Sky High Marketing Blog

Welcome 2012

2012-01-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

We’re ushering in the New Year with a host of new products as we continue to offer innovative ideas which help you promote your brand. This year you can expect to see new colors for items that have become standards in promotional products excellence and exciting new products that will bring a buzz to your marketing campaigns.

Check out this bright new product – just a taste of what’s in store for 2012.

Introducing the Incredible Gel Wax Highlighter

This amazing highlighter is sure to be a smash hit!

• Will not smear ink or bleed through paper
• Will not dry out if left uncapped
• Super smooth highlighting action

The gel wax highlighting stick lasts extra long and is advanced like lip balm by twisting the tube bottom. Promote your brand with this unique new product in 2012 and be seen on desktops everywhere.

The gel wax highlighter is available in yellow, pink, green, blue and orange. Find the collection in our web store at 10% off through January and February!

President's Message

2011-12-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

With the Christmas season upon us and the New Year around the corner, I want to thank all of you who helped make 2011 another successful year for Sky High Marketing.

Over the course of 2011 we’ve grown our staff, hiring three talented new team members, we’ve gained new accounts, and we are pleased and grateful to have a strong, loyal existing client base. As a company we are truly enriched by being able to partner with each of you.

Thanks to the great year of growth we’ve seen and our strong client base, I am predicting that the coming year will be our best in business to date. That’s a lot to look forward to.

2012 will mark our 15th year. As we round that milestone I am particularly grateful to the many people who have supported us along the way. To those of you that have been with us from the start (or nearly the start) and to all of you who’ve joined us over the years – Thank you. We love doing business with you.

May your holiday season be merry, and may 2012 bring you success and prosperity.

Josh Kozinski
Sky High Marketing, President

P.S. If you haven't already, I invite you to view our holiday card at: http://skyhighmarketing.com/xmas/xmasCard2011.html

Round up!

2011-10-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived and there is no denying that the holidays and the New Year are right around the corner. We’re greeting fall and the coming winter season with a host of specials. First up, what do a spatula, coffee mug, nightlight and fleece blanket have in common? They are marketing stars and on special now – perfect for fall. Remember online orders get an instant 10% off.

If you find corporate gifting a bit of a quagmire, check out our 2009 blog on Holiday Gifting for some tips that never go out of style. You can request holiday catalogs, or visit our online store to get ideas. And don’t forget, we have a terrific special going on for holiday orders now through November 30 – orders placed before November 15 get the best deal so get shopping!

Our fall newsletter is out; give it a look to find out what we’ve been up to lately. You’ll get the scoop on the fall specials, and have the opportunity to get a little something just for commenting on our Facebook page!

And now you’re up to date.

Colleen M. Feldner

Marketing Coordinator

The Wild World of Pins!

2011-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you were given the task of ordering pins for your organization would you know enough about them to get not only what you need, but the best pin for your money?

Here are 7 things you need to know about lapel pins.

1.) Hard enamel vs. soft enamel:

Hard enamel pins (sometimes referred to as semi-cloisonné or imitation cloisonné, pronounced “kloi-zuh-ney”) are the most durable pin style. The colors are true and bright with the enamel at the same level as the metal separations between colors. Soft enamel, however, will be lower than the metal separations with a more painted in look. Often a clear epoxy is added over soft enamel colors to make the surface of the pin smooth.

2.) Epoxy:

Like a coat of clear nail polish for soft enamel pins. It protects the enamel and gives the pin a bright, smooth look. Unfortunately, over time and with exposure to sunlight, epoxy can yellow.

3.) Struck pins and Cast pins:

These terms refer to how the pin is fabricated. Struck pins use a die to create the raised and recessed marks in the metal which are filled with enamel or otherwise finished. Most pins are struck. However, when working with an intricate outer shape, or if your design calls for interior cutouts or 3D details in the metal, a cast pin might be recommended. When casting a pin, the hot metal is poured into a mold to create the final shape.

4.) Plating:

There are many options for plating lapel pins, and not all of them are available on all pins. Some may be available but only at an additional cost. Plating is usually available in gold, silver, copper, brass, nickel or an antique version of each. Options can also include black nickel or black dye, which coat the metal in black.

5.) Antique finish:

A finish that works especially well for one color pins, this process tints the recessed areas of the pin darker and allows the raised areas to be brighter or more polished.

6.) Sandblast finish:

This process is similar to the antique finish, but with a more textured appearance. The pin is sandblasted, and then the texture is polished away on the raised areas, leaving them smooth and shiny.

7.) Photo print or 4-color process vs. enamel colors

Most traditional pins are the semi-cloisonné or imitation cloisonné. There’s another option in the photo print or 4-color process where the artwork is digitally printed directly onto the surface of the pin. An epoxy dome is usually added to protect the printed image. Depending on your design and the application, you might consider this option.

I hope this tutorial has boosted your confidence in your readiness to confront the jargon of pin ordering! Remember, the customer service team at Sky High Marketing is always ready to answer your questions and guide you through the ordering process to make sure you get the stunning impression that you are looking for. Contact us right now for help on your next project.

Colleen M. Feldner

Marketing Coordinator, Sky High Marketing

Product Spotlight: Not your Father’s Highlighters

2011-07-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Your office supply store sells thousands of highlighters. But none of them have your brand on the side, or look nearly this cool.

Just look at the picture. It’s a syringe shaped highlighter! The plunger end is so realistic that I checked to see if it would plunge; and with colors this bright your message will definitely get seen.

Best uses:

• Colleges and Universities with majors in medical fields.

• Donor recognition gift for education or hospital projects.

• Nurses’ appreciation week.

