10 replies to this topic

[ScottH]

Tonight on the Indy NBC Affiliate, they're doing an expose` on the state 'wasting money on trinkets'. They've been running promos for the last few days. They'll put it on thier website as well, with a comment section. As soon as it's up, I'll put a link to it. It will be on www.wthr.com .

Now, here's the interesting part - they use to be a client of ours. Weren't real good about paying thier bills (like most TV stations). I have samples with their logo on it. If they start talking about 'junk & trinkets', I'm going to take some photos, post them on my website, and then link to it in the 'comments' section. In essence, they bought my advertising because it works. I never bought theirs because it doesn't. I'll be sure to pull out some statistics on CPE as well.

Also, I'll be sure to point out that Promotional Products are their COMPETITION. I don't think most people see the News as anything other than an information source - not realizing that their salaries are paid by advertising. And the more of the State's money they can keep from going to Promotional Products, the more goes to them.

[CBuerki]

I'm seeing these sentiments being expressed by the younger techies who are driving dollars to be spent on blogs, Twitter sites, MySpace, etc. The message these unfortunates miss is that this money is being spent to not only increase their business, but to build their local economy, all of which is needed to pay taxes and benefits these jokers tend to think are supposed to be paid by someone else.

I'm in a similar contest right now with a company who has spent thousands to create a "meaningful blog" but they can't get anyone from the outside world to make a comment, but they feel all the time and money spent will be their salvation.

But, I say, what about "marketing your blog" with advertising. We could do a thousand memo boards for about a thousand bucks, or even some mouse pads to put your information at the fingertips of those who could easily comment if they knew about you. Duh.

Chuck

[ScottH]

http://www.wthr.com/....asp?S=10363650

I've already posted in the comments section, but it's 'under moderator review'. We'll see if they let it go through.

In case they don't allow my post in the Comments section, here it is:

A few points:
First of all, promotional products, when selected and used correctly, are very effective and often have a lower CPE (Cost Per Impression) than other forms of advertising. In many situations, a promotional product is much more effective in getting a message out becasue it is more targeted than other forms of media.
I didn't see where WTHR mentions how much the State spends on advertising with them? My guess is that it's significantly more than the State spends on promotional products. Perhaps this story is more of a marketing piece for WTHR than anything else? If the State spends less money on promotional products, they have more money in thier budget for buying air time on WTHR. Remember-marketing with promotional products is a direct competitor to their business of selling ads during thier news broadcasts. Maybe I should print up some Koozies and Totebags showing the numbers of how much more effective promotional products are than TV advertising?
And finally, since WTHR was once a client of ours, perhaps I should post some photos of the 'trinkets' I have they purchased in the past to advertise their business? If they don't think promotional items are effective - why do they use them to promote their own business (which, ironically, is selling a different form of advertising)?

[ScottH]

*If you go to the story, please rate it a '1'. I was e-mailing with the distributor mentioned in the article and he suggested doing it so it doesn't show up in their 'most popular' list.

Thanks...

[jacquez]

Scott,

I guess by the comments I see in the comment section on this story (including yours and mine) most viewers were not impressed with the story. Don't see a huge public uprising to ban all state spending on promotional products.

That's for bringing this to our attention.

[FindingPromo]

Promotional Products are some of the only Marketing that people say thank you for.

Approaching a $20 Billion dollar industry, it also employs hundreds of thousands of Americans including Hoosiers who manufacture, imprint and work as Promotional Consultants. The consultants work with Companies, Schools, Governments and other organizations that use these products as an effective medium to make their impression, promote their small business in the community, help to encourage safe practices, say thank you to clients and many other ways.

BTW, many of these people employed in the industry, live and work in your fine state, pay taxes, nationally, locally and to your state, as contributors to your local economy.


I posted the above to the web page and it's "awaiting moderation" also.

[CBuerki]

"Promotional Products are some of the only Marketing that people say thank you for. "

Mark: Many thanks for that. In the several years I've been selling promotional products I've not heard that statement made, but it is excellent.

Chuck

[turpen]

Great post Scott, not only did your post appear, but you got a personal rebuttal post from the reporter on wthr, nice!

I found this interesting on many levels, particularly the yawns from the general public as not being newsworthy.I think it is ironic that the reporter makes a point to say as a result of their investigation into state spending that the state has now set up a special committee to approve all "promotional items' however the state acually will govern all advertising spending-including television ads....

From the article:

"CUTTING BACK
It appears all state departments will be subject to extra scrutiny following WTHR's investigation. Just two weeks after 13 Investigates asked to see promotional invoices for dozens of state agencies, the Indiana State Budget Office implemented new restrictions on buying promotional items. "


http://wthr.images.w...udgetletter.pdf

[ScottH]

LOL!
At least I put him on the defensive!

And thanks to everyone from the industry that posted in the comments section.

I've got a media luncheon to go to tomorrow so I'll probably run into him and have a little chat. :)

Kind of not real smart for the local media to be going after this story when in the last few months, here in Indiana, we've had KR line close its doors, CoasterStone close (but maybe reopen?), and Norwood, headquartered in Indy, go bankrupt.

[admaven5050]

I just posted to the WTHR website. My comment follows:

I think a coloring book titled "Do Not Talk to Strangers," and given by the Police Dept at a local Safety Town for pre-schoolers is a very valuable doodad/trinket/giveaway. The purpose of a promotional product campaign is to reach a specific target audience (the pre-schoolers) with a specific marketing objective (in this case keeping them safe). Government spending by the local transit authority to train and educate bus drivers is an investment in safety that prevents accidents and loss claims.
Lets not forget the value of promotional products. Surely your TV station's promotion department has used advertising specialties and branding to gain name recognition and call letter recall in your station's ADI. Don't you have your logo on shirts, hats, rain gear and aren't your call letters plastered on the side of your mobile news gathering trucks?
Promotional products and corporate branding work when trying to reach a specific target audience with a specific marketing goal or objective. And when the results are positive, like preventing the loss of life or limb in an automobile factory or preventing a child from being molested, the dollars spent are an investment for the good of all concerned.

[kpp]

Just wanted to take a minute to let you know I will stand behind you! Great Post... let's see what Channel 13 has to say.

I am located in Indiana as well! Deena

BTW - Coaster Stone/Hindostone is back up and running. Kipp Brothers bought them! Ask for Christy