Your team invests a lot of time and energy into recruiting and hiring a new employee. A large part of new employee satisfaction is ensuring they are onboarded properly. Here is a complete employee onboarding checklist for you to make sure your new team member feels prepared for success.
1. Send a Pre-Arrival email
Once your new employee has signed their contract and has an official start date, make sure you send them a “pre-arrival” email with all of the information they will need for their first day. This email is essential in making sure your new employee feels prepared and enthusiastic for their start date. In the case that they have only spoken with a recruiter and a hiring manager up until then, it will also put them in touch with the person they can ask for any onboarding or first day questions.
Here are some things you can include in that pre-arrival email:
• Introduction sentence congratulating the employee on receiving the role
• Office address and any information they will need to access the office
• What to bring to the office their first day
• Any paperwork they will need to fill out before their first day
• Office dress code
• Employee handbook
2. Send a Welcome email
A welcome email will be on their start date. It should come from the HR team. The welcome email will welcome the new employee to the company as well as introduce them to the rest of the team. A welcome email could include:
• Picture of the new employee
• Link to their LinkedIn profile to encourage other team members to connect
• Their role and department
• Fun fact about the new employee
3. Make sure they have the tools they need
Depending on their role, part of your new employee onboarding checklist will be to make sure they have all of the tools they need to perform their job. This could include a computer, uniforms business cards, specific software, etc. Make sure you speak with the new employee’s manager to determine what they will need on their first day to be successful in their new role.
Welcome kits are useful for a number of reasons and should be included in your employee onboarding checklist. They help improve employee satisfaction by making them feel welcome at their company since day one. If created correctly, they can also instill company values and create a sense of company loyalty with your new employee.
To be effective, welcome kits should include a mix of important onboarding information and fun company swag.
Managers should have a plan for their new employee, but so should HR. Make sure your new team member is scheduled for training, classes, or anything else that they will need to complete their first week.
Also, try to include some fun activities. Maybe a one-on-one coffee with the department head or a team activity to get to know their new coworkers.
Interested in receiving more tips on how to increase employee satisfaction? Remember to subscribe to our newsletter.
6. Plan a first-day lunch
Make sure the new employee has lunch plans for their first day.
Does the entire team work in the office? As a step in your employee onboarding checklist, maybe plan a first-day lunch with the employee’s new team. This will foster a sense of team and collaboration from day one. Is the team unavailable for lunch? Have a HR employee take the new employee out to lunch. Since they will already be in contact with the employee from before their start date, they will be a familiar face for the new employee.
7. Introduce them
If their immediate manager is in meetings on the new employee’s first day, take the opportunity to introduce them to their team members. Make sure you also introduce them to other departments they might not have as much interaction with. Introducing your new employee will make them feel a lot more welcome on their first day.
Are there other new people joining the same day? Make sure to introduce them to each other and they can ask each other “newbie” questions!
8. Explain more perks of the job
Are there some perks of working with your company that weren’t explained in the hiring process? Make sure to create a “Guide to Company’s Perks” for your new employee. These can help instill company values from day one and also ensure your new employee feels knowledgeable about their new company.
Some of these perks might include:
• Travel stipends or discount programs
• Company Health and Wellness programs
• Different company cultural activities they can get involved in
• Referral bonuses
9. Check in with them
As you can see in this checklist, there will be so much going on for your new employee. Make sure you reach out to them and check in with them throughout their first week. Ask if they have any questions or if they need anything. They will appreciate the opportunity to ask.
10. Get feedback
Hiring and onboarding should be a continual process of improvement. After their first week or two, ask the new employee for any feedback on their interview process and onboarding. If you believe they had a really great interviewing experience, ask them to leave an interview review on your company’s Glassdoor page to increase your visibility.
Ready to start planning your employee onboarding program? Download here your own Employee Onboarding Checklist:
As an Event Manager, do you think that the only events you should be attending are tradeshows? Well, we’ve got news for you. The more that you expand your vision, the more that your demographic (and business) will grow. If you are in the field of technology, get it out of your head that you can only attend IT conferences. From sporting events to concerts to street fairs, the limit of your brand’s reach is up to you. Whatever event you choose to attend, be sure to arrive prepared not only to mingle, but to make a strong connection with potential clients. In this article, we will discuss how using event merchandise will translate into gaining loyal consumers.
No matter which way you spin it, people love free stuff.
How often do you see people turn away free samples of food at your local market? How many times have you seen people go crazy for a free t-shirt at an event? Look at your collection of pens; we bet not many are store-bought. A free product is one of the easiest ways to get a person’s attention. However, we want to show you how to use that initial interest and successfully convert it into revenue.
