How To Celebrate An Anniversary Casino Style

One of Proforma’s long term customers, North Star Mohican Casino, recognizes its anniversary every year with a big celebration for its staff and customers. As part of its 18th anniversary celebration, the casino wanted to offer a promotional item to its patrons. While Proforma provided the casino with high quality anniversary items in the past, this year’s product would have to top the rest.

North Star Mohican wanted to use a fun treat to grab their customers’ attention. Proforma not only provided the casino with a delicious food item, but a complete promotional program.

To participate, patrons had to amass 160 points in the casino. After this was accomplished, they could pick up one of the 12,000 custom candy bars created for North Star Mohican’s anniversary. Inside each candy bar wrapper, there was a sheet of FDA approved wax paper, which was considered a “ticket.” Based on the color, guests could win various increments of money and prizes.

The candy bar program made this North Star Mohican’s best anniversary yet. The prize tickets made their tasty promotion even more enticing and keep the patrons involved and entertained throughout the entire celebration!

Proforma Distinctive Marketing

Indianapolis Indiana

317.644.6807

www.imprintitnow.com

Coffee In the Morning

Here at the Espresso To Go Show , we feel nothing jump starts your morning like a strong cup of coffee (or espresso). Get your business promotions off the ground with the same jolt! Food items are a delicious way to leave a lasting impression with your customers. Choose from a variety of packaging options, themed gift packages and unique food products for a perfect addition to your robust marketing campaigns.

Whet your customers’ appetites with:

• Branded Food Labels
• Holiday Gift Packages
• Regional or Seasonal Food Items
• Themed Gift Packages
• Unique Food Items

For your next promotional marketing campaign think about adding the sugar and take your food promotion ideas to the next level.

Proforma Distinctive Marketing

Indianapolis Indiana

www.imprintitnow.com

Fall in Love with Marketing Promotions

Tis the season to make your audience fall in love with your brand with great products and ideas. Benefit from the newest products and fan favorites for all of your needs including:

Awards & Incentives Cards & Calendars Holiday Events

Holiday Gifting Fall & Winter Apparel Office Accessories

View our Fall/Winter 2011 Idea Guide for ideas.

Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana

Employee Appreciation This Christmas Season

Employee appreciation this Christmas Season! 

Easton Coach Company wanted to show their employees their appreciation over the holiday season. The bus company wanted the best of the best for their bus drivers and asked Proforma to provide gifts that the drivers would find useful.

Proforma developed a creative mix of gifts for Easton to choose from including leather items, coolers, chairs, emergency kits, stainless gifts, watches and barbeque sets. Easton was able to see and feel each of the products before they ordered anything.

Once Easton selected a cooler and aluminum water bottle gift package, Proforma had two weeks to deliver the products so they would arrive in time for the company holiday event. A spec sample was quickly produced and once approved by Easton all of the final products were delivered to the company in just two days!

Associates loved their gifts and Easton’s president was grateful for the extra efforts made by Proforma to deliver the gifts in a short period of time. "Proforma anticipated our needs and provided several very creative ideas we never could have come up with on our own. Our experience with companies that handled our promotional items before Proforma was inconsistent. Now, we feel like we have a true partner," said Joe Scott, president and CEO of Easton Coach Company. Since the successful holiday gift project Proforma continues to work with Easton on other projects.

One of the most effective ways to build a team is to show that you care. A small gifts, a thank you note, or even "good job" goes a long way at building a successful team. 

Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana 

Sweet Holiday Treats and Gift Giving

Nothing says 'the holidays' like sweet treats and gift giving. Show your clients and employees how much you appreciate them with special holiday gifts and promotions. Whether you want to impress clients with fine candies or show employees you care with warm apparel items, this is the perfect time of year to spread the holiday cheer.

'Tis the season to be giving. Holiday gifts and promotions are perfect for:

• Corporate Giving
• Customer Appreciation
• Employee Gifts
• Holiday Promotions
• Sales Achievements

Let us help you share the holiday joy. Show your appreciation and stay top-of-mind even during the busy holiday season. Mention this blog and receive a free set-up charge on your 2011 Holiday order (up to $75 value).

Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana 

How To Have Fun With Scribble Tees!

Have you ever wondered how to have fun with scribble tees? You can design your own t-shirt or use from the many stock artwork designs. These are great for camps, preschools, festivals, school fundraising, corporate events, team building activities, and much more. Don't miss out on the special pricing for  Proforma Distinctive Marketing  and Espresso To Go Show follows only. Order 144 of these awesome t-shirts  for only $7.85 each (freight additional) for your next event. 

You can contact us distinctive.marketing@proforma.com or call 317.644.6807.

Financial Industry Promotional Giveaway Case Study

First National Bank approached Proforma about supplying promotional giveaway items to celebrate the grand opening event of a new branch that was set to take place in less than three weeks. The bank was looking for high-end quality items within their budget. Bank executives were concerned about other grand opening logistics and turned to Proforma to manage the process.

First National Bank wanted to provide items for three target customer bases – those using the drive-thru teller option, corporate business professionals and university students. Proforma identified three tiers of products and provided samples within 24 hours. Once the final product decisions were made, Proforma streamlined the process of submitting artwork and ordering the products; maintaining a trouble-free ordering process for the bank.

