Wednesday, November 25, 2009

How do we create a Client Base?

Management guru Peter Drucker once observed that “the purpose of a business is to create a customer.” Did you notice that he didn’t say the purpose is to create a sale, or close a deal, he said “create a customer”.


I think, he is saying that a sale is a one off, but a customer (or client) is someone who will by or deal with us over and over again. When we create clients, rather than just sales, our whole approach changes. Everything we say should build value, customer satisfaction and customer service after the sale will become paramount, and the entire experience becomes so much more memorable for the clients we create.

How much time do you spend creating new clients? Most business people will say “not enough”. Yet creating new clients is what we live on.

What type of client do you create? Are you creating big money, high margin clients who understand the value you provide? Or are you creating poor quality, rush job clients who want cheap, cheap, cheap? These questions will help you determine success or failure.

Good clients help you build a successful business!

We work with large to mid size business throughout the Okanagan Valley specifically those clients who want to market effectively, increase brand awareness and promote their business.

What our clients have found is that by utilizing Promotional Products we can increase brand awareness in a very cost effective way.

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Corporate gift giving In Kelowna and the Okanagan

Are you planning on giving customers or staff a thank-you gift? Are you asking these questions, “what should we get, how much should we spend and what do we give”? When done correctly you are showing your clients that you really value their business, also as a staff gift they are a wonderful moral booster.


It is common to see corporate gifts handed out around Christmas or special occasions, but this doesn’t have to be the only time you give corporate gifts. Giving clients a gift as thanks for their loyalty and continued support is always appreciated. Also, you can create an employee incentive program to help increase sale.

You should also decide who gets what gift. Customers should not necessarily receive the same gift as you would give to an employee. If you are giving clothing try to give at least a different colour or style to differentiate the two. It’s also a bad idea to give too personal a gift as you may offend someone.

Be careful as to what you purchase, don’t make it too expensive or trendy because are you going to have to top it next year!

It’s also a good idea not to wait until the last minute, you can get into so much trouble if items are out of stock or out of a colour or size, remember most items take two to three weeks so its best to try to avoid last minute decisions. Planning ahead will give you peace of mind and your corporate gift will be appreciated by everyone.

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Promo Antibacterial Products, Promotional Hand Sanitizers, Custom Sanitizer


Today I got my H1N1 shot and I started to think about getting the word out about Promotional Hand Sanitizers. Like everyone else these days we are concerned with transfer of germs and the H1N1 virus, it seems this is on the news every night.

When you want to ensure a happy and healthy environment for everyone around you, why not consider using a promotional antibacterial product. Every day we come in to contact with harmful germs. When you give out a promotional hand sanitizer you help promote a healthy lifestyle. I think that everyone who receives these great healthcare promotional items will be impressed with your thoughtfulness. They will also give this to other people as well, which will help spread your name and logo around the community.

Why not use hand sanitizer as part of your next Promotional Campaign? We can put your logo and advertising message on the bottle, but even more important, you are presenting a gift that will be appreciated by the recipient. Hand sanitizers come in 1oz. and 2oz. bottles as well as spray containers and start at about $2.00 per item.

Hand sanitizers meet a current need and you can offer an answer to this need with a very worthwhile gift. I feel that this Promotional Product has a high perceived value and is something that will be appreciated and will be used regularly.

During this H1N1 season, handing out a logoed hand sanitizer will show that your company is; current and caring, up to date and in the know and able to meet the needs of its clients and employees.

This is probably one of the best ways to “Brand” your business and stay topical with what is going on in the world.


Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Fridge Magnets As a Promotional Product in Kelowna


Ramblings from the desk of Bruce Falkins

The other day I was asked a question about Fridge magnets, Are they still a good Promotional tool? My answer was an unequivocal yes.

You probably would be hard pressed to go in to someone’s house and not find a fridge magnet holding up a grocery list or a Childs artwork or homework; also you can find them in offices on filing cabinets holding up lists or notices of meetings. The simple fridge magnet is probably one of the most effective Promotional Products under $1.00 out there. This product is one of the few legal subliminal types of advertising. Studies have shown that the average household refrigerator is opened at least 30 times a day, so your message and Brand are being seen constantly.