• Healthcare organization company store.

Not for you?

It’s true, syringe highlighters are not the best fit for everyone. Let me or one of my colleagues find a great item for your industry. Contact us today.

Jason Busse

Sky High Marketing, Customer Service Manger

Las Vegas Office

100% Guaranteed – No Joke

2011-05-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee at Sky High Marketing is something I’ve always strongly believed in. We demand high quality product and service from our suppliers so that our customers get the best products and prompt corrections if something isn’t right. I place the same demands on myself and my customer service staff; we work hard to see that you get more than you’re looking for at every turn.

It’s easy to see our guarantee in action when something has gone wrong with an order and we have the chance to make it right. But that’s only part of what the guarantee means in the daily operation of Sky High Marketing.

Recently I received a letter from one of our Las Vegas area clients, Southwest Gas, that illustrated what our 100% guarantee means for our customers on a regular basis. Southwest Gas wrote to commend us at Sky High Marketing for helping them to meet their “on time delivery performance goal.” Southwest Gas recognizes that they need to be able to rely on dependable service from suppliers and to that end they’ve established a company-wide goad, “On time deliveries are expected to be equal to or greater than 95%.” I’m proud to say that the delivery performance for Sky High Marketing is at 100%.

That’s what our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee means to me – to all of us at Sky High Marketing. It means that every day we work to meet your goals, 100% of the time.

I deeply appreciate Southwest Gas for recognizing our level of service. I look forward to continuing our partnership, and receiving many more letters with that bold 100% in the center paragraph.

When you’re ready to partner with a company where each member of the team really understands what 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed means, contact me to set up an appointment.

Josh Kozinksi, President

College Creative: Spotlight on Design Series

2011-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

In our ‘Spotlight on Design Series’ Sky High Marketing’s design team will showcase a project completed for one of our clients.

The art department was asked to come up with some shirt designs for the Wisconsin Lutheran College bookstore. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private liberal arts college located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The college was not only looking for a design for the popular basic t-shirt but also something that would stand out from the crowd. Along with the basic t-shirt, I chose two apparel options that would give students a unique way to represent their school and created designs they would want to wear.

As a current college student myself, I thought about what I see on campus from a day-to-day basis. A majority of students wear a lot of apparel with a vintage, distressed, or retro feel. I chose to focus on these ideas while also incorporating text and imagery associated with the college in my designs.

The basic t-shirt design uses a distressed font and a faded image of the logo in the background to give the feeling of a vintage collegiate athletic shirt. To create the design, I used a font that had a worn in look to it and placed it on a dark green t-shirt. Then, I decided the college’s athletic Warriors logo would work well as a faded image offset behind the white text. Students will appreciate the distressed feeling of this design.

As for the ladies shirt design, I focused on merging the collegiate feel with a more feminine side. I chose to use the schools colors and spent time finding the perfect fonts that are a mix of retro and vintage collegiate. The shirt style captures the popular distressed feel with its “burn out” texture, complementing the design. Using black for the shirt color really sets this shirt apart.

The final shirt design is geared for the men and has a worn in feel to it. Again, I chose to use the college's colors for this design. I wanted to really give this shirt a retro feel to it and used a script like font reminiscent of the 50's. I also used a collegiate font to give it a more authentic feel. To make the design stand out on the shirt and give it more appeal, I finished the design by adding a green to black gradient.

Jessica Reimer, Graphic Design Assistant

Apparel Overload?

2011-04-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Just recently a customer mentioned to me that there are too many wearable options to choose from these days. This got me to thinking that maybe there are a lot more people in the same position.

In order to simplify things for you I have chosen 4 different shirts that will fit any promotional budget and need. These Good, Better, Best options make selection easy. Take a look!

Good: Jockey ® Men’s & Ladies’ Essential Luxury Blend Pique
• 65% polyester/35% ringspun combed cotton
• Men’s S-6XL • Ladies’ XS-3XL

Better: Jockey® Men’s & Ladies’ Essential Ringspun Pique
• 100% Ringspun combed cotton
• Men’s S-6XL • Ladies’ XS-3XL

Technical: Jockey ® Men’s & Ladies’ Ultimate Pique
• 100% Micro polyester moisture wicking pique
• Men’s S-6XL • Ladies’ S-3XL

Best: Page & Tuttle ® Men’s & Ladies’ Signature No-Curl Pima Pique
• 100% Pima cotton honeycomb pique
• Men’s S-4XL • Ladies’ XS-3XL

If you would like to talk about a project using one of these shirts, or if you have something else in mind, contact me or one of my colleagues at Sky High Marketing today!

Ken Maltby, Marketing Consultant
Sky High Marketing
262-542-8286 or toll free at 1-888-204-4403

Got Golf?

2011-04-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Masters Tournament begins next week and Sky High Marketing has been running a weekly golf themed promotion to kick off the season (see the first two here: http://store.skyhighmarketing.com/hitthelinksApparel.htm and here: http://store.skyhighmarketing.com/hitthelinksUnder5.htm). Since our president, Josh Kozinski, is the chair for this year’s BMA Milwaukee golf outing I thought I’d share his insider look at the planning process.

Q. You have been meeting with your committee for several months already – what are some of the things that you’ve accomplished?

A. A lot of the basic logistics are out of the way now, things like the date, location and menu. We have our theme picked, logo created and our promotion plan in place with materials ready to help us get the word out.

Q. What tasks do you have ahead?

A. We need to start asking for raffle items and get them in the door. The golfer goodie bags still need some coordination. We are also driving for sponsorship and golfers. The logistics of the outing are pretty wrapped up; now it’s just a matter of getting sponsors and golfers.