The bank selected checkbook covers, portfolios, car coasters, stone desk coasters and leather wrapped tumblers, all of which arrived in time to be given away on their scheduled days. First National Bank was so pleased with the results that they made Proforma their primary promotional product source. After all the items arrived, a bank executive told Proforma, "You're my hero!"

Browse our online portfolio for other great ideas and case studies. 

Swimming In Your Day-To-Day Tasks

We know you are swimming in day-to-day tasks, so let us take the stress out of preparing for your next special event. When it comes to events, success is in the details – and we’ve got you covered. We can manage every aspect of your event including marketing collateral, giveaways, signage and more.

We’ll set you on the course for success by helping you prepare for your upcoming:

• Conventions
• Holiday Parties
• Industry Tradeshows
• Seminars
• And More!

Let us help you plan smooth sailing events that create lasting and distinctive impressions.

PhraseExpress, which I use when I slum it on the PC side of my Mac, says I have saved 3hs typing and $73! Love the program!

Espresso To Go Show and Granita di Caffe'

Here is a non-related promotional marketing post from Italy in 30 Seconds. Our video blog is named the Espresso To Go Show because we not only love espresso but Italy as well.  We are more of a purest when it comes to espresso drinks  (2 oz only), but this granita di caffe' is awesome as well. 

Guest Post from Pamela Marasco, founder of Cosituttimarketplace.com and author of Seeing and Savoring Italy. 

Summers not over yet, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy an Italian granita di caffe’. A semi-frozen dessert made with sweetened espresso. Originally from Sicily, a granita (granita siciliana) is made from sugar, water and flavorings, freezing the ingredients while mixing them. In Italy, regional variations in preparation result in a coarse or smooth texture similar to a sorbet...Click here

78% of people read their mail over a trash can, Cross Media campaigns will help with targets taking action.

Employee Incentive Program with Zappos.com

Zappos.com, an online shoe and apparel shop, wanted to increase participation in their employee incentive program by making their rewards fun and unique. They wanted to purchase non-traditional items at low quantities for its 'Zollar Store,' a place where its employees could redeem their 'Zappos dollars' for Zappos-branded promotional items.

Employees can earn Zappos dollars for excellent performance, great customer service, impressive effort and community service. After being referred to Proforma, Zappos placed two basic orders to see how the results turned out. Everything went so well, they invited Proforma to present ideas for an upcoming Zollar Store budget.

Proforma identified more than 100 unique options which included samples and shipping. Zappos was impressed and selected products including flasks, banks, garment bags, tumblers with crazy straws, and baseballs, among other items for the store.

Zappos has been impressed with the items provided for the store. A representative from the online shoe and apparel shop said, “Thanks so much for being so on top of it! Proforma wows me on a daily basis.” Zappos has selected Proforma for additional projects based on this program’s success.

Browse our online portfolio.

Business Chess, Who do you want to partner with?

Once Again...Some things are just better together.
Your business partnerships should be the same way!

Strategy and precision are behind each move the King and Queen make around the chessboard. Make a smart move for your company by implementing an incentive or recognition program. There are a wide variety of multi-dimensional programs you can use to increase loyalty and productivity.

Make the next move toward success with programs including:

• Customer Loyalty
• Employee Recognition
• Online Rewards
• Safety
• Sales Achievements

Proforma Distinctive Marketingis an Indianapolis Indiana bases company that provids branding management solutions. Proforma is committed to bringing ideas, inspiration, strategy, and tools to help his clients grow their business and achieve success.  He has a complete offering of products and services focusing on promotional products, printing services, eCommerce solutions, and multimedia. 

If you are traveling from Indianapolis soon, check out this deal-valet parking. It is awesome.
http://ping.fm/sNlTM

How to support other local businesses.

Over the next few weeks, the Espresso To Go Show is going to take a short break. Business is bumming, our annual conference is coming up, and a must need vacation with the family is going to bring all our viewers some guest blogs. Keep a look out for some great ideas, content, and another wonderful way to support other local businesses. 

The Internet is Changing-Browser vs. App

I found an interesting article from Wired Magazine  talking about how the web is dead and applications are starting to take over. I also found some data from Flurry Analytics that states that in June 2010 that mobile apps consumption was at 43 minutes per day and now June 2011 it is up to 81 minutes per day. 

The Wired article talked about what we do when we wake up...

"You wake up and check your email on your bedside iPad — that’s one app. During breakfast you browse Facebook,Twitter, and The New York Times — three more apps. On the way to the office, you listen to a podcast on your smartphone. Another app. At work, you scroll through RSS feeds in a reader and have Skype and IM conversations. More apps. At the end of the day, you come home, make dinner while listening to Pandora, play some games on Xbox Live, and watch a movie on Netflix’s streaming service."

This is so true (sounds like me) and what is even more interesting is how will marketing professional handle this new way of interacting with media and brands. How will you stay top of mind with your clients and prospects. How will you different yourself locally?  With Flipboard and digital publications  how will printed collateral be used and viewed. 

