Leading up to the month, a lot of our vendors will feature special breast cancer awareness items. This year we decided to partake, and did a self promotion lip balm displaying a pink ribbon. When we gift these items to clients, we will not only be promoting ourselves, but promoting the search for a cure.

We also take a specific interest in working with our client’s to create their own breast cancer awareness items year round, and during this month especially. Recently, we worked on an item for our longtime client, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, in conjunction with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Horizon sponsored the Golf for the Cure event held by the organization and asked us to create a jacket for the event. While all of our projects are important to us, we took extra pride in creating the perfect jacket for the occasion and were inspired to make our own contribution.

We decided to donate to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, and are encouraging everyone to do the same. Susan G. Komen for the Cure revolutionized the breast cancer movement, not only raising funds for a cure, but raising awareness and helping women who are battling the disease. If you wish to donate, you can do so online at the following link: http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=6034

By Amanda Baratta

That brings into play another interesting question. Why are so many seemingly “American” products, not being made in America? Rawlings Baseballs, an item used to play “America’s pastime,” are manufactured in Costa Rica. American Girl has an ominous “made in China” tag on all of their products. Even a trip to the Museum of American History’s gift shop will lead you to an array of products not made in the country the museum is celebrating.

There is also a fine line between made in America and assembled in America. You may think you’re buying American when you choose that Ford or Chrysler, but most of the parts used to compose the car are manufactured elsewhere. In fact, most Toyotas go through the same process as a Jeep or Chevrolet, and have components from Asia but are assembled here in the USA. Is there really a difference between an American, German, or Japanese car anymore?

With this new trend in Made in America products, we think more companies should look into the option. Entire websites are devoted to finding items made in this country. There is even a store in Elma, NY called “Made in America,” which is filled with the obvious, American made products. It is not an impossible endeavor. Sealy makes all their mattresses in High Point, NC. Nanette Lepore creates all her designs right in Manhattan. Pyrex manufactures its line in Charleroi, PA. So, the next time you need pair of jeans; opt for True Religions, made in Vernon, CA, instead of a pair of Levis made overseas.

By Amanda Baratta

QR codes are scanned through a free smartphone application which then uses the phone’s Internet capability to connect to whatever the company wants to share, such as website links, contact information, video, or images. The beauty of QR codes is the ability to share information of your choice cheaply to customers in a way that is convenient with them and up to date. A survey by MGH, a Baltimore marketing firm, discovered that “72% of smartphone users are likely to remember ads that include QR codes”. According to Business Insider, “1 in 2 Americans will own a smartphone by Christmas 2011”. These details alone are enough incentive for companies to embrace QR codes.

Businesses can use QR codes to their advantage through various creative methods. Bizreport cited 10 great ways they are being used, such as “coupon promotion, advice and information, entertainment, business cards and contact information, advertising, extending store hours, real estate signage, charity donations, and connections to social media.” Examples of successful implementation include a Macy’s marketing campaign, a spontaneous Lupe Fiasco concert, and a Calvin Klein billboard. Many websites offer easy and quick QR code creation, so implementation just depends on the company’s willingness to adapt and create meaningful content to share through the tool. Going forward, companies may have to work to get used to the new pace of marketing and the continuous updating it involves, but it likely to reap rewards. For companies, social media and QR codes are a cost effective way to connect to customers where efforts and ROI can be easily tracked. Through those tools, consumers are now paid more attention because of real-time connection and can benefit from discounts and other valuable content coming their way. By adapting to changing trends, companies can enhance their b2b and c2b relationships.