Buzz Worthy
Archive for March, 2010
Significance of Going Green
01151 days
by Brandon
in Promotional Items
Guest Blog from Promo Direct
Living in a healthier and better environment is beneficial for all. It is important to take necessary actions to make the environment more sustainable as increasing global warming has become the most crucial environmental concern of the present time. Difficulty in tackling the hazards created by the diverse effects of global warming has put the planet at a greater risk than ever before. Going green is one of the best and effective ways to deal with this concern. Small actions lead to big changes, and thus, small efforts put by each person can help in creating a greener environment.
Go Green Ribbon
Different initiatives have been taken to prevent environmental damage. Conservation of water and energy are on the priority. Immense use of plastic must be prevented as it will help in reducing pollution in an effective way. Cultivation of plants and trees is a need of the time. Limited and efficient use of electricity and electronic products in daily life will be of a great help in making the environment look greener.
To become accustomed to a greener lifestyle is practical to a great extent as adapting green habits help you improve you health in a considerable manner. Hence, going green is easy and one of the easiest ways to go green is to use eco-friendly products.
Eco-friendly products help in preventing environmental damages and are recyclable. Recyclable material is inexpensive and is available in sufficient quantities. Giving away these eco-friendly products as promotional items is a good idea to support the cause. Various kinds of eco-friendly business gifts or corporate gifts like wooden cases or bags made out of wooden fiber can serve the purpose. Giving away such promotional items helps is generating awareness and spreading the message of going green in a significant way. It also shows that you care about the environment and trying to make your contribution towards achieving well-being of the planet.
Burger King’s New Movie Villain Ads
01151 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
New Freddy Burger King Ad
New Chucky Burger King Ad
Tonic created the most recent Late Night Burger King advertisements with villains in vehicles and public bathroom mirrors. There are no chase scenes or city wide riots, but the print advertisements do include the likes of Chucky, Freddy, Jason and the Scream Killer.
New Jason Burger King Advertisement
Creators of the mischievous medaling meanies from Tonic said, “”We were asked to communicate that Burger King stays open until the wee hours of the morning. Thomas [Derouault] and Kris [Richardson] came up with the following campaign showing the villains of the night that we know all to well, enjoying their favorite meal after a umm night out.”
Scream Horror Killer Burger King Advertisement
It goes to show you that even the best movie villain need a nice, late night snack too. I can feel some viral videos coming on with this concept. Some college kids are going to pick up a video camera and stop by the costume store. One behind a bush shot later, and you’ve captured a real life villain ordering a Whopper and a Coke.
Blockbuster Fail: Where’s the Branding?
21157 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
When I found out that Blockbuster Video was no longer giving out late fees, I was ecstatic. Netflix’s ability to distribute videos fast and accurately through their Netflix factory threatened Blockbuster’s future in the movie rental industry. As Netflix continued to gain customers through on-line/mail-out rental programs, Blockbuster needed to act. Treating customers to no late fees was their most viable solution.
Netflix Factory Stores
However, 6 years later the failed brand, Blockbuster is looking to reinstate late fees, charge more for new releases and do anything in its power to stay afloat. So what’s missing from their efforts? Branding.A CNN Money article quoted Blockbuster analyst, Michael Pachter saying, “Blockbuster is trying to keep itself from bleeding to death, but they’re putting on a lot of Band-Aids.”
Blockbuster Fail
This entire Blockbuster fail must be evaluated so that the brandability of Blockbuster can be reassessed. Before 2004, Blockbuster generated 20% of its sales from late fees. Customers, just like me were sick of the fees and found mail-out movie services like Netflix to be more convenient.
Once Blockbuster saw the competition they cut late fees, but failed to come back as masters in the movie rental business. Instead, they’ve focused on getting new releases to customers, saying that 80% of their rentals are in that category. They never took in to account that people were fed up with the late fees and unable to forgive Blockbuster for their bad business. What they really need to do is show us that they want us as customers.
