How's your heart?

Happy Heart Health Month!  

February is Heart Health Month.This means a lot to me. I haven't shared this before, but due to my family genetics I'm on medication to lower my cholesterol to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Those that are close to me know that I am very health conscious so having to take meds for the rest of my life and knowing I can't "fix" it by myself has been hard for me to come to terms with. You know that I can always count on my Dad to make me feel better. He told me this is just the beginning, I can also look forward to cataracts, cancer, arthritis and other fun things! I just love that man (I really do. He's the most amazing father I could have asked for. Even if his sense of humor is a little warped, must be where I get it from). :o)  
  

Are you at risk?

    

Spitfire Advertising is doing it's part to make you aware of your risk for heart attacks. If you'd like to take the Heart Risk Assessment click this link.  

Help us uncover the truth to finally put an end to heart disease. The links provided below can help you join the cause.

• Create A Fundraising Page
• Donate To Make a Difference

                                    Create a Wellness Program NOW!

Losing productivity, too many lost days due to illness, feel like you can't do anything and money is just being thrown away? Start a Wellness Program! Studies show healthier employees lower costs such as insurance premiums, worker's comp. claims and loss related to absenteeism or poor productivity. There are several types of Wellness Programs and your situation will determine which one is best for you. 

Take the following steps to create your Wellness Program. 

1. Assess: Ask yourself what safety and health-related issues are a cost center for your company.

2. Identify: ID potential opportunities to improve and address them.

3. Leader: Assign an individual to be responsible for administrating and managing the program.

4. Committee: Create a committee of diverse employees and managers that represent your workforce.

5. Create: Design your program. Include systems to analysis progress. 

6. Buy in: Managers must be on board to inspire and inform their employees. Employees must understand what is expected of them.  

7. Kick off: Create an event of promotional giveaway that clearly signals the start of the wellness program  to the employees.  

8. Awards and recognition: Imprinted gifts are used as an incentive to help employees reach their goals. High value items for larger goals or completing the final goal. Smaller items for completing milestones along the way. 

 9. Evaluate and celebrate: Plan an awards ceremony at the close of a program. Include quantifiable results that prove the value of the effort. 

Statistics and Benefits:

• Companies achieve a health-care savings of nearly $3 for every $1 they invest in wellness programs, according to the US Dept. of Health & Human Service.

•  A 2010 study by Mercer for Kronos found that unplanned absences cost employers 8.7% of their payroll and 19 % productivity loss. 

• The Network for a Healthy California's "Take Action" work site program estimates that depending on the number of health risks an employee has, the cost per employee for obesity ranges from $175 to nearly $2,500 annually. 

• Employees who smoke each cost employers an estimate $1,400 per year in increased medical cost and another $3,400 annually in lost productivity/absenteeism according to the Centers For Disease Control and prevention.  

• Improved employee morale and loyalty, thereby improving retention is a benefit that is priceless.  

•  Wellness programs are also a valuable perk when recruiting new employees.   

Examples of problems and Wellness Programs to implement: 

• • Absenteeism = An illness prevention program
  • Give tips to stay healthy during flue season
  • Time off for flu shots
  • Hand sanitizers given to each employee
  • Encourage sick employees to stay home/telecommute
   
  • Employee population has high rate of obesity/diabetes = Nutrition and fitness program
  • Pedometers to promote walking
  • Walking group
  • gym memberships/on campus
  • Nutrition classes
   
  • Smokers driving up employer's insurance cost = smoking cessation program 
  • Prizes for hitting milestones
  • Gum with your program name and goal 
  • Stop smoking seminars
  • Stop smoking group
  
  
  Let us know if you need help creating your Wellness Program or the items to help you promote, reward and recognize your employees. 

Please take time for yourself, relax and rejuvenate. Reducing stress in your life will also make your heart healthier!

To your success and healthy heart, 

Shana Anderson-Nute, BASI  

Spitfire Advertising, Inc.

Specializing in Eco-friendly & Made in the USA Swag!! 

  

Don't keep us a secret! If you're happy with our service please tell a friend!    

Please check out our recently revamped website to browse the thousands of products we have to offer!   

 

Donate to my Breast Cancer by clicking here!   

Is your water bottle safe?

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/It-s-summer--Is-your-water-bottle-safe-.html?soid=1102247842469&aid=3Wu0kxohAEk

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-steps 5 & 6

Have you done the first 4 steps? If so, you have a good base to build on. This week we tackle pre-show marketing and driving traffic to your booth. Get your pen and paper out get started on steps 5 & 6.

5. What will you do for pre-show marketing to your prospects and clients? Pre-show promotions are the best way to get traffic to your booth.
E-mail blasts, website advertising, mailings, coupons and personal visits/phone calls inviting your prospects to your booth are all great ways to drive more traffic to your booth and are essential in maximizing your ROI.
An effective pre-show mailing should entice the prospect to make it a priority to come to your booth. Some effective ideas are to send part of a gift and tell them when they visit your booth they will receive the other part.
Your pre-show promotion should fit your company and it's objectives and be carried throughout the entire tradeshow marketing campaign.
Most tradeshows have a list of exhibitors on their website. Ask to have their website linked to yours. Your linked webpage should list your booth #, contact info., marketing message, list of activities and times (if applicable).

