What's New

Author: Andy

Packaging is another opportunity to tell your story and make an impact.  To most it's an afterthought because its perceived to be fleeting.  However – we feel it's a great way to show you've left no stone unturned when it comes to the details.

We're big believers in the philosophy that Everything Matters – no matter how small.  Why wouldn't you want to leverage every opportunity to demand attention?  And the direct, or even subliminal, effect will help you rise above your competitors.  And remember – this is already a fun medium so let us dig in creatively to take packaging from invisible to invaluable.

Want to see more? Reach out and we'll share some interesting packaging ideas that can work for you.

Author: Melissa

Client: Information security company that partners with businesses to deliver IT security solutions that work seamlessly with each customer's business objectives.

Goal: Increase the number of meetings sales reps schedule with list of targeted prospective clients.

We created a custom Top Secret mailing to introduce their services to potential clients. This spy theme supported the conversation they wanted to start about corporate data being at risk.  The kit included

• A personalized letter to each "Agent" informing him of his "mission" to protect his company's data.
• A handheld decoder revealed a special password to use online to learn more about the risks and the solutions available. This also allowed sales reps to know which customers had visited the website to read more.
• Toy spy glasses (which allow you to see behind you) in a nice eyeglass case served as playful gift to encourage recipients to interact with the package and the message.
• Custom printed mailing box featured Top Secret spy-themed design to entice recipients to open it up immediately!

We provided the branded contents for the kit, packaged them, and mailed them according to our client's schedule, allowing the client to reap the benefits without ever having to touch it.

This mix of creative presentation with relevant business information proved successful: our client was thrilled with the increase in meetings the mailing generated for its sales staff.

 

 

Looking for a creative way to make an impact? You're in the right place.

Author: Hanna

Recently we were asked to provide wicking t-shirts for a team of self-defense instructors. They wanted hi-tech materials that would keep up with them during their most demanding classes.

Here are the results in action:

Hi Hanna,

The shirts are here!  While we may not have been your biggest order, we may very well be your most enthusiastic :). The shirts are very nice and the logo came out fantastic! Wahoo!

Christine DiBlasio

Stone House Associates

Author: Melissa

How did Dogs at Work become the name for a promotional marketing agency? Great question!

It stems from Dogs at Work-founder Andy's passion for dogs and his recognition that outstanding canine characteristics like loyalty, tenacity, agility and ingenuity also make great qualities for a client-focused business. We strive to excel in these areas in order to be the best marketing partner for our clients.

Our dogs are often in the office with us, keeping us in check when things get crazy and deadlines are looming.  And when things get really busy, we put them to work on your most pressing projects...but most days they just hang out.

Have a marketing project that's got you barking mad?  Throw us a bone with your details and we'll run some ideas back to you. (Sorry, I can't help myself with the dog puns!)

Author: Maria

 

 

Our international packaged tours client came to us with a specific theme in mind...GoParks! Tours

"We're thinking ranger vests, like the ones people wear when working in a National Park."

We scratched our heads, contemplated a Dogs at Work field trip to Yosemite and dug in!

Does your company have a unique theme in mind for an upcoming event or meeting? We are more than happy to help make those ideas come to life.  We will find the perfect promotional item that not only emulates your theme but possesses utility and purpose.

Author: Andy

A private equity firm wanted to highlight a new fund they started...and differentiate it from their existing funds.  We provided a very sophisticated Chelsea compass (made in the US) in a substantial brass housing to clarify the 'Charting a new course' theme.  Doubling as a desk-top paperweight, the shareholders' take-away was a fitting reminder of the annual meeting with complete confidence in their shared direction.

Looking for inspiration as you chart your company's course? Check out our clients' success stories.

Author: Melissa

Gaining new clients. Let's be honest, it can be hard.  How do you really convince a person that your company, your services, and your outstanding service record are worth a hard look?  Your potential customer may have never heard of your brand. They may have never considered a service or product like yours.  They're busy, and like the rest of us, they don't invite change – especially change that requires extra work.

But you already know getting new customers is hard.  So how do you break through and capture someone's attention?  To start, take a look at what successfully grabs your attention in your own life – product packaging for food, "junk mail" that you actually open, tv ads with messages you like.  There's no one right answer, but you'll quickly see a pattern of what works on you and what doesn't. Put that knowledge to use on your potential clients.  A creative approach to the problem will give you that edge and the chance to make a lasting impression.