Q. How are the sponsorship dollars shaping up?

A. It’s early days yet and we’re really only in the first stage of our drive. We set a goal of getting eighteen hole sponsors for this year. We’ve got three in and several more that we’re talking with. We’re optimistic that this will be a good year for sponsorship.

Q. What are the greatest challenges you face as a committee in the planning of the outing?

A. Well, I hesitate to say this, because we’re seeing some very positive trends in the marketplace, but the economy is still an issue when it comes to events like this. We’ve got a great program running this year, though, to make it easier on companies that want to sponsor which will help all of us meet our goals. We’re running an ‘Early Bird’ special for hole sponsors – anyone registering their sponsorship before June 1st will pay only $175.00 (a real bargain!) after June 1st the price tag rises to $250.00.

The second biggest challenge is really the market saturation for golf outings. In our area during the summer months most organizations run a golf outing – so we have to really put our efforts into giving sponsors and golfers a good reason to choose our outing. Something that helps with that is really knowing your market and not being afraid of your niche. This is the Business Marketing Association outing – there will be great opportunities to meet and network with area business leaders in this area during the event. We also theme the outing so that our participants get the most bang for their buck. It’s really great to see how creative our sponsors get with the theme each year and the participants have a lot of fun with it. Changing the theme up helps to keep the event fresh. It’s not just a run of the mill outing.

Q. What are your favorite things about chairing the golf committee?

A. It’s opened up some doors and been a good opportunity to meet other BMA members, to learn about their businesses and get them involved with the event.

Q. What part of the outing do you most enjoy?

A. Seeing people have a good time, being a part of the networking that goes on among members and guests – it’s very rewarding.

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) outing is scheduled for June 20, at the Mequon Country Club.

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Update on USB Flash Drive Pricing

2011-03-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

We are hearing from a number of our suppliers this week that pricing on these items has stabilized across the market. A few suppliers have even indicated a drop in pricing. Count on Sky High Marketing to use our extensive supplier base to find the right USB product for you at the right price. And remember that you can always find updates on pricing and other industry issues right here on the Sky High Marketing blog.

We look forward to serving your needs and helping you promote your brand.

Josh Kozinski, President

Devastation in Japan Impacts Flash Memory Market

2011-03-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

A recent release from one of our partner suppliers stated that, “The flash memory market has been severely impacted by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Factories manufacturing key components to USB flash drives are located in Japan, many of which have suffered damage to their facilities or are currently without power.

These events have created uncertainty surrounding future supply availability, lead times and pricing. As a result, pricing for flash memory has jumped by as much as 50% within the past 24 hours.”

The fluctuation in pricing could last for several weeks, or more, as the full extent of the disruption is realized. Smaller orders will be less affected than larger custom orders which are produced entirely overseas.

As always, visit the Sky High Marketing blog to stay informed as events that affect our industry arise.

Josh Kozinski, President

Breaking into the Digital Conversation

2011-03-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Last evening I had the opportunity to attend the Business Marketing Association (BMA)– Milwaukee Success Seminar and dinner event. Sky High Marketing was the event sponsor and it was really fun to be out talking about what we do and how we do it with fellow Milwaukee marketers.

In addition to getting the chance to network at the dinner, my colleagues and I were able to take in the Success Seminar. Barb Gilles from Google’s Chicago office did a terrific job talking about B2B marketing and the ‘Zero Moment of Truth.’ There were some great takeaways in her presentation.

However, the most interesting thing that I noticed is that Barb used promotional products to keep her audience engaged. Throughout her seminar on digital engagement, she peppered the conversation with little known facts posed as questions for her audience. The winning answerer received a prize – a mouse pad branded with YouTube, an insulated plastic tumbler sporting the Google brand, and classy 5x7 notepad.

The world may be going digital and online is certainly the first place we look when searching for answers to life’s many questions – including how we market our business. But in the end, we have to reach out and touch the people beyond the screens, and branded merchandise is an old fashioned tool that will never go out of style.

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

In Other News…

2011-02-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Cotton Prices Continue to Climb

Our suppliers are keeping us updated on the rising cost of cotton in the futures market. In an update we received today, we learned that late last week cotton prices rose again to more than $2.00 a pound. When trading resumes tomorrow, after the President’s Day holiday, traders are bracing for large price fluctuations.

One expert explains: “The global shortage has been aggravated by devastating flooding last year in Pakistan, one of the world’s leading producers; a lower-than-expected harvest in China, where farmers are also hoarding supplies in expectation of even higher prices; and export restrictions in India, another important producer. In the US, the largest cotton exporter, most of last year’s plentiful crop has been sold.”

So, how do you keep your shirt as retailers warn about raising prices in response to the market? Stay tuned for updates here on the Sky High Marketing blog to keep ahead of the curve. Be prepared and place apparel orders early to avoid getting caught in the next price hike.

Preview Las Vegas 2011

We had a blast at Preview Las Vegas two weeks ago. Our ‘Guess the Flavor’ lip balm contest was a hit and we had a great time visiting with everyone who took time to stop by our booth. We also got to take our new trade show display out for the first time – it really made an impact. Contact us for creative items for your next trade show. And don’t forget to stop by our Facebook Page to see the photos we posted. While you’re there, click the “Like” button!

Efficiency Tools

If you’ve ever wondered if an online company store is just what your organization needs to more efficiently manage your corporate collateral, then now is the time to read company president Josh Kozinski’s blog on onlinecompanystore.net. The latest installment of his series “Why an online company store is right for you” was posted last week. If you haven’t already, it’s time to read all about it!

