It used to be that when we picked up a magazine or newspaper, we actually had to read content to get the advertiser’s brand message. But that was then. Today, augmented reality (AR) has taken print to a 3D level: By immersing the user in a living, moving virtual world, AR has completely changed how we interact with a brand—and from a marketing standpoint, it has rewritten the rules of engagement.
When you embed virtual content layered over a real-world object and content is displayed, AR becomes a game-changer in that it makes a powerful, immediate connection with the user and provides information in an intriguing and memorable way. The revenue-generating potential is incredible:
• $50 Million Sales Increase: Mitsubishi Electric launched a new mobile app for its sales reps; the AR application lets customers visualize air conditioning units in various locations within their homes. The Company reported a $50 million increase in sales figures.
• A 152% Sales Boost: The Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo launched a mobile app that augments penguins into a user’s view, and then guides the user through the city and to the aquarium. Without changing the exhibit, the campaign increased ticket sales by 152%. And more than 90% of users reported that they would recommend the application to friends and family.
At Shamrock, we recently launched a pre-show mailer for Seiko Instruments USA that used AR to show their new printer in action with the intent to drive visitors to their booth.
Click here to view the AR experience.
AR can be customized to hit your audience when and where you want: geo-tagged for proximity-based marketing campaigns (think festivals, annual meetings, sporting events, etc.).
Because AR interaction is trackable, we use the data from the experience to strategically plan the next step, modify the message, shape future campaigns, and so on. If you’re interested in learning more, connect with me on Linked In.
All the best,
Tim Connor
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Are you using promotional products as part of your marketing program? Make tangible brand connections
In this digital age, so much of our everyday business is managed online. But as with any other aspect of our lives, balance is essential to success. Promotional products are the ideal source for equilibrium in your marketing program because they make a brand impression offline. Think about it: How many logoed t-shirts do you have in your closet? I’ve got a stack of them—and I’m not alone: The latest statistics show that, on average, Americans keep t-shirts for 6.3 months, tallying 2,450 impressions. It’s a great example of how a promotional item makes a tangible, lasting brand statement.
Shamrock’s value is the ability to connect online and offline channels to complement each other and work together to perpetuate the message in the most powerful and effective way. The result of that integrated and balanced marketing effort is a memorable brand impression. We see the big picture.
The ASI fASIlitate Conference just wrapped up in Las Vegas earlier this month. With so many new, innovative products on the market and the phenomenal reach that we are seeing with brand awareness, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry.
Which premium items will provide you the best return on your investment? Click on this link to learn more and see some the newly-released statistics.
All the best,
Tim Connor
Shamrock’s value is the ability to connect online and offline channels to complement each other and work together to perpetuate the message in the most powerful and effective way. The result of that integrated and balanced marketing effort is a memorable brand impression. We see the big picture.
The ASI fASIlitate Conference just wrapped up in Las Vegas earlier this month. With so many new, innovative products on the market and the phenomenal reach that we are seeing with brand awareness, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry.
Which premium items will provide you the best return on your investment? Click on this link to learn more and see some the newly-released statistics.
All the best,
Tim Connor
Thursday, February 19, 2015
The shape of things to come. 3-D technology is changing the way we define printing.
When people think printing, they think Shamrock. Because Shamrock is an industrial printing resource, among our extensive marketing service offerings, some people make the assumption that we’ve got 3-D printers in our warehouses. But there is a misnomer about 3-D printing: It is a new (and expensive) technology that’s used for special applications. 3-D printers use additive manufacturing (AM) technology which creates an object layer by layer. Because it’s controlled and directed by computer software, the printer adds each new layer as a perfect cross-section of that final object. And it builds, or prints, using layers of substrates such as metal, plastic, fabric, foam, etc. It’s an amazing process to watch.
Some industry insiders hype 3-D printing as the technology that will spur the next industrial revolution. That may very well be true. The technology in 3-D printers is being used to create everything from edible chocolate bars at Hershey, to prosthetic human body parts at the University of Tokyo. Consider using a printer to create a human ear: It sounds space-age. But clearly, that reality is not far off.
Roll back the clock—in the 80’s most of us had never heard of the World Wide Web. 3-D printing technology is revolutionary in much the same way: Our generation will see the growth and development of this technology that will eventually change the way we do business—and the way we live. It’s already taken off: Estimates show that the 3-D printing market will reach $6.9 billion in sales by 2018, up from $3.2 billion this past year.
