Did you know that May is Creative Beginnings Month? This month, encourage your employees and staff to think out of the box, to tap into their creative side, and discover a talent they never knew existed. Who says only artists and writers and designers are creative people? While I believe that talent is genetically inherent in some people, I've also come across others who discovered their artistic side late in life. Historically, Grandma Moses was an example of someone who didn't let age get in the way of creativity. A self-taught artist, she started painting only in her seventies. Her works, which were mostly rural-life scenes, have been used as covers in Hallmark cards. Truly there's an artist in all of us! Creative Beginnings Month is a good opportunity for companies to show appreciation for and encourage their creative employees. Here are three things you can do to celebrate this special creative month: 1. Make one day a week a "dress whatever you want" day. Not everyone wants to come to work in heels and suits, although I've gotten used to it, having come from the trade show industry, which placed an emphasis on business attire at all times. Branders has a casual ...

According to USA Today, good benefits and fair compensation are what makes women most satisfied at work, rating an 84 and 81 percent, respectively. Other factors include high trust between managers and workers (81%), rewards for excellence (77%), and open communications (75%). Benefits and compensation are easy, but it's the relationship building part that involves a lot of effort and time. Here are some things you can do to improve relations in the workplace: Reward employees for doing a good job. It may be as simple as leaving a note at an employee's workstation, sending off a congratulatory e-mail, or better yet, a small gift. Try to make time for small talk. It doesn't have to be about work. Here's a secret: People like to talk about themselves (which probably explains our penchant for talk shows). Small talk helps build rapport, and it improves working relationships. It's easy to work with people we like, didn't you notice? Keep communication lines open. Start Mondays talking about the week's goals over coffee. You don't always have to be looking over their shoulder, but be there when you're needed.  The best managers are those who know when to let go.

End of the year is the time when companies usually give out awards--you know the drill. Best performer. Perfect attendance. Most productive so-and-so. If you're tired of the trophies and plaques that will only gather dust in someone's bookcase, why not give out these custom star clocks for the "stars" in the workplace (and I don't mean the divas). Something with a practical value will be more appreciated.

National Teachers Day happens in May and World Teachers Day in October, but showing teacher appreciation is something we should do any time of the year. Teaching is one of the most noble jobs there are. Teachers have big shoes to fill: They stand as our children's parents away from home. Our kids trust them and look up to them. They have a part in molding our children's lives. As a parent myself, it takes a lot courage to entrust my child's education and formation to someone I barely know. I can only trust that my child will come out a better person with this person's guidance in school. There's a serious lack of teachers in America right now. Teaching isn't exactly the most glamorous job there is: long hours, poor facilities, high teacher-student ratio, poor pay--these are enough to discourage people who want to become teachers not to pursue the profession. One has to start somewhere: possibly a little more support from government in terms of compensation, education grants (our teachers need to keep learning to know more), better facilities and access to advanced teaching tools. You can do your share in keeping teachers in school by showing appreciation for all their hard ...

Have you ever considered using promotional watches in your brand-building campaigns? If you think campaigns that use custom watches will merit very little success, consider this: Watches are some of the most versatile promotional items there are. You can choose from a wide range of promotional watches for your target audience, be they children, ladies, sports enthusiasts, or whatever have you. Promotional watches are also the most viewed (dare I say highly watched?) giveaways. According to research, the average person looks at his watch 40 to 60 times a day. That's a lot of logo exposure for your brand! In addition, because of higher perceived value (that is, you easily impress people with promotional watches than with logo-imprinted fountain pens or promotional gym bags), recipients are more likely to keep them for a longer time, ensuring much brand visibility for you. When used as a reward, promotional watches are great motivators. Use them as incentives to purchase or membership, as with credit card applications. You can also use them as corporate gifts to valued clients, as rewards to employees for a job well done, or simply as thank-you gifts. The promotional metal diver's watch above features a scratch-resistant crystal lens, a Seiko movement, ...

