An Easy Way To Create A Better Gift Experience

​Make A Big Impression With Perfectly Packaged And Drop Shipments

09.18.2020

It's a game-changer for gifting:

Upgraded packaging, with the ability to ship directly to people at their homes.

That's what you're getting with Perfectly Packaged, a new service that makes it easy to deliver a memorable gift experience for the holidays, virtual conferences, sales meetings or any other time your customers want to create a big impression.

Let's start with the packaging, which includes a sturdy lift-top box that makes it feel like you're opening a gift, not a bulk package. Other upgrades include decorative packing paper, a message card to accompany the gift and a custom sticker for the box, so gift recipients will know who it's from as soon as it's delivered.

And speaking of delivery, Perfectly Packaged includes drop shipments at no additional extra charge, so you can ship gifts directly to residential addresses rather than in bulk to a single location. 

Time Is Money. Perfectly Packaged Saves You Both.

Here's how:

+ Money, because you don't have to pay to ship the gifts somewhere for assembly – not to mention the savings on packaging.

+ Time, because we put it all together for you. And with the industry's biggest product assortment, you don't have to go anywhere else to find the perfect gift.    

Here are 10 ways to use Perfectly Packaged for 2020:

1. Finance And Accounting Clients

Thoughtful gifts are always a nice personal touch, but especially in a topsy-turvy year like this.

2. Annual Awards

Sales achievements or safety milestones – reallocate money that would've gone toward a nice dinner to some really nice gifts instead.

3. New Grads

Even if December ceremonies are virtual, you can still send them off with a nice gift. Good luck, grads!

4. Sales Meetings

Kickoff for 2021 being held virtually? Get the team fired up by delivering gifts straight to their homes.

5. Real Estate Clients 

Send a thank-you gift to everyone who bought a home this year. (They're probably spending lots of time there.)

6. Holiday Parties

Yep, they'll probably look a little different this year. Give a toast to teamwork with a nice insulated tumbler for the virtual office party.

7. Virtual Conferences

Great swag makes virtual events feel like a big deal. (And if it's really cool stuff, people love posting pics.)

8. Employee Gifts

Gifts to help them relax and unplug are a nice idea at the end of stressful year. Think cozy blankets and comfy apparel.

9. Healthcare Workers

Surprise nurses, doctors and support staff with something special for their extraordinary efforts this year.

10. Front Line Workers

First responders, retail workers, delivery drivers – they've all worked harder than ever in 2020. Surprise them with gifts they can use on and off the clock.

3, 2, 1 … Liftoff! Introducing Rocketbook

08.21.2020

Pretty cool, right?

Now that you know how it works, it's time for a closer look at your options.

Shop Rocketbook

How To Host An Awesome Virtual Event

Considering how social distancing has completely changed the event landscape, virtual conferences and tradeshows represent the "new normal" – keyword being "new." So if the concept is new to you, here's a breakdown of the basics.

Pick A Platform

Can't have an online event without an online hosting platform. A quick Google search turns up lots of options, but the most important thing is choosing one that allows you to provide the same value as an in-person event. That means offering valuable information mixed with a little fun to keep people engaged, all presented in a seamless, user-friendly way.

And don't forget about those networking opportunities – some platforms offer "speed-dating" sessions to help create the connections that are such a big part of traditional conferences.

Provide A Little Incentive

Awesome gifts (think retail brands) to incentivize early registration can be the difference between "I'm thinking about it" and "I'm in!" There are a couple ways to approach it:

1. Offer an exclusive gift to everyone who signs up by a certain date.

2. Give the gift only to the first 100 (or whatever number you choose) people who register.

Premium Gift Ideas

Make It Feel 'Official'

Moderators and presenters are at home, so stylish branded apparel is crucial to reinforcing your event's identity. Along with the event host's logo, sponsors will appreciate the extra visibility too.

(Pro tip: Imprint the shoulder or collar for maximum on-camera logo visibility. We offer these as standard locations on a lot of styles, so it doesn't cost you extra.)

Styles For Virtual Events

Create Some Social #Buzz

People love posting pics of their cool new swag, so sending participants an awesome swag bag can take brand impressions for hosts and sponsors to a whole new level.

Mix and match items, and we'll bundle them together for free! Then we'll deliver the entire thing straight to people's doorsteps, with free drop shipments up to 100 locations.

You take care of the event #hashtag, we'll take care of the swag.

Set Up A Pop-Up Shop

Fun fact: Virtual events can actually boost merch sales! You can not only open it up to more attendees (no space limitations!), but you can offer greater merch selection, too, since there's no need to carry inventory. All you need is an online shop. We can set one up for you!

Get Engaged

OK, we should clarify. Since people are at home and can be easily distracted, it's extra important to 

Last But Not Least

Have fun! Interesting presenters, creative presentations and, like we said, a contest or two. And be sure to take the conversation outside the conference with an event #hashtag, and tell everyone to post pics and comments on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Covid Killer Disinfectant

Blue Sky Marketing is proud to join the fight against Covid-19. We have partnered with Simoniz to offer Covid killing disinfectant and sanitizers. Here is a link to three disinfectants that have been accepted by the CDC to kill Coronavirus.

