We wanted to pass this along to you from one of our partners as it really helps clarify the confusion around Sunblock and SPF levels.

You may have heard the term “SPF”.  Most know it means Sun Protection Factor.  But that is still pretty vague.

Everyone’s skin is different.  If you think about it, not even two people from the same family will sunburn or tan identically.  So, some sort of a yardstick was needed to provide the population with suncare products and an explanation of how it all works.  And so was born the SPF.

SPF is not about the STRENGTH of the sunblock.  It is about the amount of TIME IT IS GOOD FOR.

When you go in the sun without sunblock, your skin will usually start to redden after a time.  Let’s say that amount of time is 10 minutes.  If you are using SPF 15 sunscreen, you will be protected 15 times this amount of time.  In other words, 10 minutes x 15 = 150 minutes or 2.5 hours.  This is factoring in not sweating, wiping or toweling off the sunscreen.  The time factor on how long you take to get red is based on several factors with YOUR skin, including how fair you are, and other genetic stuff.

So, the higher the SPF rating, the LONGER it is good for, not the STRONGER it is.

Most people don’t spend hours and hours in the sun.  Which means that going out for a while with SPF 15 might be fine for you, as long as you don’t wash, sweat or wipe it off.  It benefits you to have a stronger rated sunblock if you plan on being outside for a fair bit of time.

Check out the wide assortment of logo sunblock options in all SPF levels at http://www.bravamarketing.com/bm_sunblocklotion

BRAVA Marketing Promotions www.bravamarketing.com offers more than 400,000 unique custom imprinted promotional products to increase your organizations brand and marketing impact. Contact us at 877-239-1227 toll free for ideas on the best values in results oriented promotional marketing items.

For most businesses the answer is no.  Sales and Marketing budgets are projected to still be under a lot of pressure for 2010.  In general ad revenues have not rebounded.  Even some of the larger corporations have cut back – no Super Bowl Pepsi commercials this year.  So what can you do to still motivate your staff, existing customers and generate new prospects?

One of the most proven methods is the strategic use of custom imprinted products.  Branded or Logo printed items handed out at the right time can have a dramatic effect on sales, contributions and good will.  For 2010 there are many new promotional products that are both cost effective and impactful.  

The big PPAI trade show was just held in Las Vegas where hundreds of new custom printed products were introduced.  This year creativity is off the charts as new items in just about all categories strive to be unique, progressive, useful yet economical and offering a high perceived value.  Remember a little something is better than nothing at all.  This year there are lots of new custom imprinted products in every budget range that your organization can use to help achieve your goals and objectives.

What’s New at BRAVA Marketing Promotions: http://www.bravamarketing.com/bm_newproducts

BRAVA Marketing Promotions www.bravamarketing.com offers more than 400,000 unique custom imprinted promotional products to increase your organizations brand and marketing impact. Contact us at 877-239-1227 toll free for ideas on the best values in results oriented promotional marketing items.

2009 has been a tough year for business but smart companies are thriving thanks to loyal customers and key employees!

A recent study by the Incentive Research Foundation found that 61% of companies have reduced their marketing promotion and incentive programs, but all continue to invest in carefully selected products to thank their best customers, employee superstars, trusted partners and valued colleagues.

The dominant theme this year:  Meaningful, memorable, eco-friendly, “discreet chic”  gifts that are high impact and low cost.  

Wondering what to do for Holiday Gifting? Here are a few ideas to get you started….

·         Customer / Client Appreciation

High-end desk top items

·         Employee and Staff Appreciation

Household gifts

·         Top Sales / Fundraisers Appreciation 

Tech gifts and gadgets

·         Board Committees and Volunteer  Appreciation

Chocolates & Goodies

·         Colleagues and Co-Members Appreciation  

Clocks and watches,

·         Reward and Recognition

Award plaques, Waterford crystal, sterling silver, customized rings…. 

·         Welcome New Clients or Partners

Uniquely varied  eco-friendly products

Your company can still stand out at industry meetings by the branded corporate promotional gifts you hand out. We at BRAVA Marketing have some great suggestions to SAVE BIG on your promotional products.

Plan Way Ahead

Take time to select the most appropriate promotional gift. At BRAVA Marketing, with more than 400,000 promotional items and gifts, you can find suitable promotional items in every category at every price point—from the lowest cost to the most expensively priced promotional giveaway. For example, imprinted golf umbrellas can range from $9.31 up to $44.09 apiece.

The More You Buy, the More You Save

Choose one corporate gift and give it away over and over again this year. Think of it, if your company has three major meetings, order the same item in quantity for all three and you will SAVE BIG. A good example is the “Two-Tone Portfolio w/Bottle Holder QBXBI-FPDSL” which is $1 cheaper per portfolio if you buy 500 instead of 48. Just make sure the promo product is appropriate to all three special events.

SAVE on Shipping Costs

These days, shipping costs are a huge add-on to your order. While we can always fulfill your rush order in time for your important event, you can shave significant costs from your budget by leaving more leeway in the schedule for ground and freight shipping.

Print Your Logo in One Color

Try printing the custom imprinted item in one color, instead of two. The fewer colors you use on custom branding, skims more savings off the total printing costs.

Grab a Partner

If you and another vendor are attending the same event and have complimentary products and services, suggest teaming up with them to hand out a more expensive promotional item. It’s like that old philosophy: two can live cheaper than one!

No matter what you spend and no matter how much you save, the personalized gift should always reinforce your brand and reflect your company’s image.

BRAVA Marketing Promotions specializes in producing high quality promotional merchandise and unique custom printed products. These imprinted items are tailored to meet the specific promotional and marketing goals of the Fortune 500, small businesses and organizations. It’s quick and easy to secure the custom imprinted products you need to be successful. We view ourselves as an extension of your marketing and procurement department with innovative designs and ideas that utilize our up-to-date product merchandise knowledge. Contact us today at www.bravamarketing.com or 877-239-1227 toll-free for ideas for promotional products.

For example, last year, you might have spent $10 per person on a promotion gift and now you’re only budgeted for $5. Or, a year ago, the budget only allowed $6 per person for that custom promotional gift, and now you have to find something for $3.50 per person.

Extravagant is OUT.

So while you’ve had to reign in the costs of your special event, you can still hand out quality promotional products to attendees, only now you will have to select them with greater care. And, don’t feel so bad about this. Right now, extravagant is “out” and practical items are “in”.

Think Value for the Price

You can find corporate promotional products in every price range. For example, looking for a custom imprinted travel mug? At BRAVA Marketing, we carry a wide selection of travel mugs, from a $1.50 plastic insulated and thermal mug, all the way up to the deluxe $26 insulated bottle and tumbler gift set.

Think Simple. Think Staying Power.

Don’t care for the inexpensive versions? As an alternative, select a custom imprinted gift in a category that starts at a lower cost point. How about giving out simple gifts such as imprinted pens and notepads, calendars, mouse pads, pencils, notebooks, post-it notes or organizers? The bonus is that these imprinted promotional items are always used and hang around for a LONG time.

Reflect Your Corporate Values

In the marketing promotions industry, we know one thing for sure - that when it comes to marketing your business now, you need to separate your brand from your competitors. So hold that industry meeting, stay within your budget and still hand out branded marketing giveaways. Just be sure your promotional items reflect your organization’s values.

BRAVA Marketing Promotions www.bravamarketing.com offers more than 400,000 unique custom imprinted promotional products to increase your corporate brand and marketing. Contact us at 877-239-1227 toll free for ideas on the best values in low cost promotional marketing items.