Blockbuster Video Stores
Tobacco Promotions Quit Cold Turkey
01158 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
Every year, 440,000 people lose their lives because of tobacco products. So is that after dinner, stress reducing, zinger stick really worth it? The FDA doesn’t think so.
Ronald Regan Chesterfields Cigarette Brand
Is this Ronald Regan Chesterfields advertisement legal these days? A cigarette Christmas card carton? Absolutely not.
Restrictions on cigarette company branding and promotions have been set since 1998. Today, the Food and Drug Administration announced new regulations that will be enforced on June 22. Howard K. Koh, the U.S. assistant secretary of health said, “The regulations being announced today are designed to prevent our children from becoming the next generation of Americans to die early from tobacco-related illnesses.”
Trends in Cigarette Smoking
The FDA wants to reveal death sticks for what they really are. So what are the latest restrictions?
- Tobacco companies cannot provide free cigarettes to customers or provide any free gift with the purchase of tobacco products.
- Tobacco companies cannot use their brand name as a sponsor of any athletic or entertainment event.
- Tobacco audio ads are banned from using music or special effects
- Tobacco print ads appearing in publications read by children under 18, must be printed in black and white. (This specific regulation is still being challenged in court.)
Brand Cigarette Usage Age Chart
These new restrictions came into effect after legislation passed by congress last year that gave the FDA more power. So will we be seeing less people lighting up? In a recent chart, Marlboro shined as the most popular cigarette. But as advertisements lose their appeal and promotional products and eliminated, will they remain a leader in branding? We soon will see.
Promo Green Buzz: Celebrity Branding
01158 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
How are you going green? That’s what everyone was asking at the Go Green Expo in New York City over the weekend. Many companies came decked out in eco-friendly apparel and used environmentally friendly products to bring in the customers.
What else draws in the new clients? Celebrity status.That’s what the creators of this water-less tooth brush were thinking when they got Dina Lohan, to lend her families scandalous name to the product. Named the “Aqua Freedom Green Lohan Toothbrush,” this new product promises to lessen water usage in the bathroom by 2 gallons a day with its waterless design. This toothbrush does require battery operation, but because of its dramatic no-water needed design, it ends up being very sustainable.
Green Lohan Toothbrush
Gossip god, with green goals, Perez Hilton blogged, “How much did she pay to get her name slapped on that contraption?!” The question remains unanswered and the branding power of a seemingly washed up “celebrity mom” will soon be seen as the waterless toothbrush becomes available to the public.
Perhaps this product launching is really a test for Dina Lohan. Will this waterless toothbrush teach her and the estranged husband to shut their mouths? Will an oral fixation to this toothbrush help Linsday Lohan from sticking other substances up her nose? Will the Aqua Freedom Loha- seriously? I could brush my teeth and floss in the time it takes to get the name of that tooth brush out.
So let’s move on to another eco-item from the Go Green Expo that used celebrity status to gain attention. The name, “Obama Beads,” says it all. Founder, Kathe Kexel joins with a group of women in Uganda called the, “Mama Kazi,” to create beautifully handcrafted beads. But what makes them eco-friendly?
Obama Beads Bag
After President Obama’s massive campaign efforts, a huge donation of his promotional flyers, pamphlets and posters were shipped over to Uganda. The papers are tightly cut and rolled into beads from the papers and laminated for reduced wear and tear. Though Obama isn’t an official spokesperson for Obama Beads, the concept is smart and I’m sure he’d be happy to know that his campaign materials are being recycled!
The women in Uganda who craft each unique piece of jewelry or clothing are paid a living wage and therefore granted greater oppoutunities in their country.
So what eco-friendly item do you think used celebrity branding best?
The Jersey Shore TV & Hot Promotions
01164 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
Are you a fan of Jersey Bore Jersey Whore The Jersey Shore? Or as The Situation would like to say, “Yoo brooo. You like dat sh%t?” Because if you do, I’ve found a contest for you.
