Brandology 101
Our insight into the latest trends in branding, employee engagement, marketing strategy and more.
January 19, 2023
You Don’t Know SWAG
INM Account Manager, Lisa, gives her take on the 2022 Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo. Read her insights as a former buyer and first time PPAI attendee.Read More
December 21, 2022
Memories & Cookies
What do the holidays mean to you? To me, Christmas time means family. It’s warm embraces from relatives you don’t...Read More
December 9, 2022
Year End Wrap-Up
Between end of the year meetings and holiday social demands, we know December is always crazy busy! Our Director of...Read More
November 22, 2022
Creative Ways to Enhance Your Gifting
Don’t worry creatively enhance is not code for blowing your budget. It simply means being more strategic and thoughtful with...Read More
November 8, 2022
Corporate Gifting to Build Culture
Before I joined the team at INM, I worked for a company in Tucson, Arizona. The company was fairly small...Read More
October 19, 2022
A Story of Hope: It is Well
It was a beautiful spring day – Sunday, April 19, 2015, to be exact. Two weeks before I would walk...Read More
October 6, 2022
A Winning Talent Acquisition Strategy
Have you checked out our last conversation about Talent Acquisition and the importance of a strategic and holistic strategy? Here...Read More
October 6, 2022
Creating a Talent Acquisition Strategy
In our current post-COVID world, the hiring and recruiting landscape has and continues to change rapidly. Things like working remote,...Read More
September 22, 2022
The Importance of Tangible Gifting
Holiday gifting season is HERE! Are you thinking about gifting your employees and clients gift cards this year? You might...Read More
September 20, 2022
Gifts that Keep on Giving
Have you ever received a gift from an employer that was underwhelming, or one where your first thought was… “Wow,...Read More
September 19, 2022
Humanility: Meet Nilo
I’d like to share a story. This story has nothing to do with marketing or promotional products. This is a...Read More
August 9, 2022
It’s More Than Just a Cooler
My dad has terminal cancer. (Don’t worry! This isn’t a sad blog post and I promise it’s relevant to promotional...Read More
June 15, 2022
CSR in 2022: B Corp
What is a B Corp? Taking care of our environment is critical for our future well-being—that’s a given. Certified B...Read More
June 7, 2022
CSR in 2022: Giving Back for Good
INM is excited to shift our focus this year in a way that reaches far beyond our tangible office walls....Read More
June 6, 2022
CSR in 2022: Part One
You’ve likely heard the term by now. Corporate Social Responsibility. But what does it mean and why are we discussing...Read More
March 31, 2022
Maximizing ROI on a Minimal Budget
What’s a “good” budget? Is it worth doing a promotional giveaway if I have a small budget? Does a small...Read More
March 21, 2022
Episode 6: Inclusion, Culture, and Social Responsibility
Different…not less. Here’s a quick less-than-nine-minute video from our team to educate on World Down Syndrome Day, why it falls...Read More
March 21, 2022
A Day of Inclusion: Georgia’s Story
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! Here at INM, we’re making a conscious effort to celebrate differences and push for...Read More
February 18, 2022
Color Harmonies in Branding
Nothing that is impactful ever stands alone. Read that again. Slowly. We’ve heard the same message in various different forms:...Read More
February 8, 2022
Brand Colors: A Different Point of Hue
Pantone has a new color for the year and it’s a beautiful purple hue. Why in the world is it...Read More
January 14, 2022
How To Convert a Shirt Shortage into a Branding Opp
It’s no secret that inventory availability was a huge headache throughout 2021, and we all know the reasons why. Nope…not...Read More
November 18, 2021
Merch That Makes Your Mouth Water
It’s not every day that we see insanely cool swag that intrigues us. We’ve been around for a few years...Read More
October 22, 2021
How It Works: Recycling Plastic Water Bottles
Plastics cannot be composted. They do not break down. Even when recycled they are still…plastic. But recycling them is one...Read More
October 8, 2021
Holiday Gifting: Less Business…More Personal
With the holidays just ahead, let’s chat real quick about how to approach corporate gifting this year: DO: Add recipient...Read More
September 23, 2021
The Logistics Behind the Port Jam
Below is an excellent (and fairly brief) 6 minute detailed explanation on the container jam at the ports of Los...Read More
