June 29, 2016

​New Logos Create New Looks and Conversation

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Over the last year, Idea Custom Solutions has talked quite a bit about rebranding. To us rebranding is, at least for most companies, an exercise that involves more than just a new logo on a website and social media, or putting up new signage.

Rebranding has more to do with reaffirming or restating what your mission is as a business, non-profit or educational institution. At a minimum, changing up your brand — including your logo, your fonts, your color schemes and even the look and feel of your marketing collateral — creates conversation.

June 23, 2016

​Promotional Products to Pitch Now

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Sometimes we get overly excited about promotional products at Idea Custom Solutions. We know the specialty advertising industry helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) market their goods and services in a unique, cost-effective way. Plus, we recognize promotional products are a marketing approach that is influenced by what is going on in branding and technology, as well as trends in fashion, sports and recreation.

June 15, 2016

Marketing Collateral is More than Sales Info

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Marketing collateral is one of those funny terms. Depending on what line of business you are in — whether real estate, heavy machinery, technology or something else — marketing collateral could be a brochure or sales piece that shows off something your company makes. Whereas if you offer services, you're probably thinking that marketing collateral presents the bullet points that sell your expertise.

June 9, 2016

​Welcome the Hospitality Sector to Your Business Plan

Submitted by Kelly Glass

The hospitality business is ever-changing. A sector that was dominated a hundred years ago by local inns and eateries is now so diverse that large chains like Marriott, Choice and W, as well as restaurants including Chili’s, Outback and Red Lobster, spread their big brands all over the world while smaller operations still pop up.

June 3, 2016

Tech + Useful: The Future of Promotional Products?

Submitted by Kelly Glass

The term wearables can mean different things to different people. To much of the tech-savvy world, “wearable” usually means any sort of gadget you might wear on your head, arm or even your waist. Wearable devices might pump out music, make phone calls, or serve up useful data. Items like the Fitbit and the Apple watch are changing how we work, play and live. They are also somewhat of a fashion statement for those on the cutting-edge.

May 25, 2016

​Three Hot Markets for Promotional Product Distributors

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Businesses of every shape and size need to market in some way. Distributors of specialty advertising and promotional products provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with one of the most cost-effective ways to promote their products and services to customers, particularly in niche markets.

May 18, 2016

​Tote Bags: The Ultimate Promotional Item?

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Last fall, we spotted a bit of a comeback trend. In our blog post talking about a variety of ideas for small and medium-sized businesses to highlight their brands, we deliberated on the re-emergence of the tote bag as a promotional product. Why has the tote bag made a bit of a comeback? The reasons are probably simpler than you think.

May 12, 2016

​Is There Really an Ideal Work Week?

Submitted by Kelly Glass

If you ask the average entrepreneur or small business owner about their typical work day, chances are the answers you might get would be anything but typical.

May 5, 2016

SMB Success Can Take Time

Submitted by Kelly Glass

In a blog post back in March, we talked about how “Success May Be Habit-Forming!” and focused mainly on being prepared and positive thinking to move forward.

April 28, 2016

Spring: a Great Time for Business

Submitted by Kelly Glass

Just three months ago a lot of us who live in the northern part of the U.S., along with those in Canada, were left scratching our heads. “Why in the world is it so warm?” January and February, as we all know typically brings sub-zero chills. When winter is pleasant, we have opportunity to ski, snowboard or go sledding.