Which events should you attend?
The first step is to choose your event wisely. Think about your current demographic and how you could expand it. Delve deeper into different age groups, ethnicities, and interest groups. For example, say you run a craft brewery. However, you are only drawing in broke, post-college graduates who come in specifically for your happy hour. Sure, you value your current clientele. Nonetheless, you realise that you, too, might be living in your mother’s basement if you don’t bring in higher paying clients.
Think about what kind of people you’d like to add to your clientele. What do they do for a living? Where do they hang out? What are their favourite activities? As the owner of the craft brewery, you may want to make an appearance some golf tournaments. Pay a visit to your local casinos or rent a booth at the next car show. Choosing the right events to attend is crucial. However, it is only part of the equation. Knowing the keys of using promotional merchandise at events will make your investment worthwhile.
How do you determine which promotional products to use?
When choosing the merchandise to pass out, don’t take the easy road. Skip what everyone else in your field is handing out. Unless you’re trying to attract writers, don’t bother with pens. Use your creativity to stand out as much as possible; design a quality product that people will actually use. In the instance of the craft brewery, a beer bottle opener, an eye-catching t-shirt, or a schooner glass would all work seamlessly as promotional merchandise. Why? Well, people who drink beer would actively use all three items. Each time they do, they will think of the brand that was so generous with them. When you are giving, it’s very likely that this act will be reciprocated – in the form of purchasing your products. This is how loyal consumers are born.
At Red Tomato, we are here to help you successfully grow your business, no matter if you’re a veteran or in the process of creating a start-up. If you would like to discuss ideas about which events or promotional products are right for you, please let us know! We will work side-by-side with you, helping you create the perfect alchemy of investment, creativity, and increased revenue. You will be amazed at how using promotional merchandise at events can lead to life-long clients, who in turn will very likely bring in referrals.
Are you ready to start planning your next event? Download your Free Event Planning Checklist and make your life easier.
Perhaps you have put on trade shows before, but gave up on them because they didn’t yield the results you expected. Or maybe this is your first time organising a tradeshow and aren’t sure where to start. No matter your situation, we want to reassure you that trade shows are absolutely worth the time and effort, if done right. They are an effective way to spread the word about your services, gain brand recognition, and ultimately grow your business.
Nonetheless, behind every successful trade show is a ton of organisation and preparation. We understand that planning a trade show can be overwhelming, and this is why we have created a trade show checklist for you. By following this list, you are sure to be ahead of the game before, during, and after your show.
What are you waiting for? Start planning now with the help of the following tips:
1. Create a realistic budget.
2. Book your hotel accommodations and arrange travel plans. The earlier the better!
3. Prepare your booth and products.
A solid trade show checklist starts with deciding on booth size, messaging, imagery, and decorations. Make sure your booth is well labeled and eye-catching to visitors walking by. Make sure you have enough brochures, business cards, and promotional products to give out to leads.
4. Decide on promotional products.
Tradeshow visitors are more likely to visit your booth if you are giving out a product, and are 80% likely to keep that promotional product for over a year. Make sure your promotional product strategically combines creativity, brand messaging, and usefulness to have the greatest impact on your booth visitors; turning prospects into leads.
5. Hire staff.
Trade show visitors are not likely to wait in line to talk to your company, make sure you have enough staff on-site to chat with booth visitors!
6. Thoroughly prepare your staff.
Practice, practice practice! Know what messages and language you want your staff to use when they’re chatting to booth visitors; make sure they’re prepared to convey your company’s message effectively.
1. Avoid generic questions, such as: “Can I help you?” and “Are you enjoying the show?”
Remember that you want to stand out.
2. Be chatty
Be the friendliest you can – waiting in line for the bathroom, buffet, seminars, etc. You never know whom you might be standing next to.
3. Network with your competitors.
Have a set schedule of times of when you are working the booth and when you are able to walk the floor.
4. Collect business cards.
Always follow up!
Only 50% of exhibitors will follow up with the people who visited their booths, if you are not, your competitors will be. Every single person you speak with should receive a follow up within 24-48 hours.
Here is a checklist of how you should go about following up to make sure your company message effectively resonates with booth visitors:
1. Select follow up channels
Online, email, telephone, direct mail, and face-to-face. The channels selected will depend on the individual and how they prefer to communicate.
2. Create a schedule
3. Check availability
Look at your availability over the next 2 weeks following the event and decide when you are able to dedicate time to contacting leads.
4. Decide the priority of each person
(1st is hot lead, 2nd is warm lead, 3rd in cool lead, 4th is not lead). Here are some examples of ways to reach out:
Hot leads – send a handwritten card or text message first couple days after the event, then later a LinkedIn Connection, and a couple days after that a promotional product and a coffee invite.
