April showers … carry on over through May, through June and sometimes even July, make it frustrating to enjoy what are supposed to be hot, lazy summer afternoons. Depending on your locale, a “hot, lazy summer afternoon” may actually end up being unusually cool or involve an unexpected torrential downpour. And we’re all in the same boat when it comes to being under-prepared for the rain – the same wet, annoying and slippery boat.

It’s happened countless times to all of us – we run out of the house failing to check the forecast and get caught in the rain without a jacket, umbrella or even a plastic covering for our heads (channeling older ladies!). There’s really not a lot worse than getting caught in a rainstorm when you are entirely unprepared – frizzy hair, wet suits and overall exasperation will ensue. BTW, you think yours is bad; you should see MY hair when it rains!

That said, Absorbent, Ink. has a number of rain protectors to consider. What better way to promote your company than by dropping your logo onto an umbrella? When you keep people dry, you’ve got a friend for life! Not only will you indirectly be protecting your current and potential clients, you will be saying to the world, “Hey, we know how awful it is to be unexpectedly rained on during your lunch hour. Let us help keep you dry!” The message can be big and bold on a Tsunami Vented Umbrella. Or, Absorbent, Ink. offers Budget Mini Windy Umbrellas, mini-er than usual umbrellas that fold down to a size small enough to fit in a roomy purse or briefcase or under a car seat, ready for action.

Suppose your recipients may not want to carry around an umbrella? There are plenty more ways to keep them dry - and spread your message or brand around. Check out Absorbent Ink.’s PVC Rain Coats. Affordable and incredibly useful, these lightweight rain coats are available in either a clear or a black surface color. Easy to tote around and scrunch up into a bag, PVC Rain Coats will come in handy in protecting your clients against Mother Nature and all she has to offer.

Here’s to hoping none of our Fourth of July weekend plans are ruined by unexpected and untimely rainfall, unlike the U.S. Open in Bethpage, N.Y., last week. Just in case, let your clients know that they can stand under your umbrella-ella-ella.

Stay dry,

Abby Ink.

I just read an article that talked about promotional products that businesses can hand out. It was an interesting read, but the items discussed were quite generic and lacked the oomph a product needs to really get your message “carried away.” It’s summertime! Give them something they can use right now!

You’ll want your recipients to appreciate your promotional products and remember your business (that’s what it’s all about, right?). To achieve this, there are two things you absolutely have to remember: be timely and topical. Recipients should be able to use the products as soon as they receive them. For that to happen, it is essential to tie your products in with current events or seasonal trends.

For starters, since summer has finally arrived, your customers are going to start dusting off their barbecue grills and picnic paraphernalia. Why not dish out some folding chairs or insulated coolers (imprinted with your logo, of course) that they can use right now! And don’t be afraid to bend the rules a little; maybe your message would be better imprinted on an ice scraper if you are trying to keep it cool.

If you would like to give something that is more affordable, but useful all the same, then products that might suit you include water jugs, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions…. Whatever your budget, Absorbent, Ink. has something to suit you and your recipients during any season.

Oh boy. The AC’s not working today. It’s 82 degrees in here. The guys are installing a new one. And it’s got me thinking about summer fun. The pool. And listening to Captain and Tennille.

It’s also a great time to remind you about some of the great products we offer for summer promotions! Here are some of my favorites.

Beach Balls - Great for the beach, at concerts, or other outdoor events.

Sunglasses - Gotta stay cool. And look cool at the same time.

BBQ Sets - Love cooking with fire. And they make great gifts.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles - Durable and BPA free, these have become our most popular line of drinkware.

Flying Discs - One of our most popular promotional items.

Coleman Coolers - Great for keeping cold things cold on a hot summer day.

Koozie Can Coolers - Yep. I’m good with drinking a beer on a hot summer day.

Garden Tool Sets - Another fine promotional gift for the warm seasons.

Insulated Coolers and Bags - We’ve recently expanded our line of insulated bags. Some great totes in here!

