The saying, “the more things change the more they stay the same” may be somewhat cryptic. But it rings true. What used to be a favorite activity of teens and young women for decades – writing innermost feelings, thoughts and activities in their diaries that were sworn to secrecy – has morphed into journaling as a healing practice. Journaling is the same activity – inscribing inner dialog – but its appeal has matured, gone mainstream and is encouraged by a wide array of doctors, counselors and arts/crafts schools.
The next generation of journaling is BuJo – short for “bullet journaling” – is, according to Myron Promotions, “doesn’t exactly work like a diary. It’s more like a planner except it’s a handwritten organizational method people use to keep track of important tasks, appointments, goals and thoughts.”
The distinction of BuJo is how it is organized. BuJo uses a specific foundation of four modules – Index, Future Log, Monthly Log and Daily Log – each contains topics, page numbers, short sentences and specific bullets. This framework reflects and supports our modern mindset of limited attention due to the need to multitask, as opposed to writing long, florid entries. The goal of BuJo is to eliminate written and digital reminders and to-do lists.
Planners perennially help us progress – because if we relied solely on remembering appointments, conferences, and celebrations, we would flounder professionally and personally.
Unlike journals, planners are there for getting those facts of where to go and what to do out of our minds, ensuring we will recall where we need to be and what we need to bring or wear.
There are numerous clients and prospects to whom you can persuade to incorporate planners into their promotional campaigns and branding, from gifts, to incentives, to customer service, new patients, and HR, among others.
When helping your relevant clients choose planners, consider portability, especially for those clients whose staff are on-the-go, visiting their own clients and customers. Blank spaces for doodling will be appreciated by those who sit in meetings or in class. According to Dr. Srini Pillay of Harvard Health, the subconscious random doodles ease stress and improve focus, among other benefits. One study showed that doodling for 30 minutes helped medical students recall information, filled in gaps in their thinking, and provided a much-needed reprieve from the intense amount information being taught.
Some journals, diaries and planners are available that feature inspirational quotes. Clients with sales forces and that rely on teams for project development would be perfect for inspirational-quote planners. More people are relying on daily positive quotes and affirmations to set the stage for a good, healthy, productive day. In fact, “there are empirical studies based on the idea that we can maintain our sense of self-integrity by telling ourselves (or affirming) what we believe in positive ways,” writes psychologist Catherine Moore, MBA, for PositivePsychology.com.
If your client responds to the idea of using a paper journal/planner by stating that “everything is digital and our staff and customers” can simply use apps,” there are persuasive reasons to counteract this objection. For example, the physical action of writing a note or a to-do list stimulates specific brain cells, sharpening focus. One study found that those who wrote down their objectives were 33% more likely to achieve them, compared to those who didn’t. That’s a number that bosses (clients) can get behind!
Daily, weekly, monthly planners and diaries are highly appreciated by recipients who will use them. More and more people are taking purposeful digital/computer breaks and “going old school” and one of those activities is writing in a journal and keeping a planner.
CASE STUDIES
Warwick Publishing: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors and chose the Digital Print Mini Padfolio (#938). The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been on campus for quite some time. The university graphics team provided custom artwork with university branding on the front cover and pocket flap. The entire back cover was a campus map with labeled buildings and parking lots so that visitors could easily find their way around the university. Depending on the event, padfolios were handed out at the beginning of campus tours or at registration. The map was helpful for those who wanted to tour campus on their own, and it made it easier for tour guides to give directions. Prospective students and visitors enjoyed the notepad to take notes about various events and activities. Admissions and alumni relations got more out of their budget by purchasing a practical giveaway that would be used repeatedly.
Warwick Publishing: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift, and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized, so the distributor selected the Full-color Mini Padfolio (#938) and the Insurance Document Pouch (#932-ID). The insurance company stocked local branch offices with these items for consistent branding across the region. After completing the new customer intake process, agents present their policyholders with a copy of their policy in the document pouch, along with the mini padfolio as a gift thanking them for their business. The insurance company sent out surveys to new customers asking them to rate their experience. When asked about the products, customers noted they were pleased with the professional look and feel of the leatherette document pouch, and felt appreciated with the added gift of the mini padfolio. As a result, the insurance company saw increased customer loyalty and policy renewals.
Warwick Publishing: Department managers for one company wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process while simultaneously incorporating company branding to keep their image consistent, so the distributor chose Warwick Publishing’s 5”x7” Flip Pad Journal (#FP57). The company logo was printed on the front cover and a brief company history and message were printed on the back of the journal along with a picture of the co-owners. These custom printed journals were handed to new employees at the beginning of their orientation. The notebooks created enough buzz that the company ordered more to hand out at their annual safety and training workshop.