August 23, 2021
Retaining Your MVPs
It’s being called “The Great Resignation” as millions of workers quit their jobs just as the economy started to gain...Read More
August 3, 2021
The Most Critical Component of Swag is NOT the Logo
Wait…did we say that out loud? Sure did. There are quite a few companies that still believe that an effective...Read More
July 29, 2021
Substantiating Christmas in July
Although it sounds so cliché, it is in fact this year’s reality, and it has everything to do with the...Read More
July 16, 2021
Trends in Strategic Marketing: Retention
Question: What is the most important thing you can do with your top clients and top performing employees? Answer: Keep...Read More
June 21, 2021
Episode 5: The {Book} Shop Around the Corner
Meet Missy. She is our inside retail book shop guru, offering branded marketing solutions via any individual product that can...Read More
June 14, 2021
Trends in Strategic Marketing
Intentionality is the act of being deliberate or purpose-driven. It’s the power to control an outcome because we have the...Read More
June 11, 2021
Promo Industry Woes: Here’s the Scoop and How to Plan Accordingly
The past year has been incredibly difficult, but the promo industry is just now starting to experience the full fallout...Read More
May 27, 2021
So Many Questions…
Send us a project request and we’re likely to come back with a few additional questions. It’s not that we’re...Read More
May 11, 2021
Back to the Office
It’s time to start thinking about welcoming employees back to the office (anyone else hearing the “Welcome Back, Mr. Kotter”...Read More
April 23, 2021
Episode 4: A Safe Return to In-Person Events
Ashley Blumberg is the Director of Events for the American Heart Association in Dallas. In this episode, we discuss the...Read More
April 8, 2021
Corporate Merch Programs: Part Three – See Them In Action
We’ve discussed the new definition of corporate merchandise programs and the top 6 benefits they provide, so now let’s get...Read More
April 1, 2021
Episode 3: Tech Advancements in Promo
Technology. Those who once felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced industry are now able to say they’ve been in a Zoom...Read More
March 29, 2021
Corporate Merch Programs: Part Two – The WHY
Programs are an efficient way to increase engagement, but why choose them over one-off ordering? Glad you asked. Here’s a...Read More
March 22, 2021
Corporate Merch Programs: Part One – The WHAT
For anyone who has overseen a branded merchandise program, you can likely appreciate the effort that it takes to create...Read More
March 17, 2021
The Race
Life is a race. Stay with us for a moment – we’re not talking strict competition here. We’re talking about...Read More
March 11, 2021
Episode 2: T-shirt Shortages, Trending Brands, and Co-branding
Taylor joins us from one of our top factories providing the hottest trends in retail brands such as The North...Read More
March 2, 2021
Breathe In — Breathe Out
Be sure to secure your own mask before assisting others. That is what flight attendants communicate with passengers during pre-flight...Read More
February 23, 2021
Episode 1: A Creative Escape
It’s our pilot episode y’all! Join us as we chat with industry specialists on current trends and favorite products. In...Read More
February 18, 2021
The Influential Aspect of Pantone’s Color of the Year
For the past 20 years, color experts at Pantone have set the stage for trends in color, sparking creativity through...Read More
February 10, 2021
The Colors Behind a Brand
When you hear the name John Deere, what color comes to mind? How about UPS? Target? If you said green,...Read More
January 22, 2021
Four WOW Products That Will Make You Rethink Your SWAG
If you’re one of those people that thinks all marketing {crap} belongs in a basement pile, then you probably just...Read More
January 21, 2021
To Shade, or Not to Shade?
Most people toss an umbrella in the back seat or the trunk, grabbing it only to stay dry during the...Read More
January 18, 2021
The Product Lifecycle of Face Masks
Many are wondering it: how much longer will face coverings be around? Our forecast: at least through 2021, and here’s...Read More
January 13, 2021
The Comfort (Danger) Zone
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ve heard this for ages, but does it really make sense? In some...Read More
January 12, 2021
Be Cool: How to Stand Out with SWAG
It’s not cool to be like everyone else. You should be different. Something must set you apart from them. The...Read More
January 6, 2021
The 2021 Word of the Year is….