Thermometers - In case you really want to know how hot it is.

Maybe I should remove the one in my office. Gotta get my mind off the heat!

Summer is a fantastic time to host outdoor events and benefits to raise money for your non-profit agency. Businesses will jump at the chance to help sponsor your good cause by providing imprinted products, sharing both your logo and theirs. To reach as many people as possible, host an outdoor benefit concert and invite the entire community. Sponsors can provide several food and beverage stands complete with imprinted plastic cups, paper plates, and napkins. Invite the attendees to donate by providing donation bowls at each stand. Or allow people to donate for a glow-in-the-dark awareness bracelet.

A silent auction is also a good way to raise awareness for a good cause. Businesses can support the cause by donating their own services and products for the auction. By hosting the event at a local park or fairgrounds, you can avoid renting a building and keep costs low while still having enough space for the public. To increase exposure and so no one goes home empty-handed, have everyone pick up an event T-shirt on their way out with the T-shirt sporting all the sponsors involved.

To appease your lucrative donors, host an invitation-only formal dinner at a local banquet hall. Invite current donors as well as prospective ones. This is a good way to have an intimate dinner to thank your donors, yet serves as an informational gathering for future donors in order to gain some much-needed support for the cause. Provide imprinted champagne glasses and coasters for your guests. Businesses can help sponsor this event by providing rewarding gift bags for all those in attendance. Imprint the bag with your logo and all of the sponsors of the event. The bag can include gift certificates from the sponsors, along with items such as imprinted picture frames and coffee tumblers. Also include key chains and bumper stickers with the message “I Help Support [Enter Cause Here].” This gesture will ensure more exposure for your cause and for your sponsors, generating more support in the future.

Summer speaks of many things but nothing brings more people together than a couple games of softball and a barbeque. Take advantage of the summertime by forming your own softball teams and having a company-wide tournament to make your employees more team oriented. As a nice gesture and a thank you to your employees, bring people together by inviting family and friends to a company barbeque. Give away corporate gifts at these and other summer employee events. In return you will find loyalty coming out of your ears.

Nothing comes in more useful in the summer time than a Beach Front Folding Chair. Usually, these are needed at outdoor sporting events, such as a community softball tournament, so think of all the great exposure your company is getting when your logo is printed in big letters on the back of a displayed chair. Give one to your employees’ spouse for double the exposure!

Why not setup up a large raffle for all attendees to enter, and give away Barbeque Sets, Picnic Sets, and Golf Bags. Pour beverages into logo-clad Plastic Stadium Cups for everyone to take as a party favor, just so no one goes home empty handed. Feeling generous? Send everyone home with their own Tumbler Sets, sure to last longer than plastic and far more memorable.

Golf events are a great opportunity for businesses to increase brand exposure and goodwill. Golf events can range from local golf tournaments to corporate outings or benefit events. Businesses can sponsor an event by supplying golf equipment and essentials or by providing corporate gifts and prizes. Logos and promotional messages imprinted on items such as golf balls, visors and towels let all participants identify the stakeholders of the event. Absorbent, Ink. offers an extensive collection of golf products, from basic golf tees to high-end golf bags.

Promotional Products: Customized, factory-direct Golf Balls are great gifts for large benefit events. Golf Tees and Golf Ball Markers are small items that go the distance – brand logos will be spotted all throughout the golf course. Send a big message with a basic item such as an Umbrella. It’s a practical item that limits sun exposure but increases brand exposure.

Corporate Gifts: Personalized Golf Clubs and Executive Putter Kits are savvy gifts that are sure to create buzz at a corporate outing or fundraiser event. Custom Sport Watches are a popular item ideal for clients or employees. It’s great for businesses wishing to leave a lasting impression at golf events.

Drinkware: Sport Bottles, or Can and Bottle Coolers are fun promotional items perfect for any sporting event. Sponsors can personalize drinkware products to reach both golfers and spectators.