We believe in creative marketing so much that we've each made it our career.  Meet us. Poke around the site some more. See what've done for other folks. Then let's chat about your goals so we can develop some inspired approaches to make you stand out based on your own merits and not from cheesy gimmicks.

Your audience may not be American Idol judges, but they're still a tough crowd to win over. Let us know when you're ready to take your marketing to the next stage.

Author: Maria

Allow us to tap into your network...

Does this text message conversation sound somewhat familiar? 

We thought so!  When it came to our very own self promotion, the Dogs at Work team fell hard for these universal tech accessories because of their relevance in today's digital age.

Tech Trap

Digi Clean Screen Wipe

 

From a variety of price points, you can tap into your client's everyday life by being ever-present and more importantly, useful.

BUILT® Cargo™ Laptop Sleeve (12-13")                         Zippered E-Folio

                                       

 

Green Grass Charging Station                                         Custom Tech Skins                            

 

Interested?  Ping us for great ideas that are sure to make you  : )

Having an off-site event?  Sometimes the location itself is part of the excitement. Here's some feedback from one of our clients who held their meeting in Portland, Maine, and wanted their attendees to enjoy the area during their stay.

Hi Melissa,

I wanted to let you know how our event went with the gifts you helped us provide for our guests.

We loved the books the binoculars you provided and were very impressed by how quickly you were able to design, print, and ship our order. The books on the Coastline of Maine are perfectly sized for our business travelers to take home with them and we were amazed by the quality of our logo on the small shaped space of the binoculars.  The quality was great on both items and the price was perfectly matched to our budget as well.

Thanks for all your hard work,

Osha Rose Saylor

Conferences & Events Manager at EBSCO Publishing

Author: Hanna

Want to attract your future big client?

Our bank did! So for Back-to-School they handed out 3D Erasers to kids who stopped by (with their parents). In addition they mailed out a postcard notice to all their kids who have accounts with the bank - their "Sneaker Account Holders". These adorable and useful collectibles have made Bath Saving Institution very popular with the elementary school crowd!

Get your clients excited about your service and product with a little marketing too! Drop us a note and we'll help you get started.

Author: Melissa

A New York-style Deli client of ours, well-loved by its loyal customers, came to us with a simple two-fold goal

• Thank its loyal clientele
• Spread its name around town

T-shirts sporting their famous tent logo (matching the shirts worn by the staff) was an excellent way to appreciate the "regulars." And since we know these customers are fans of the business, they're the perfect audience to wear these shirts and act as "brand ambassadors" – sharing their love of the Deli's tasty food with others. Along with other fun special occasions like Moustache Week (come in sporting a moustache –real or fake – and enjoy a discount), customers were able to pick up a shirt with their sandwich on Free T-Shirt Friday recently.

Another item that met both of the client's goals was a large, reusable grocery tote used as a take-out bag for large orders.  Both relevant at the time of pickup as well as reusable on future trips, the customer leaves with a gift and the business's brand is shown around town.

Win-Win. Hey, any shirts left in my size?

Looking for a win-win marketing plan for your next promotion?  Let us know what's cooking for your business here and we'll add some sizzle to an effective marketing plan.

Author: Andy

We’re excited to report our Dog Pack has expanded…by One Maria Toro.  Maria moved to Maine at exactly the time we were sniffing around for help.  And with her marketing experience in the Boston area (Harvard Business School career services department) – she’s jumped gracefully into the maelstrom.  So bring it on…we’re more ready than ever!  Find out more about Maria by checking out Our People.

Author: Logan

These silicone watches have been a Dogs at Work favorite this summer.

Here are some of the reasons we are huge fans:

• Come in a variety of bright and fun colors
• Inexpensive! Great grab item or giveaway
• Great for kids and adults alike
• Waterproof! Great for the beach and pool

Could these watches support your next marketing effort? Some of our clients are interested in them for a quick point-of-purchase item for vacationers while others liked them as a give-away item at a sporting event. They are a very versatile promotional item because another watch is always useful (especially a waterproof one) and they come in a color for everyone!

They caught our eye, so they will catch your client's eye too! Their bright colors allow for an eye popping logo that will shout your message to everyone who sees it. They are small, lightweight, and versatile so they will surely be worn and your company recognized!