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Color me Classic: Spotlight on Design Series

2011-01-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

Announcing a new blog series: In our ‘Spotlight on Design Series’ Sky High Marketing’s design team will showcase a project completed for one of our clients.

I was recently tasked with creating a new hoodie design for Titletown Brewing Company. Titletown is a restaurant and brewery located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Located in a building that was an 1800’s railroad depot, Titletown Brewing Company has been a staple of the city for almost 15 years. An illustration of the depot is a prominent feature of their logo, which provided a focal point for my design.

In order to keep production costs down, I challenged myself to come up with a two spot color design that looked like it used more. When I think of Titletown, the word classic comes to mind. The name, the location, really everything about Titletown. The stage was set, I needed a classic, two color design that utilized the depot logo.

Breaking down the design, starting with color: A dark brownish red color for the depot and text, coupled with a dark navy hoodie has patriotism in mind. The typeface is reminiscent of posters from the early 1900’s. The white fill surrounding the illustration is used for contrast. I applied a varying amount of opacity to allow some of the hoodie’s color to show through, creating more depth throughout the design. The design was then distressed to further ingrain the classic feel. Finally, I chose a tagline that was straightforward and simple, yet effective. The end result captured the essence of Titletown.

Brian Matzat, Lead Graphic Artist

Cotton Prices Beginning to Affect Major Manufacturers

2011-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Gildan announced on Friday, January 7th, that effective immediately, they would enact a price increase. Gildan sites that the increase is largely due to the rapidly increasing cost of raw materials, especially cotton. This is a trend that Sky High Marketing has been following recently (see our October 29 blog) and our suppliers indicate that they expect other mills to follow Gildan’s lead. The average Gildan price increase is approximately 7-10%. Please check our blog out for the most up to date information concerning this issue.

Josh Kozinksi, President

Reflections on 2010

2010-12-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

As the year 2010 comes to an end, so too does our 13th year in business at Sky High Marketing. As I reflect on the year 2010 I truly realize how blessed we are as a company. We have so much to be thankful for! Here are three of the most significant things.

We’ve seen our business grow as a result of the economy finally beginning to rebound. As a result we’re able to look at 2011 with a great deal of optimism.

We have a strong team of people behind our brand, people who enjoy working together and who constantly strive to outdo themselves in each of their endeavors.

The number one thing we’re grateful for this year – our client partners. We enjoy collaborating with you to make successes of your greatest marketing challenges and we’re excited to continue our work in 2011. Thank you for your business!

Have a safe and happy holiday season. And, from all of us here at Sky High Marketing – Happy New Year!

Josh Kozinski, President

P.S. If you did not receive our holiday e-card, we invite you to view it here.

The Power of What We Do

2010-11-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

As a busy Mom and the CFO of our company I’m always thinking about how to get the most for my money. If you have a limited budget for company marketing that’s exactly what you’re doing, too.

So, when I read last week that promotional products offer just about the best CPI (cost-per-impression) out there, beating prime-time TV, radio and print ads, I was really impressed. According to the 2010 Global Ad Specialty Impressions Study recently released, promotional products have a better return on investment than most other media!

Admittedly, it was the survey that made me sit up and take notice (more details on that in a minute), but when I thought about it I realized that - wow! It’s really true! Here’s the pen that I got from the bank that I keep in my purse, the travel mug from my insurance company (I love reusable things!) the water bottles my kids have from their school (that we take EVERYWHERE) the recyclable bag that I got from the Farmer’s Market that I take the grocery store with me every week, the lip balm from the doctor’s office! It’s all here and I use it all the time. And while I’m using it I’m seeing the name of the company or organization that I got it from, but better yet – SO IS EVERYONE AROUND ME.

Now here are the facts.

The survey was released by ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) an organization made up of promotional products suppliers and distributors, of which Sky High Marketing is a proud member. Membership in ASI has a number of benefits for a distributor like us; one of the biggest is the educational opportunities. Our membership in this top organization highlights our credibility and commitment to our industry.

A couple of the survey conclusions that I found most interesting were:

Cost per Impression: In the U.S., the cost per impression of a promotional product stayed virtually the same from 2008 to 2010, at .005 cents.

Product Usage: Bags have the highest number of impressions in a month, over 1,000. In fact, over one-third (36%) of those with incomes under $50,000 own bags.
Gender Preferences: Males are more likely than females to own shirts and caps, while females are more likely to have bags, writing instruments, calendars and health and safety products than males.

Popular Products: The most commonly owned promotional products among U.S. respondents are writing instruments (46%), followed by shirts (38%) and calendars (24%).

“Research provided by the Advertising Specialty Institute, ©2010, All Rights Reserved.”

Contact us if you would like to see the full survey – or if you’re ready to place your order!

Rachel Kozinski, CFO Sky High Marketing

onlinecompanystore.net

2010-11-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

EXTRA, EXTRA!

We’ve announced the launch of a new marketing tool for Sky High Marketing! Our new website, www.onlinecompanystore.net showcases the features and functionality of an online company store powered by Sky High Marketing.

Visit our news room to read the full press release, or go right to the new website and explore. Don’t forget to read Josh’s welcome blog while you’re there.

Hot item – wrap up and relax!

2010-11-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

I’ll admit, this is not actually a ‘new’ item – you’ve seen these before on those rare nights when you happen to be up much too late… what IS new is the ability to put your logo on it!

