If you are an avid Motivators Company Blog reader than you know that a few months ago I moved into a new apartment in cozy Auburndale,Queens (You aren't alone in never hearing of it before). Now I don't know about you but one of the first things I do when I move into a new neighborhood is check out the local eateries. Where are the good bars? Where are the good late night places? Perhaps most importantly is where is the local take out/delivery places? I collected all the good delivery menus and one stood out above and beyond. Gyro World. It caught my eye as a great late night eatery and as it would turn out it is also a great delivery place. They have GREAT gyros.

Now before I tell my story a quick side note. I have been working with promotional products for about 3 years. However, it is still extremely rare that I encounter a good quality useful promotional product handed to me as a regular everyday person.  Off the top of my head I got an LCD Fan in front of Shea Stadium once and some bottle opener keychains at WingFest in Buffalo. They were nice, but they didn't surprise or really excite me.

Which brings me back to this past Friday night, shortly before the Yankee/Angel game. I had some friends over for the game and we were trying to decide on what to order. It took a little while but we all agreed on Gyro World. We ordered a few dinner platters and about 30-40 minutes later the food arrived. What, you ask, made this encounter notable? Well, as my roommate opened the door to receive the food I saw in the corner of my eye a bright orange color enter our apartment. The food arrived in a bright orange non woven tote bag! Now I know, I'm well aware I'm a dork to get excited about this but it was a completely unexpected useful promotional product!  They didn't skimp either, you can't tell in the picture but it was a double sided imprint too. My compliments to Gyro World on figuring out a great, non-chalant way, to not only be eco-friendly in your food delivery but also to show your customers you care AND keep your name and number in front of them too.

 To you Gyro World here is a little bit more advertisement for you, and next time I'm there, I'll be carrying my business card.

 

The Lexus brand is known as a luxury automaker that specializes in luxury sedans and SUV's. With the recent launch of the Nissan's R35 Gtr hitting the market, Lexus wanted a super car of its own. My friend who lives in florida actually spotted a rare LS-F and took a picture with his iphone. "Back in May, we reported that the Lexus LF-A will make its official debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and will hit the streets in 2010. Now, according to our trusted sources (this include also Japan’s Best Car Magazine), we found out that the new supercar will carry a 4.8-liter V10 engine, codenamed ‘1LR-GEU’, capable to deliver an impressive 550 hp. Regarding the production of the car: this will be limited to 500 units, while 120 units will be delivered in Japan! Deliveries are set to start in mid-2010! More details to be revealed!"

Anytime a new production car comes out, a company spends thousands of dollars in its marketing campaign in branding there name. Here at motivators.com  we offer varieties of Auto related items for all of the car loving enthusiast out there. These custom Sports Car Stress Relievers, Custom Supercars Book, and Custom Sports Car History Book can be a great gift. 

Today Mother Nature tricked us again with a brisk morning but a sun-shining afternoon. So toss off those heavy coats and strip back down to your summer-time swim suit and flip flops; let's celebrate the last of the sun before the fluffy whites come our way.

Now that we're all properly dresses for this most wonderful day, let's run around and break a sweat. A trip to the beach? Take the day off and floor-it to Splish Splash? Hopin the pool for an after work evening of Marco Polo? You decide.

I know exactly what I'm doing to make the most of the rays today. Because when I'm hot and sticky there's only one place I'd like to be. It's as refreshing as a misting water fall and as cooling as that central air you got installed last summer. It's bigger then a promotional fan but smaller then global cooling. No, no my dear Motivators friends it’s not LL Cool Jay.
    
To cool off after a hot day I'm heading to China to bask in the glory or should I say, under the glory of the first ever, toilet seat waterfall. Now, hush-hush all you neigh-sayers, I know what you're thinking. Wouldn't the Hicksville dump be a shorter trip to find a plethora of trashed toilets? It would. But in Foshan, China, there's actual water flowing down each and every abandoned toilet. Mmmmmm, I can imagine the rush of cold water down my back right now.

You may find it an odd attraction but listen up, if we're going to practice sustainability, why not do it in the strangest way possible. You can go the normal route and use tons of environmentally friendly products to promote the green-life, but why not shake it up?
    
Let's build our own masterpiece of fallen promotional products and create something as equally absurd. I'm open to all ideas. Just shoot them this way. After we've created our environmentally friendly products masterpiece we can hop on a plane to China and bathe beneath the 16 foot high, 356 feet wide toilet, sink and urinal waterfall.