QUALITY. QUALITY time. QUALITY content. And yep, QUALITY promo. This year, business plans are likely the most impacted...Read More
January 5, 2021
Apparel Sizing? No Problem! (anymore)
Many of our clients incorporate some sort of employee program that includes branded apparel. That’s no surprise to us, as...Read More
December 29, 2020
Hindsight 20/20
This past year, our eyes were opened to so many things that should have been obvious all along: covering a...Read More
December 18, 2020
A Brighter Perspective
We are SO beyond ready to move past this year, but before we tread on, let’s dust off the rose-colored...Read More
December 15, 2020
Just Walk Away
Are you sitting down? Get up…get up now. It’s time to take a break. The great outdoors is beckoning, and...Read More
December 7, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Keep Your Head Up
It’s time to crank it up and persevere. Peace out 2020… Read More
December 3, 2020
The Virtual Tourist
Many folks are opting to stay home for the time being: away from planes, trains, and automobiles. Sure, it means...Read More
October 21, 2020
Online Shops: Finding the Right Fit
Think about how great it would be to have your own online branded merchandise shop. It’s a tool that can...Read More
September 30, 2020
Online Shops: The Gravy Train
If you’re reading this, CONGRATULATIONS… you’re one in a billion! No really – there are approximately 4.6 billion active internet...Read More
September 24, 2020
Online Shops: How You Can Benefit
You may recall our recent campaign talking about how the holidays are going to look different this year, how to...Read More
September 8, 2020
The Great Budget Shuffle
So you had your annual holiday event planned, but then COVID happened, and all the fun events were cancelled. Pssh…it...Read More
August 24, 2020
Emotional Gifting in 2020
It’s been a roller coaster of emotions over the past few months – and we’re not talking about a kiddie...Read More
August 16, 2020
A New Perspective on Holiday Events
You may have already seen seasonal decorations in the stores – everything from Thanksgiving decor to even Christmas trees and...Read More
August 11, 2020
At Home Fitness
We know everyone has experienced different scenarios at home over the past few months as we hunker down, so we...Read More
August 10, 2020
Events Series – Part Three: Different Approaches
Everyone has a different definition of what “safe” means and what their boundaries are when it comes to interacting with...Read More
August 7, 2020
Why a Company Store?
Online Company Store… have you ever heard the term and wondered if your company needs one? Here are three indicators...Read More
July 23, 2020
Events Series – Part Two: Different Types
Corporate events are a great way to bring people together outside of the structured office environment for a common cause....Read More
July 17, 2020
A Blank Canvas
So here’s the deal… Anyone can just buy promo “stuff”. Not only that, we still get requests to price match...Read More
July 13, 2020
Events Series – Part One: Common Questions and Concerns
Events have changed. Over the next few weeks, we'll dive into all the details of 'how' during our next series.Read More
July 1, 2020
The Evolution of Events
To say things are different now than they were three months ago could possibly go down as the biggest understatement...Read More
June 15, 2020
Pivoting to Protect
The past few months have been, in a word…bizarre. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before: illness, unemployment, social distancing, working...Read More
June 7, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Virtual Coffee Shop (Instrumentals)
Caffeinated instrumentals to help you focus through the work day (and….ahem, perhaps block out the kids). Read More
June 3, 2020
How Business Will Change Post Crisis
Business has changed over the past few months. A lot. There’s no way to avoid it – the best...Read More
May 31, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Movie Tunes from the 90’s
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 20 years since the nineties. Allow us to take you back…if only for...Read More
May 17, 2020
Red, White and Coca-Cola
Me: “I’ll have a coke.” Server: “What kind?” Me: “Dr. Pepper.” Coca-Cola ranked #6 on the Forbes “World’s Most Valuable...Read More
May 2, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright
Sometimes we just need a reminder that this too shall pass. Here’s that reminder. Listen hard, and listen often.Read More
April 26, 2020
Emerging from Chaos More Resilient Than Ever
The current healthcare pandemic has exposed us all to something in which we have no control. We are all very...Read More
April 7, 2020
World Health Day: Celebrating Nurses
On World Health Day, we want to take a moment to acknowledge all of those that are working on the...Read More
April 2, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Greats in ’88
Ah yes, a nostalgic mix of the best songs from the year INM was born. There is a wide variety...Read More
March 27, 2020
Experiential Marketing – Part Three: [Virtual] Engagement
Well, this seems a bit awkward – talking about engaging experiences during a time of social distancing. Many people are...Read More
March 12, 2020
Coronavirus Update and Your Marketing Strategy
It’s time. Time to discuss how it’s affecting your marketing strategies and events, and various ways to continue strengthening your...Read More
March 2, 2020
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Get Creative
Our first Spotify post…ever. No product here. No virus or tariff crap. Just some tunes for your listening enjoyment. Our...Read More
February 27, 2020
Transforming Lives Through Promotions
If you’re reading this, you most likely use promotional products within your marketing strategy. We just love that about you!...Read More
February 21, 2020
Experiential Marketing – Part Two: 5 Key Components
Experiences. We’re talking marketing events that radiate a WOW factor. These experiences are super hot right now because they engage...Read More
February 13, 2020
Coronavirus: The Impact on Promo
We won’t get into the specifics of the physical virus because, well, we’re not doctors (you’re welcome). What we ARE...Read More
January 30, 2020
Experiential Marketing – Part One: What is it, and why is it important?