Warm leads – these are the most often miscategorised leads, so make sure to have a follow-up call to qualify them and which also makes a personal connection.
Cold leads – send a FAQ email, video message, or recap article a few days following the event, then a week later make a telephone call.
5. Make a calendar of how you will reach each person and the message you will send.
6. Execute plan.
7. Say thank you.
Remember to say thank you to the parties who helped make your trade show a success. This includes:
Key vendors – LinkedIn recommendation, email, tweet, etc.
What are the benefits of using branded promotional merchandise? Nowadays, it seems that many marketing strategies are purely social media-driven. No matter who you are in the marketing industry, don’t let anyone tell you that promo products are a thing of the past. Ignoring the power of merchandise would be the most detrimental business move you could make.
In this article, we will explore why promotional merchandise is still relevant to your business and how to implement it in your marketing mix.
BENEFITS OF USING PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE
What can promo products do for your brand?
It doesn’t matter if you own a motorcycle shop or bake gluten-free pastries; promotional products will help your business thrive. Think of these giveaways as a more useful version of your business card. Craft an eye-catching keychain or a reusable bag with your cute cupcake logo, and you have just created real-life, walking advertisements. This is an effective, affordable way to grow your brand’s exposure.
Why are promotional products still relevant in a digital marketing world?
You may be thinking, “This is 2018. No one even writes with pens anymore.” Sure, the world we live in has certainly changed, and technology is one of our biggest consumptions. Nonetheless, everyone loves a free gift, especially if it is useful. This type of advertisement puts your brand in a favorable light. It shows your clients that this is a reciprocal relationship; out of all the businesses out there, you actually care about their happiness.
Do you know how long the average tweet circulates? According to Social Media Specialist, Rebecca Coleman, the answer is “about 15 minutes.” Facebook and Instagram posts? Roughly 24 hours. However, according to the Promotional Products Association (PAA), 76% of people who own promotional merchandise can clearly recall the company who gave them the product, as well as the event in which they received it. To top it off, “Well-designed and useful promotional products are more often than not retained for a year or more, ensuring that your brand remains on display for far longer than would be possible via conventional promotional techniques.”
Do you want your clients to remember your brand for 15 minutes or over a year?
HOW TO IMPLEMENT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS INTO YOUR MARKETING MIX
“Gifts such as promotional… gadgets and clothing bearing brand logos have been proven to be an instrumental aspect of any effective, balanced marketing strategy.” –Andrew Nash, Promotional Products Expert
What’s your marketing mix?
First off, don’t feel bad if “marketing mix” is a term you haven’t heard in awhile. We all have too many acronyms and terminologies to add to our lives daily. Basically, your marketing mix is a tool combining the four Ps: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. You want to have the right product, at the right price, in the right place, and promote it correctly. As Andre Nash explained in the quote above, the most important component of this “balanced marketing strategy” is the product itself.
The best way to add promotional merchandise to your marketing mix
Do your research and know your target audience. If you aren’t familiar with your buyer persona, get to know them before you make any decisions. Don’t select products to give away because you or your nephew think they’re super cool. What could your ideal client really use? What merchandise would he or she be excited to receive and show off to friends?
The best way to add promotional merchandise to your marketing mix is to get the product right the first time. Make sure you’re ordering quality items. After all, your promo products represent your brand; do you want your company to fall apart after being used twice? In addition, while ensuring that the merchandise represents your company’s key values, try to appeal to your clients’ emotions and ethics. For example, if you aim to target eco-conscious athletes, the last thing you want to distribute is plastic beer mugs.
Your marketing mix will never get better than your promo product selection.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions whatsoever about the benefits of using promotional merchandise, we are here for you. Likewise, if you’re struggling to integrate promo products into your marketing mix, we want to help. Whatever the case may be, our mission at Red Tomato is to assist you in achieving your biggest company goals.
When you work with us, you know that we are invested in your vision and ultimate success. From the first consultation to the day of distribution and beyond, we are there for you every step of the way. We are eager to show you how to make the most of your valuable services.
What do you think the benefits of using promotional merchandise are? How have you implemented promo products into your marketing mix? When did you see the best results? Please let us know in the comments below!
Get in touch with us and start your journey to becoming the best brand possible now!
“An interesting giveaway almost always guarantees participation.” -Deepa Christina Radh
You’ve done your research and your marketing team has picked out the perfect event merchandise. This is going to be your biggest event yet, and everyone is expecting your ROI to soar. After you think that you’re completely prepared for your day, be sure not to skip one of the key elements to success. Whether you’re representing your company at a trade show, festival, conference, or sports event, crowd engagement can make or break your investment. In this article, we will help you achieve your goals with the most innovative ideas for event crowd engagement.