Whose to thank for this marvelous recycled toilet display? The tradeshow industry of course! The upcoming pottery and porcelain products event is using this crazy waterfall to draw in more attendees. Hopefully they'll be using promotional antibacterial products as giveaways. With National Hand Washing week only two months away (December) they may want to keep this up for a great awareness event attraction.
                                                   

It was Seeley Booth on Bones who once uttered the phrase "Spread the pain, that's my new motto!" Here in the Bungalow (the lovely home of myself, the other Sarah and Carolina) we firmly believe in spreading our pain. It started off simply: Sarah would smell a scented item that wasn't up to our standards and she'd say "Oh, god, smell that." And I would, and then I'd gag. Then there was the time I returned with mystery flavor Doritos and made them both taste some. The mystery flavor was Mountain Dew and if you think that Mountain Dew should not be made into a Dorito, here's a fun fact: you're right. Occasionally, Sarah will return with a particularly horrific overheard conversation in the bathroom and both Carolina and I will end up with a nauseating mental image and we'll just ask "Why?" And her simple response: "I needed to share my pain."

So today, I'm sharing my pain with all of you and my pain is a promotional t-shirt.

Don't get me wrong, I love promotional t-shirts. I really do. Have a whole bunch of them. In fact I have a whole box of breast cancer awareness t-shirts that are sitting on the floor behind me as I write waiting to be claimed by their owners since they didn't get worn at the walk on Sunday. We went, it was just wet and we favored jackets over t-shirts. I managed to pick up two promotional t-shirts at Dave and Busters last week when WFAN was there. They're great for lounging around the house and they're great for promoting your cause. In fact, according to ASI, shirts are the most commonly owned promotional items, second to promotional writing instruments (which, despite where I work I never seem to have available at home, but that's another blog for another day.) So yeah, shirts...they're awesome. But sometimes, they just don't cut it. Today is one of those days.

I opened up an email blast from NCIS Music (we all know I'm obsessed with NCIS yes?), earlier this morning and read that the clips of the new soundtrack were available. I didn't click through to the website (I had coffee to make and a job to get to) but I did scan the email to see if there was any mention of giveaways. Hey man, I'm all about the swag. After all, it is kinda my job. The email did make mention of the giveaways. Of course it did. In fact it said this:

"Last season, lucky fans won autographed CDs and posters, iPods and exclusive t-shirts.  In fact, the winner of our "Special Agent For A Day" contest spent yesterday on the set of NCIS, hanging out, watching as an episode was filmed and
meeting cast members!"

Cue my TV show related contest losing depression. Had I won that, that's what I would have been doing yesterday. And today Keri and I would be laying by a pool fondly reminicising about meeting the cast. Or we'd be crusing LA in a Mustang doing awesome California things. I know what you're thinking. Seriously Sarah, why get whiny over a contest? On any other given day, I wouldn't care.  It's just that I was *THIS* close to having that happen. 

The Special Agent for a Day Contest required you to change your profile pic on all your social media sites to one of you holding up the NCIS soundtrack. 14 people would be selected and of those 14, ONE would be the special agent for a day. Keri made me an awesome picture (she photoshopped on the words "Gibbs Rule #13: ROCK ON!") Not suprisingly enough (the pic was awesome), I was chosen. Everyone seemed to get pretty excited for me and Keri and we thought we were a shoe-in. Until the final announcement that the girl who's picture was RIGHT NEXT TO MINE was chosen. That day..sucked. ALOT. When my promotional t-shirt arrived in the mail, I glared at it knowing that it was my pity prize. I've come to love it, it's pretty comfy and the NCIS Music logo is kinda cool. I may have even worn it on the day of the season premiere, unless you all think that's cheesy and stupid in which case, I totally didn't do that.

So, I love my shirt. But today, knowing that yesterday I could have been on set with the cast...I could have seen Abby's lab. I could have met Bert! I could have met Ducky. I could have met...McGee. Today, I'm not so much a fan of promotional t-shirts. As a good friend put it, "Well it's a T-shirt ;) Not a trip to La and a hug from Sean....<sigh>" Sigh, is right Bree. Sigh is right.

I shared my pain with Keri this morning who really appreciated it. Her exact words "Thank you for depressing me today. I really appreciate it. Take me down with you." Well Ker, you should have BEEN THERE with me. And since you're not...just had to share my pain.

