What Is Gratitude Marketing?
Also known as appreciation marketing. It builds relationships with clients through outreach (typically in the form of branded business gifts) that generates feelings of appreciation and thankfulness.

Those feelings in customers benefit your business with:

• Increased customer trust
• Strengthened commitment to your brand
• Generate reciprocal reactions (making a purchase or positive word-of-mouth).

Is there a difference between a reward program and saying thanks?
Yes. A reward program is based on incentives, encouraging behavior through carrots. A “thank you” isn’t expected and doesn’t require action to be received; it simply appreciates what’s already occurred.

Occasions To Show Gratitude
Make gratitude a continual process. Showing appreciation for clients should be part of an ongoing campaign. It could be seasonal, random or timed for special occasions.

1. Seasonal: of course Christmas is a great time to say thank you, but your gift will stand out more if you pick another holiday not so closely associated with gift-giving – Valentine’s Day (we “love” our clients), Thanksgiving (thanks for being our customer); Fourth of July (proud of our business partnership), or even a non-holiday – start/end of daylight savings time (time to thank our clients).
2. Random: send a thank you gift to show that you appreciate a prospect’s consideration of your proposal; after a customer places an order; after something goes wrong thank clients for their patience and the opportunity to make things right; thank customers who refer your business to colleagues with a note and an imprinted gift.
3. Special occasions: such as birthdays or recognition of an achievement or honor your customer has received. Celebrate milestones or years of patronage with your business – express your gratitude and recognize that any success your company achieves is made possible by the support of loyal customers.

You don’t have to wait for an “occasion” to thank clients for their loyalty to your business. The saying about ‘timing being everything’ is true. When it comes to showing your appreciation to clients you have more times to do it effectively than you might think.

Promotional products are proven to be one of the most effective media available to advertisers. They’re tangible, useful and highly targeted to the audience they reach, delivering the highest rate of recall and return on investment.

Mobile, highly-targeted and inexpensive, promotional products are the only advertising medium capable of engaging all five senses. Adding your message to a tangible product turns an ordinary message into a marketing experience people can see, touch, hear, smell and even taste.

Imagine your message being delivered by a t-shirt, pen or mug, creating a personal experience people love with a product they can actually use.  Promotional products leave a lasting impression.

The Survey Says
Research has proven they have staying power and are an effective advertising medium. A recent survey by the Promotional Products Association Industry showed:

1.  Promotional products have high recall and increase brand awareness.

• 88% of people recall the company and brand on their promotional products

2.  Promotional products have a positive impact on attitudes and behavior. Their use has a strong correlation with customer acquisition and retention.

• 85% of people did business with an advertiser as the result of receiving an item
• 59% have a more favorable impression of the advertiser after receiving a product

3.  Promotional products are used in consumers’ daily life, increasing reach and brand awareness.

• 8 out of 10 people own between 1 to 10 promotional products
• 53% use a promo item at least once a week
• 1 out of 4 walk around with promo products on or with them
• 81% keep products because they’re useful

Promotional products work because they leave a lasting impression in the hearts, minds and hands of recipients. The messages live on because the products are memorable, unique and personal. They are the only medium that gives people a tangible memory of their relationship with your brand.

But sometimes one size does not fit all. Especially when it comes to the gifts that appeal to specific age ranges. If you’re planning a promotion using gifts to thank, motivate or recognize, make sure you’re giving an item that appeals to your target age group.

Here are some tips and suggestions for age-specific gift ideas…

1. Target: Gen Y/Millennials
   T-shirts are still the standby gift for this group (pre-teens, teens, college-aged), and they’re not as picky as adults when it comes to style and fit. School gear and educational toys are also popular for promotions targeted to the younger set. And don’t overlook tech items – cases and accessories for the myriad of electronics they can’t live without – that are popular with the older end of this scale. The best vehicle for getting these gifts in kids’ hands is through schools. Think about sponsoring a school fitness program and providing t-shirts for all to wear. Or providing educational toys to use in the classroom.
2.  Target: Gen X
   These 30-46 year olds are more settled career-wise and financially than adults in their 20′s. They appreciate lifestyle items, high-end incentives, technology items and gifts that will improve their homes, where they entertain, raise families and often work. Tabletop gifts, kitchen accessories, glassware, entertainment items – anything that will add to their home decor.
3. Target: Boomers
   Boomers (age 47-65) share a similar desire for items that will complement their lifestyle and improve their quality of life. This group tends to travel more than other ages, because they have the money and time. If your promotion targets Boomers, focus on items that are helpful for travel, such as travel bags, cosmetic cases, power cord adapters, and passport/ID holders. They’re also fond of home-related items they can use for entertaining – wine bottle opener, decanter, wine glasses, barbecue sets.
4. Target: Seniors
   Sixty-five and over, seniors appreciate functional products and anything medical-related, especially when they’re free. Seniors love things they can carry with them, such as a little bag, wallet or case they can put their ID and medical information in. Clocks and thermometers are popular (they like to see what the temperature is outside), as is anything to do with health care – pill boxes, dispensers, pill cutters, medicine bottle openers.