Do you have an event where a watch might be a good fit? Do you like the idea of these watches but need help deciding how to use them? Let us know. We're here to help.

Author: Andy

For some brands, a sense of place is the most prominent element. And how best to help tell that part of the story?  Through graphics.

Our international packaged tours client wanted to introduce new South American trips by creating context.  So – we identified a manufacturer of fine leather products that can reproduce full color graphics to help highlight iconic locations within their new travel plans.  This Business Card wallet was both a fitting gift for our client's most trusted partners - but also helped to showcase the drama of their new tour locations.

And the price-point for this wallet...was easy on the wallet.  What better way to tell their story?

Ready to tell your own story? Write us a novella about your marketing goals and who you want to target and we'll help you accomplish spread the word.

 

 

Author: Hanna

Uniform programs are ideal for a productive business image, but the best uniform programs are not one-size-fits-all.

We have created a system for EFI (Electronics for Imaging - A manufacturer of sign printing machines and supplies) where each level of their team is given logoed apparel that meets the needs of their particular position.

• Managers and Tradeshow participants: black button-down twill shirts in a traditional cut for men and a feminine cut for women. This business style shirt allows the wearer to accessorize with a blazer, tie or scarf while the group maintains a unified, professional look regardless of the event.
• Field Engineers (employees who provide service and support on site): Polos in a range of colors bearing the EFI logo embroidered on the left chest and their area of specialty on the right sleeve (SERVICE, TRAINER, etc).  Though the embroidered logo always stays the same employees enjoy different materials, patterns, and colors for these everyday uniform items.
• Manufacturing Team: high-end moisture-wicking tees because of the demanding work they do. Chosen for its durability and wash-ability, this stain and wrinkle-resistant shirt maintains a clean professional look.
• Loading Dock Crew: winter coats. Not only is this group exposed to the elements during the harsh New Hampshire winters, but also to vendors and other outside contacts. The coat program allows them to look unified and professional while keeping them comfortable and able to do their jobs efficiently.

Designing a uniform program should carefully take into account your particular needs. At Dogs at Work we are ready to help you design a program that will support your brand, strengthen your employee loyalty, and improve your company's image with each person your employees contact.

Want to learn more? Call us! 207-373-1159 or e-mail us at info@dogsatwork.com

Author: Melissa

Many of our clients are in charge of filling the "gift closet." You probably have one in your office too - the place where company-branded items are kept on hand to give to customers, prospects, vendor partners, and employees at a moments notice.  It's great to be prepared, but with some consideration for your marketing goals and your audience you can ensure the money spent on these general gifts is an investment that will provide returns.

One of our clients recently restocked their "gift closet" with these items:

• A chic lunch cooler tote specifically for their female audience
• Fun, pop out maps of the cities where they have offices so visiting clients can fully enjoy their stay

What would make a gift relevant to your audience (and keep your services top-of-mind)?

• Do you take clients on walking tours or on job sites? Consider an umbrella, baseball cap, or clipboard to keep them comfortable and focused on you.
• Is your staff in charge of meetings or presentations where people take notes? Padfolios and jotters are a great way to help people stay involved.  Quality writing instruments are a way to add ceremony to deal-closing gatherings.
• Do clients travel to attend your events or seminars? Provide a small day bag or briefcase to help them carry event materials, or give travel accessories to make their drive/flight more enjoyable.

Want gifts you'll finally feel good about giving out? Logoed items your clients will actually use and appreciate? We hear you.

Tell us about your company and your customers and we'll give you a closet-full of great corporate gift ideas!

Author: Melissa

One of our clients is an art college with a Summer Studio program.  Each session they feature one of their own student's designs on a t-shirt given to all Summer Studio participants.  This year's artwork was another creative, full-color design with great visual impact.  Coordinating mugs for the faculty rounded out the mix.

By using a peer's design, the college provided fun, relevant participant gifts for the students that will hold greater meaning and be appreciated more.  And that means a greater return on investment.

Do you have fantastic graphics that you want to bring to life?  Show us your design and let us share some creative marketing concepts that take your graphics beyond print!

Author: Hanna

Our favorite local bank has spent the last year promoting a program they call Neighbor to Neighbor or N2N.