Besides being a very visible form of advertising the humble fridge magnet is considered a useful tool to hold up important notices, homework grocery lists etc. You can also find magnets with notepads attached to them which are useful for all sorts of project lists.

Besides being cost effective fridge magnets being small can be easily mailed to your clients or used as a very effective handout at trade shows.

So remember the humble fridge magnet, they are an excellent marketing tool that can help you “Brand your Business”, increase sales and grow your business.


Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Ramblings from the desk of Bruce Falkins - Promotional Products

Ramblings from the desk of Bruce Falkins


My wife Donna and I recently traveled to Calgary to visit our daughter and son-in-law (who by the way are expecting their first child and our first grandchild).

While making this trip (which we have done many, many times before), we started talking about our business and where it has taken us over the last twelve years, which led to all of the new friends we have got to know as a direct result of doing business with each other.

One of the neat things about the Promotional Products business is that almost everyone can become a client. This business of ours allows us to talk to pretty well every kind of business, there is no type of business that can’t use a Promotional Product to help them “Brand” their business.

One humorous aside; when we started Falkins Advertising 12 years ago my mother-in-law made a comment that she couldn’t understand anything about this business and that no-one would use a promotional item.

However her house was full of promotional products that businesses she deals with gave her. She had a refrigerator full of various magnets, promotional pens all over the place as well as numerous other items, and she used all of them!

Anyway, enough for now, “Remember, Promotional Products do help you Brand YOUR Business”.

Have a great week,

Bruce

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Monday, November 2, 2009

Rotary Minute: How did you get started with Rotary Kelowna Sunrise?



Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
www.falkinsadvertising.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Promotional Products do help you Brand YOUR Business

Ramblings from the desk of Bruce Falkins

Donna and I recently traveled to Calgary to visit our daughter and son-in-law (who by the way are expecting their first child and our first grandchild).

While making this trip (which we have done many, many times before), we started talking about our business and where it has taken us over the last twelve years, which led to all of the new friends we have got to know as a direct result of doing business with each other.

One of the neat things about the Promotional Products business is that almost everyone can become a client. This business of ours allows us to talk to pretty well every kind of business, there is no type of business that can’t use a Promotional Product to help them “Brand” their business.

One humorous aside; when we started Falkins Advertising 12 years ago my mother-in-law made a comment that she couldn’t understand anything about this business and that no-one would use a promotional item. However her house was full of promotional products that businesses she deals with gave her.

She had a refrigerator full of various magnets, promotional pens all over the place as well as numerous other items, and she used all of them!

Anyway, enough for now, “Remember, Promotional Products do help you Brand YOUR Business”.

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Life=Risk * Motivation

I found this to be inspirational !!!

Bruce



Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Friday, September 25, 2009

Kelowna Woman’s Shelter Testimonial


When Bruce Falkins asked me for a letter of reference, I felt privileged. Bruce is a man I hold in high regard.

As Finance Manager at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, I am always searching for affordable, effective ways to inform our community of the impacts of family violence. As well, I want to let people know how our services can empower women to make positive changes. At our first meeting, Bruce readily understood our goals and our challenges. We developed an immediate friendship.

Bruce is hard working and committed. His superior work ethic is evident whether he is researching a product that will assist our campaign or working on a project for which he has volunteered as a Rotarian, - never one to withdraw from a cause because it becomes too challenging or time consuming.

Bruce is very clear about his values and demonstrates them in the decisions he makes. His family is his top priority and his love for them and his pride in their achievements are favourite topics of conversation. He is relentless and resourceful in finding time and energy to honour his commitments to the community. Bruce doesn’t just help others; his hands on approach to mentoring empowers them to learn to help themselves.

Bruce’s optimism is contagious. His belief in the strength and resilience of the individual person and his concerns for our community are closely aligned with the vision of our society.

Bruce has become our enthusiastic advocate, championing our requests for funding and support.

I am happy to be available for further information.

