A new home for Brio

We’ve been hard at work this summer developing new marketing strategies and expanding our product line, and we’re happy to report that our effort has paid off. Starting this month we will be working out of Brio’s new headquarters at 19 Merrill Drive in Rockland, Maine. This move was prompted by our merge with screen-print shop J&B Printers. This longtime community staple has been providing mid-coast Maine with creative printing services for over 30 years, and we’re happy to be joining forces to bring Maine’s businesses the promotional products and printing they need to get noticed.

Oscars 2013: The Swag in the Bag...

Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN via Aceshowbiz.com

Ever wonder why the wealthiest celebrities always get things for free? Like tonight, for example, at the Academy Awards, some celebrities will walk away with gift bags worth over $45,000 (and in other years worth over $90,000!!) Businesses compete for a spot in the swag bag to promote their products and gain exposure. Even if the product is not publicly flaunted by a celebrity, it still gets a piece of the limelight when everyone asks: “Hey, what’s in that bag?” This is why businesses pay to give away their products: prime publicity and media hype. 

Believe it or not, this Hollywood marketing tactic can work for you too. When planning your next special event, fundraising gala, or corporate function, consider putting together a swag bag of your own. It won’t cost you $45,000, and you’ll generate some Oscar-worthy buzz. Things to keep in mind:

The bag: This is important because--first of all--you'll need something to hold the swag, but--second of all--a bag is the perfect product to promote your brand or message. Choose a bag that fits with the theme of your event and offers eye-catching features. Style and functionality will ensure that the bag (along with your brand) is enjoyed long after the event is over.

What's in the bag: This is where you get to choose what goes in the bag. Think of other promotional items that will generate a lot of use and attention from participants. Include products that fit with your brand and the specific event. 

Who gets the bag: Decide who will get a swag bag. Will everyone attending the event get one? Or will only special donors, supporters, or contributors get one? Swag bags could be raffled off or given away as prizes during the event. 

If you're not sure which products to use, let us know. We can put together a customized swag bag for your event. If you need a little inspiration, take a stroll around our Pinterest page. We're always posting new items to our collection of favorites. 

Nemo in New England

As we slowly make our way out from under the snow, we can’t help but notice the marketing opportunities that pile up when winter weather hits. So, before you buy your one-way ticket to Key West, take a look at our hand-picked winter collection of promotional products, and think of snowstorm 'Nemo' as a unique opportunity to start a new marketing campaign for your business or organization.

Where Did January Go?

At the ASI Trade Show w/ ASI mascot "Promo"!

The Brio team has been busy this month, so it’s no surprise to us that it’s February already! (Ok, we’re a little surprised.) Since ringing in the new year, we traveled to Orlando, FL for the ASI Trade Show and returned to Portland just in time for a heat wave and a snow storm. We stocked up our sample department and researched the best new products of 2013. We started a Brio Pinterest page, showcasing our favorite products, our adventures out of the office, and a glimpse of Brio history. All in all, it’s been a great start to the new year, and we want to keep it going, which is why we’re offering a special for the month of February: free artwork for any order. Give us your ideas, even the scribbled-on-a-napkin ideas, and we'll bring them to life for you. Don't have any? That's ok too. Contact us for a free promotional marketing consultation, and we'll talk it out together. Here's to a great new year!

Our Winner & Why We Love Mugs!

The winner of our Holiday Mug Showdown is mug B! Voters loved this mug for its shape and two-tone flare, and we have to say, we really agree.

So, why a mug? For us, the mug is a symbol of quintessential promotional marketing. It's a simple yet unique product that demonstrates extreme functionality (especially when you consider this: Americans drink approximately 400 million cups of coffee per day!) and can be fully customized to fit the look of your brand, organization, or message. 

Pair your promotional mug with bags of locally roasted coffee beans for a holiday gift or include other promotional products such as pens, highlighters, and note pads for the perfect office care package. 

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