It was a hot afternoon during lockdown, and it was time for the Wow Merchandise weekly Zoom meeting. Grant wanted to check in on his team and get their input on one of his latest projects.
His client wanted to show their staff how much their hard work has been appreciated over the past few months – we all know how challenging working from home can be. Grant’s client wanted to do something fun and engaging with his staff to keep them motivated during these difficult times. They started their brainstorm on how they would often start all their projects.
“What would you be excited to receive and would make you say Wow?” Grant asked.
Michelle was a fan of something fun. Grant’s client had over 100 staff and it was rare that they all engaged together.
“How about promotional beer mats with those funny faces on?” She chuckled, remembering the fun the Wow Merchandise team had using them at their last company party. “Everyone can take a selfie with it in front of their face and upload it to the company Instagram?”
(Image of beer mat with a logo on and hyperlinked. Alt tag: fun promotional beer mats)
Everyone burst out laughing, the same memory of their company party popping into their minds. It was just perfect. These branded beer mats were simple, cost-effective and everyone in the company could easily join in.
“They could also build a company hashtag around the product,” Danny chipped in. “With over 100 people posting and tagging it, it’s sure to get noticed!”
“That’ll be amazing,” Aimee said. “Just goes to show that promotional merchandise goes hand in hand with social media!”
“Who wouldn’t want to see their boss looking a little silly, especially as an architect firm!” Grant laughed.
“I know we would,” Danny smirked.
“What about a printed sliding puzzle?” Aimee asked. “It could be personalised with the company logo and a motivational message.”
“I’m not sure what that would do for productivity?” Grant laughed.
“Well, we could create 100 puzzles using the company’s biggest project as the picture, then we can shuffle the pieces up and send them out to the staff.”
“But why would anyone be motivated by a puzzle?” Danny questioned his colleague.
“The client could send out a preview postcard (or email) with the puzzle’s image, asking them to stay in on the morning of the delivery. Then, when the puzzles turn up, the first member of staff to finish it and upload it to social media wins a prize – like an iPad or a voucher for a trip away once all this craziness is over. They could also complete the puzzles together on Zoom…”
“Oh, so like a competition? Wow, that would be great!”
“Exactly. They could make a big fuss of it on social media, make sure someone is taking some video and pictures, they could have a field day!” Aimee concluded.
Grant was impressed with how his team’s brainstorm was going, “Danny, any ideas?”
“What about sunglasses?” Danny began, forming the idea as he spoke. “Something nice, but cost-effective, sent to each of the staff. Then they host zoom call?”
“Maybe we should take out shares on Zoom,” Grant laughed, “and forget branded merchandise.”
“Stay with me – they arrange a Zoom call, everyone has to set their background to a desert island, or some tropical landscape, as far away from the grind of everyday life as possible. Then, the whole company gets to vote for the best one. We could do some branded champagne with the company logo printed on the bottle for the winner!”
“I like it – let’s laser engrave some champagne flutes too – that picture would look great on Instagram,” Aimee agreed.
(Image of a branded champagne bottle and flutes and hyperlinked. Alt tag: personalised champagne flutes)
“We’ve got some FIZZ-tastic ideas here guys. I really appreciate your help…”
“I can’t believe you said actually said FIZZ-tastic, Grant” Aimee said rolling her eyes.
“Really? That was the best pun you could come up with…?” teased Michelle.
“That’s definitely going on Facebook!” Danny laughed. One by one, they left the Zoom meeting room to enjoy the rest of the afternoon’s sunshine, thinking of more creative ways their clients could Wow their staff by combining promotional products with social media.