There is a ton of uncertainty and turmoil in our society these days, so it’s no wonder we need a...Read More
January 9, 2020
Best Practices: Marketing and Branding
Branding and marketing are equally important to all companies, large and small. As “marketers,” we forget that most people refer...Read More
January 3, 2020
4 Steps to Maximize Your Marketing Spend
It’s a new year, which typically means a new spending budget for most of us. HALLELUJAH! While budgets give us...Read More
December 12, 2019
The Modernization of App Icons
We are in the branded merchandise business, so we understand the value that a simple logo can hold and how...Read More
November 26, 2019
An Analogy: Do You Trust Me?
In the film Finding Nemo, children learn how the clownfish is immune to the sting of the sea anemone and...Read More
October 30, 2019
Brand Integrity: A Critical Component of your Business
Your brand is a promise to your customers. Protect it. Promote it. Ensure that every marketing dollar you spend only...Read More
October 22, 2019
20 Ways to Say “Thanks”
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means turkey, football, pumpkin everything, and family. It’s the perfect time to show...Read More
October 4, 2019
Holiday Inspiration: Downloadable Gifting Guide for 2019
The holiday season is officially upon us, and now is the time to initiate your corporate gifting strategy – whether...Read More
September 26, 2019
Seven Products to Keep in Your Promo Closet
If you’re in the marketing biz, you probably have a specific place to store your promotional giveaways. Sometimes it’s in...Read More
September 18, 2019
Cause: It Just Makes Sense
Raise your hand if your marketing plan was developed with an increased ROI in mind. Now raise your hand if...Read More
September 2, 2019
Best Practices: Creating an Online Company Store
We’ve taken our experience managing a variety of company stores and put together some Best Practices to ensure success: Start...Read More
August 29, 2019
Employee Faves: August 2019
Ever ask the waiter which menu item they recommend? More often than not, they know the entire menu selection, and...Read More
August 16, 2019
SWAG: The Art of Customization
How do you like your steak? Do you prefer a chef or Caesar salad? Steak. You never order a steak...Read More
August 6, 2019
Product Spotlight: Best Recognition Award, Like Ever
There are no words to explain the fabulousness of these recognition awards: which can also be used for corporate anniversaries,...Read More
July 26, 2019
The Nutritional Value of…Plastic
You know those nutritional facts on {most} food and drink packages? Those don’t include EVERYTHING that we’re eating. Because if...Read More
July 10, 2019
Employee Engagement: Maslow’s Theory in Today’s Digital Age
Okay, fun stuff aside, let’s get serious and talk about our needs and feelings for a minute. If you ever...Read More
June 25, 2019
The Inevitable Shift to Customer-Centricity
Our toddlers are coding electronics. We’ve gone from a blizzardous Winter to a sopping Spring. We are constantly connected to...Read More
June 5, 2019
Maximum {BRAND} Exposure
It’s a proven fact: showcasing your logo on merchandise can positively affect your brand image – just be sure to...Read More
May 24, 2019
Reinventing Your Brand: Part One
Rebrand… depending on your role, this can either fill you with excitement or dread. But rebrands or brand refreshes don’t...Read More
May 8, 2019
Branded Uniforms: Top 10 Reasons To Engage
Athletic teams are doing it. Airlines are doing it. Restaurants are doing it. We all know that Flo is doing...Read More
April 29, 2019
The Prom Dress Budget
Budgets can be brutal. But they should always be flexible. While your operations and accounting teams may not agree, sales...Read More
April 22, 2019
Some of our Favorite {Local} Things
We’re pretty proud of our metro – and with everything from cattle herding to contemporary gourmet dining, why shouldn’t we...Read More
April 10, 2019
This is Us
Yes, we supply branded merchandise – but anyone can take your logo and drop it on a hat, right? So...Read More
April 1, 2019
Why Digital Marketing Campaigns Still Benefit From SWAG
Marketing has always been about targeting the right people at the right time. In this digital era, it’s getting much...Read More
March 22, 2019
The Significance of the Plastic Straw
The plastic straw. “It’s just one straw.” “Why don’t we focus on bigger things.” “That ONE straw that I used...Read More
March 17, 2019
Social Media: Influencers and FOMO
Merriam-Webster claims that the first known use of the phrase “FOMO” was in 2004, but make no mistake – the...Read More
February 13, 2019
RFID Technology and Emotional Branding
Over the past few years, you’ve likely heard some buzz in the news about RFID, but what exactly is it,...Read More
January 24, 2019
Branded Apparel 301: Vector vs Raster Logo
We hear it often – “Can’t you just use the logo that’s on our website?” Yep, we can. But we...Read More
December 21, 2018
Branded Apparel 201: Decoration Techniques