One thing I do know is that personal relationships will never replace technology and people will always end up buying products from people they respect and like. 

Promotional Marketing with a Bat and a Ball,

Some things are just better together...Bats and Balls! While your batting average may not be important on the job, there are other averages that are. If you’re looking to increase response rates, boost your return on investment and drive attendees to your upcoming event. There are many ways maximize results with grand slam promotions. Hit a home run for your next event and make a memorable impression with: BBQ Sets Creative Invitations Picnic Baskets And much much more! Call in a pinch hitter...for your next promotional marketing campaign.

Animoto - A few Summer Ideas

via animoto.com

Did you know that a recent poll of businesses showed that 41.4% of businesses count on referrals for over 80% of their sales, how are you showing your referral partners appreciation?

I was at the track yesterday for a bit-the Capitol of Logos and branding.

Brand Yourself!!!

Question, can marketing success be a mistake or luck?

My Son just told me that...May is national hamburger month & May 4 is Star Wars Day.

Brand Awareness with QR Codes

QR Codes  are one of the hottest new marketing trends so far this year. I have done one Espresso To Go Show were I discussed the new technology. You now can utilize these codes on tons of different promotional products, not just on printed materials. On your next marketing campaign think differently how you can create better brand awareness  for your company with QR codes. 

QR Codes-Eric Marasco.pdf Download this file

Click here for our online catalog 

Selling a iPhone 3G
http://bit.ly/h2o36E ebaymobile

I have saved over 8 hours using. textExpander Love the app! A must have for everyone!

McDonalds is hiring 50k people starting today, does this say something about our eating habits

Listening to a Webinar with @teneoresults--Clients tell us how you can win their business. Good Stuff

Got a Journal?

Spring into Action with Creative

Our creative services  program can provide you with creative ideas, branding, and marketing solution to help you grow sales with new ideas in 2011. 

Develop Campaigns, graphic design, brainstorm distinctive ideas, create powerful presentations and much more.

Let Proforma Distinctive Marketing and Proforma Pete brand you today.

SPECIAL-- USB Flash Drives

USB 2.0 Flash Drive with 1GB memory, 

Lifetime warranty

50pc min. order

Includes a 1-color imprint

Set-up: $78

15-Business day production plus transit

Includes a vinyl pouch with lanyard

Price: $7.75 each

Date uploads are available for .42 each. 

freight additional

From Proforma Distinctive Marketing

*Price valid through April 30, 2011 or while supplies last

*Pricing assumes that camera ready artwork will be provided, applicable art charges will apply if needed

*This are brand name memory chips, teir 1 quality

Sourcing Overseas: From China to Taiwan

What can you do today to increase your companies brand awareness or your personal brand?

QR Codes with Proforma Distinctive Marketing

In my opinion, QR codes are one of the hottest new marketing ideas this year so far. Check out some of my thoughts and ideas.

Want to understand QR codes more and how you can use them in your marketing. We can help! http://ping.fm/SRSmD

Help support Ethan's cause we are donating $1 for every eco-friendly Journal Indianapolis Zoo http://ping.fm/MWRVC Watch the video

100 Sources of Blogging Inspiration from Ink Rebels http://bit.ly/czAp5x

An iPhone 4 and Skype account are awesome together! Highly recommend. 

Over 70% of people remember who the received a logo item from and about 50% buy from that person! 

What marketing programs have been working for you this year? Are you tracking the success?

The Right Combination with Branding

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. A clearly communicated brand gives you a major edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Why? Because your brand is a promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from you, and it differentiates you from competitors. The foundation of your brand is your logo. Your website, packaging and promotional materials—all of which should integrate your logo—combine to communicate your brand promise.

Eric Marasco, Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana

Espresso To Go Show stat, shot of espresso 75mg of caffeine, cup of coffee 260mg, Surprised?

The wow factor is what you try to achieve at your tradeshows and events, but are you doing it?

As a small biz owner, marketer or sales per. there's no $$ behind your desk but on a cold day I sure wish there was

Promotional Helicopter http://ping.fm/oRIpZ

A recent post I did on Italian Vacations for @gotsaga http://ping.fm/B2xSC

Fold Me!

via AudioBoo

Tumble around with my Tumbler

via AudioBoo

How about a QR code on a tote?  http://ow.ly/i/7CEV

Are you using QR codes in your marketing programs? Send me a message if you want to know more.

BIC Round Stic has it's 30th Anniversary this year!

What is the current state of your brand?

Proforma Closes 2010 With Record Sales Month http://ping.fm/VZc6o

Get your tradeshow Smurf now! http://ping.fm/IKVTF

Fishing For Mr. Smurf

via AudioBoo

http://ow.ly/i/7pXC great promotional water bottle, Camelbak! Your logo would look good on this bottle! 

Do you know the lifetime value of your clients?

Espresso Service

via AudioBoo

We would like to know what company you think has the best logo. I like the Apple logo.

DA Bears!

Would you like a 70% recall rate from your clients?

One of the Top Post from 2010, Banner Pens http://ping.fm/DVlQx

How Can I help you today?

Start to the year & everyone talks about personal goals, have you thought about your marketing goals?