Business Pens

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Your business is not going to promote itself, unless its name and details is stamped on something that is visible everywhere. The expensive kind is called an advertisement, which usually bites off a huge chunk of your bank balance. The cheaper one but equally effective are business or promotional or corporate gifts. They are useful, easy on the wallet and attractive. As a reporter who has been to plenty of corporate events, the most effective way I have seen this marketing strategy being accomplished is through a humble pen.

As per a study, giving away any kind of business gift is a proven strategy, wherein 97% of recipients keep these promotional gifts, while the remaining 3% pass it on to others. This requires little work and money but can easily reach out to a large audience. All one has to do is select a good looking but inexpensive pen that has your company’s name and a few details printed on it; give them away to your associates, your friends, your family, stakeholders, clients and customers, and half of the marketing battle is won. Here are a few benefits of personalized business pens that will have you thinking about having one for your company.

1. Advertisement on the go: Well, you could have 8ft X 4ft hoarding panels of your company hung all over town, or have one of those LED advertisement board display your company’s best features. Or you could also give traditional media such as daily mail, TV or radio for your advertisement but those aren’t going to be a part of the audience’s day to day activity. A business pen, on the other hand is a living advertisement.

A pen comes in handy all the time. It is one accessory that most working people are bound to carry with them. And it is better when they are free and useful. With your company’s name, address, contact, services and logo printed on the pen, it is most likely that they will remember you when they need your service. Even if they pass on the pen to someone else, you are not at loss. The advertisement moves on to someone else.

2. Mass recognition in a cost-effective way: Although the other forms of advertisement are effective, the catch with promotional pens is that they are comparatively low on cost. Promotional strategy as such doesn’t only reach a wide audience but also leaves a lasting impression on the recipients. It is an investment that takes forth your company’s advertisement as well your bridges your relationship with your customer on a personal level.

3. Better usage: You could give away a business card to any person on the street in hopes that they would save it and remember you for your service, but that isn’t likely the case. Business cards are often cramped into a wallet slot and forgotten about. Try giving a useful promotional pen instead and it works as an alternative for business card while proving to be more useful. No one throws away a good pen and through that, your company will always be remembered.

But what makes a good business pen? Of course it has to work, almost flawlessly. It has to be attractive too. Unassumingly cheap is the next quality everyone should look for. But most of all, it should work as your company’s mascot. Customized business pens are the way to go. For instance, Thai airlines could use a pen that flaunts the same bright purple hue that their name uses. Psychologically, the color lends instant recognition. Stamp in the company’s name; if possible use the same font and design, add contact details, address and your service. Logos work well too in promotional pens. Now, give them away at any occasion to visitors, customers, employees, competitors, media, friends and family. These might be your gateway to success. You never know.

Posted in: My Thoughts \ Tagged: , , , ,

Pen for Women

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Pen-for-wmen

Whether buying a gift for women is easy or not, is a debatable topic. While women may argue that the only thing they care about in a gift is the thought, others may argue that women are fussy about the gift they receive. Maybe we can help you out. Here is a list of pens for women that they will gladly accept.

Sheaffer 100 Greek Mythology Aphrodite Ballpoint Pen: The gloss-painted body of the Sheaffer 100 ballpoint is further given gorgeous silk-screen design. Flaunting the stories of ancient Greece, each ballpoint from this series illustrates either the thunder of Zeus, or the Aphrodite’s love, or the fierceness of Hades. This particular Aphrodite ballpoint is slim in structure, artistic in design and beautiful in functionality. The smooth pink body flaunts soft patterns in white. It is quintessentially a pen for women.

Cross Sentiment Ballpoint Pen: Dipped in shining, plush lacquer with gold for accents, the Cross Sentiment Ballpoint Pen is a woman’s writing instrument. With a removable heart-lock charm decorated on the clip, the pen oozes of romance. The pen also comes with a complimentary key charm and can be accessorized with your own charms as well. The pen comes in a number of finishes, mostly in colors that is close to a woman’s heart. This might just be a pen you are looking for.

Bic for Her: Although the Bic for Her ballpoint pens suffered a lot of criticisms from tons of men and women around the world, including sarcastic remarks on Ellen DeGeneres show, one cannot ignore the fact that these disposable pens are actually very pretty and work just fine. Designed with women in mind, the smooth pen comes in a plethora of soft, subtle colors and flaunts gorgeous floral patterns throughout the barrel. With cushioned grip and an ergonomic design, the pen functions well on paper with the Easy Glide ink. Feminism aside, you will enjoy the pen for what a pen matters most.

Montblanc Marlene Dietrich Special Edition Fountain Pen: If you are looking for something more expensive and iconic, Montblanc Marlene Dietrich Special Edition Fountain Pen might just be the right catch. The pen is made of 925sterling silver, and decorated with 16 diamonds and a sapphire. Fitted with rhodium-plated 18k gold nib the pen is the perfect embodiment of the independent and uncompromising star, Marlene Dietrich. For a lady who is a strong, assured role model, nothing befits more than this pen.

