Put Down Your Phone...Be More Happy

I recently heard cell phones and social media sites compared to addictive drugs.  Though I immediately discounted the claim, after some reflection, I think there might be something too it!  You get a quick boost when you check in at the beginning.  You can become attached to "checking in" with the phone all the time...to the point of absurdity.  And as you are reading this, you are probably saying "Hey...I can quit any time I want!"

Sound familiar?

Well this study from Kent State says if we want to be more happy, we need to unplug. 

"A Kent State University study found that people who are constantly connected to their cell phone are less happy than those who can detach.

Intense cell phone use is also linked to heightened anxiety and a feeling of obligation to keep in touch."

Our very own Jeff Wickerham struggled with this recently when he challenged himself to "put the phone down."  As he said, it was harder than he thought.

So with the holidays nearly upon us, here is the challenge.  Make the commitment to be "more present."  Who knows, you might like the 3D people just as much as the ones on the small screen.

Enjoy!

Don't Sleep On Promo Products!

It has become an “in thing” these days to take shots at the promotional products industry.  Respected business people, legislatures and writers have recently questioned the necessity for these items.  There have been proposed laws decreasing the amount that can be spent on these items (an $18 billion industry) and “controversies” questioning their place in budgets.  Mark Cuban (who I love) even wrote that startups should never invest “in swag.”

It’s all poppy cock.  (And I say that not just because it’s fun to say “poppy cock.”  It’s also true!)

The fact is Promotional Products are a proven advertising medium.  They work.  The best part is, more and more studies are not only showing they work.  These studies are showing they work more effectively than other advertising channels.  Organizations that want to promote themselves should be looking to spend MORE of their advertising buy on promotional products…not less.

What’s In A Name?

I can hear the skeptics now.  “You don’t need tchotchkes, or trinkets and trash.  Those are a waste of money.”  

These demeaning names frustrate me.  Forget the fact that these people discredit what I choose to do for a living.  That’s their prerogative.  What bugs me is that it affects their effectiveness.

So let’s start with the name.  First up, stop call them crap and maybe you will stop choosing crap.  When you stop choosing crap, these products might represent your brand better.  Some of my best clients have even taken to calling them “premiums.”  That’s great because it changes the way you brand yourself on these items.  Let’s face it, the products you choose say a lot about your company.  

So by taking a little more care in what you put your brand on, you will immediately have better luck with products that affect behavior.

Do They Work?

I am sure every form of advertising is accused of “not working.”  As I heard once, “Just because you can’t put the ball in the basket, doesn’t mean there’s a problem with basketball.  Maybe you’re just not good at it.”  

Promotional Products do work.  Many of us have known this for years.  But more studies are coming out all of the time that prove it.  That’s the best thing about marketers getting more interested in measuring ROI.  We are getting facts to back up the theory.  Here are just a few from a study released in 2010:

                *Of 1000 people surveyed that had received a promotional product, 89% could recallthe advertiser.  Say that out loudpeople.  The name of the game inadvertising is to create customer recall. Nearly 90% is a number that you might want to know when you are figuringyour budget.

                *14.7% of participants reported contacting the advertiser after receiving the promotional product.  That is nearly 3 times greater than other media. 

When done right, promotional products are incrediblyeffective.  The more the facts stack up,it’s just hard to argue.

Work Too Well?

The great irony is the other side of the coin is it can be argued these products work too well.  Don’t believe me?  Well look no further than the laws written to limit the amount of promotional materials that can be given in the healthcare industry to Doctors.  These laws were put in place because Big Pharmaceutical companies were creating “undue influence” over these Physicians.  Now some will argue that these laws were put in place because of free trips, game tickets, and extravagant dinners. 

 

Maybe so.

But then why legislate the kinds of products that can be given to doctors’ offices?  To put it simply, these laws were created because promotional products were having a huge influence on healthcare decisions.  

The goal of any marketing campaign is to affect behavior change.  When you can implement a campaign so effective that it needs to be legislated…you may want to consider that strategy to promote your organization!

Promotional products have been around since the late 1800’s and I think sometimes this is part of the reason the results are discounted.  Everyone wants to know the newest, hottest ways to reach customers.  You should!  

But don’t sleep on the power of promotional products.  Now more than ever, you need to include them in your marketing mix.  

Goals That Excite You

I am a big believer in setting goals.  As they say, if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.  But I also believe that these goals should excite you.  I understand the concept of SMART goals, but if you don't have a goal that excites you, you probably will not ultimately change your behavior.

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Ultimately, if you want to break through a ceiling, you need to set goals that force you to re-evaluate how your are doing things now...so you can get where you want to be!