When it comes to promoting your brand, there is no better way than using promotional products. If done right, promotional products can speak volumes about your brand without you having to say a word.

Promotional products have been used as a cost-effective marketing tool for years by both large and small companies. In fact, they can be one of the most creative, and low-cost, methods to engage with current and new customers and encourage them to be a part of your brand. And for smaller businesses, promotional products can help keep marketing costs down while still drawing people's attention.

Here are five reasons why promotional products are crucial for your business:

It is undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted every organization and individual across the global community. Our organization, and those that we serve, were certainly not exceptions to this rule. However, as a way to share the stories of how the DH+ community was finding the good in the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the DeanHouston CARE+ Newsletter. We are extremely proud of the overwhelmingly positive response that the newsletter generated, and we hope that it played a small part in helping to fortify a sense of community and positivity in these uncertain times.

And while we will continue to spread positivity, hope and inspiration throughout all of our communication initiatives, we feel that it's time to broaden the scope of our current newsletter. Starting next issue, we will be transitioning from the DH CARE+ Newsletter to the DH Inspire Newsletter. Created to help spread a little marketing inspiration, the DH Inspire Newsletter has been designed to educate, enlighten and entertain you on a variety of marketing solutions and topics.

Thank you for your continued support.

It's no longer enough to offer a great product or service. To win the loyalty of customers, your company needs to stand out by telling its story.

When implemented effectively, business storytelling is an effective form of marketing strategy and can boost your business in a variety of ways:

It provides your business with a competitive advantage. With the amount of information customers are exposed to on a daily basis, it's easy for your brand to get lost in the shuffle. A great story can help differentiate your company from competitors and ensure customers have an emotional connection to your brand.

It maintains the attention of your audience and increases their understanding. Storytelling is an effective way to keep customers engaged while making sure they understand what you're brand is all about.

It shows you care. Sometimes a business can become just that, a business. But sharing your story can help show customers that you care about more than just the bottom line. Having customers get emotionally tied to your brand is a good thing.

It encourages employee engagement. Employees are the backbone of any business; you need them to show up, do the work and stay passionate. Sharing your story can help create the company culture you want while giving your employees a sense of purpose, meaning and something to believe in.

It can help with decision making. Consumer purchasing decisions can be more emotional than logical. We don't just rely on facts and figures, we search for stories about products, including reviews and testimonials. Sharing your story can help customers better relate to your product and create an experience rather than a simple transaction.

It humanizes your brand. Storytelling doesn’t just tell your story and why you’re so great, it also provides you the opportunity to be viewed as people working towards a larger cause and not just a profit. Remember, people want to do business with people.

To learn more about how we can help you tell your story, please contact your DeanHouston account/marketing manager.

Join DeanHouston’s Chris McCormick (Digital Marketing Manager), Emily Dilley (Marketing Manager) and Justin Kees (Web Development Director) as they sit down with Ed Kammerer (Director of Marketing and Global Product Strategy) from OPW Retail Fueling for a new webinar, Virtual Trade Shows: Adapting to Internet-Based Events Today & Beyond on July 14 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

During the one-hour conversation, you will learn about:

We'd like to invite you to join us on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. EDT for A Webinar About Webinars. As part of DeanHouston's Inspire Webinar Series, A Webinar About Webinars is a 1-hour webinar where our expert panel will be discussing the importance of using webinars to help get your sales and business development teams in front of key prospects (regardless of distance or travel restrictions). Additionally, the panel will be sharing webinar best practices, tips and tricks.

What kind of first impression does your office give to visitors, clients and employees? Is it a good representation of your brand? Does it reflect your company culture?

Whether you realize it or not, your business is itself a brand, and it's important that you separate your brand from the competition. For this reason, it's crucial that the identity and essence of your brand is present in everything you do, including throughout your office. After all, your brand personality can help your customers connect with your business while boosting employee productivity.

With COVID-19 business restrictions coming to an end, you may be in the process of redesigning your workspace to accommodate for things like social distancing. As you do, this is a great time to re-evaluate your interior branding and signage. You may find that it is lacking in one or a few ways that you hadn’t had time to notice before.

While internal branding can take many forms, some of the easiest ways to upgrade your workspace is by using office graphics, wayfinders and wall wraps. Other tips to make your office stand out include:

COVID-19 closures of parks, gyms, fitness centers and other public places have resulted in reduced opportunities for physical activity. But if you're looking for the perfect motivation to get up, get out, and exercise, Global Running Day just might be your answer!

Each year on the first Wednesday in June, people across the world participate in Global Running Day. It's a celebration that encourages people to run as much as they can, but it also emphasizes the importance of leading a more active lifestyle. Whether you run a few miles or just around the block, by yourself or with friends and family, today is the perfect day to go for a run!

Not a runner? No problem. Here are some tips to help get you started.

1. Just Do It
   Starting something new can be hard, but even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, just get out there and do it. But you don't have to go all-out and run six days a week if you've barely run before. Create a realistic schedule and start small.
   
   
2. Set A Goal
   If you're new to running or a seasoned pro, it's critical to set a goal. Setting a goal gives your workout a purpose, whether it's to finish a race or lose weight. Goals also help keep you accountable.
   
   
3. Get The Right Equipment
   You guessed it...you really only need shoes to start running. However, finding the right shoe can be difficult. If you head to your local specialty running store, they can help you find the best shoe to fit your running style.
   
   
4. Run Healthy
   Don't push your body too hard. If you feel pain, take a break. Going too hard too early can lead to injuries because your body isn't used to the activity. And don't just run, mix in some other activities throughout the week like strength training.
   
   
5. Get Inspired
   You're never going to start running if you don't have a reason. So, find one.
   

Now, get out there and run! Click here to learn more about Global Running Day.

Although Spark Ventures’ spring fundraiser was “virtual” this year, the impact of the support it generated is very real.

Spark Ventures directs human and financial resources to partners around the world to provide healthcare, education and jobs that help lift communities in Zambia, Nicaragua and Mexico out of poverty. The grassroots organization, which is headquartered in Chicago, was slated to host its annual Wine & Dine fundraiser in April. But when their event venue cancelled due to COVID-19, Spark Ventures needed to pivot. And that’s just what they did.

On April 23, approximately 200 supporters — including several from DeanHouston — attended a “virtual fundraiser.” The event leveraged Zoom video conferencing to bring guests together from the safety and comfort of their homes. It featured networking rooms, silent auctions, live auctions and videos (see below), and raised more than $150,000.