Promote like a Pro: Tweetups, Contests, and More...

This week we're brainstorming ideas for how to combine promotional products with online marketing strategies. 
Here's what we've come up with so far:

Organize a Tweetup: Tweet the time and place for your next Tweetup, and encourage followers to attend by offering a free tote bag, travel mug, or padfolio for the first 10, 20, or 50 guests who show up.  

Stage a photo contest: Distribute t-shirts, mugs, sunglasses, hats or cuddly plush toys to be used in an online photo contest. Fans and followers take pictures with your promotional product and share them on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. The more creative the better! 

Reach more readers: Expand your email list by using promotional products as an incentive to opt in. Offer a free travel mug, iPad case, messenger bag, or desk organizer for new subscribers to your email newsletter.

Get 'liked' at trade shows: Give away smartphone accessories imprinted with your logo at your next trade show for visitors who 'like' your Facebook page on the spot.

Have an idea for how to use promotional products online?
Leave us a comment below! 

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!

Going Somewhere?

Aero-Safe Travel Kit

Happy Holidays! Since we'll be doing a lot of traveling over the holidays (and we bet you will too), we thought it would be nice to share some of our favorite travel-themed promotional items, starting with the always-important toiletry bag. Help your customers and clients travel smarter this season with these on-the-go products.

Multi-pocket Hanging Toiletry Bag

This Aero-Safe Travel Kit is perfect for keeping shower essentials together while traveling. It comes with airplane-approved bottles and a funnel to help transfer soaps, shampoos, and lotions. A clear case makes it easy to see if anything has been left behind (like perhaps a toothbrush?) and provides a large, easy-to-read imprint area for your logo. 

We also like this Hanging Toiletry Bag because it has multiple pockets, a carrying handle, and exterior storage compartments. Very useful for the multi-tasking traveler.

Luggage Tag

Travel Kit

Travel Tip #349: Make sure you can tell which suitcase is yours at the baggage claim. "Of course no one else will have the same black, square, rolling suitcase," you think to yourself while heading out the door--but newsflash: we all have that exact same one. So stand out from the crowd with a bright, colorful, practical and hard-to-miss luggage tag. Best qualities: Many fun colors to choose from, large imprint area, and durable. 

And now we get to the absolute must-have. This travel kit includes the holy trinity of overnight flights: eye pillow, neck pillow, ear plugs. Whether the family is across the country or halfway around the world, this kit has everything for an en route nap or good night's rest.

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. 

Sports!

Happy first day of fall! By now you've realized that fall sports are in full swing. Whether it's soccer, football, or cross-country running, fans need the gear that will keep them cheering to the playoffs. We've put together a few of our favorite items to celebrate fall sports!

This Stadium Fleece Blanket is the perfect way to keep warm while cheering on the home team. A detachable carrying handle makes for easy travel between games. (We also love this product for spring picnics and summer beach days!) Item #43668

Everyone knows how uncomfortable those stadium seats can be--that's why we love this product! Made from durable, weather-proof material, this cozy seat provides comfort no matter where you're seated. It also comes with an attached handle and built-in front pocket (perfect for storing programs, flyers, schedules, and stats!) Item #47700

Now that we've got fans warm and comfortable, it's time to give them something to cheer with! We love these customizable Mascot Rally Poms, which are offered in a wide variety of colors and mascots. Fans will have fun showing off their team spirit no matter what season! Item #68207

It's important for fans to feel appreciated, especially as fall temperatures begin to drop! Make sure your devoted fans are prepared to watch the games this season--give them something to really cheer about!