When you make an investment to promote your brand, it’s important to make sure you are protecting it too, with safe products.

Everyone in the product chain (from manufacturers, to suppliers, to the companies who buy and distribute the product) is responsible for providing safe products that will not cause harm to the product recipient.

Promotional products are safe and effective for promoting your brand.

• Just be aware of the safety issue,
• Ask the right questions,
• Use the right promotional products partner.

When you work with a stable, trusted partner, like Vernon Graphics & Promotions, together we can ensure you have safe, compliant products to promote and protect your brand.

Our safety pledge to you…

Product recalls have been abundant in recent years, and no industry is immune. Unsafe products are dangerous – to consumers and to the companies who distribute them. Many businesses have suffered irreparable damage to the their brand and image as a result of unsafe products.

We don’t want that to happen to you. As a fourth-generation family-owned business we understand the importance of your brand and what it means to you.

It’s what you do. It’s who you are. And you don’t want that brand damaged any more than we do.

That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide you with products that won’t harm your brand. We feel it’s our responsibility to protect product recipients from harm, protect your company and protect your brand.

What is product compliance? Why should you care?
Product compliance is the assurance that products you give your target audience meet environmental, social and product safety regulations and standards.

• Compliance with federal and state regulations is not optional. It is the law.
• Non-compliance can mean hefty fines, harm to your brand and lost customers.
• Even worse, non-compliance can hurt people and/or the environment.

Having safe, compliant products is not something you have to worry about when you partner with us. We’ll take that burden off your shoulders. We’re an industry leader in establishing safety guidelines and have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of the products we distribute. We’re as dedicated to preserving your company’s image as we are our own!

Find out more about how we’re protecting your brand.

According to a CNBC special report, corporate gift giving is up this holiday season. More than 51% of small businesses will be giving presents to clients this year, up 8% over last year. While spending has been trimmed in many areas, this is one where companies aren’t cutting.

Why the increase? Because businesses recognize the value of gift-giving. Giving gifts to clients is a wonderful way to thank them for their support, and to encourage their continued patronage. Giving gifts to employees shows how much you appreciate all their hard work and motivates them to continue their efforts.

What are businesses giving? Trending gifts in the office this year are a collection of classics, ranging from:

• Edible gifts: baskets packed with fruit, cookies, nuts and gourmet treats; or wine and accessory gifts.
• Organizational or useful office items: USB flash drives, portfolios, computer accessories, leather business card cases, and 2013 calendars.
• Home and lifestyle gifts: digital photo frames, flashlights, blankets, kitchen accessories, travel bags, and items used for entertaining.

Make It All About Them
To make sure those gifts leave a lasting impression, personalization is key. People love to see their name on something. Personalization adds serious value to a gift. The recipient knows the gift was meant for them personally, and this gives them a greater emotional connection with the gift and a feeling of being valued. Plus, putting the recipient’s name on the front cover of a portfolio is a classy touch that encourages frequent use. If adding their name to the item isn’t an option, personalize the gift with a hand-written card.

Gifts tell people they are important to your company and you value the relationship. The holidays are a great time to strengthen that relationship with a gift that shows your appreciation.

“The trendsetters and power brokers on the 2012 Power 50 list set the industry gold standard for everyone else to follow,” said Timothy M. Andrews, President and CEO of Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). “Earning a spot on this coveted list requires a distinct combination of power, influence and winning agendas.”

The ranking is determined by a panel of editorial experts at ASI’s Counselor magazine, “the voice of the industry,” and is based on factors such as nominees’ achievements and revenue throughout the year and the health of their companies.  