Sincerely,

Mary Chamberlain /Finance Manager
Kelowna Womans Shelter

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Simple Business Card for Networking in Kelowna


For many years a pet peeve of mine is the fact that I run into many people who do not have business cards. This is the first step of promoting and branding you and your business,
Here is a great article by Donald Robichaud of Floodlight Consulting
Bruce Falkins

In this technical age with instant communication, cell phones, email, the internet, Facebook, Twitter and the like, it seems that the more people are into technology the less attention they pay to the old standby – the simple business card.
In a recent business meeting I saw people struggling to find their business cards, or even worse, express that they had run out. With printing companies located all over the Okanagan and with online ordering, how can you run out?

The business card is exchanged at the end of every introduction. It is your introduction to the world of doing business. How many people do you meet daily who can use your services? At every chance you get you should have a business card ready to hand out to potential clients. Networking with your business cards is the best way to add value to your marketing efforts and to stay top of mind with both clients and business associates.

A business card can help a person be recognized and promote the services one provides. Whether you are a one-man operation or a member of a large company, it has a few basic features such as your name, the company name and logo, and contact information including a telephone number, fax number (if relevant), web site and email address.

To make you and your company more memorable, you might include key words or a tag line that sums up your key value proposition. And when you order your cards, order in bulk. It will save time and money. There are three simple rules to networking with business cards for success:

Be Prepared - Never leave home or the office without your business cards. Keep a stack of cards at home, your office and in the car. For men, the breast pocket of your suit jacket, your shirt pocket or the right or left back pocket of your trousers. For ladies, a card holder may be preferable which is easily accessible from your handbag.

Be Alert - You will never know when an occasion to hand out cards to important people may arise. The person standing in line at the checkout or in the elevator might be your next biggest supporter and client. A simple networking event or your usual Saturday trip to the hockey rink may lead to doing business.

Be Remembered - You spend time marketing yourself and your company so that you look presentable to your clients. You should also do the same with your business cards. They have to look good and be worth keeping since this card will represent you whenever you are not around.
So never leave home or the office without your business cards. If your business card is simple and attractive, those who see it will immediately get your message and you will “Build Your Business”
-
Donald Robichaud
President FloodLight Consulting
250-768-9415
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/

Monday, June 22, 2009

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS - What are they? When is the right time to use them?


The greatest value of Promotional Products comes from their ability to get an effective, targeted marketing message in front of the prospects and clients you have to reach, without the wastes high costs associated with other media.

The definition of “Promotional Products”, is any useful item showing off your company logo, name or advertising message, however the best promotional products don’t just brand, they generate actual, measurable results.

WHAT IS A SUCCESFUL PROMOTION?

• An audience-appropriate product. – The most compelling marketing message in the world is lost on the recipient if the promotional item is not appropriate to your target audience.

• An effective message. – Very often, a promotional product shows only a company name or logo without any strong benefit statement, advantage or call to action. It usually costs no more to add these things to the imprint, but it can have a dramatic effect on the entire campaign.

• Targeted, Qualified recipients. – Very few companies can afford to market to everyone, so each promotion should be geared towards your target audience.

• Timing is everything. – A perfect marketing message delivered either too soon or too late does not produce positive results. I.e.: Calendars!

When you imprint an audience-appropriate product with an effective marketing message and deliver it to motivated recipient at the proper time, you dramatically increase your likelihood of success. Falkins Advertising helps our clients to master the four factors of a successful promotion!

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR PROMTIONAL PRODUCTS?

There are over 650,000 items available providing a wealth of choices to fit any target audience and message.

According to the PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) the top 10 promotional product categories in North America are;

1. Wearables 29.3%
2. Writing Instruments 10.6%
3. Desk/office. Business accessories 7.6%
4. Calendars 7%
5. Bags 5.9%
6. Glassware/ceramics 5.5%
7. Recognition awards, watches/clocks etc. 4%
8. Magnets/buttons/badges/stickers 3.5%
9. Automotive accessories 3.5%
10. Sporting goods/leisure products 3.3%

If you would like to enhance your image and achieve a stronger bottom line through the use of promotional products please contact Bruce at;

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Promotional Pens Kelowna


Writing instruments continue to be the number 2 Promotional item in North America, they come second only to Wearable’s.

The goals of your business should be kept in mind, there are thousands of different pens available so it’s important to differentiate between plastic and metal pens, stick pens and click style pens, there are so many options. The appearance of your pen needs to compliment your business and style, this is not to say that a less expensive pen is not desirable you just need to decide on its function and work from there.

