Decision 2012: Brio's Inaugural Mug

We've started our search for this year's Brio holiday mug. We've narrowed it down to three, but now we need your help. Which one is your favorite? Is it A--the classic cup-of-joe? Is it B--the two-tone latte mug? Or perhaps it's C--for tea time with flare? Leave us a comment or vote on our Facebook page!

Stick With It...

Collection of stickers at 
158 Pickett Street Cafe in South Portland
(Location of the best bagels in Maine)

When we talk about promotional marketing strategies, we often use the term "sticky" to refer to or describe a product's ability to make a lasting impression and stick in the minds of consumers. A great example of a "sticky" promotional product is (you guessed it!) a sticker. But it's not just the obvious trait that makes this item a powerful promoter.

Everyone loves stickers

They really do. When it comes to stickers, we're all like kids at the dentist's. People of all ages enjoy receiving, collecting, and using stickers. 

Stickers travel

Just because they stick in one place doesn't mean they're stationary. Whether they're on a musician's guitar amp, a college student's laptop, or the family van, stickers move from place to place, bringing your brand wherever they go.

Stickers travel... literally!
(HP fans get your Hogwarts stickers here)

Fans become brand ambassadors
The best marketers for your brand are your biggest fans and happiest customers. Make it easy for them to share their love for your business by having stickers free for the taking. Fans will proudly display your logo and are sure to pass along a good word. Stickers will also help fans spot other fans, building a community around your brand.

Apple gives away stickers with every purchase.
(How many Apple stickers do you have?)

Business cards on the brain...

Get business cards and "get noticed"!

This week we’ve got business cards on the brain (which could have something to do with the sparkling, new order of Brio business cards that just came in!), and so we got to thinking about what makes these versatile cards a staple promotional item:

Be prepared...

Carry business cards with you at all times. Random encounters in the grocery store line, on the bus, or at the gym can turn into lifelong business relationships. Make the most of serendipity by keeping a few custom business cards handy at all times.

Connect offline with online...

Include your website, email address, and social media links, or experiment with a QR Code to make it easy for your new friends to find and follow you online. A great business card fills the gap between offline interactions and online communication.

Show some creative spirit...
Experiment with different styles, textures, colors, and fonts when designing your business card. A business card is more than a name and a phone number (although, these elements certainly are important!) -- a great business card involves creative design that illustrates who you are as a brand and as a business.

Get what you give...
When you give a business card, get one in return. This exchange will help build strong business relationships. 

References and other links for advice and ideas about business cards:
Creating a Great Business Card -- Entrepreneur.com
The ABCs of Business Cards -- Entrepreneur.com
Designing a Business Card: 5 Things You Need to Know -- Huffington Post