 

As the newest addition to the Motivators team (as of last Monday), I am trying my best to catch on fast so that I can dive head first into being a Promotional Consultant.  In between training and spying on my co-workers (to pick up the BEST practices), I was being showered with promotional gifts. First, while I was hanging out in the Marketing Department, Sarah Ellis gave me a custom imprinted Colorful Lip Balm.

Not only does it have an SPH 15, but the Acai Berry flavor is deliciously addicting. Then, Adam gave me an promotional Appreciation Talking Pen. My favorite part about it is that it really talks! What a great way to let clients, (new) employees, or teachers know that you notice their hard work or dedication.

 

Next, Rachel gave me a promotional Adhesive Paper Cube. I think this is the best invention ever! I have written down all the important notes without missing a beat because of the multi-functionality of this pad. Not only can I rip off a sheet in no time, but I can also stick it on my desk, to my phone, or even to my forehead – now I have no excuse if I forget something! (Uh-Oh)

However, I must admit that my favorite promotional gift yet was the promotional Hand Sanitizer Spray (10mL) that Ken handed out last Friday. With the quick jump from Summer to (what feels like) Winter, I know I need to stay germ-free. Small enough to fit in my cosmetic bag, I never feel trapped or helplessly infested by the sneezing, coughing, or even breathing of other people when I am out in public places. Being germ-free is just a spray away!

Lastly, some sneaky little Motivator left me yet ANOTHER promotional gift on my desk this morning. Upon my arrival, I found a promotional American Splendor Desk Calendar from the unidentified gift-giver. Now I can easily turn from month to month while looking at beautiful (and famous) U.S. scenes. Note to my “present-pal”: Speak now or forever hold your peace =)

 

Thanks to ALL of the Motivators team for making my first week so great! And remember – keep those promotional gifts coming!

 

Now this is really something a team of Stanford graduate students have found a way to control the minds of mice. In an experiment they put a mouse in a basin, while in the basin the mouse began to sniff around like any ordinary mouse only difference was the fact that it had a fiber-optic cable attached to its skull. Basically the grad-students reprogrammed half of its motor cortex. Once a student flipped the switch the mind of the mouse lit up with an ominous glow and began to run in circles. Once the switch was turned off the mouse went back to normal. Imagine what would happen in the future instead of controlling the part of the mind that is in charge of motor skills but memory. If a person is suffering from Alzheimer could get his or her memory back by feeding it past memories. Another way to use this technology would be get information, sit down eating dinner and have news being fed directly to you through fiber-optics. It doesn't seem to far fetch who knows maybe one day 20 years from now we will all be plugged in at the office during our Holiday Party getting Holiday Cards beamed directly to our brains. To see the whole story head over to Wired.com.

I am sure everyone has seen last weeks crazy news story about a little boy who was thought to be in a hot air balloon that took off "by mistake" with him in it. The when the balloon landed, we found out the child was missing and everyone started thinking of the worst possible scenario. Luckily, the little boy was later found in his parent's home, hiding out while everyone was out looking for him. In an interview on CNN later that same day, with his entire family, the little boy made a comment that got everyone thinking about what actually went on that day. When his dad asked him why he hid while everyone was out looking for him, the only thing 6-year-old Falcon could say was, "you guys said that, um, we did this for the show". And there you have it - apparently, the attention-starved parents, created this whole fiasco "for the show". So their names and faces would be heard and seen on TVs and newspapers and the internet. Well, I have to admit, they had a pretty good "show" going until Falcon had a slip of the tongue and mentioned that he was hiding because his parents pretty much told him to!! In honor of Richard Heene (dad) and his families extraordinary "show", I would like to present them with this award - the Hot Air Balloon Business Card Sculpture. It may not be an Emmy, but it is the closest they are going to get to winning anything for their performance in this "show".

When I moved out of my dorm room in May I knew I was leaving behind a great chapter of my life. As I packed away my college life, box after box, I felt like I was moving on, and once settling back in my home on Long Island, little of my Maine life was evident.

Every now and again close friends and family pick up on the Maine in me. "Aren't you freeeezin- Oh wait, you're from Maaaaaaaine" they say when they're bundled up and I'm in a light custom jacket. Other times I come home and just wish for some of the silence I found in Maine, but the fire trucks go rushing by and the train tracks shake my room.
            
I have great friendships that I know will last and that are certainly reminders of my great run at St. Joseph's College of Maine, but there's one thing that screams "ST. JOE'S" louder then anything and it's the promotional t-shirt I wore to bed last night.The navy blue custom tee is branded with our signature mascot the St. Joseph's Monk.

