s your job to make sure they do.

Bring your best salespeople. Teach them to qualify prospects quickly and don't waste your time or best giveaways with "tire kickers". Spend quality time with existing and qualified leads and give them your best giveaways so you stay top of mind and they will call you first when they need you.

Go over your expectations with your staff and get them on board. Make sure you have enough staff so breaks can be taken. Always have an introductory speech ready and make sure your staff gives a warm, inviting "Hi!" whenever someone walks by and looks your way. Most importantly, don't forget to always ask for the sale and ALWAYS....Have Fun!

Last, but not least have a well thought out uniform for your staff. Something that will stand out AND fits your corporate image. The basic blue or white shirts will not get you recognized. If there is a nice teal color in your logo use that color for your shirts and always have your shirt embroidered with your company info. Take advantage of the area right above the cuff on your long sleeve shirt. It’s a nice subtle place to embroider your website, tagline, etc. When you are pointing to an item, your prospect will notice the embroidery and remember it.

10. How will you track your results? If you don’t track your results then how will you know if it was worth the investment.

Have a Tracking Mechanism: Establish a tracking mechanism to measure the success of your trade show giveaways. If it is a redemption item, code it so that you know it resulted from the show. Post-show follow-up could include a question about the premium - did visitors remember receiving it and how useful was the item.

After the trade show, critique your giveaways with your exhibit team:
Did it draw specific prospects to the booth?
Was it eye-catching enough to persuade passers by to stop?
Did your customers find it useful?
Did it project the right corporate image?

The heart of your success is to attract targeted prospects to your booth, engage them with your products and services and solidify the sale.Without well thought out, targeted planning you will be throwing money away. Come up with a plan, stay focused and execute it and you will see the payoff!

Make the most of your tradeshow by applying the 10 ways to increase your tradeshow ROI. Do it right and you’ll increase your sales higher than you ever thought possible.

If you have a tradeshow or other event coming up and need help selecting a product that represents your company, a giveaway and/or a prize please contact us. We'd love to help!

To your success,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Tele: 408.586.9464
Fax: 408.212.9601
E-mail: shana@completeworkplace.com
www.completeworkplace.com

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 7

Maximize your trade show ROI. Before, during and after the show!



Trade shows are an important part of your marketing mix. They present opportunities to increase your client base, improve sales, build brand awareness and up sell your existing clients. The biggest, most expensive booths are a waste of money if you don't have traffic. Answer these 10 questions to ensure your next trade show gives you maximum return on your investment.




1. What's your goal for the tradeshow? Is it to sell products? Increase your client base? Network with other vendors to establish relationships with them that attract referrals? To see what your competition is doing? To position yourself as an expert in your field?




2. What image do you want to project? What do you need in your exhibit to get attention and display your products? What will make you stand out? What size booth do you need? Where do you want your booth to be located?




3. What's your budget? The more advanced thinking you do in this area, the more money you can save yourself.




4. Who are your targeted prospects? What is their demographic? How will you compile your list?
5. What will you do for pre-show marketing to your prospects and clients?




6. What will you do to drive traffic to your booth? Pre-show? At the show?




7. What will you do post-show to follow up and solidify the sale? When will you do it? What forms, cards, letters, etc. can you have done in advance?




8. What grading scale will you use to track the sales potential of a lead? How will you segment prospects based on the different types of follow up you need to do?




9. Who will you use for your trade show staff? What type of characteristics do you want them to have? What image do you want them to portray? What are your expectations of them? What training do they need?




10. What will you use for pre-show marketing and literature, at show giveaways/prizes and post-show follow up? How many levels of products/literature do you need? What quantities will you need?




The heart of your success is to attract targeted prospects to your booth, engage them with your products and services and solidify the sale.Without well thought out, targeted planning you will be throwing money away. Come up with a plan, stay focused and execute it and you will see the payoff!




Over the next few weeks I will be elaborating on each of these areas. If you have a tradeshow or other event coming up and need help selecting a product that represents your company, a giveaway and/or a prize please contact us. We'd love to help!


Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 6

Create an effective, targeted marketing campaign!

Many companies make the mistake of calling a "promotional give-away" a "promotional marketing campaign". There is a huge difference. A give-away consists of putting your logo on an item and giving it to your prospects. That's it. A marketing campaign has a detailed process behind it and is designed to produce targeted results that you can track.

Before you select the item that you will be using in your campaign you need to ask yourself the following questions.

1. What do you want to accomplish with this campaign?
2. Who is your target audience?
3. What promotional product will attract my target audience, compliment the product/service you are offering and will entice my prospects to act?
4. What is your call to action?
5. How will you get the promotional product to your target audience?
6. Create a road map with the steps and dates necessary to pull off your campaign.
7. How will you track your results?

By taking the time to really think this through before you pick a promotional product and start you will create an efficient and targeted marketing campaign. If you need help creating a campaign and selecting a promotional product please let us know.

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 1

Don't get down about the economy. Instead hold your head high and work smarter on your business. Businesses can thrive during an economic slow-down. Companies around you are going out of business. Now is the time to make your company stand out. Where should you start?