Maybe you’re hesitant about an ‘as seen on TV’ product, but let me tell you – this blanket is fantastic. When I opened up my sample in my office last week, it looked so tempting I could hardly resist putting it right on! No one can ever have enough blankets lying around their house, but this is the one that will be the most used – excellent visibility for your brand. This ‘snuggie,’ or TV blanket, is so versatile anyone can use it! The sleeves are roomy and it’s extra long so it will always cover your feet. The sleeves are truly the best feature. On a chilly night they are perfect for relaxing hugging a warm cup of mocha, coffee or hot chocolate. Or, if you’re like me and you like to keep busy even while the TV is on, those sleeves keep you cozy while you clip coupons, keep in touch with your social networks, or other ‘lazy’ work.

This winter, let your employees or your clients know that you appreciate them – with a luxurious TV blanket! Contact us to get your order started.

Tanya Busse, Sky High Marketing

Cotton Prices Hit 140-Year High

2010-10-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Cotton trading has surged over 65% this year. A string of bad harvests and demand from China have sparked worries of a global shortfall, leaving prices at the highest level since the Civil War. (Yes, I said the CIVIL War, as in 1863.)

Prices for Gildan, Hanes, Port & Company and Jerzees products will increase beginning Monday, November 1. But the real news is that an end to the rising cost of cotton does not seem to be in sight. Our suppliers monitor yarn costs and supply daily and expect price increases to continue in the coming months.

If you are planning to purchase cotton apparel in the near future and into the New Year, I would suggest you consider moving up your buying timeline. With prices on the rise, this is your chance to lock in the price of your cotton shirts before the next increase hits.

Ken Maltby, Sky High Marketing

President's Update

2010-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing to believe that we are three-fourths of the way through another year. I hope that your business is starting to see the improvements that we are seeing at Sky High Marketing. We greatly appreciate the loyalty and continued business from all of our clients during this challenging economic time.

Our industry, like many, is a global one these days. As the demand for promotional products and apparel has begun to increase we have been hit with inventory challenges worse than at any other time during our 13 years of business. Many of our suppliers ran leaner inventory levels once the economy began to worsen. As things have picked back up it has taken our suppliers time to get their inventories back in line. This has caused issues on many orders. Our customer service team is checking inventory before we even present product options to our clients. In some cases though, we may present an option that is available today, but may be out of stock by the time you place an order. I ask for your patience with us as we work through this and we will do everything in our power to make sure that we are presenting options that are readily available. I do anticipate that 2011 will be much better in this regard.

Throughout 2010 we have continued to invest heavily in our website. We have built out a library of case studies that allow you to see how some of our clients are using promotional items and apparel. We hope that sharing some creative suggestions and real-world examples with you will help you with your marketing efforts. We also revamped our online store to allow for a better shopping experience. We see a continuing trend with many of our clients preferring to shop and purchase products from us at their convenience, any time of the day or night. We are excited about our recent store upgrades and hope you’ll check it out.

If there is anything that I can do for you, please let me know. Thank you for allowing us to continue to take your brand to new heights!

Josh Kozinski, President

Back to School - Stores!

2010-08-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sayonara Summer

Though we might be a bit sad about saying good-bye to sun-drenched days at the beach, a fair, the zoo… the onset of the back to school season has an energized feeling. You can see it in the faces of the kids as they shop for the perfect folders and pencil boxes; there’s something exciting and contagious about anticipating and preparing for the school year. Summer has left us renewed and eager to get down to business.

Speaking of Business

A great way to kick off the school year is opening your own school store! Whether your school store is already an institution or a new start-up, Sky High Marketing can help make it great.

The Fundraiser

Generally run by school staff or PTO members, the fundraiser school store is a Spirit Shop (a version of the college bookstore) where pennants, apparel, water bottles, coffee mugs and other similar items are sold to students, staff, parents and friends. The Spirit Shop is generally open during school events and parent-teacher conferences to make the most of the target audience.

The Educator

Supervised by a volunteer (faculty or PTO member) this store is run by students. This provides a rich hands-on educational environment for students who learn lessons in math, marketing and customer service. The school store for curriculum enhancement is typically run during student lunch hours, free periods, recess, and sometimes before and after school.
You can visit: http://www.ptoideas.com/category/46/School_Store for more ideas!

Stocking the Store

Whether your store is geared for fundraising or curriculum enhancement, Sky High Marketing can provide you with shelves full of product to get your store started. Put your school logo or mascot on pencils, pens, erasers, Sharpie markers, or pom poms, pennants, plush toys and more. See our August/September Specials and our Featured Products for ideas with a sweet price tag. Let us help you go back to school!

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Rallying

2010-06-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Milwaukee Bucks came roaring into the first round of the NBA playoffs this spring, and Sky High Marketing got a chance to be a part of the action.

On April 24th, the Bucks played the Atlanta Hawks in Milwaukee's home-opener for the first round. The sold out game was a triumph for the Bucks, an unexpected trouncing for the Hawks. The final score: 107-89 to bring the series 2-1, after losing the first two in Atlanta.

Just five days prior to game day, the Bucks called on Sky High Marketing to provide 20,000 rally towels for the hometown fans who would pack the Bradley Center. Sky High delivered the towels on the eve of game day, giving Bucks personnel just under 24 hours to drape a towel over every seat in the house.

I was given early access to the arena minutes before the doors opened to ticket holders. My job: get a glimpse of the Bradley Center before the roof was blown off. Check out our video and see how 18,600 seats, 18,600 rally towels, and 18,600 energized fans transformed the stadium.

It was a great game, the Bucks played like champions. The atmosphere was intense, the noise deafening. The Bucks started out hot and never let their foot off the gas, leaving the Hawks reeling – with help from wild fans and little red towels.

Stay tuned – next year could be even better!

Let Sky High Marketing take your brand to new heights: no job is too big, no item too small.