Caran d Ache Dunas Shiny Red Fountain Pen: The lush, deep red color of Caran d Ache Dunas Fountain Pen is what makes it a wonderful pen for women. It is sexy, bold and means business. The hexagonal body is coated in shimmering resin, with chromium-plated accents to compliment the rich color. Slim, comfortable and sturdy, the pen doesn’t only look beautiful but its chromium-plated steel nib is a performer on paper. It is a pen for women who have embraced today’s fashion but keep close to heart yesteryear’s elegance.

Posted in: My Thoughts \ Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Pen for Men

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Pen-for-men

When it comes to buying gifts for men, it might as well be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. Whether it is for a father, a brother, a friend or a significant other, we will go through hundreds of things before settling on the one which we think he might like or he might want. But the response we get isn’t near close of what we expect. Either the gift isn’t treasured or whatever we give is torn down to a point that it loses any emotional or monetary value. To save you from similar gift crisis, we bring to a list of possible pen gifts. For eons now, a pen has been a symbol of education, style and prestige. What could be a better gift than a valuable, stylish pen?

Cross Apogee Black Star Lacquer Ballpoint Pen
The smooth sheen on the black lacquered ballpoint is enough to have anyone’s heart slip and spark romance. Cross Apogee Black Star Lacquer Ballpoint pen partners European Lacquer finish and chrome-plated accents to flaunt a flawless body of streamlined style and classic design. Its thick body makes it a pen fit for a man. Also available in other writing modes, you can select the one your man-in-question prefers most.

Caran d Ache Ecridor Chevron Rhodium Fountain Pen
One of the Swiss luxury writing instrument makers, Caran d Ache’s name alone is enough to specify how valuable this pen is. But what makes it special enough to be a gift is its meticulous chevron design. The slim body is coated in silver and rhodium, giving it not only a rich finish but strength and longevity as well. The steel nib is plated with rhodium which adds to its performance on paper. Stylish, sleek and sophisticated, this is an ideal pen for a hardworking and fashionable man.

Waterman Expert Deluxe Blue Obsession Ballpoint Pen
Maybe obsession isn’t the right word to describe this pen, but it has a definite pull about it. The shiny palladium-plated chiseled cap in contrast to the deep blue lacquered body is exciting. The cigar shaped structure will hold nicely in a big hand and is comfortable to feel as well. For any working man, who uses a pen everyday this pen will prove to the ultimate game changer. Waterman Expert Deluxe Blue Obsession Pen also comes in fountain mode.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique 90 years Ballpoint Pen
Show your appreciation towards the men who have always stood strong by your side by gifting him a Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique 90 years Ballpoint Pen. This limited edition pen in its lacquer coated body flaunts a guilloche engraving that immediately stands out and feels nice to the touch as well. Complimented by red gold-plated trims, this makes for an iconic gift for a man who is sophisticated and works hard.

Porsche Design P3115 Laser Flex Ballpoint Pen
If you can’t give him a Porche car then give him a Porsche Design P3115 Laser Flex Ballpoint Pen. It is a cool pen, to say the least, with flexible function on its stainless steel body. The body boasts patterns that are created by laser slots. When the button is pushed to write, the barrel responds wherein the slots on it contracts and releases. Like I said, it is a cool pen; cool enough to be a gift for your man. He will love it.

Sheaffer’s PFM
Introduced in 1959, the pen is available in five simple color choices: Black, burgundy, gray, blue and green. Accredited a vintage now, the pen was named “Pen for Men” to identify it with the masculine design that was emerging back them. Minimalistic, streamlined and soberly styled, this pen fits any gentleman’s profile. Gift it to a man who loves vintage goods and he will be very happy.

Pen Set
If you are lost for gift choices then a decent pen gift set would be ideal for men. These sets usually include cufflinks, fountain pens and ballpoint pens. But for instance, you can also find something like a Cross Black Credit Card Holder & Pure Chrome Stratford Ballpoint Pen Set.

Happy gift hunting!!

Posted in: My Thoughts \ Tagged: , , , ,

Back to School Basics

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Vacation is over and it is time to face school again. Are you ready? I know, you don’t want to be but look at the bright side. All your friends are going to be there. Together you can survive another school year, can’t you? If the answer is yes, then you better hit school in style. Here are some essential things you must have to go back to school this year.

1. Notebooks: You cannot possibly go to school without notebooks. How else can you take notes or do assignments? While there are lots of plastic-coated, fancy notebooks available all over, why not up the ante and get some eco-friendly lokta notebooks. Remember, eco-friendly is the new cool. Color and pattern is not an issue, since these durable, hardcover notebooks come in endless color options. Stand out in the crowd of hundreds of schoolmates with these super-cool lokta books.

2. Pens and pencils: Again. You cannot go to school without the most important tool – writing instruments. This year, skip the fuss of sharpening the regular pencils and go with mechanicals. They come in an array of colors and look smart too. If you are already using pens by now, it is time you used something worthwhile. Shop for a classic Montblanc or Parker. They are a keeper and will last you longer than your school. Plus, a stunner pen as such will draw some attention: something you might enjoy.