Apparel items offer so many creative ways to showcase your brand through embellishments (aka decoration techniques), and each individual technique...Read More
November 29, 2018
Branded Apparel 101: Graphics Real Estate
Once you’ve decided that branded apparel is the route you want to go for your next marketing campaign, there are...Read More
November 16, 2018
Branded Apparel Series: Intro
Do me a favor. Check out the shirt that you’re wearing right now. Does it have some sort of corporate...Read More
October 8, 2018
Nonprofits Need Swag Too
While all Marketing teams desire to get the best bang for their buck, no one quite understands the significance of...Read More
September 21, 2018
Investing in a Corporate Holiday Gifting Program
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s a good time to start planning how to thank those who make your business...Read More
August 28, 2018
Minimizing the Impact of Tariffs on Promotional Apparel
We continue to monitor the impact of the recently imposed tariffs within the promotional products industry. In the meantime, we...Read More
August 8, 2018
Common Conversations in Promo
Let’s be honest. Our industry is awash in companies racing to the bottom, selling the same old stuff, and positioning...Read More
July 5, 2018
The Importance of Brand Confidence
Brand confidence is knowing what your business has to offer, how you want to appeal to clients/prospects, and having a...Read More
June 3, 2018
The Importance of Employee Engagement
Profit and Loss – Why your most valuable asset isn’t on your balance sheet. More than a buzzword, employee engagement...Read More
May 1, 2018
Employee Engagement: Ambassador Plan
You’re Attractive, Smart, and Your Employees Like You Too! We’ve previously explained how engaged employees tend to be happier, more...Read More
April 19, 2018
Employee Engagement and Change Management
Ever have one of those days when you feel like the rug got pulled out from under you because something...Read More
March 28, 2018
Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement
Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR. Sounds a bit scary, I know, but it’s basically just a self-regulated strategy to encourage...Read More
December 20, 2017
Employee Engagement: Part 4 – Recognition
It’s a proven fact that companies with solid strategies to recognize team members enjoy stronger engagement, increased employee morale, better...Read More
December 8, 2017
Use Generational Marketing to Maximize Your Marketing Campaign’s Reach
One of the golden rules of marketing is to always target your message to your audience. That means clearly defining...Read More
November 17, 2017
How to Have a Unique Brand Personality and Be Creative in a Conservative Industry
The digital age has created more opportunities for you to connect with your customers than ever before. A recent report...Read More
November 9, 2017
Employee Engagement: Part 3 – Company Culture
What do you think when I say Google, Zappos, and Southwest Airlines? Aside from a wealth of information, shoes for...Read More
November 1, 2017
Financial Services Industry: How can you attract customers your business?
The intangible services of the financial industry can be difficult to effectively market. It’s a large, competitive industry that demands...Read More
October 20, 2017
Employee Engagement: Onboarding
Imagine it’s your first day at a new job. Maybe your dream job. You show up bright and early Monday...Read More
October 9, 2017
Employee Engagement – Part 1
We’re kicking off a new, four part series this week on the importance of Employee Engagement. In the coming weeks,...Read More
September 8, 2017
Making the Most of Your Sports Partnership
So you’ve read our post on why to participate in corporate sports partnerships and now you’re ready to dive in....Read More
August 17, 2017
Get In the Game: Corporate Sports Sponsorships
Since 2000, an average of 60% of Americans describe themselves as sports fans. It’s easy to understand why – the...Read More
August 9, 2017
The Great Shirt Showdown: Standard Promo vs. Retail Quality
Over the last several years, our industry has been trending away from basic cotton tees and moving toward softer, retail...Read More
June 30, 2017
Making The Most of Seasonal Summer Branded Merchandise
Summer… the season where the sun is hotter and so are the branded merchandise opportunities. When possible, supplementing seasonal merchandise...Read More
June 28, 2017
Summer Content Series: August – What Makes a Brand Relevant?
Let’s talk first about relevancy. What does it mean to be relevant? rel·e·vant ˈreləvənt/ adjective adjective: relevant closely connected or appropriate...Read More
May 24, 2017
What Is Experiential Marketing?
“Experiential Marketing”…you’ve probably heard that buzzword around the water cooler, but what exactly is experiential marketing? Experiential marketing can refer...Read More
December 21, 1988
2021: Greater Expectations
We’re letting you in on a little secret. Well…kind of. It’s a super secret document (posted online for the entire...Read More