Brian Matzat, Graphic Artist

Earth Day

2010-04-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day. Our celebration this year is entirely virtual – Our e-commerce store www.ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com finally has a Facebook page! Search for Green by Sky High the next time you log in to check out some of the wonderful new products we’ve added to your one stop shop for green, recycled, sustainable, compostable, eco-friendly promotional items (and apparel) on which you can put your logo. And, of course, our Facebook fans will always be the first to know about promotions on Green by Sky High – so, don’t delay.

Join us in making a difference – there are products out there that are kind to the Earth – let us help you use them!

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Forward March

2010-04-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

It’s been a busy March here at Sky High and the launch of April shows no signs of slowing! As always, we have exciting things to share, including some fantastic specials for April. We just posted our redesigned e-newsletter showcasing the talents of Graphic Artist Brian Matzat – I hope you’ll check it out!

Keep an eye out for the launch of our Facebook Page for www.ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com on Earth Day (April 22, 2010) and for specials in May to support your campaigns for National Bike to Work Month and National Employee Health and Fitness Day on April 19th.

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

The 2010 Catalogs are here!

2010-03-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

We’re off to a great start in 2010 and more prepared than ever to help you take your brand to new heights.

We invite you to fill out our catalog request form and we’ll send you our top five most popular catalogs.

What You’ll See Inside

There are a lot of great products available in the industry today, like the incredible Greg Norman Play Dry polo shirts that we’re featuring at a great price this month. Read on for a few of the other exciting things you can find in 2010 at Sky High Marketing.

Brand Names Galore

Greg Norman is not the only top brand that we carry. This year give your brand a boost by pairing up with a top-notch, nationally recognized brand name. Contact us to see products from Nike, Adidas, PING, Columbia, IZOD, Calvin Klein, Reebok, Fūl, Sharpie, Uni-ball, Bic, Waterman – and many more.

A Colorful World

In 2010 full-color, digital printing is available on everything from tins (large and small) to “picture mints,” notepads and calendars. The new digital printing process is more effective and less costly than older methods of full-color printing – so you get great products at great prices. If you can dream it up, we can produce it, colorfully and artfully! Use our expert graphics team to bring your ideas to life.

A Runway of Style

Clothing lines are really popping this year with details like loads of modern styling, tie-dyed shirts, and sportswear with street style so your brand can go anywhere and do anything.

Eco-conscious

Going green is no longer a new idea – it’s become a way of life for most of us. There are so many ways to be green and keeping your marketing campaigns in step gives your brand a leg up. You can find many green products on www.ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com, where you can place orders easily in our one-stop online shop. If you’re looking for more green ideas, or have something specific in mind, contact us directly and we’ll help you find it.

Taking your brand to new heights

To find the right products for your 2010 marketing campaign, use our online search engine, check out our featured products, request catalogs, or contact us – we’re ready to help you make 2010 a great year.

Jason Busse, Customer Service Manager

Love Your Heart

2010-02-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

February is National Heart Month, and at Sky High Marketing we’re boosting the cause with reduced prices for snazzy pedometers in our product of the month promotion. Why pedometers? Because walking is a great way to love your heart (and all your other parts!) and a pedometer can increase your awareness of each step you take.

What Walking Can Do For You

Walking is possibly the perfect exercise. It’s low impact and completely natural – anyone can do it! We already walk all the time, even if it’s just to the copier or a colleague’s office. The Mayo Clinic lists benefits of walking as:

Lowering LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
Raising HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
Lowering blood pressure
Reducing the risk of or managing type 2 diabetes
Managing weight
Improving mood
Staying strong and fit

You can visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com to read their entire article on walking.

Businesses Step Out

For National Heart Month, why not encourage your employees to love their hearts? Pass out pedometers to everyone, set up walking teams or make it an individual challenge – watch as colleagues count their steps and share their triumphs. You can build on the camaraderie and teamwork you’re fostering with this great, preventative-medicine effort. Set up goals and award prizes at the end of the month. With pedometers in hand, you can continue the challenge every year, or even every few months!

Increasing Your Steps

Starting a walking regimen doesn’t have to take a lot of time – you already walk every day – the challenge is to find ways to increase the number of steps you take. If you drive to work, park just a little further away from the building door than you usually do and add up the steps. When faced with the choice of the elevator or the stairs, take the stairs. If the number of flights is daunting, take the elevator up to the floor below your goal and walk the last flight of steps. Try vacuuming the house in one go instead of one room at a time or walk around the block when you go out to get the mail. At the mall, park on the outskirts of an anchor store lot and walk through the mall end to end as you shop.

Weight Watchers (a long time promoter of increased steps and walking programs as part of a healthy lifestyle) has launched “The Ultimate Walking Challenge” for their magazine readers and program participants this year. Check out: http://www.weightwatchers.com for more information.

The Last Word

I hope that I’ve inspired you to get out, get walking and love your heart – it’s the least we can do for those that love our hearts too.

Rachel Kozinski – Sky High Marketing CFO (and RN)

New Year’s Resolutions

2009-12-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

The New Year brings with it the need for change, a fresh start, a clean slate, a better planned future, a better executed future. We resolve to do better and write up a lengthy list of, well, “resolutions.”

Myself, I haven’t done much in the way of New Year’s resolutions in the last several years. But this year, I thought I would embrace just one resolution – be more green. This is a challenge I can commit to, and one that is easy to do these days.

Being green is easier than ever because not only are individuals working to reduce, reuse and recycle, there are a number of companies who are pledging to do the same. Here at Sky High Marketing we are also doing our part. We recently announced the launch of ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com, a website dedicated to the green effort. (See the press release.)