The first place is customer service. Make your customer's experience happy, easy and memorable. Make them smile. Show them that they are important to you no matter how much or how little they spend with you.

When you pick up the phone give them your full attention and greet them as if they were standing in front of you.

Go the extra mile. Give them updates during your processes. Your communication is key. If you deliver products. Let them know you received their order and when you anticipate it to ship. Once it ships send them the tracking number/estimated delivery date. If there are any problems with the order tell them upfront so there are no surprises.

After the item is received contact them to make sure everything was received and that they are happy with it.

Do the same type of service if you are selling an intangible item. Let them know you received their order and when the work will be done. Contact them the day before to remind them. After the service is performed contact them to insure they are satisfied.

If for any reason they aren't satisfied fix it immediately. The last thing you want to do is have it sit in front of them for them to dwell on.

If you are truly committed to GREAT customer service your business will grow. Ask your clients to fill out surveys about your company. See where you need to improve. Reward your employees for what they are doing well. Everyone wants to be recognized for what they do. A few kind words, a thank you gift, etc. go a long way in keeping employee morale up.

Ask your customers for referrals. If you are doing your part then they will reward you with referrals. The majority of my business is from referrals. My clients know that whomever they refer to me will be well taken care of. I treat my clients the way I want to be treated and I suggest you do the same.

Stay tuned for more tips to help you grow your business!

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Looking forward to 2009!

I'm excited because I just got back from Florida where I attended the promotional products tradeshow. Over 800 vendors, tons of classes and Tony Robbins (my all time favorite life coach) was a key speaker. The energy he brings and the way he shows you to look at situations and make positive changes is OUTSTANDING!

I'm such a positive person anyways, but this just hyped my energy more! it's easy to let the media bring our spirits down and see all of the doom and gloom out there. Instead all of us need to take advantage of the market. Promote ourselves and take this time to show our clients that we truly care about them and their well-being.

Your industry, my industry, your client's industry.... they all have competition. Everyone is looking to save a dollar. Everyone wants to work with someone they trust and respect that has the service and knowledge to help their business. I challenge you to be that person to your clients. I'm not a salesperson. Don't want to be and never will be. I am a friend to my client, a solutions provider. Sometimes even a counselor when their lives are tough.

How many times have my clients (I consider them friends also) spilled their guts to me about a personal situation? More than you'd think! They always say...sorry to bother you, I know you don't want to hear about my personal problems. My response....of course I do. I am always here for you whether it's business, life's accomplishments or disappointments. I can always make time to listen.

With the busy lives we lead we forget to take the time to help others. I challenge you to set a goal for yourself to make the time starting today to be there for others.

2009 is going to be a great year! A year where we dig down and figure out who we are and what's important to us. I know what's important to me....helping people.

Wishing you success in all you do,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.

Prospecting in a down economy

How do you successfully prospect in a down economy where every penny you spend has to count? Clear, concise, targeted marketing and spend your resources wisely.

In today's world you must build relationships. It's not good enough to mass market and hope someone steps forward. You must plan your work and work your plan.

Step #1. Who is your target audience? Define them. Who are they, what are their interests, how can you get their attention? Narrow down your target audience by location, industry, company size, etc. The best way to do this is to analyze your top existing clients and find out what they have in common. Then go after them.

Step #2. What is their biggest problem and how can you solve it? To figure this out you must think like them. What keeps them up at night? What problem do they have that wastes their time and money? Don't know? Ask them face-to-face or in a survey. What motivates them to make a buying decision? Remember, prospects never care about you or your company they only care about what you can do for them. When they see that you can provide solutions to their problems they will seek you out!

Step #3. What can you give away that has real value to your prospect? It doesn't have to be expensive. It is the perceived value that matters. In fact make sure it is low cost to implement, but has a high perceived value. The give away must be relevant to the prospect and must address their pain. What not to give away: a sales pitch, Free/discontinued products and services with lots of fine print and restrictions, etc. This will work against you. Remember at this stage they don't know who you are and if they get a bad taste in their mouth, they will turn and run, never looking back. The goal is to let the prospect get a taste of what you can do for them without giving it all away. When you genuinely care about your prospects well-being this comes through in everything you do and the relationship will start to be built. Focus on your prospects lifetime value not on the quick sale.

4. Stay in contact! Every month that you don't contact your clients you lose 10% of your influence. There are so many ways to stay in contact. A newsletter, e-mail, newpaper/magazine clipping saying "I say this and thought you might enjoy this article", cards (B-day, Thank you, etc.). The point is that it only takes a minute to do these and it means alot to your new client.

In summary, always give prospects more than they expect (service, value, time, energy, content, etc.). It will cost you a lot less than traditional advertising and will increase your profits dramatically.

If you would like some ideas that would help you get your foot in the door with your prospects please contact me. I would love to help you.

Wishing you success in your business,

Shana Anderson

Complete Workplace, Inc.

http://www.completeworkplace.com/

Stand out above the competition!

With so much competition how can your company stand out? Get up close and personal with them!