The use of Promotional Pens now exceeds $2 billion. Promotional clothing is still ahead of pens, however consider how many pens with other businesses names do you find in your brief cases, desk drawers, your purse, or your home. Where did you get these pens? There’s a good chance somebody else owned them first and with the daily exchange of a pen you ended up with it.

Some people have suggested with the computer age pens may become obsolete and yet they remain a necessity in our world. Pens are needed at home, in the office, in restaurants, law firms and Doctor’s offices. Pens remain one of the most universal of Promotional Products!

Promotional pens are very reasonable especially as they travel between so many hands; the cost per impression is very low. Prices of pens vary from as low as $0.50 each to over $1000.00 each, but it doesn’t matter what your budget is, there is a promotional pen you can put your name on.

The most important thing is to display your company name and or logo proudly along with telephone or web information. I always recommend to my clients less is more when it comes to decorating your pen.

Why not try Promotional Pens for your next advertising campaign?

Give us a call!!!

-
Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com
http://www.falkinsadvertising.com/

Beating the Credit Crunch with Promotional Products in Kelowna


In times of the recession within the UK business is expected to struggle over the next few months to a year. Businesses whether forced to or not begin to look at ways in which they can cut their budgets and this on more occasions that not can mean cutting the spending on company marketing.

However cutting down marketing efforts does not help a company in the long run. After all people still need to know about your brand and this is especially important for new business. Alas cutting down marketing spending does not offer a simple solution but rather complicates things further down the line. Businesses should therefore be thinking about ways in which they can maximise their marketing efforts, get their brand out there and to do this with a minimum amount of spending but to a great degree of success and ROI and promotional products offer this.

Promotional products refer to merchandise that are used in marketing and communication program of a business. Promotional products, also known as corporate gifts or promotional gifts, are simple artefacts that contain your company brand logo. The beauty of promotional products is that there are so many to choose from all depending on your company’s budget and they come with no-strings attached.

When thinking of promotional products people commonly think of promotional pens and promotional mugs. However there are so much more that can really add something to your company. You can have promotional games such as Rubix Cubes to other toys and games. You can get promotional USBs, computer mice and mice mats. These are all very useful pieces of equipment to have and all contain you company’s brand that people will use on a daily basis.

The perception that promotional gifts can give to your company are also one of the things that makes promotional gifts so worthwhile. If you are an IT company and you give away free promotional USBs to customers and prospective customers it shows that your company understands new technology and people’s needs as well as having a product that is very much a part of the industry you operate in.

Promotional gifts can also make your company appear fun, zany and wacky which, in the internet age, is a good way of getting noticed. Giving away promotional sweets, games, stress toys or golf balls for example is a welcome surprise and does not give your company too much of a cold corporate perception. This is a common strategy which big corporations are using now and if you go to any big exhibition you will see well known companies such as EBay, Microsoft and Google using it.

Another positive aspect of promotional products is the cost. Promotional products are very cost effective and you can pay for what you need as you buy them in batches. On top of this there are so many varieties of the same product that range in price. For example you can get luxury metallic promotional pens or a cheaper plastic alternative all of which can be purchased in different batch sizes. So for small businesses it may be a batch of 100 and for bigger businesses a batch of 10,000 and so on-it is really up to you.

Overall promotional gifts show that there is hope in this economic climate to still advertise and market your brand and that cutting the budget altogether is not the only option. There are other ways in getting your brand noticed and heard and promotional products offer a great solution to this.
About the Author:


David Woods has worked in branding and marketing communications for a variety of businesses over the past 20 years and has much experience in using corporate gifts for various budgets. More information can be found at http://www.leighmans.com/


Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Beating the Credit Crunch with Promotional Products


Author: search rankpros

Monday, May 11, 2009

Kelowna Promotional Products


At Falkins Advertising Specialties we offer the highest quality promotional products in Kelowna BC with the best selection and the most reliable deliver for those clients who want to market effectively, increase brand awareness, and promote their business.