The Jersey Shore Cast
The Jersey Shore TV show received so much attention over the past year that the guidos and guidettes, J-Wow, Snookie, Jolie, Sweetheart, The Situation, Ronnie, Ronnie D, and Vinnie have received much more than 15 minutes of fame. So puff up the hair, take off your shirt and get the fist pump going – it’s time to prove your Jersey Shore fandom.
Premium Promos Now is running a contest from March 21 to May 31 that asks participants to send in a 300-500 word essay on why they are the biggest fan of the Jersey Shore. A 60 second video is also welcomed as an alternative to the essay. But something to keep in mind is that this contest is not limited to the television show fans. Instead, the New Jersey based company welcomes entries from anyone in the Northeast that want to share their love for the Jersey Shore destination hot spot.
The winner will be chosen after all submissions are considered and there will be a 5 month redeemable discount of $5,000 to your promotional products order.
So is your dreamboat Ricky D? Do you fantasize about a spin off “Snookie does NYC” show? Do you just love the crisp air, hot sand and bumping boardwalk of the Jersey Shore? If so, start pledging your love in the form of an essay of video clip and send it in starting this Sunday.
And while you’re at it, let the fist pumping Jersey Shore name generator give you a worth Jersey title. I typed in Jenn and got “Vibe Time.” Already I feel like putting on tight clothing, an accent and challenging drunk men at bars.
Good Luck at the Jersey Shore Contest!
Puff, Puff, Promotional Products
01164 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
Monday through Friday, right around 5 PM I send out a tweet inviting all you lovelies to check out the Promo Buzz Blog and get your buzz on. I imagine opened shirt business men whipping their ties in the air and chugging the latest in branding news. I see the librarian tossing off her glasses and the business woman kicking off her heels as they take my well prepared shots of promotional product buzz.
But for today’s blog, some people may be taking a puff instead of a shot, because this week Jamullah Freedom Trading Inc, released a brand new medical marijuana promotional product.
Jamullah's Signature Peppermint Scented T-Shirt
Jumullah puts hemp products online alongside their tobacco equipment and was created by 20 year old Grant Wallace. You can find hemp and peppermint oil scented t-shirts as well as Dead head products like a Grateful Dead Tribute painting and other creative cannabis promotional products. Their signature t-shirt is created with peppermint oil through durascent technology so that even after multiple washes, the peppermint scent lingers.
The Jamullah site boasts, “100% of users agreed, the scent gives you a stimulating feel while wearing the shirt. Currently, peppermint scented t-shirts come with a very large and FUN print on front. Enjoyment can be found in all sorts of forms, from the effects of peppermint therapeutically, to the reactions from friends and family!”
Jamullah's latest Promotional Items, the 420 Gift Box.
Subsidiary company, Freedom Gifts offers products for supporters of the legalization of marijuana as it is medically legal in 14 states. And now, just in time for the unofficial Cannabis Celebration of April 20th, the Atlanta-based cannabis product distributor has created a delightful 420 Gift Box.
Dead Head Art
Check out the medical marijuana legalization chart to see your states laws. Medical Marijuana ID Card holders in Alaska, California, Maine and New Jersey to name a few, can purchase these new cannabis promotional products on-line at Jamullah. Included in the promotional package is a hemp-scented T-shirt and a herb grinder.
If the 420 kit isn’t your thing, how about taking a hit of brand exposure over at Hit Promotional Products? There you can choose cool caps, carabiners, ceramics and bags to have specially imprinted. Promotional products are affective in gaining support and awareness for any cause, so keep your expectations high and choose an imprint today.
Pop Culture Vampires
41165 days
by Jenn
in Promotional Items
Call them cold ones. Call them blood suckers. Or join the rest of the world and call vampires by their latest name – media monsters. That’s right, vampires have joined Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen at the top of the list for media monsters. In the 90′s Buffy the Vampire Slayer got us used to prime time neck biters. And in the last few years The Twighlight Saga and television shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries have helped to secure vampires a lasting spot on our television screens.
