It would be rare to find someone who thinks that 2020 was a good year. Most of us will be more than happy to give it a vigorous kick to the curb, without even bidding it “goodbye.”
And as we tend to do with anything that resembles a “new beginning,” the concept of organizing to boost that newness, to solidify the refresh, becomes a priority we anticipate with a touch of excitement.
The concept of organizing is one that brings with it a flush of motivation. And the motivation feeds the act of organization.
Unlike a specific type of event or product category, “organization” may not seem to be a front-of-mind kind of sell to your clients, but it can be a powerful concept for promotions. And the beauty is, that promotional organizing products are far from limited.
“Organizing feels really good to most people, whether it is something as small as a desktop or junk drawer all the way up to a whole home or office,” comments Carrie Lewis, marketing/communications manager for BIC Graphic. “People are likely to associate those good feelings with the brands who provide them with promotional organization products that can help them establish useful systems for their stuff.”
And what a bounty there is to suggest. Beyond organizers for daily prescriptions and supplements, or for those pesky junk drawers that bloom with sundry items and wind up getting stuck, there are not-so-obvious ones. For example, Just in Case Promo provides the Stayhold Metro Shopping Holder in both large (#SHO24-EU-G-A) and small (#SHO22-EU-G-A – perfect for constant warehouse club shoppers. These hold items securely in place in the car. Think “gift with purchase, contract, or opening a new account.” Corporate stores and onboarding, especially for those new employees who will be traveling quite a bit.
Another item that would work as well in these instances are business briefs, such as those from Cosmo Promos. For example, the Lariat (#6111) and the Riata (#6118) both have multiple compartments for specific items, such as a beverage, smartphone, writing instruments, and more. And, when colleges get back in session, these make outstanding organizers for students on campus.
While travel for business and learning on campus remain restricted for the immediate future, planning for both to resume – and how your clients can facilitate the process with organizational promotional items – is a good idea.
Says Lewis, “We may not be able to travel much today, but people are making plans now for when they can travel regularly again.”
She suggests that vacation planners, resorts, and travel agencies can connect with their customers by sending them a useful promo like the KAPSTON® Jaxon Tech Organizer (#16130) or a Travel Organizing Set (#15751) with a “see you soon” message. “This will help keep them top of mind for those already planning travel or inspire recipients to get started with future vacation plans. An organizer like this also works double-duty; useful for organizing tech accessories while working from home and having them all together when it’s time to go,” she describes.
People are exercising – either outdoors or at home. And they are also fighting drudgery by listening to their favorite music or podcasts while working or doing chores. Headline Promo’s Earphone Organizing Pouch (#WD1041) is a multi-function storage case featuring a zipper closure and a mesh pocket inside to protect earbuds or cables from scratching or damaging. It is also useful for organizing and storing small items such as earphones, data cables, phone charges, keys, and cards.
To address COVID precautions, some companies have their workforce split between working from home and in the office. While many people do have home offices, many others do not have that luxury of space and have created workspace in their kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms, or basements. Having to do so typically opens the door for organizing, well, everything. It’s cathartic, actually, and organizing is still top of mind.
To engage employees and show appreciation, businesses can send gifts that will help keep things organized whether working remotely, on site, or a combination of both. BIC Graphic’s Desk Cube Organizer (#32092) keeps work essentials together and easily accessible. Pair that with something like a Classic Monthly Planner (#8203) for a promo gift that connects with staff and helps them stay organized at work for an entire year or more.
Professional organizers such as Sharon Lowenheim (“Organizing Goddess”) and Amy Tokos, president-elect of Antioanl Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals have both related to blogger Isabel Calkins of ApartmentTherapy.com (Here’s Why Everyone Got So Into Organizing All of a Sudden, According to Pro Organizers and Mental Health Experts” October 11, 2020), that their businesses have absolutely bloomed.
Lowenheim told Calkins that this past March and April, her subscriptions doubled in the two months from the entire previous year. She observed that people, spending more time at home, “are noticing their clutter more and being inconvenienced by it.” This is the heart of why providing promotional organizing products in marketing campaigns makes good sense: the appreciation and use level will likely be very high, as will the opinion of the business the recipient will hold.
Calkins mentions the success of the TV show, “Get Organized with the Home Edit’ on Netflix, and the related product line available at The Container Store. Watching the show – and suggesting to your clients to take in an episode or two – will spark plentiful, refreshing ideas for an upcoming promotion.
Organizing home spaces, office, and the car is always a good idea, and it is even more appropriate now when we all want a clean refresh!
CASE STUDY
Carrie Lewis, marketing/communications manager for BIC Graphic: “A school district was hosting continuing education sessions for educators within their county over the summer months. Because the sessions were outside the normal school year, the planners wanted to be sure to show gratitude for teachers participating during their usual break. They partnered with the state Educator’s Association to give each attendee a Three Nook Desk Organizer (#32337) and Oh So Cool USB Hub Organizer (#32025) imprinted with a message of teacher appreciation. They selected these items because they were useful for both on-paper and digital tasks and could be used both in the classroom or at home.”