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You Can Put Your Name on That

There’s always something new and different out there. Trending gear, gadgets, equipment, and even colors come at us – fast! Here at The Dunstan Group, we see them all as your next great marketing opportunity. If it’s new, different, engaging, and fun… we’re wondering how it might be used best to tell a client’s story, create a connection, and make a lasting impression. Here are some of the new ways to get your brand in the hands and on the minds of clients, sponsors, and friends:

Finger Spinner

For as little as a buck, you can get your name, brand, or logo on one of the hottest trends. Move over “stress balls,” there’s a new toy for fidgety hands: the finger spinner!

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=spinner

Beach Towels

Have them take your brand to the beach! Let’s face it; waterfront property is expensive. Advertising there? Forget it! Unless your brand or logo is attached to a great beach towel, of course!

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=beach+towel

Doggie Bag Dispenser

No, not that kind of doggie bag. Make it easier for your clients and friends to be responsible dog owners. They’ll make the neighbors happy, and thank you for the clean, convenient carrier!

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=dog+bag

T-shirts

Sometimes, it’s the presentation that’s everything. Turn an incredible t-shirt into a one-of-a-kind marketing piece with creative packaging. From boxes to cans to tubes and shrink-wraps, there are tons of unique ways to get your shirt seen.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=compressed+tee

Trust us. The list is a whole lot longer! Call us here at The Dunstan Group if you’re ready to see more places and spaces to put your company, business, event, or nonprofit name.

 

Playing in the (Open) Streets

Linking sponsors and programs, missions and messages, is just part of what we do here at The Dunstan Group. Connecting all of the above to big, community impact projects makes getting results even more rewarding. Open Streets 704 is that kind of project; coordinating an activity-based brand, a series of events, and an all-new sponsor in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Wanting to get the most marketing from your budget isn’t a new ask. This is where we get creative, and can have a little fun along the way. And whether you’re a Fortune 50 company or a nonprofit, the goals are similar: you want people to engage with your brand for all the right reasons, to meet them where they are, and maybe even create some surprises along the way.

Open Streets 704 is a brand that’s about being active, connecting people, and having fun outside. Branded and logo’d frisbees, shoe tags, banners, and bike lights were a perfect fit for giveaways and marketing opportunities leading up to their events.

“What’s really important about marketing Open Streets 704 is associating the event with a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Al Bangoura, who’s part of the team behind Open Streets 704. “It’s about connecting them with the activity and each other, and turning them into advocates for their community.”

So you know, “open streets” events close roads to traffic for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, creating an opportunity for folks to use them for other activities, like outdoor games, cycling, and walking. Open Streets 704 is Charlotte’s version of the same, with the first two events drawing more than 25,000 people. (The next event is Sunday, May 7. Find out more at openstreets704.com )

“Giveaways for Open Streets 704 are more than just for branding,” added planning team member, Monica Holmes. “They give depth to our message and help us cultivate a culture of outdoor activity and the importance of open space.”

And what about that “surprise” along the way? Open Streets 704 coasters were a fun and inexpensive way to put the brand in restaurants and breweries in a space with little competition besides beer labels and sodas. Cheers to that!

Want to get creative with your brand or event? Simply start with a call to The Dunstan Group!

 

Keeping it all Together


National Zipper Day

We can’t make this stuff up. April 29 is National Zipper Day. It’s true, and it’s probably worth recognizing the simple invention that’s used on everything from shirts and jackets, to bags, and briefcases. Not sure who got National Zipper Day on the books, but the folks over at NationalCalendarDay.com had this to say about the history of the invention and  its patent. As you’d probably guess, it contains a few “household names” nearly as recognizable as the zipper itself.

It was first in 1851 that Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, received a patent for an “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure.” Howe never made an attempt to market his invention and missed the recognition he may have received.

In 1906, Gideon Sundback, a Swedish-American electrical engineer, was hired to work Universal Fastener Company. He was highly skilled and known for his devotion to the company. In 1913, he invented the modern zipper. The patent for the “Separable Fastener” was issued in 1917.

By 1923, B.F. Goodrich popularized the word zipper as it applied to use in the boots and pouches it made.  The company even copyrighted the name for a time.  

Wondering how to better connect your brand, logo, or business with today’s clients – and tomorrow’s? You don’t need a national day of recognition to get their attention. The team here at The Dunstan Group knows how to hook them. (Was that enough zipper puns for you?) Give us a call here and let’s get to work. About that part, we’re serious!

Do Good Week

It’s Easy to Make a Difference

Local charities and nonprofits have year-round needs, but this particular week is dedicated to showcasing the impact local organizations make, what it takes for them to make it happen. Do Good Week runs though Saturday, April 29, is a chance for us all to get behind the hundreds of nonprofits and volunteer opportunities that do good every day here in Charlotte.

Over the years, The Dunstan Group has worked with many of these nonprofits to help tell their stories, promote their causes and missions, and solicit volunteers and donations.

Cookies for Kids Cancer

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides annual research grants to five of the nation’s leading pediatric cancer centers. Since 2008, supporters and volunteers have held more than 5,500 events in all 50 states and 16 different countries.

The Isabella Santos Foundation

The Isabella Santos Foundation raises money and awareness for Neuroblastoma research, provides financial assistance to families with children who are suffering from cancer as well as provide financial support for organizations that support children with cancer.

Read also: Branding and Marketing for Nonprofits 

24 Foundation

Formerly 24 Hours of Booty, the 24 Foundation is committed to its mission; to inspire and engage communities to make an immediate impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. This 24-hour cycling event raises local and national funds for cancer-fighting programs.

Trips for Kids – Charlotte

Trips for Kids provides transformative cycling experiences for underserved youth, using biking as a tool to help kids learn life lessons, focused on respect, honesty, teamwork, overcoming obstacles,healthy and safe lifestyle, service.

Charlotte Ballet

Charlotte Ballet’s mission is to provide artistically excellent programming to diverse audiences right here in Charlotte, the Southeast region, and to the varied communities it serves while on tour across the nation. Charlotte Ballet has received critical recognition nationally for excellence in programming, education and outreach, and dance training.

Learn to Ride

It’s never too early – or too late – to learn this life skill. Through its partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Learn to Ride has helped thousands of kids and adults kick the training wheels to the curb, growing Charlotte’s cycling community one new rider at a time.

Your own Do Good Week doesn’t have to end on Saturday. Find a cause or a reason that means something to you, and chances are there’s a way for you to get involved. Wondering how branding and marketing can move that needle for your nonprofit, your school, business, or brand? Ask away! The Dunstan Group is here to turn your ideas into impact.