A friend of mine owns Thogus Products, which is a plastic injection molding company. They have diversified their operations and started RP&M, a 3-D printing company that uses multi-layer 3-D printing to make parts. They’ve invested in machines that handle multiple substrates from plastics to ceramics to metals. They’re seeing more application growth in aerospace, dental and even in the fashion industry. From a budget standpoint, it does make sense to use 3-D to produce one-off pieces instead of creating a mold or other form for single-unit fabrication.
As with most consumable technology, 3-D will continue to evolve and become more cost-efficient. Based on what we are experiencing today, in the future, we’ll all likely have one of these printers in our businesses, and even in our homes.
Where I do see Shamrock incorporating 3-D printing in the future is in helping customers develop prototypes: For applications that would otherwise be cumbersome and time-consuming, 3-D technology could be used to develop packaging and promotional items quickly and more efficiently. Shamrock will continue to connect our customers with emerging technology that is relevant to their businesses. Stay tuned—change is taking shape.
Some industry insiders hype 3-D printing as the technology that will spur the next industrial revolution. That may very well be true. The technology in 3-D printers is being used to create everything from edible chocolate bars at Hershey, to prosthetic human body parts at the University of Tokyo. Consider using a printer to create a human ear: It sounds space-age. But clearly, that reality is not far off.
Roll back the clock—in the 80’s most of us had never heard of the World Wide Web. 3-D printing technology is revolutionary in much the same way: Our generation will see the growth and development of this technology that will eventually change the way we do business—and the way we live. It’s already taken off: Estimates show that the 3-D printing market will reach $6.9 billion in sales by 2018, up from $3.2 billion this past year.
A friend of mine owns Thogus Products, which is a plastic injection molding company. They have diversified their operations and started RP&M, a 3-D printing company that uses multi-layer 3-D printing to make parts. They’ve invested in machines that handle multiple substrates from plastics to ceramics to metals. They’re seeing more application growth in aerospace, dental and even in the fashion industry. From a budget standpoint, it does make sense to use 3-D to produce one-off pieces instead of creating a mold or other form for single-unit fabrication.
As with most consumable technology, 3-D will continue to evolve and become more cost-efficient. Based on what we are experiencing today, in the future, we’ll all likely have one of these printers in our businesses, and even in our homes.
Where I do see Shamrock incorporating 3-D printing in the future is in helping customers develop prototypes: For applications that would otherwise be cumbersome and time-consuming, 3-D technology could be used to develop packaging and promotional items quickly and more efficiently. Shamrock will continue to connect our customers with emerging technology that is relevant to their businesses. Stay tuned—change is taking shape.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Out with the old, in with the new... Changing your daily habits is the ultimate deep cleanse for your business
We’re already at the end of January: So, how are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? I’m still hearing people talk about reorganizing, streamlining, detoxing. But just how do you get there—how do you make those self-promises (or goals) stick?
I contend that this year, I’m “making healthy a habit.” And that goes beyond the obvious healthy habits of eating clean, exercising and keeping up with regular checkups. For me, making healthy a habit means making conscious choices/changes in my daily routine that will exhibit a positive change in my everyday life. Think about that concept—it’s a simple incentive that I’ve incorporated into various area of my life.
Making healthy a habit in your business starts with a look in the mirror—or an honest self-assessment. You might want to consider these questions to help lose the flab and shape up your business:
--Have I communicated my vision and goals for 2015 with my employees? Do they feel a part of that effort? Are they inspired?
--How often have I randomly reached out to current clients? When was the last time I picked up the phone and asked them how we’re doing? (the same goes for suppliers)
--Are my compliance standards up to date? Could my team benefit from additional training?
--What areas of my business performed below expectations in 2014? What changes can I implement today to change that course for the year ahead?
--What areas of my business performed well this past year? Celebrate those victories—and then identify ways to replicate that success in other departments, territories, with new product lines, etc.
Again, making healthy a habit is a deliberate choice: It’s a change in mindset that offers great dividends. One resource about changing habits that I go back to time and again is The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. I wrote a blog about the book a few months back; and you’ll also find more about it at www.charlesduhigg.com.
You might consider tossing your new-year’s pledges, and instead, work toward starting a revolution with your habits. It’s never too late to start.
I contend that this year, I’m “making healthy a habit.” And that goes beyond the obvious healthy habits of eating clean, exercising and keeping up with regular checkups. For me, making healthy a habit means making conscious choices/changes in my daily routine that will exhibit a positive change in my everyday life. Think about that concept—it’s a simple incentive that I’ve incorporated into various area of my life.
Making healthy a habit in your business starts with a look in the mirror—or an honest self-assessment. You might want to consider these questions to help lose the flab and shape up your business:
--Have I communicated my vision and goals for 2015 with my employees? Do they feel a part of that effort? Are they inspired?