A while back we noticed that most of our suppliers were carrying eco-conscious items in their catalogs – clothing made from organic materials or renewable resources like bamboo, cups and mugs, even pens manufactured from corn plastic, sweatshirts and bags made from recycled materials like plastic soda bottles or repurposed fabric. (I’m a particular fan of the bamboo hats and I find the corn plastic fascinating.) We decided to take the initiative to the next level, to make it easy for anyone with a web browser to find and purchase eco-friendly promotional items.

We’ve put all these great products together on one website where you can search for your item, place the order and add your artwork files all online. The format is clean and extremely simple to use. I think that companies looking to commit to reducing their carbon footprint will find shopping at ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com a unique pleasure. Best of all, because the site is powered by the people right here at Sky High Marketing – myself included – we’re all here to guide your project through every stage with our 100% guarantee.

In honor of my New Year’s resolution, we are offering free shipping on all orders through ecofriendlypromotionalitems.com for the entire month of January! I hope that you’ll visit and give the site a try.

If you’re interested in more information on corn plastics, you can visit:

On another forward-looking note, Valentine’s Day is coming up in a little over a month – why not use this as a unique opportunity to maximize your marketing dollars by a surprise gift to your clients? Our product of the month for January should get you rolling – a great price on red organza bags filled with foil-wrapped Belgium chocolate hearts. When budgets are small, a great tip to get the most bang for your buck is to hit your clients when your competitors aren’t also in the mix. If you skipped holiday gift giving this year, try a Valentine’s thank you to jump start your 2010 sales!

Happy New Year!

Tory Kozinski, Sky High Marketing, Customer Service Manager

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Danke

2009-12-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

As the year winds down and we begin to look to the future of 2010, I would like to pause for a moment to say, “Thanks.”

Though belts tightened over the last year, and the recession showed signs of deepening, we’ve had many things at Sky High Marketing to be grateful for. We’ve enjoyed a close partnership with many of you, our clients, who’ve been challenged to do more with less. We appreciate collaborating with you to make the best marketing campaign no matter your budget. Thank you for teaming up with us.

At the close of 2009, we are beginning to see encouraging marks of an economic recovery on the horizon. Our entire creative team looks forward to working with you next year to meet your challenges, whatever they may be.

My heartfelt thanks also to my staff, who have used the challenges of the year to stretch their creativity. Bravo – keep it up!

I look forward to a joyful holiday season with family and friends and wish you the same.

Josh Kozinski, Sky High Marketing President

Sky High Marketing visits KNUU 970 AM Las Vegas!

2009-12-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

While in unseasonably chilly Las Vegas last week, company president Josh Kozinski stopped in at KNUU 970 AM to be a featured guest on “The Entrepreneur Life Show” with Entrepreneur Counselor JD Stacey and The Businessmen’s attorney David Grant.

Josh reports that he had a great time and enjoyed sharing the story behind Sky High Marketing over the air. Listen in!

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Updates

2009-12-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

Exciting things are happening at Sky High! Recently we announced the launch of our completely green eco-promotions site – see the press release. I love being a part of a company that is really making a difference in efforts to be green!

While you’re visiting our website, be sure to check out our latest company newsletter for a few other noteworthy things we’re excited about.

Thanks for keeping up with us!

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Coordinator

Holiday Gifting Primer

2009-11-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Sky High Quick Links

Holiday Gifting Primer

Lurking just behind the Halloween clearance aisle in your local department store is the winter holiday display. The airwaves are saturated with commercials for small electronics and toys. It is November - the gift-giving season has arrived.

In an economy that is still coming back from the brink, this season is liable to foster more nightmares than the spookiest haunted house. The bogey man can easily be banished, however, by reviewing some simple tips.

Company to Company gifting

The holidays are the perfect time to say ‘thank you’ to your top clients. Being a standout, especially in this economy, is important. Even on a budget, these strategies can help you make a difference!

Be original.
Especially if you have a stable of regular clients, don’t send the same gift every year. This year, set your company apart from the crowd with something new!

Make it personal, send a card.
Don’t make the mistake of getting lost among all the other gifts your clients are receiving this season. Instead of just the usual “Happy Holidays” imprint, add a note of appreciation and sign the card yourself. Cards are cost effective, have a fast turn around time, and with a personal note, can accomplish your gift giving agenda without breaking your bank. One company I work with sends a Thanksgiving card each year; the unusual timing gives them an extra boost in messaging.

Give a gift to the entire office.
Gifting to a client’s office can increase goodwill, especially when the office is small. Be cautious when gifting to larger corporations, however. Be sure that the recipients know and work with each other and that your gift is delivered to a neutral location.

Presentation is half the grade, don’t skimp on wrapping!
A nice bag or box, a bit of tissue and a ribbon are touches that show you care. Or, choose a gift that comes packaged in a basket, gift box or velour bag.

Select a gift that reflects your business and your company image.
Be conscious of the look and feel of the gift: is it well-made, the color appropriate, and the logo visible but understated and tasteful? Select a supplier that knows, or is willing to get to know, your company. An established relationship with your supplier means that they understand your company and can suggest gifts that are appropriate for your needs, taking the guess-work out of the equation. They may even be able to help expedite processing or delivery.

Company to Employee gifting

Rewarding your staff for a year of hard work is important, fostering employee loyalty and increased productivity. In an economy only beginning to beat back the dark, a little ‘thank you’ can go a long way. However, it’s easy to misstep – here are some strategies to keep in mind as you put together your year-end employee gifting program.