At Falkins Advertising Specialties our specialty is in Corporate Apparel Wear, Beverage Containers, Bags, Business Gifts, Writing Instruments, Tools and Knives.
We also carry promotional items, advertising specialties, logo items, corporate gifts, promotional gifts, tradeshow giveaways, corporate apparel, logo merchandise, imprinted merchandise , embroidery,
screen printing, imprinted products, hats caps,tshirts, clothing, shirts personalized pens, tradeshow items, premiums and promotional products for the Kelowna market.
-
Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Kelowna, BC
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Kelowna Writing Instruments

Writing instruments are the number 2 Promotional item in North America, second only to wearable's.

For this reason a pen can be a very important part of your advertising campaign.

A Promotional Pen with your Company name and Logo can cost anywhere from $0.50 each to over $1,000.00 each but whatever pen you choose your contact information stays in your clients or prospects hands longer than any other form of advertising.


Click here to visit our full selection.

Click here to see our full selection of Hotel Pens


Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Kelowna Business Gifts

Promotional gifts enhance business performance. Promotional gifts help you get a foothold in the market by building an identity for your brand with constant exposure to your markets. These gifts help you stay current with your existing client base as well as entice new clients.

Business gifts are available in a wide range of products to let you tailor your campaign to your business

At Falkins Advertising Specialties in Kelowna we specialize in Business presentation, Computer accessories, Convention desktop, Convention Travel, Digital and Audio, Flash Drives, Frames, Clocks, Awards, key fobs, Pens, Portfolios, Portfolio Folders – Leather portfolios, Jotters, note books, Portfolios, Writing instruments – pens, Fine crystal products , corporate awards

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Tools and Knives Kelowna

Be top of your clients’ minds by being at the tip of their fingers! We offer 62 functional and durable products for do-it-yourself home improvement that will satisfy any professional or recreational handyperson’s preference.

Our variety of tool sets, drills, measuring tapes, multi tools, emergency tools and knives deliver on performance!

At Falkins Advertsing Speacialties we specialize in Drill sets, Knives, Cutters, measuring tools, multi tools, Tool sets bags and more


Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Bags Kelowna - Backpacks to Briefcases

-Everyday Bags carry your daily necessities in Kelowna, and since every day, you need a variety for every occasion!

-Falkins Advertising Specialties presents 117 bags to suit your everyday life, whether you’re traveling around the world or to the club.

-From backpacks to briefcase, tote to duffle or cooler to event roller, enjoy superior construction, the highest quality denier nylon or polyester and lots of value-added extras.

-Decorate with our exclusive GeoPanel or PermaPatch to make sure your message is carried all around town!

-We specialize in Tote bags , luggage tags , luggage, Backpacks, Business briefs, Business travel, cinch packs, Computer briefs, Cooler briefs, Duffels, and more.

Click here to visit our full selection.

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Drinkware Beverage Containers Kelowna

-Three quarters of our body is composed of fluids with a daily average requirement of 2 ½ quarts. Everyone is drinking something, somewhere – at home, at the office, on the run! Choose your favourite Falkins Advertizing Specialties travel mug, water bottle or thermos bottle from 91 fashionable designs.

-Our 56 patented travel mugs come in popular Stainless Steel, Black Chrome, Corporate Color Plastics and Simulated Leather.

-Quench your promotional thirst with these gifts for everyday living.

-We specialize in - Coffee Mugs , Water Bottles, Coasters, Glassware, Sport Bottles, Travel Mugs, Vacuum Bottles, Barware, Gifts sets Thermos Bottles and much more

Click here to visit our full selection.

Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

Corporate Wear Apparel Kelowna


Falkins Advertising Specialties in Kelowna is your complete source for all of your quality corporate wear and promotional item needs.

Whether you are looking for corporate identity wear, for your employees or looking to dress your clients in your next corporate golf tournament we have the product for you.

Choose from our wide selection of recognized brands.

We specialize in T-shirts, Golf Shirts, Dress Shirts, Wind Breakers , Golf Caps, Baseball Caps, Jackets and Leather Jackets .



Falkins Advertising Specialties
"Promotional Products to Brand YOUR Business"
Tel: 250-317-4333
FAX: 250-448-5730
bruce@falkinsadvertising.com

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