7 New Direct Mail Kits

We have added more drop ship kit ideas for the colleagues and clients working from home. These have been extremely successful and we have gotten incredible feedback. 

Each direct mailer includes branded product, custom postcard, packaging, and postage! Click on the image to see details.

Enjoy and Blue Sky's Ahead!

       

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Creative 'Thank You' Gifts for Frontline Workers

Industries such as healthcare, emergency services, food processing/services, delivery drivers, law enforcement, postal workers, sanitation and more have been classified as essential workers, unable to stay home while the rest of the country practices social distancing. These people on the frontline deserve our gratitude for their selfless contributions, so we've updated our product lines accordingly.

Sweet Treats
Everybody has to eat. Of course, frontline workers don’t always have time to cook or run out for a bite. Sending food as a token of appreciation is a major trend right now, according to suppliers.

We have gotten quite a few requests for “thank you” and “thinking of you” brownies since the coronavirus pandemic began. Clients are sending gifts to hospitals, first responders, nursing homes and any place that a caregiver might be going the extra mile. Now that offices are closed, companies are conducting virtual meetings with brownie treats for their breaks. Others are sending gifts of encouragement just to let their team know they’re thinking of them. Birthday programs are still going strong – people are sending them as gifts to friends and family they can’t celebrate with in person.

Several requests for “Thank you” and “thinking of you” brownies.

We have developed “hero recharge” kits, which include Jolly Ranchers, mini wafers, chocolate bars, roasted and salted almond bags, cinnamon fig bars, raisin nut trail mix and Starbursts. We also have a “healthcare heroes appreciation gifts.” Choices include a gift box or tin of candy and snacks, an assortment of fresh baked cookies, heart-shaped lollipops and a recovery kit filled with an Emergen-C packet, Nature’s Valley Granola Bar, Synder’s Mini Pretzels, Peppermint Lifesavers and a lollipop.

Snack-filled recovery kit to recharge the batteries of frontline workers.

Our partner, Maple Ridge Farms has dedicated a section of its website to work-from-home products, offering gift boxes of candy, chocolate, nuts, gourmet cheese and other snacks. The company is offering discounted pricing, free setup and free drop ships on most of the items. “Work-from-home gifts have been really popular,” says Traci Simonis, national sales executive at Maple Ridge Farms. “It’s a great way to be able to show frontline workers that we’re all thinking about them.”

Self-Care Items
With the hectic schedules, increased workload and ever-changing demands during the pandemic, frontline workers could use some time to unwind and take care of themselves for a change. Clients should seek self-care packages that focus on comfort, relaxation and stress relief. Lotions, lip balms, hot and cold packs, stress balls and other personal care products are sure to be valued.

One of the hottest product is personal soap in a travel tin.

We have requests for a luxe spa line, which features bath salts, candles and the company’s biggest seller, personal soap in a travel tin. We also have an entire zen category that is apropos during this anxiety-ridden time. We are providing candles, essential oil, room spray, diffusers and other bath products to soothe the body and mind.

Family-Friendly Activities
Let's not forget that frontline workers have families, too. Even though they’re on the job, their children are home from school, and boredom is surely setting in. Journals, puzzles and coloring books are some fun options to keep kids occupied. Adult coloring books are useful, too, as studies have shown a link between coloring and mindfulness.

“During bad economic times, coloring books always rise in sales,” says Wayne Bell, CEO of St. Louis, MO-based Really Big Coloring Books. “All the expensive electronic toys go out the window as families try to save money, and a lot of people turn to that family table time with kiddos and grandkids and coloring books.”

Really Big Coloring Books has seen an increase in orders – for both adults and kids – during the coronavirus.

Trusty Equipment
People want made-in-USA and name brands right now. They want to reward everyone doing hard work, from hospital workers to truck drivers. 

Leatherman tools, like this multipurpose pocketknife, remain popular items.

We have creative decks – products curated for specific industries to help narrow down the perfect gift item. For example, the first responders deck includes an assortment of Maglite flashlights and Leatherman multipurpose pocketknives. 

Thank You
The simple act of saying thank you or sending a creative gift goes a long way. These people deserve our gratitude for their contributions. We are all in this together.

- Blue Sky's Ahead

PODCAST - Blue Sky Marketing, The Resiliency of Family

Blue Sky Marketing was founded 23 years ago by President Elliott Zirlin and has since been a family-led business, with sons Todd Zirlin as CEO, Corey Zirlin as VP of Business Development, and Brady Zirlin as VP of Sales, with locations in Cardiff, CA, Carbondale IL, Denver Co, Tucson AZ, and Austin, TX. Blue Sky has a high-touch service and a relentless work ethic that stems from Elliott’s influence. 