These will be loved by: Customers and clients that will be greeting, "Kung hei fat choi" but aren't really into the dragon dances. Chinatown honorary members (a.k.a. Chinese takeout horders) also deserve some. They are actually: Made of nickel-plated metal. Great for adding some novelty to a desktop or kitchen counter without disturbing overall aesthetic of a stylish space. The takeout box can really store stationery articles, by the way. Permanent luck? Yes, as letters will be laser engraved (silk-screen and pad printing offered as well). Bad omens and meal ideas will not be entertained. Let's think positive, shall we?

They're simple, inexpensive and they say that you care about what matters most to your clients. Photo frames can be found throughout the home. A lot of people even take them to the office. It's human nature to want to be constantly reminded of the people, pets, events or places that make them happy. With promotional photo frames, you give them that opportunity plus a chance at pitching your brand to them whenever they think about the image in the frame. Plus with the juxtaposition, it's quite possible for your clients to actually associate the feeling they have towards that framed picture to your brand. Here are my top three uses for promotional picture frames: Great gifts for the home -Whether your target market covers large families or young couples, they would appreciate this gift that can add a bit of color to their home. Frames come in a variety of styles and materials that would complement today's stylish interiors. Holiday frames are also available for year-end giveaways. Mark your milestones - If you've recently celebrated an event that has garnered media coverage, frames can help you let your client know about it. Here's how: 1. Call the newspaper or magazine and ask if you ...

Golf is one promotional venue that goes beyond the greens. Popular for being the choice sport of executives, the golf course is among the top places where you'll find today's corporate honchos. As such, taking advantage of tournaments is a strategic move for your company. If your marketing tactics are successful, they might even help you penetrate other places such as the office or business meetings. You can start by gaining visibility with event flags or choose to go bigger with banners. It is a clear way to help them remember who you are. Golf gear like caps, visors, golf shirts, vests, cardigans and jackets are a great way to get the game going. These are essential if you're playing in teams. Golf apparel can be imprinted with the team name and logo for easy identification or go with simple color coordination to determine who belongs to which team. Another sure hit are golf accessories like umbrellas, golf bags, shoe bags and towels. They're perfect for the game and work off the golf course as well. Don't forget other game gadgets like extra accessories and golf balls and tees. They won't forget you when they see their game improve. A ...

Awards ceremonies are always a blast. The Oscars is one of the most awaited annual events in Hollywood. They roll out the red carpet. The stars come out in their best formal wear. And the after parties! Oh, what can't you say about them? Giving someone due recognition is always a great way to motivate people (that's why Hollywood is Hollywood folks) But even if you're not really a star, you probably think you deserve to be recognized at one point in your life, right? Here's another use of promotional products. Employee relations can be improved by leaps and bounds with promo products. From customized gifts during the holidays to office awards ceremonies, promotional products plays a very important role in motivating your personnel. Even a simple welcome gift like a mug with your company name and logo would be greatly appreciated by new employees. It would make them feel like they really belong. Customized office supplies are another pick-me-upper sure to motivate them. There's a certain pride that comes with using branded office products. From the stapler to the sticky notes, it would remind them to take pride in the place where they work. Plus, it's a great way to make promoters ...

The end is near! The end is near! Well, for graduating students anyway… March is the exciting month of graduations for those still in the clutches of the academic system. Imagine the freedom that lies ahead! No homework. No school bells. No pop quizzes. No annoying teachers. No cafeteria food. Aaaahhhh…heaven… What better way to strengthen your brand but to be a part of this momentous celebration for students all over the world! This will show that you are a part of their lives and that you are there to share in their special moments. Another great reason to make your brand present in this occasion is that the themes for graduation are so diverse that the possibilities for promotional ideas are endless! From fun and wild parties to bittersweet goodbyes to heartfelt thanks giving, you can choose to position your campaign depending on the kind of product you have and your brand’s identity.Since I love scouring the Branders.com website for exciting promotional products, let me share with you the fantastic giveaways I found!