--How often have I randomly reached out to current clients? When was the last time I picked up the phone and asked them how we’re doing? (the same goes for suppliers)
--Are my compliance standards up to date? Could my team benefit from additional training?
--What areas of my business performed below expectations in 2014? What changes can I implement today to change that course for the year ahead?
--What areas of my business performed well this past year? Celebrate those victories—and then identify ways to replicate that success in other departments, territories, with new product lines, etc.
Again, making healthy a habit is a deliberate choice: It’s a change in mindset that offers great dividends. One resource about changing habits that I go back to time and again is The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. I wrote a blog about the book a few months back; and you’ll also find more about it at www.charlesduhigg.com.
You might consider tossing your new-year’s pledges, and instead, work toward starting a revolution with your habits. It’s never too late to start.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Game On. With college bowl season upon us, consider how to build your corporate dream team.
To be successful, every team needs to develop solid fundamentals, follow a smart playbook, employ a talented coaching staff—an all-star recruiting classes doesn’t hurt—and the free agent market is always a good source for adding talent…
I could write an entire post using cheesy game-day references that link business and sport. But I won’t. The truth is that there are many parallels that can be draw between competitive athletics and business; and I’ve read a number of articles about the benefits of hiring former student-athletes (or at least, looking for new-hires who possess some of their key attributes).
Consider that your business—no matter your market or industry—is only as good as its people. It follows, then, that as business leaders we need to attract the best and brightest. But how do we find them? I’ve read quite a bit about what researchers tell us about birth order (and how it influences future success): Many point to the firstborn child as more conscientious, ambitious and aggressive than their younger siblings. These firstborns are over-represented at Harvard and Yale; and more than half of all Nobel Prize winners and U.S. presidents have been first born.
A similar-type argument can be made for recruiting student-athletes: These are the college students who, in addition to their studies, have developed excellent time-management skills; have learned how to deal with losing—and how to bounce back; maintain competitive drive and determination; understand how their roles and responsibilities effect the team; and are extremely disciplined and dedicated. Isn’t that the type of employee we all want working for our team?
We want people who are driven, dedicated and talented—but also balanced. It’s that type of level, even-keel attitude that can keep us all moving forward, for the win.
Best of luck!
Read the Fast Company article about hiring student-athletes
I could write an entire post using cheesy game-day references that link business and sport. But I won’t. The truth is that there are many parallels that can be draw between competitive athletics and business; and I’ve read a number of articles about the benefits of hiring former student-athletes (or at least, looking for new-hires who possess some of their key attributes).
Consider that your business—no matter your market or industry—is only as good as its people. It follows, then, that as business leaders we need to attract the best and brightest. But how do we find them? I’ve read quite a bit about what researchers tell us about birth order (and how it influences future success): Many point to the firstborn child as more conscientious, ambitious and aggressive than their younger siblings. These firstborns are over-represented at Harvard and Yale; and more than half of all Nobel Prize winners and U.S. presidents have been first born.
A similar-type argument can be made for recruiting student-athletes: These are the college students who, in addition to their studies, have developed excellent time-management skills; have learned how to deal with losing—and how to bounce back; maintain competitive drive and determination; understand how their roles and responsibilities effect the team; and are extremely disciplined and dedicated. Isn’t that the type of employee we all want working for our team?
We want people who are driven, dedicated and talented—but also balanced. It’s that type of level, even-keel attitude that can keep us all moving forward, for the win.
Best of luck!
Read the Fast Company article about hiring student-athletes
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Here’s to your health- Mustaches in Movember remind us all to take care of the important stuff—and encourage our family and friends to do the same
During this past month, the global Movember Foundation challenged men to grow moustaches to raise awareness about, and funds for, men’s health programs—particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental illness. I participated and went full-on no shave with a beard and moustache.
Other than simplifying my morning routine, Movember has taught me a few important lessons:
#1. We all need to be more informed—for the sake of our own health and for those we love. Here are a few stats:
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in young men age 15 – 35.
• About 15 million American adults are diagnosed with depression each year.
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the United States. And in 2014 alone, 233,000 will be diagnosed with the disease.
#2. We all need to get checked. Based on the above data, we all need to make our health a priority: Now is the time to schedule checkups and encourage our friends and family to do the same.
#3. For those of us who are in relatively good health, we should count our blessings. During this past year I have seen close friends and colleagues deal with debilitating illness and health-related issues. In some of these cases, it’s something that I never saw coming. And that’s the scary thing—most of us don’t dwell on our health, until either we, or someone close to us, loses that vitality.
