The Promotional Idea Showcase - Fall 2001 - Updated Quarterly

A Sound Investment By Cynthia L. Ironson

Anyone who lives by the adage “silence is golden” probably isn’t a marketer or promoter. Music and sound can energize an ad message and give it incredible reach and staying power. Think of all those unforgettable jingles in your mind’s sound files or even trademark sounds, like MGM’s roaring lion or Intel’s little xylophone-tone number at the end of each ad. By incorporating an aural dimension to your promotion with the right product, you can make an impression on so much more than someone’s ears …

Soothing Sounds. Researchers have studied the effect of sound on the body, discovering it can inspire awareness and receptivity to spiritual messages, as well as help you simply relax. “Musicspheres” were created with this in mind. They issue a gentle chiming sound when picked up that’s oddly soothing. In fact, Captain Queeq could have definitely used a pair. Hand-made from bronze and sterling silver and offered in three finishes, the globes can be used by almost any kind of business as an offbeat holiday or employee gift. Custom work is also available. From asi/44875.

Melodious Mail. Mailing tubes tend to show up in the office mail an average of once a month. Imagine opening one and, in addition to a poster, calendar or press release, getting a video and audio surprise. When opened, these mailing tubes activate a sound chip that plays a sound, song or 10-second message, while the sender’s business card simultaneously emerges attached to a built-in clip. Interesting for product introductions, invitations and more. From asi/45450.

Hear – And See – This. CD, CD-ROM and DVD technology has changed the dimensions of promotional product advertising. The “Rombiz,” a business-card-sized CD-ROM, can hold music, sound, slides and more in one easily mailable package. The key strategy is embedding a hotlink to take the recipient directly to a company’s Web site. From asi/88241.

Have You Heard My Keys? Keytags can also enter the dimension of sound. These examples play sounds or songs. Good for helping to draw traffic to a trade show booth or as a surprise element in a direct-mail package. Recipients will likely keep and use them, or pass them along to a friend. From asi/36550.

Catchy Number. Not your ordinary number-cruncher. Turn this calculator on and it lets forth a sound or song of your choice – any of 150 available selections your counselor can tell you about. Companies can even choose to use a personalized 10-second message. From asi/45450.

Audible Refreshment. The instant this bottle opener hits a metal cap, it sends forth a series of three sounds – opening, fizzing and pouring. Similar openers – which can be used to surprise and/or impress recipients – can be developed to promote other beverages. From asi/70445.

Totally Unbuttoned. These logoed buttons emit a range of sounds from simple melodies to more complex things such as classical music. They can also play a custom sound of a firm’s choice. Promotional uses range all over the map, from trade show and event giveaways to game pieces and more. From asi/36550.

The Gift Of Music. We know; it was someone’s slogan a few years back. But logoed and/or customized CDs can make excellent promotional traffic-builders, training tools, invitations or even holiday ornaments – especially when they center around a specific theme. Some of them even serve double duty: They’ll play sounds on a player; pop them into a computer and you also discover a screen saver! From asi/88241.

Toothbrush Tunes. Getting kids to brush properly is an age-old problem. A promotion making use of this musical toothbrush can help score a direct hit with children and parents alike. The battery-powered, kid-sized toothbrush is water-resistant and, when the button is pushed, plays four children’s songs in succession (“London Bridge,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Frere Jacques” and “Row Row Row Your Boat”). The head is replaceable and comes in five colors. From asi/70445.

Tiny And Traditional. For some reason, harmonicas still fascinate children and adults. Maybe it’s because they look easy to play (but actually aren’t). The traditional-sized instrument has an imprintable cover plate, and the box can be logoed as well. A lower-priced plastic version is also available. The ultra-compact (read: tiny) examples also give a full-scale sound, and are available as zipper pulls, keytags, pendants or in a small red box that can bear additional imprint copy. From asi/61241.

Proven Classics. More often than not, music boxes tend to become treasured keepsakes at home or work. They can function in a variety of promotional capacities, such as corporate gifts, recognition awards, travel incentives and more. These cherry-finish windup boxes feature all-metal works and strong, clear sound – not to mention a tile top that can bear a specific image if desired. Other finishes are available as well, and there’s a whole slew of songs to choose from. From asi/66570.

This online version of IMPRINT MAGAZINE is updated regularly along with the printed version.