We're the only college/university in the world to be, "the Monks," so with pride we imprint our mascot on every piece of promotional apparel around. When I wear the monk, to this day, I get a bit proud. It really did boost the school spirit throughout St. Joe's when the mascot was given a sweet makeover.
                           
Recently a college in Missouri, Cornerstone University, used promotional t-shirts to promote an upcoming volley ball game. On the front the teams name was imprinted and on the back it said, "Game at 7." With such a simple imprint, passersby were able to read the information easily and attendance rose greatly at that very game. In fact, they're now planning of getting more custom t-shirts for upcoming games because now other student's want them as well.

So Go Cornerstone! Go Monks! and Go Promotional T-shirts!

Today is my first day back from being away for the last twenty days! Aruba was beautiful and warm, but we were looking forward to the Fall and home. Little did we know we would be coming home to COLD Winter weather. What happened to the Fall?! It is 45 degrees out and snowing in parts of NY. My co-workers often make fun of me and my love for Christmas, but the cold weather is making me excited for Christmas even more than normal! Over the weekend Kristen and I went to Oyster Fest and I managed to pick up and holiday door hanger (little snowman that hangs on the front door as a decoration). Luckily I work for Motivators who shares my love for the Holidays. Motivators offers a Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter, and Holiday Cards!What better combonation than cookies and cards for the holidays?!

When you need to dazzle your employees or business associates with great corporate gifts you need to choose wisely. You work with these respectable people day in and out, and therefore need to give them gifts that represents your gratitude for them. By making a rush decision or picking any old corporate gifts you can tarnish employees respect for you and damage your business partner’s allegiance.

While many promotional personal accessories are fitting giveaways, sending grooming sets and promotional dental giveaways can give off the wrong message. Though everyone could use a handy dental kit, it's not exactly a compliment. However, when you give a thoughtful promotional gift baskets, you're acknowledging your recipients’ successes and honoring their hard work. That way when they open their corporate gifts expecting to see naturally complimentary gifts, they'll be getting them.
                             
When I went to the gas station Tuesday evening and I saw the way the cashier smiled at me, I figured I may be getting a compliment as well. But just like a promotional pedometer stocking stuffer, it left me wondering, "Is this an insult?"

The laid-back man working the register had a very thick accent and a kind smile. When I reached over to put the air freshener packet on the counter, I said, "Hey, how are you?" and he nodded and smiled. I motioned to the counter and he held the air fresheners out to me, "Ow much do you waan to pay for dese?" It was a fairly odd question, considering that I wasn't in Mexico bartering over a handmade necklace.

"Uuuh, how much should it be?" I asked him. He tapped the package against the counter repeatedly and crooked his head, "How much do you waaaant to pay?" he asked playfully. After making some strange faces and even stranger noises, I finally said, very questionably, "Uuuh, a dollar?" He nodded, took the ten dollar bill from my hand and handed me back nine dollars.

I chuckled and said, "Thank you," as I gripped the bills and looked up at the man. Before I had the chance to put the money in my bag the man began to speak again. In his thick accent and with the already perplexed feeling in my mind I listened to what I thought the man was saying. "You look....like a horse."

The feelings of confusion grew in my mind and I'm fairly certain it showed on my face because the
man repeated, "You look.......like a horse."
                              
By now I was completely torn between feeling insulted, confused and amused. I looked up at the man and said after awkwardly giggling, "How do you figure?"
He then continued, "A horse. You look like a beautiful horse." At this point I realized he thought he was complimenting me. Or perhaps where he was raised, looking like a horse is goddess-like, because he continued, "A white horse! You look...like a beautiful horse."

When he finally finished telling me how much I resemble a beautiful white horse, I smiled and force out the most confusion driven, "thank you." I then went to my car, hid behind the gas pump and laughed hysterically. I pumped my gas and avoided looking back to the store window.

I looked in the mirror on the way home and thought, "Hmmm I kinda do look like a horse." A nice brown mane...soft eyes...big mouth...oh my. If he said, "You are very pretty," the whole charade would've gone much more smoothly. Instead with a compliment that only he understood the sentiment to, I was left perplexed. But at least it made me laugh.

To prevent this failed compliment situation from happening to any of our customers, we've selected only the best corporate gifts for you to browse. Then again, confusion and insults can sometimes be memorable, so maybe you should select some foot care items. I'm in the process of finding the perfect custom horse stress relievers to imprint my telephone number on and give out at clubs and bars. With a personalized horse stress relievers (resembling myself) recipients won't be able to get me out of their minds.