Here's how the bank describes their program:

As a community bank we invest in the local economy in a personal way. When you open a personal checking account at Bath Savings, you'll receive a $10 Neighbor to Neighbor Gift Certificate to use at one of these great hometown businesses.

It's our way of thanking you and supporting businesses in our community. Find one who is your neighbor! You benefit, they benefit, the economy benefits.

To support this cause they developed an eye-catching logo. And to make sure that logo and message are seen and heard we have been busy producing items for them to hand out: bags, hats, mugs and glassware. Their evident enthusiasm for this cause is appreciated by local businesses which, in turn, creates loyal customers for them.

We can help you show your clients that you're involved in your local community, and you can benefit from the goodwill that follows - just ask us how!

Author: Andy

We were charged with creating marketing items that the Avalon Waterways sales team would share with travel agents to demonstrate their inspired river cruise travel packages.  They focus on the fact that smaller ships allow for a more personalized cruise experience: Mind. Body. Soul.

Dogs at Work produced a custom-designed journal with a subtle cover deboss and an insert page, as well as a luxurious personal candle - all evoking the "inspired design" and attention-to-detail amenities of Avalon Waterways river cruises.

Email from the client:

I wanted to send you a thank you for how great the Avalon Journals and candles look.  Really nice pieces.  The sales team is just receiving them and has lots of good things to say about them!

Hope you have a great week.  Keep those ideas coming!

Jen

 

Need a marketing item your salespeople will be excited to use?  We're here to help.

Author: Melissa

Sometimes you just need a small "reminder" item to give to clients and potential clients who visit your office.  Since you're anticipating handing these out on regular basis, it should be very budget-friendly too.

Sticky notes are one solution that increases brand awareness.  With 50 sheets on a pad you're guaranteed at least 50 views of your message and have earned a coveted spot on your customer's desk.  No one throws out a pad of sticky notes - they use them. They stick around, and so does your message.

We give Dogs at Work-branded Post It Notes to our clients because it's an item we all use at our desks and we know they'll serve as an easy reminder of our services.  Our clients have found success with them too.

Let us know when you're ready for branding solutions that will help your message stick.

Author: Hanna

In April, one of our banking clients wanted to pamper their Accountant clients by sending each a care package, knowing that they would be feeling swamped during tax season.  The gift they chose was a "Sweet and Savory" collection of snacks in a keepsake basket perfect for holding office odd and ends.  The client received a thoughtful, practical gift when it would be appreciated the most (rather than receiving the gift during the traditional holiday season, when it might be "expected") and the bank benefited from a client who feels he is appreciated as a customer and may consider increasing the business he does with the bank.

It's important to show clients and employees you appreciate them and their choice to do business with your company. Small gestures go a long way to strengthen relationships. How are you appreciating the people important to your business this season?

Smart businesses know that when they invest in their clients and community, their community and clients invest in them.

Have a group of people you want pamper in order to strengthen business ties? Let us know about you and your audience and we'll share some of our favorite relationship building tools that will work for you.

Author: Melissa

Dogs at Work welcomes Melissa's puppy Jane to the office dog pack! Ozzy offered an especially warm welcome with plenty of licks and tail wagging.  With the common bond of being rescue dogs, he and Jane were friends at first sight.  The rest of us are excited to have her join us during the work day too!

Hmmm, now how can we teach her to do a little filing?

Author: Andy

Get more eyeballs to your website – Here's the key to make that happen.

A Webkey, specifically, sandwiched creatively within traditional print collateral.  Serious 1-2 punch.  Get their attention with the collateral creative, and prolong their engagement by driving them on-line. This proprietary print-to-digital medium combines the best of the print and the digital worlds.

With this proprietary webkey technology, you simply:

• Punch it Out
• Plug it In
• Instantly you're there...to any website, landing page or microsite of your choosing.

No clicks...just a smooth landing on any part of your website most relevant to your clients and prospects. It's what every business wants...more traffic to your website so they can see the whole you and nothing but you.

Aggressive response rates averaging 18-40% prove it works. And best of all – these webkeys are completely trackable with the most current and effective analytics.

Plug in these webkeys and watch it start up.

Intrigued about the Webkey? Contact us for more info.  We'll help you figure out if this could be an effective way to reach your audience.