“It’s humbling to be recognized with the Power 50 designation again in 2012,” saidVernon.  “I feel extremely lucky to have hundreds of outstanding team members who makeVernona very special place to work.   I truly believe our collaborative management process & business transparency empowers our people to reach above and beyond in creating/executing winning campaigns for our valued clients.  It’s definitely a full team effort.”  

About The Vernon Company
The Vernon Company, a fourth-generation family business founded in 1902, manufactures and markets targeted promotional advertising-based solutions to help businesses build their brand, establish a corporate identity and increase profits. The company has over 30,000 customers, served by 330 account executives and sales managers throughout theUnited States and Puerto Rico and 190 administrative and production employees in itsNewton,Iowa, headquarters and two sign graphics manufacturing subsidiaries based inMissouri andNew Jersey.

About ASI
Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, with a membership of 24,000 distributor and supplier firms.

Well, ok, it’s better than doing nothing. But if you’re going through the effort of selecting, addressing, stamping and mailing, don’t you want to get more out of it than a quick glance and a “that’s nice” before it hits the circular file?

When it comes to thanking customers and conveying their importance to your business, there’s another option – one that makes a lasting impression on them, and gives you a greater ROI.

A promotional calendar. Also mailable and economical. Highly valued. Longer-lasting. More effective.

Promotional calendars are ideal holiday gifts. To recipients, a calendar is a thoughtful gift, with a high perceived value. It is appreciated as a functional tool to use throughout the year.

It’s that functionality that leads to a greater personal connection with your brand. Recipients see your brand message in their home and office day after day, where it delivers an ongoing thank you.

The calendar versus the holiday greeting card
Here’s how a promotional calendar compares to a holiday greeting card.

Calendar vs. Holiday Greeting Card

• Hung on wall, placed on desk – viewed multiple times a day  vs.  Viewed for 8 seconds and tossed after January 1
• 365 days of repeat exposure  vs.  1-3 weeks total exposure
• A valued, meaningful, functional reference tool   vs.  Average person gets 20+ greeting cards a year
• Average number of impressions = 4,380   vs.  Average number of impressions = 21
• Average cost per piece for 250 = $2.36  vs.  Average cost per piece for 250 = $1.81

A promotional calendar gives you year-long exposure for your brand. That translates to a better value for your marketing dollars, and a more meaningful, effective way to make a lasting impression on your clients.

Corporate office employees raised $16,671 through a series of fundraising efforts, including raffle drawings, silent auction, walking taco lunch, used office equipment sale, “Vernon Survivor” games and employee and retiree pledge card donations.  The Vernon Company supported employees’ fundraising efforts, pledging a $7,500 match towards the campaign.

Chris Vernon, MAS, President, commented: “Year after year, Vernon employees find it in their hearts to give generously to United Way.  Even in today’s difficult economic times, it seems like people understand the increased needs throughout the county; that their neighbors and friends benefit directly from the agency programs and services that United Way supports.  Our small campaign team did an outstanding job and really got the message out about the incredible value of United Way.  
About The Vernon Company
The Vernon Company, a fourth-generation family business founded in 1902, manufactures and markets targeted promotional advertising-based solutions to help businesses build their brand, establish a corporate identity and increase profits. The company has over 30,000 customers, served by 330 account executives and sales managers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and 190 administrative and production employees in its Newton, Iowa, headquarters and two sign graphics manufacturing subsidiaries based in Missouri and New Jersey.

Employees were given awards for years of service in 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-year categories. Pam Camp, Jo Dannels, Lisa Dop and Chris Vernon received 25-year awards.  Thirty-year service award recipients were Diane Danley, Dan Stevenson and Kathy Wickett. Laurie Anthony and Stephanie Conklin were recognized for 35-years of service, while Lee Ann Butler, Joyce Heck and Carla Robeson received 40-year service awards.

Currently there are 42 employees in the Vernon corporate office that have achieved or surpassed their 25-year anniversary milestone with the company. Adding retirees, that number jumps to 121 employees whose careers have spanned 25 years or more with Vernon. 

The years-of-service clubs were started in 1971 by William F. Vernon, Sr. to honor Vernon employees for their outstanding careers and dedication to the company.

About The Vernon Company
The Vernon Company, a fourth-generation family business founded in 1902, manufactures and markets targeted promotional advertising-based solutions to help businesses build their brand, establish a corporate identity and increase profits. The company has over 30,000 customers, served by 330 account executives and sales managers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and 150 administrative and production employees in its Newton, Iowa, headquarters and two sign graphics manufacturing subsidiaries based in Missouri and New Jersey.