Brand New True Blood Ad Reaveals When True Blood Starts
Wikepedia recently compiled the traits of vampires ranging from European folklore to the Twightlight series. Click on the excerpt below.
What Pop Culture Vampires are Most In Tuned with their Vampire Traits?
In honor of the vampire craze, I preset these awesome vampire products. I’ll show you everything from True Blood products sold on their site to cool bloody promotional products that you can have customized for a vampire masquerade.
Tru Blood Beverage
Forget the energy juice and wrap your cold blooded hand around a bottle of Tru Blood. You can also check out other True Blood promotional products at their HBO store site.
This Portable Ice Bucket is Perfect for Keeping Your Blood Cold.
These awesome portable ice buckets will cart your bottles of Tru Blood Beverage back and forth so that whether you’re at the beach, or hanging in the bat cave, you can enjoy a nice cold blood beverage. Possible imprint? Keep it simple and go with, “Blood Bag.”
Love Really Bites Vampire Tee
For you Vampire Diaries lovers, check out this love really bites tee. The sibling rivalry between Damon and Stefan definitely makes Elena’s love life a bit more difficult. In fact – a bite more difficult.
Love really can hurt, so be prepared with this custom Play it Safe first aid travel kit. That face mask might just be the only thing stopping that man from gnawing into your neck.
First Aid Travel Kit for all of your Vampire Love Wounds
Hot Topic also has a great supply of Twighlight gear and accessories. I’m highlighting this Twighlight Immortal body shimmer.
Twighlight Immortal Body Shimmer
As if Bella’s alluring eyes weren’t enough to pull you in, now there’s an immortal body shimmer to make her even more attractive to her vampire and werewolf friends. What a nice healthy glow that immortal shimmer gives you.
After using all of these Vampirerific products, chances are a kind, attractive and blood thirsty vampire will want to court you. If they have the key to your crimson heart, let them attach it to these sweet oval red key tags.
Oval Red Key Tag to Hold the Key to Your Crimson Heart
ABC Acronyms and Your New Brand Name
01166 days
by Brandon
in Promotional Items
My local cable provider, Cablevision recently reached an agreement with ABC after the major network station turned itself off the day of the Oscars. ABC returned itself to my Long Island television fifteen minutes into the Oscars but the threats and demands for an addition $40 million has left many fed up.
While ABC works to build up its branding in a positive light, I decided to have some fun with the acronym, ABC. Another Bloodthirsty Company.
I also found this fun acronym and brand name generator that came up with a whole slew of fun American Broadcasting Company alternatives.
Alcohol Bed Checker
Anaconda Beard Corporation
Alien Born Company
Can you come up with a clever one?
The U.S. Travel Promotion Act
01170 days
by Brandon
in Promotional Items
In textbooks, President Obama will be praised as the first African American president of the United States of America. Now I’m wondering if he’ll be praised for signing the U.S. Travel Promotional Bill in early March.
- United States Tourism Industry
The legislation that was just signed into a law will require oversea visitors to the U.S. to pay a $10 fee every two years. The $10 will then be matched by a private sector in the U.S. President of the U.S. Travel Association, Roger Dow said, “By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool.”
Tourism in NYC
This new non profit corporation will promote tourism spots in the U.S. while educating visitors on security policies while traveling here. It will create new jobs and help to brand the U.S. as the number one travel spot. Check out the awesome chart of the most popular tourist destinations below and you’ll see that the United States holds 18 of the top spots.
50 Most Popular Tourist Destinations
So how will the U.S. Travel Promotion Act further our tourist success? My guess is that many promotional products will be put into use. Perhaps airports will offer travelers entertainment while waiting and greet visitors with fun giveaways.
The terms on the law and actions that will be taken to promote tourism here have not been disclosed, but between the next 2 to 12 months, board positions will be filled and a payment plan will be formatted for foreign travelers to pay their $10 fee.I’m excited that this means big opportunities for branding in the U.S. and I hope that the board enlists innovative minds who will create a fun, informative and fresh approach towards tourist marketing here in the United States.