Separate literature should be used before, during and after the show.
If you choose a brochure spotlight new items and selling points that appeal to your prospects needs and entice them to come to your booth.
Include coupons in your pre-show marketing. The coupon is good only for taking the desired you specify at the show. For example rebates on items purchased at the show, free activation, etc.
Send out a tickler invitation with details of the promotion or a coupon a couple days before the show.
The heart of your success is to attract targeted prospects to your booth. Pre-show marketing is where the excitement begins. Spend the time and money necessary to make your trade show a success.

6. What will you do to drive traffic to your booth? Pre-show? At the show? Giveaways that will put you above your competition.

Contests at your booth are always a hit. They generate traffic and excitement to your booth.
Include information about the contests in all pre-show literature.
A 2 part contest has been proven to increase results significantly.
Drawings, prize wheels, cash cube, jeopardy style game, hoops or a putting green are all contests that drive traffic to your booth.

If you choose to do a putting contest then putt with a stress ball instead of regular golf ball. This puts contestants on the same playing field and more fun.

In order to enter the contest the attendee must drop a business card, sign a guest book or fill in a ticket (and give their contact info.). This info. is later used to do follow up marketing.
While waiting for their turn to play your staff should talk to the prospects. Ask them what they do. If they've ever purchased your type of product/service before.

If they win they receive the prize. If they are qualified leads they are taken through the sales pitch, asked for their contact information, given literature, samples, etc. If they aren't qualified leads they are given a promotional gift, literature to pass on to the decision maker at their company and they went on their way.
The buzz created by contests attracts people to your booth. Remember....Traffic Draws Traffic! Prizes should compliment your business and appeal to anyone.

Offer gift certificates for your products/services as prizes and to increase sales and your client base.
Idea…use playing cards in your pre-show marketing. When they redeem the playing card at the booth they receive a gift (appropriate to who they are). Send out several different tier levels. Aces to your current clients, Kings for a for your hot prospects, Queens for your other prospects and Jacks for companies you want to build a relationship with. When they bring the card to the booth they are easily identified.

Thoroughly think through the contest beforehand.
Pick a theme that ties in with your company’s tradeshow marketing.
Pick the prizes. Tie them into your company’s products/services.
Follow the Trade Show Rules and Regulations.
Have at least 1 staff member dedicated solely to the contest.
Market! Market! Market! the contest.
On pre-show marketing
Your website
Personal invitations via e-mail, phone, person or mail.
Near the venue.
At the hotel, convention center, etc.
On signs outside of the show
In the bathroom.
On T-shirts that your staff is wearing and have them walk the show floor.
If you are giving away a bag advertise the contest on the bag.
Make sure your company name, contact info. and booth number are dominant.
Creating enough buzz to get people to visit your booth is only part of the picture. Once they show up what are you going to do? The right giveaways make your business memorable, build your brand and start conversations. These tradeshow giveaways will put you above your competition:
Bags: Prospects always need a bag to carry the items they pick up at the show. You can come to the rescue. Include a message on the bag that advertises your business, your top products, contests, etc. Don’t forget to put your booth number and contact info. Coordinate your bags with your staff shirts, tradeshow booth or company logo. A color that stands out and gets attention (yet attractive) is what you are going for.

T-shirts/hats: A nice graphic with your logo booth # and contact info. that they want to wear. Again use a color that coordinates with you and stands out. Attach a prize to it and they will wear it. Tell them that you have undercover staff walking the showroom floor and if they are caught wearing the item that they will receive $100 cash. Watch how fast they put the item on. The shirt must be appealing to them in order for them to continue to wear it after the show. Graphics and imprint method are key.

Water bottles: Your prospects are tired and thirsty from hours of walking the show floor. Have cold water at your booth for them. Everyone who walks by them will notice and ask where they got it. Bonus: while filling up the water bottle you have a chance to start a conversation with the prospect!

Pocket hand sanitizer: After touching all of the items and shaking hands with so many people your prospect will love to receive a pocket hand sanitizer. Fits great in a ladies purse too! You will definitely be remembered with this one!

“Best bang for your buck” 2009 winner is this happy face pen and pad set. Add personality and happy thoughts to your giveaway. Bonus: add a personal message on the pad.

This cord minder is too eye-catching and functional to pass up. A great way to remind your clients that you have the solutions that they need.

There's a lot to take in, but I wanted to cram as many ideas in this as I could to help you. Next week will be covering steps 7 & 8. Have a great week!

Promotions that get RESULTS!

Shana Anderson

Complete Workplace, Inc.

Milpitas, Ca