How do I do that? If you have a mascot, brand it. Use it in all of your advertising. Make it come to life. Have a costume made and take it to the streets. This is a great way to get your name out there. People love to take pictures with mascots. Don't stop there! Have a present ready for them so your company stays "top of mind". Give a T-shirt away and they advertise and endorse your company for you. Walking billboards for your brand!

Don't have a mascot. Put together a "street team". Put together a small group of "brand enthusiasts" to dispurse throughout an event or area. With a consistent look throughout, wearing the brand message and giving away your logoed merchandise, free products, etc. your event will be a success and will save you hundreds even thousands of dollars over radio, print and TV advertising. Great for lead generation as well!

The goal of the "street team" is to place your brand into the hands of the targeted consumer and build an immediate and intimate relationship. Outgoing personalities, fun giveaways, free items, etc. bring the consumer to them.

Consumers like street teams because they can touch and feel the product in a safe environment without the pressure to buy. They also put a face on your brand. Give the appearance of being a large company even if you are working out of your home office.

Before you send your street team out, spend a little time educating them on your company, the products and what you expect to accomplish.

Think through what you would like to hand out. Most business owners don't understand that there is a difference between a give away and a promotion. Which one do you want to do? A give away can not be tracked. It is handed to the consumer and you have no way of knowing if they ever used it. A promotion requests an action needs to be done in order to get to the next step. For example, hand out a key with a keychain that says "Bring this key to ________(company name) on ______(date & time). For your chance to win a new car. "

By really showing your target market that you understand them you ensure a deeper emotional connection.

Promotional ideas for your street team:

*At a tradeshow? Give away an item with your booth number. When they arrive they play a game which puts them in the drawing to win a grand prize.

*Drive consumers to your website. Give away a game piece that drives people to your site for a chance to win.

*Split your targeted consumers up into groups and go where they are. Example....Consumers: athletes, Moms, Partiers, etc. Location: parks, malls, night clubs, etc. Gifts: watches, beauty supplies, glow sticks.

*At Christmas time get into the holidays by dressing your street team in Santa gear. Give away items that are gift wrapped. Everyone likes gifts, especially when you have to unwrap it to see what's inside. Encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday's.


Street team checklist:

#1-Hire attractive, outgoing people that represent your brand & target clients. First impressions do matter.

#2-Create demand. If the consumers believe there is enough to go around then they won't jump on it. If they think they need to jump on it quickly to get their share they will jump!

#3-Don't be cheap! Spend a few extra dollars and get the results you want. Make the promotion memorable, useful or interactive. Surprise them. Delight them with your gift. If you go cheap the item will probably end up in the trash.

#4-Include a call to action. Drive foot traffic to the retail store or online for redemption. Request and incent your target clients to take action. Then keep track of the effectiveness of your offer.

Street teams are gaining in popularity. They save money, build your brand, generate leads and increase market share. What are you waiting for?

Need help with your street team promotion or any others? Just let me know.
Thank you,
Shana
Complete Workplace, Inc.

How can you stay top of mind with your clients 365 days a year?

Calendars! Probably the best value per view of any promotional item out there. It is viewed daily, even several times a day. It's used in front of others and they too notice your logo. It can start a conversation, referring business to you that would have surely been missed otherwise.

On average a calendar is looked at 12 times per day. That's 84 times per week. Over a year that's 4,380 times. That many views will keep your brand top of mind.

in 2006 approx. $500 million dollars were spent on calendars branded with company logos. In 2007 $660 million dollars were spent. That's an increase of more than 30%. Were you smart with your advertising dollars and purchased calendars or did you miss the boat?

We all want to be organized and with so many options out there what's the best way to do it? Calendars! Many believed the days of the paper calendar were numbered with the rise of the PDA's and BlackBerrys. NOT TRUE! Calendar sales continue to flourish year after year.

With only 3-1/2 months left in the year and the holiday season just around the corner what are you going to give to your clients this holiday season? Don't wait until the last minute and give your gift with everyone else. Make an impression and be the first to give your holiday gift. Showing that you are ahead of the crowd, proactive and that you are always there for your clients.

What are the best selling calendars? Wall hanging, appointment style calendars with a different picture each month. Which theme should you select? Timeless...something that everyone likes. Scenic, motivational, Americana, Norman Rockwell, etc.

What if I want to be trendier? Eco-friendly is the way to go. Printed on recycled paper. Printed with Eco images and tips.

What about the construction industries? Employees who spend the day in the field prefer day planners.

Need to motivate your employees? Do your clients want to motivate theirs? What's better than a motivational calendar? Positive messages and powerful images encourage anyone to be there best.

If you need help choosing the calendar that will fit your needs please let me know. I would love to help.

To your success,

Shana Anderson

Complete Workplace, Inc

Milpitas, Ca

Welcome to my blog!

Hi and welcome!

I decided it was time to start a blog so I can answer questions, give recommendations and share my passion for the promotional products industry with people around the world. I am very excited and know that I can help you with your promotional products programs.

Don't have a program in place? I can help you with that too. I love the creativity of this industry. I love helping people and I truly get excited every time a project is completed and I see the results of my work.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. If you would like me to write a blog about an item, program, etc. just let me know. I am here to help you be successful.

Best,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.