3. Erasers: If you are learning something, you are bound to make mistakes. So, add a bunch of erasers to your shopping cart. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to keep it boring. You can find a variety of exciting erasers at stationary stores these days. I used to be a big cartoon fanatic, hence I always created an army of cartoon shaped erasers. Pick a bunch of variants of your own preference and have fun making mistakes. But do make sure, they do their work well.

4. Supply Pouch: Once you have all the essentials at hand, find a nice big pouch to keep them all safe. Of course, you can throw them all in the bag pack, but finding them later will be a much easier task if they are all in the pouch. This article here was always on the top of my back-to-school list, even before I picked up the other essentials.

5. Lunchbox: Who wants to eat cafeteria lunch? I don’t. One thing is for sure, nothing beats Mom’s cooking, no matter if it is a humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich, mac and cheese or something fancy like a club sandwich (that is the fanciest lunch I ever packed to school). So be prepared. Get yourself a nice, strong, not-to-forget cool lunch box and you are set to go.

6. Bag pack: I don’t see why it is necessary to buy a bag pack every year, since a good one lasts more than a year, at least two easily. But, in case you still want a new one, make sure they are comfortable, big enough to hold your textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies, and durable. Remember, that you will be carrying this every day to school so keep it simple.

7. Clothing and Shoes: Since, school starts in summer, get a couple of pair of shorts and nice airy tops. Focus on the fall and winter clothes and stack up on sweaters, denims, hoodies and caps. At least buy enough undergarments and socks to last you each week. Buy comfy shoes. You don’t want to be spending most of the school time in uncomfortable shoes that give you blisters. Girls, go with ballerina flats, easy strap on shoes, sneakers and warm boots. For boys, sneakers, sports shoes and strap on shoes look great all year around.

Posted in: My Thoughts \ Tagged: , ,

Paper and Pen

\ Leave a Comment \ by

Paper and Pen
There is something simply desirable about picking up a pen and a paper. Whether it is to scribble down the craziest of ideas or to jot down the menial of chores, nothing is more satisfying and easy than using a notepad and a pen. Yes, there is technology but it will be a cold day in hell before they take over a humble piece of paper and pen.

Personally, the act of writing in a paper with the help of a pen is endearing to me. A handwritten letter is far more interesting and valuable that an email or a printed letter. The handwriting itself holds a character and to receive something in written, and not in print, feels special. A friend of mine gave a parting letter to me, which although in itself was an emotional gesture, upon discovering that it was first typed and then printed out, my heart sank. Of course, notes and letters typed in a computer is cleaner , faster and easier, but you have to agree that it lacks the charm. And I am not only talking about letters, even short messages and grocery lists hold meaning when written down in the most crumpled of papers. I, for one, will always prefer and treasure a handwritten note saying “I miss you”, to an electronic text saying the same with added fonts and figures.

As for grocery lists or a to-do-list, I am saying this from experience, when written, is engraved in my memory. Once I write down things, in all the aforementioned situations, I can recall them from the memory of just having jotted it down on a paper. It is uncannily surprising, but true. However, I can’t say the same for the few shopping apps that I have tried or the task applications I have used. Most of all, I find using these apps daunting. First, you have to learn how to go about it and then get used to it. Next, every time you have to take a look at your chores, you have to open it to see it. On the other hand, the use of paper and pen is as familiar to us as coordinating hand and mouth when eating.

Also, as a writer, I find using a pen and paper comforting. No matter how advanced technology has become, I still find jotting down incidents and quotes of any event on the paper more fun, casual and easier. I remember using a tablet on one occasion and having the toughest time keeping up with the speaker. Plus, writing down in a paper has no barriers. When brainstorming or keeping notes of what a speaker is saying, it allows one to go back and add things wherever seems fit. I like to scribble new ideas or use arrows and bubbles next to the point that needs elaboration. I draw illustrations for myself to be reminded of what someone was speaking about, instead of having to write down a ten worded sentence. A paper and a pen gives me freedom to do that. It assists spontaneity. The same can’t be expected from a device.

I am reminded of another instance, when the office I previously worked at introduced Wunderlist to the employees. The app allowed us to assign tasks to our team-mates, keep track of the daily work load and was supposed to keep us posted about our to-do-list. We were made to abandon our beloved notepad then. But the app backfired. Nobody remembered to log in to the application and in turn we failed to keep up with the given tasks. In no time, the notepads and memo stickers were back in our stations. Besides this, I enjoy the fact that a pen and paper promotes creativity and learning. Typing anything on a computer gives us the luxury to misspell or make grammatical errors. While it is convenient, it deteriorates a writer’s true ability. In another word, it makes us lazy and inefficient.

Of course, one can come up with an entire manuscript that disagrees with the simple brilliance of the partnership between a pen and a paper, which might hold truth somewhere. But one cannot defy the emotion that the product of a pen and a paper brings out, whether you are on the giving end or the receiving.

Posted in: My Thoughts \ Tagged: , ,