Make it Personal
No two events are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all promo merch for different demographics. As QuickTapSurvey points out, “At the center of any activation lives a big idea that must be creative, measurable and relevant… You shouldn’t expect the same activation to be successful across a bunch of different [events]. Personalise your idea based on the personality of the [event] and the needs and tastes of its core audience.”
Promoting your brand at a sports event will obviously draw in a different crowd than an opera concert, and your approach needs to reflect that. You shouldn’t expect that your logo-emblasoned beanies will go over well for both occasions. Also take factors, such as weather and event-based needs, into account. You could pass out blankets in the winter and sunglasses at a summer festival.
Crowd Games
Whether you’re at a travel conference, a marketing tradeshow, or a rugby game, most people love a fun, interactive game. According to research, roughly 90% of event attendees who engage in crowd games will remember the brand that hosted it. That’s quite a favourable percentage. Games in physical and digital form both work well. A trivia game that encourages attendees to engage others ensures that more people will get involved. This translates to increased brand awareness. On the flip side, if you own an app company, take advantage of how often people use their phones. Create a simple game specific to the event. Allow them to unlock rewards- such as promotional merchandise or a coupon code- with each level they pass.
Social Media Engagement
While everyone loves receiving free, useful gifts, you must always keep in mind how to get the most out of your company’s investments. This is where social media comes in, and your strategy should span the event before, during, and after the fact. Create a hashtag specific to your brand and the event. Send out a Facebook blast prior the event, hyping people up with clues to what you’ll offer. During the event, encourage people to tweet, tag your company on Facebook, or share a photo of their new gear on Instagram. Make sure they use the hashtag! After the event, thank everyone, and create a slideshow of the most popular posts.
A great way to motivate people to use your hashtag is to set up a photo booth. Take advantage of the selfie-obsession, and give them a colourful backdrop to pose in front of. Don’t forget to make your logo clearly visible! Another idea is to offer prizes to a few, randomly selected, attendees who have used your hashtag. For example, if you’re at a technology conference, offer a coveted item such as an iPad engraved with your logo. Stick to your budget, but keep in mind that the better the prize, the more engagement you’ll receive.
All in all, the more crowd engagement you inspire, the more your ROI and brand awareness will increase. No matter where you perform your activation, keep it useful, fun, and interactive. Also, don’t forget to utilise the power of social media.
What did you think of these crowd engagement tips for events? What has worked best for your company in the past? Please leave your answers in the comments below!
From practical glass bottles to comfortable beanies, impress new hires with trendy and useful items perfect for the daily grind.
Innovate and Inspire
INNOVATE AND INSPIRE
Price: $165 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Voyager Laptop Backpack
Swiss Peak TWS Earbuds
Vector Wireless Charger – Square
Omega Notebook
Cylon Bluetooth Speaker
The ultimate ensemble for forward-thinking professionals who thrive on creativity and innovation. Each item in this meticulously curated kit enhances both productivity and inspiration.
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
Price: $110 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Stealth Vacuum Bottle
Stencil Half Zip Crew
Swiss Peak Traveller Umbrella
Silicone Phone Wallet
Ritz Bib Apron
Surprise & delight key clients, partners, or team members with the finer things like our premium bottle of wine, artisanal cheese selection box, and handpicked assorted gourmet chocolates.
GIVE THEM A WARM WELCOME
GIVE THEM A WARM WELCOME
Price: $70 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Vacuum Cup
Gildan Softstyle
Bondi Bucket Hat
Kingston Notebook
Corolla Backpack
Welcome your newest hires with branded swag that will make them feel part of the team.
THE SUSTAINABLE ENSEMBLE
THE SUSTAINABLE ENSEMBLE
Price: $55 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Adora Aluminium Bottle
Sonnet Cotton Tote Bag – Colours
Monza Jute Tote Bag
RPET Compact Umbrella
Arabica Coffee Mug
Show your commitment to going green with a sustainable starter kit with quality and recycled items such as a jute tote bag, RPET compact umbrella, and an aluminum bottle.
THE GEN Z PACK
THE GEN Z PACK
Price: $90 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak TWS Earbuds
Silicone Phone Wallet
Vento Double Wall Cup
Everest Beanie
Berkeley Backpack
Bring the rizz on with gifts your Gen Z employees can enjoy from TWS earbuds to double wall cups for quick coffee runs.