They have also experienced multiple setbacks, including a challenge two years ago that disrupted the business but also caused the family, and the company, to rally together and work through it, culminating in their best year ever in 2019. 

Which is a great object lesson for us because this conversation was recorded in late January, before the challenge of the coronavirus and the subsequent economic fallout hit us all. Throughout the Blue Sky journey, resiliency has been the hallmark of their operation. It was my privilege to sit down with the Zirlin family and explore, what has not only held them together as a family but what has allowed them to rebound to success time and time again. 

Join us as we journey with the Zirlin’s through the rise, fall, and rise again building Blue Sky Marketing! 

LISTEN HERE

Working From Home: A Starter Kit

​How To Set Up Your First Home Office.

03.13.2020

Perhaps you've heard? Lots of people are working from home these days – many for the first time. While nobody minds sleeping in and skipping the morning commute, there are definitely some adjustments. For one, collaboration can be tricky, considering you can't just get up and walk over to a co-worker's desk.

On the other hand, nobody can steal your parking space.

So that's a win.

Without further ado, here are a few essentials for making your home office feel like, well, an office.

Brew 14oz Desk Mug (SM-6690)

First things first: coffee. Your 9-to-5 mug should be different from your Sunday morning mug. We like this one because of the push-on lid, all the better to prevent spills on your laptop.

 

Chaos Desk Kit With Wireless Charging Pad (7141-86)

We've got some news: You're your own office manager now. And that means new responsibilities, including office supplies. This desktop kit's a great place to start, with paper clips, sticky notes and sticky flags. Best of all? It doubles as a wireless charging pad.

 

Light Up Logo Speaker With Wireless Charging Power Bank (7197-29)

One of the perks of working at home is you don't have to worry about distracting anyone, so find your favorite Spotify playlist and turn up the music as loud as you want. We recommend this compact Bluetooth® speaker for lots of reasons – not the least of which is it doubles as a wireless power bank. Talk about multi-tasking!

Wireless Ergonomic Optical Mouse (7142-15)

If you're used to using a mouse at the office, your laptop's built-in mousepad can feel kind of awkward. This sleek mouse works wirelessly, meaning one less cord to get in your way.

 

Amos Eco SS Polo (TM96312/TM16312)

Sure, you could theoretically work in your pajamas all day. But you're a professional! And if you're doing lots of video-conferencing throughout the day, you need to be presentable. The stylish, comfy Amos is made with 34% recycled polyester, so it's more than a good look – it's good for the planet, too.

Hats Off To The Grads

​Making Graduation Day Special

04.03.2020

Graduation Day is a celebration of hard work, a farewell to fellow classmates and a toast to the road ahead. And even if the ceremony isn't being held this year, it's important to give these grads something special to remember their alma mater by on the next step of their journey.

Grads who have "school spirit" perform better academically, are more engaged socially, and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers (NFHS.com). That's right, giving departing seniors a gift to feel connected to their alma mater can actually help them down the road.

You can bet that life is going to take these grads many places. Help them travel in style with the High Sierra® Composite 21" Carry-On. It can fit a laptop, notebooks and a weekend's worth of clothes with room to spare. It's also got a telescopic handle and wheels for getting around the airport in a hurry. This is a bag that checks all the boxes. 

                                                          

                High Sierra® Composite 21" Carry-On 8052-95

Whether they're heading to college, grad school or the workforce, everyone could use a padfolio. Our Zoom 4,000 mAh Wireless Charging Zippered Padfolio will help them stay organized AND wirelessly charge their phone. A gift like this is going to get a lot of use, and that school logo is going to get lots of looks over the years. 

                                                        

Zoom 4,000 mAh Wireless Charging Zippered Padfolio 0022-70

You can't go wrong with tees. They're affordable and everyone wears them. Our best-selling Bodie is made with super soft, cozy fabric they'll love to wear all the time. It even comes in 12 awesome colors so you can find one that looks great with your logo. 

                                                       

Bodie Short Sleeve Tee TM17879

They may be done with school, but they're not done with coffee. This Welly® Bundle Set includes a bamboo-accented, vacuum-insulated tumbler and a bottle keep their coffee hot (or cold) through long days at the office or all-night cram sessions in the library. The set includes a beautiful gift box that any grad would be thrilled to open. 

                                                     

Welly® Original & Traveler Bundle Set 1629-10

After it's all over, grads will reflect on their school years fondly. They'll miss their friends and remember the pep rallies, football games and dances. Here's a gift that lets them look back on the good old days. The Glimpse Photo Frame with Wireless Charging Pad holds a photo of their favorite memory, so they can smile and remember the good times. It'll also charge their phone wirelessly, so they can text their friends with funny memories … "Remember that one time in Mr. Jones class?" 

By The Numbers: The Benefits Of Working From Home

​More Productivity And Less Stress – And That’s Just For Starters