What are you wearing?

By Kim Wallis, Equestrian Embroidery

That is a rather thought-provoking title! But are you wearing a Jack Wills sweat shirt, or maybe a Nike polo shirt? Many of us buy well-known designer brands from personal choice, even young children nag their parents for designer branded clothing.

The words “designer branded” describe many of the items we wear. By that I mean not the discreet little label which is almost unseen, I’m talking about the massive wording embroidered or printed directly onto the clothing. But if you’re in business yourself and you’re in a supermarket, you’ll never attract customers just by wearing a Jack Wills hoodie! You may meet a future husband or wife but work – not so much.

It doesn’t matter if you are a builder or a Virtual Assistant, your next customer could be standing behind you in the queue at Tesco, Aldi or Marks & Spencer, at the school gates, the cricket club, maybe even while you’re getting petrol. Branding yourself literally with clothing has to be one of the best business decisions you can make.

In advertising terms, it is said that someone has to hear or see what you do at least three times to remember the name of your company or even to remember what the promotion is about – it’s a proven fact. It’s also been shown that seven times is even better. In fact I remember reading an article quoting a comment by someone in Saatchi and Saatchi who said that an ad needs to be seen up to 21 times before it will be acted upon and the customer is ready to buy the goods. Whether or not this is true, one thing I do know is that when I hear the words “Coronation Street” or hear its theme tune, I think meerkats! It’s programmed in: good advertising is all about mind games. The psychology behind it is mind-boggling but when you put it in simple terms, it’s just about being seen and being memorable.

As a business owner, you are your best PR as nobody will love and care about your company as much as you do. You can shout about it from the rooftops and talk yourself hoarse but nothing will get your business seen as much as personalised clothing or sign-written vehicles, unless you have thousands of pounds to spend on the likes of Saatchi and Saatchi!

Ask yourself this: how many parents stand at the school gates? How many people do you see when you’re out shopping, you’re at the gym or out running? The list is countless and every one of those people you see, see you too, and could be noticing what you are wearing. Wear the personalised clothing every day and the power of three will be multiplied many times.

I will ask the question once again: what are you wearing?

For more information please contact Kim on  01371 831526 or visit their Facebook Page

From an accountancy point of view, you can included logo’d clothing as an expense in your accounts – it is tax deductible!  And you and your employees will also be able to claim a laundry allowance (between £60 & £165 depending on your business catagory) as an expense too.  So advertising and reducing your tax bill – it’s a win win in my book.  Here are our t-shirts that were designed by GAS Brand Studio and printed by Kim – we love them!

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