THE MILLENIAL PACK
THE MILLENIAL PACK
Price: $90 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Mirage Steel Bottle
Classic Tee
Carnaby Cotton Tote Bag – Colours
Himalayan Vacuum Tumbler
Nirvana Backpack
Curate everyday essentials for millennials on the go with items like our cotton tote, vacuum tumbler, and backpack.
CLASSY AND MINIMALIST
CLASSY AND MINIMALIST
Price: $80 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Luzern Pen
Omega Notebook
Premium Hood
Ritz Bib Apron
Metro Cup
Blend elegance and simplicity perfect for modern professionals with a premium hood, metro cup, an omega notebook, and more.
FUEL THE CREATIVE JUICES KIT
FUEL THE CREATIVE JUICES KIT
Price: $75 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Fuel Coffee Mug
Stencil United Crew
Cordia Cup
Powell Pro Foldable Stand
Atlantis Pen
Spark creativity with items that merge inspiration with essentials from a crew sweater to keep them comfortable in work sessions to a foldable gadget stand that helps with a creative desk setup.
EXECUTIVE ESSENTIALS
EXECUTIVE ESSENTIALS
Price: $110 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Heritage Rollerball Pen &
Swiss Peak Heritage A5 Notebook
Gildan Softstyle – Adult V-Neck T-Shirt
Horizon Duffle Bag
Seattle Scarf and Gloves Set
Let executives work and travel in style. From a scarf and gloves set to luxury pens, they can find everything they need with our executive essentials set.
THE ULTIMATE TECH ENSEMBLE
THE ULTIMATE TECH ENSEMBLE
Price: $200 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Swiss Peak Voyager Laptop Backpack
Swiss Peak TWS Earbuds
Swiss Peak Luxury 15W Wireless Charger
Vector Wireless Charger – Square
Cylon Bluetooth Speaker
Stay connected with TWS earbuds, laptop backpacks, and wireless chargers, fit for every tech-lover ready to conquer the day.
GIVE THEM A WARM WELCOME
Pricing from $100.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Insulated Winter Jacket
Soft-Fit Company T-shirt
Embossed Leather Notebook
Insulated Travel Mug
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Signature Series Ballpoint Pen
Cotton Tote Bag
Gear up for a cozy start, complete with essentials that give a warm welcome.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
SALES PERSON WELCOME KIT
Pricing from $35.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Protective Laptop Sleeve
Personalized Business Card Holder
Interactive Sales Presentation Pointer
Durable Mobile Phone Stand
Ecofriendly Power Bank
Premium Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Everything a salesperson needs, in one streamlined package.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
Pricing from $30.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Handpicked Assorted Gourmet Chocolates
Premium Bottle of Wine (with branded wine stopper)
Artisanal Cheese Selection Box
Perfect for those who savour the finer things while settling into a fresh start.
Eco Friendly
Local
Customisable
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
Pricing from $30.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Capri Glass Bottle
Kingston Notebook
Vistro Pen – Silver Barrels
Precision Mouse Mat
Welcome Cards
Suited for anyone looking for a rich welcome on their first day.
Eco Friendly
Local
Customisable
BUILD LONG LASTING MEMORIES
Pricing from $75.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Wireless Charging Pad
Eco-friendly Reusable Straw Set
Customisable PopSocket Grip
Limited Edition Enamel Pin
Twist Backpack
Soda Aluminium Drink Bottle
Trendy essentials that seamlessly blend style, function, and unforgettable memories.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
THE MILLENIAL PACK
Pricing from $40.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Eco-friendly Modular Backpack
Ambassador Bound Journal Notebook
Smart Mug
Multi-function Leather Cardholder
Bumper Stickers
Bullet Pen
Curated essentials that resonate with the millennial pace, wherever work calls.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
WELCOME KITS FOR CREATIVES
Pricing from $35.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Linen-bound Notebook
Stainless Steel Tumbler
Adjustable Phone Holder
Textured Card Wallet
Minimalist Desk Organizer
Sleek Black Pen
Ideal for creative minds, merging inspiration with essentials.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
INSTIL CORPORATE VALUES
Pricing from $45.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Branded Guidebook
Desk Plaque
Team Unity Puzzle
Value-based Achievement Badges
Inspirational Quote Calendar
Company History Coffee Table Book
Welcome essentials that subtly echo your company’s spirit.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable
Customisable
CLASSY & MINIMALIST
Pricing from $30.00 + GST
Welcome Pack Inclusions
Tailored Leather Wallet
A5 Hardcover Linen Notebook
Monochrome Desk Organiser
Sleek Metal Water Bottle
Minimalist Tote Bag
Neutral-Toned Lanyard
Ideal for the modern professional who appreciates elegance in simplicity.