So it’s fitting that this Thanksgiving season has me again reflecting on the many things in my life that I’m thankful for—and my health tops that list. But in order to make the hairy Movember effort worth the itch, I need to move beyond working out and eating healthy. I need to get checked.
I hope you’ll do the same.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Other than simplifying my morning routine, Movember has taught me a few important lessons:
#1. We all need to be more informed—for the sake of our own health and for those we love. Here are a few stats:
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in young men age 15 – 35.
• About 15 million American adults are diagnosed with depression each year.
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the United States. And in 2014 alone, 233,000 will be diagnosed with the disease.
#2. We all need to get checked. Based on the above data, we all need to make our health a priority: Now is the time to schedule checkups and encourage our friends and family to do the same.
#3. For those of us who are in relatively good health, we should count our blessings. During this past year I have seen close friends and colleagues deal with debilitating illness and health-related issues. In some of these cases, it’s something that I never saw coming. And that’s the scary thing—most of us don’t dwell on our health, until either we, or someone close to us, loses that vitality.
So it’s fitting that this Thanksgiving season has me again reflecting on the many things in my life that I’m thankful for—and my health tops that list. But in order to make the hairy Movember effort worth the itch, I need to move beyond working out and eating healthy. I need to get checked.
I hope you’ll do the same.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
It’s better to give... The benefits of nurturing a philanthropic corporate culture
When we were kids, my mom made us finish all of the food on our plates—and as many of you can probably relate, she’d remind us that there were kids in the world who didn’t have anything to eat. Even so, we weren’t feeling so lucky to have broccoli sitting in front of us. Fast forward a few decades, and while so many things have changed, there are others that remain much the same.
It’s a startling statistic: Here in Northeast Ohio, one in six people is food insecure (i.e., they don’t know where their next meal will come from). The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is one of the agencies that is responding to that need. They served 39 million meals in 2013 alone. Recently a group of us from Shamrock headed to the food bank to serve meals. And while I feel so blessed to be able to help and lend support, I’m even more proud that it wasn’t my idea.
We have this dedicated team of people at Shamrock who spearhead such community involvement efforts, providing all of us here with opportunities to serve. They meet monthly and discuss ways that we, as a company, can help in our community and even beyond. Having the discipline—and the desire—is what has helped to make philanthropy a core element of our corporate culture at Shamrock.
What’s important to our employees’ hearts is what’s important to us as a company: That’s always been who we are and how we operate. But being philanthropic is very personal. I think what has made our efforts at Shamrock so successful is that we take everyone’s input and ideas and passions—and then we provide opportunities for our employees to plug in and join in where they feel most compelled to help.
As with any effort, there has to be leadership by example for it to really succeed. And we have that here. All of us at Shamrock—and at every level—take pride in being a part of our community efforts. It’s a source of camaraderie. The result is that, as a group, Shamrock has been able to make a big difference in the lives of many people who are in need. It’s a pretty satisfying feeling—and it’s also motivating.
If you’re looking for ideas to help get your own community involvement program off the ground, send me an email and I can connect you with some of the people here who do it best. info@shamrockcompanies.net
And if you’d like more information about the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, click on the link below.
www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org
It’s a startling statistic: Here in Northeast Ohio, one in six people is food insecure (i.e., they don’t know where their next meal will come from). The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is one of the agencies that is responding to that need. They served 39 million meals in 2013 alone. Recently a group of us from Shamrock headed to the food bank to serve meals. And while I feel so blessed to be able to help and lend support, I’m even more proud that it wasn’t my idea.
We have this dedicated team of people at Shamrock who spearhead such community involvement efforts, providing all of us here with opportunities to serve. They meet monthly and discuss ways that we, as a company, can help in our community and even beyond. Having the discipline—and the desire—is what has helped to make philanthropy a core element of our corporate culture at Shamrock.
What’s important to our employees’ hearts is what’s important to us as a company: That’s always been who we are and how we operate. But being philanthropic is very personal. I think what has made our efforts at Shamrock so successful is that we take everyone’s input and ideas and passions—and then we provide opportunities for our employees to plug in and join in where they feel most compelled to help.
As with any effort, there has to be leadership by example for it to really succeed. And we have that here. All of us at Shamrock—and at every level—take pride in being a part of our community efforts. It’s a source of camaraderie. The result is that, as a group, Shamrock has been able to make a big difference in the lives of many people who are in need. It’s a pretty satisfying feeling—and it’s also motivating.
If you’re looking for ideas to help get your own community involvement program off the ground, send me an email and I can connect you with some of the people here who do it best. info@shamrockcompanies.net
And if you’d like more information about the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, click on the link below.
www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org
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