Posted by Wyteria Jacobo on September 17, 2008 at 4:29am
I did a few google searches today on both of the presidential candidates just to humor myself. My few seconds' worth of research revealed that both sides face accusations of being "flip-flops." One site I ran across even proclaimed itself to be the "master list of flip-flops committed by McCain." Anyway, all this talk about flip-flops got me thinking about the original flip-flops. You know, the kind you wear on your feet?It seems that corporate's perception of flip-flops has changed over the years. What was once seen as a business attire faux pas is now a welcome advertising vehicle at meetings, cruises, beach incentive packages, employee vacations, and award galas. Why did corporate change its mind? Two reasons. First, the company logo can be placed on the bottom of the sandal, turning it into a "talking" footprint. Second, employees and other recipients will take the footwear home where they will continue to wear it to the grocery store, picnics and other places. Remember, home is one of the places where buying decisions are made so an investment in custom sandals would be an investment well spent. Consider just two case histories supporting this fact.A major cosmetics firm brainstormed ways to advertise a new shower gel to the college crowd. They handed out a special pair of flip-flops at major US college campuses along with their new product carrying the following tagline: "Save Water - Shower with a Friend."A major U.S. financial institution participates in various charity runs across the country during the summer. They used branded footwear to increase brand awareness and support their sponsorship.Other organizations could benefit from this kind of exposure. Imagine the possibilities! A political candidate could print a picture of his or her opponent on a pair of flip-flops and hand them out during political rallies. A slogan might be, "We don't flip-flop like those other guys." Or a vacation club could send it to their clients to motivate them to make travel reservations. Sales managers could inspire their sales teams to qualify for trips with custom sandals using a slogan like, "Just think. In a few weeks, you could be wearing one of these."Could your firm use more exposure? Sure it could! The solution may be just a footprint away.
Read more…