Author: Melissa

A custom banner may be just what you need if you

• sponsor community activities
• hold an open house or on-site events
• need to attract attention to your office location

Here's an example of a beautiful banner we made for a client who actively supports the community by sponsoring a seating section at Maine Red Claws basketball games.  Children chosen for this special honor enjoy special treatment and an exciting view of the action from "Lobster Alley" and people attending the game can appreciate the investment the company makes in its local community.

Need to get your message out in big way?  Tell us about your event and we'll work on some marketing ideas specifically for you.

Author: Logan, our winter Intern

When I started my search for my winter internship I was directed to Dogs at Work by a fellow Endicott College student. Flash forward a couple of weeks and I am interviewing at the Dogs at Work office listening to Andy give me an overview of "the life of an intern" while being steadily licked by Ozzy, one of the "dogs at work". After learning about this company, I was extremely ready for my semester to end and my internship to begin.

Even on day one, I knew that I was going to learn a lot in this small period of time. Not every day was exactly the same; I was always working on a new project, revising a previous one, or brainstorming for one that had not yet begun. I got a glimpse into what I could be doing in a few years if this is the career path that I choose.

The most important piece of information that I gained during my time here is that Dogs at Work strives to "put the marketing back into promotional marketing." Each and every task that is done by this company has that phrase written all over it. I have been able to see the success from taking a different approach than other marketing agencies. I have learned to ask myself "why this product" every time I am typing up a proposal.

I can only hope that whatever my career ends up being, it is at a place as dedicated and hardworking as Dogs at Work (actual dogs would be a plus too!).

A hearty Thank You from the team, and best of luck in your next adventure, Logan!

Author: Melissa

We all have tech gadgets and phones we use on a daily basis – both on a professional and personal level.  So why not market to your clients by providing them with something to outfit their tech devices?

We created these cell phone non-slip grips for one of our clients recently.  The grip is appealing to end users because it solves a practical problem: it keeps your phone in place no matter where you put it (on the edge of your desk or your dashboard) and never gets in the way like bulkier dashboard pads.  It achieves the marketing goal for the company by keeping their brand on-the-go with the client and ensures it is seen daily.

 

Looking for ways to accessorize your client's tech gadgets while increasing your marketing impact?  Here are a few ideas we recommend:

Author: Melissa

We worked with HighRes Biosolutions recently to create a t-shirt that would make a big impact at their upcoming tradeshow. They wanted to ensure their name and identity was bold, but also wanted to make sure it was appealing enough to actually get worn, and therefore continue its marketing fuction (smart client!).

To ensure their t-shirt would be the "must-have" promotional item of the show, we paired their bold graphics with two popular retail trends: an extra-large imprint and a specialty slub fabric. This proved to be an exciting combination and resulted in a polished, retail-styled piece ready to "wow" special visitors at their booth and earn extra time with potential clients.

Ready to make a big impact with your client base?  Give us a shout.

Author: Melissa

We're all anxious for spring to arrive and awaken us from this wintry slumber.  Reward your employees for beating the winter blues with a stellar first quarter with this gift idea: A bird-watching book paired with binoculars.

Since both the book and binoculars can feature your company's logo, each time they are used your employees are reminded that you acknowledge their hard work.

Make it fit your budget: perhaps upgrade the set with nicer binoculars or give just the book.  The choice is yours.

How are you motivating your staff to reach company goals?

Author: Melissa

Tap into retail trends and reap the rewards. Your company benefits from attention-grabbing graphics and that modern use of graphics reinforces the idea that your services are ahead of the curve within your industry.
Promotional marketing is the fun stuff – the medium through which you can be a little more playful and really connect with the people vital to your success: clients, employees, vendors. Here are two recent examples of how our clients used large imprints, unique placement and a variety of colors to connect with their audiences.

Author: Melissa

Client: A community bank

Challenge: an end of year gift for its board of directors that supports the bank’s focus on its local communities

Solution: We incorporated the bank’s schooner icon by printing it on a custom-made leather photo album. The ship reinforces the bank’s ties to coastal Maine towns and the album invokes the positive feeling of community and the neighborhood-building projects the bank supports. We also wrapped and packaged the albums with a custom holiday card so they ready to be shipped.

“I just spoke with Melissa a little while ago…the order is COMPLETE! The bags look great! Thanks again for all of your help! You really provided amazing customer service!!”

-Carla, AlpInvest Partners