Avoid cash, gift certificates or gift cards.
The IRS considers a cash gift of any kind, including gift cards or certificates which it sees as a cash-equivalent, compensation. All employee compensation is taxable.

Make it personal.
Regardless of the gift to which it is attached, a note of appreciation and thanks makes a lasting impression.

Make it practical.
Give something your employees can use on the job: a padfolio or briefcase for a polished look at meetings or sales calls, a pen set, business card holder, or a desk or wall clock to jazz up their personal office space. One of my clients recently gave employees company jackets. Another company I work with took the practical theme to the next level, giving their staff collapsible chairs perfect for use during parade or tailgate season.

Ken Maltby
Sky High Marketing, Marketing Consultant

Sack it to me

2009-10-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

How we ‘do lunch’ has been a hot topic recently. In 2008, as the recession went from bad to worse, articles and blogs began to pop up touting the ‘brown bag lunch’ as an effective way to reduce costs. As 2009 deepens and the kids flock back to schools, we’re all wondering just how long it will take to get around the bend and into an economic recovery. The mid-day meal is back in the spotlight as we look for money-saving measures to help slim down our budgets and ride it out just a little bit longer.

Savings that add up

Taking your lunch to work could save you as much as $100 a month, depending on where you live and what you typically purchase. In areas where prepared food is more expensive, like New York City, you could save as much as $2,475 a year. That’s a lot of change! It’s becoming fashionable to be frugal – the results of a Harris Interactive, Inc. poll released in June 2009 find that “just under half (47%) of Americans are brown-bagging lunch instead of purchasing it.”

Waist not, want not

Eating healthy in a restaurant setting is getting easier these days, but it still can’t compare to building your own lunch. Portion control, carb control, fat and calorie control – all in your hands. Keeping your girlish figure, well, girlish, certainly makes dollars and sense.

Saving your green is ‘green.’

A lot of green choices can cost a lot of money (rotating composters and rain barrels, for example) but taking your lunch to work isn’t one of them. Get yourself a reusable lunch sack and start packing up leftovers! Or, visit your local farmers’ market for fresh veggies and greens to brighten your day. Carrying your lunch IN can support green farming in your area and reduce your own waste.

Check out October’s product of the month and start taking back the lunch hour!

If you need a little extra convincing, or help jazzing up your lunch packing, visit one of these sites for some inspiration.

Colleen M. Feldner, Marketing Team Member

Doing More with Less

2009-04-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

In the current economic climate all of us are being asked to do more with less. This can be difficult especially when it comes to meeting our marketing objectives. It takes a healthy budget to be able to do a sound job of branding with our different marketing initiatives.

We are definitely seeing this as it pertains to our clients promotional investing as well. Clients are looking to do the same job of branding with a more limited budget. We have responded to this by including closeouts and special offers from our suppliers in our newsletters. Feedback to these areas of our newsletters has been great and we will continue this section moving forward. If you would like a current list of our specials you can email our customer service department at customerservice@skyhighmarketing.com.

In closing, I would like to share a thought. Recently, we had a client come to us with half of their normal promotional budget for a tradeshow. The client assumed that they would still buy the same quantity of products, but this year look for items that were half the price of what they spent in previous years. After meeting with them we came up with a plan to spend the same amount of money on the item, but only do half of the quantity that was purchased in year’s past. This year they would be more selective of the individuals who would receive the giveaway. After the tradeshow, the client informed us that the tradeshow generated just as many good leads as in previous years. A little extra thought on the front-end made all of the difference!

Sky High Marketing CFO
Rachel Kozinski

Top 5 Reasons Why Companies Create A Company Store

2009-02-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this article within our industry and thought that the content might help those of you who are considering a company store:

The following are the top five reasons why companies create an online company store to help manage their promotional products and corporate apparel:
1. To control their branding: brand abuse is out of control, they have no system of protection for their brand
2. To simplify their corporate apparel program: apparel selection and ordering is messy and requires too much administration
3. To centralize their location: they have no organized system to easily see and purchase the branded products
4. To control their purchasing: product purchasing is fragmented, no purchasing leverage and little organizational control
5. To minimize administration: too much energy duplicated across multiple locations to create similar branded products and delivery channels

You can reduce this list down to three simple words: speed, power and control. Speed is important in getting branded materials into the hands of the people that need them the most, quickly. Power is critical because a large organization needs a scalable, robust eCommerce solution that can handle virtually any branded product. Control is imperative. Maintaining brand consistency and providing easier ways to track departmental purchases are critical components to a healthy store.

The bottom line is, within most large organizations, the internal staff is spending too much time procuring and organizing material for their brand; the creative capital of these employees is best spent on mission-critical objectives, (i.e., selling, communications, market development, etc.). A company store provides the perfect vehicle to save time and simplify what is normally a complicated process. Understanding these issues will help you sell and help your clients manage profitable online company stores.

If you have any questions about our company store capabilities, email me anytime at josh@skyhighmarketing.com.

Josh Kozinski

2009-01-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Re-Launch of Sky High Marketing Website:
We are excited to announce that our website re-launch is now completed. We have added several new components to our site. Some of these include a press release library and a new product searching program. The product search tab will make doing research and placing orders easier than ever. You can now shop and place orders on our site 24/7. We also will be posting case histories to the site in the coming months.

We are also entering the Web 2.0 world. Individuals will be able to read blog postings, subscribe to our RSS feed, and follow us on Twitter right from our home page. We look forward to keeping you up to speed with marketing information that will be helpful for your business.

Sky High Marketing President
Josh Kozinski

Welcome to Sky High Marketing's Blog

2008-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Please check back often for the latest news and information regarding Sky High Marketing.