Keeping America Strong

This week, we honor American Presidents, past and present.  It's a fitting time to think about how we keep our country and local economy strong.  A recent study by Booz and Company found that,

"Today, U.S. manufacturers provide about 75% of the products that Americans consume.  But that number could soar to 95% within a few years if business and government leaders take the right actions. Conversely, if the sector remains neglected, that output could fall by half, meeting less than 40% of U.S. demand."

We at National Pen are pushing toward that 95%.  We continue to expand our selection of products 100% Made in the USA.  Many of our top-selling products are manufactured at our plant in Shelbyville, Tennessee.  This is a win-win because when you buy from National Pen, you get American-made quality - no need to know what materials were used and whether they're safe.  You also help us keep jobs (and your hard-earned dollars!) here in America.  Together, we're helping fuel the US economy.  We think that's something to feel good about, and many of you agree:

"I love the fact that we can buy something with the "Made in the USA" on it. The pens and magnets that we've purchased so far have been of good quality and they look great!"

"The ONLY reason I buy from you is because yours is an AMERICAN company. Keep the jobs here.  THANK YOU."

"It is made in the USA...it is the only way I do my business"

"Yeah!!! Love your pens, and love the fact that they are made in America!!!!!"

"THE PENS ARE GREAT FOR THE PRICE AND THEY ARE MADE IN THE U.S.A.!!!!!!"

This list of customer comments could go on and on.  Thanks for your support and for helping us do our part to keep America strong.  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln would be proud!

Are you keeping those New Year's Resolutions?

Remember those elaborate plans you made for 2012 just a month or so ago?  Right about now is when many plans are forgotten.  Fortunately, February is National Time Management Month.  This is the time to revisit your goals and get organized so you stay on track all year. 

Did you resolve to spend more time with your family, get to the gym more than once a month, or finish up a home project? The best way to stay committed to your goal is by making time for it.

Here are some tips for how to manage your time better:

1) Have a plan.  Whether you use an online scheduler, a smart phone app, or a "black book" planner, you'll do better if you plan your day in advance.  The simple act of writing down a task makes you more committed to completing it.  Schedule more time than you think you'll need in case you get interrupted or run into an unexpected issue.

2) Set aside a few minutes every day to prep for tomorrow.  Take a look at your calendar to see what's on deck.  Do you need to organize your files for an early meeting?  Going to the gym after work?  Pack your bag so you can just grab it in the morning.  Check the weather so you can decide what to wear. 

3) Break big projects into smaller pieces.  Projects seem less daunting when you break them down into steps and tackle them one at a time.  You'll feel good crossing one task off your list and will be motivated to move on to the next step.

4) Make the most of idle time.  Keep a pad or notebook with you wherever you go. While you're sitting in the waiting room at the dentist or are early for a lunch date, you can jot down errands that you need to add to your schedule or ideas about that work project you're close to finishing.

Take time this month to renew your plans and optimize your time. In a few weeks, you'll have developed a routine that you can stick with all year. 

Lighten Up!

We have six more weeks until Daylight Savings Time starts and the days slowly get longer.  There are many benefits to getting that extra hour of light.  Retailers get more traffic in their stores in the evening hours, you can get outside and enjoy a longer stroll with your pet, and for most of us, it just feels better to leave work when the sun is still out. 

Until then, we have an array of great light products that will keep you and your customers out of the dark. 

The Light Up Lumina Pen

With a sleek brass barrel and triangle grip, this pen is one of my favorites. I have taken it on vacation, on hikes and keep one in my glovebox.  With one click, the gripper turns on a bright light.  I love that it's dual purpose - you never know when you'll need a pen or a light!

The LED Flashlight Keychain

Another dual purpose gift, this elegant keychain with lacquer finish contains a brilliant white LED light.  This product is consistently a top-seller and we get rave reviews from both customers and recipients. 

Focus Flashlight Pen

New to our family of light products, this flashlight started selling like hotcakes as soon as we introduced it.  The crisp white barrel really draws the eye to your imprint, and the bright-colored trim make this a fun gift. 

Flexi-Light

This high intensity LED light with a flexible coil neck is great for lighting up tight spots. 

9 LED Flashlight

You can't have enough of these ultra-bright flashlight at your home or office.  The wrist strap makes it easy to carry and the powerful light will come in handy in any emergency. 



Like all National Pen products, these light-up products can be customized with your personal message.  Laser engraving will ensure that your name stands out. 

While they are especially useful in the winter months, lights make a practical gift year-round.  For more options, check out our full selection of flashlights and light-up pens.  Just think of the goodwill you'll generate when your customers are in a bind and pull out that emergency light with your name on it!

Knowledge is Power

"Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly, or it vanishes." - Peter Drucker

January 19 is Get to Know Your Customer Day. It seems like we should spend more than a day learning
about our customers, right? Customers are the key to your success so it's important to get to know them as well as you can. Learn about their interests, needs, and challenges so you can offer the products and services that are best suited for them.

What are the best ways to do this?

Surveys: An easy way to learn about your customers is to just ask. There are plenty of easy-to-use online survey tools that you can use to collect feedback. Ask about their satisfaction, where you can improve, what needs are not currently met. The benefit of doing this online is that customers will speak candidly and let you know the good and the not so good. Also include some questions that can help build your relationship. Do they like to travel or play sports? Do they have kids? You may find you have more in common than just your business relationship.

Personal Meetings: If you're in the sales field, take your top customers out for lunch or coffee. Instead of just sticking to business, keep the conversation diverse so you learn as much as you can. If you have a retail or service location, consider providing refreshments for an hour or two when you can mingle and chat with customers.

Social Media: The Internet makes it possible to connect to your customers year-round. Set up accounts on Yelp, Facebook and/or Linked In for your business. Let customers know where to find you so you can keep an open dialog with them. The bonus to you is that new customers may find you online, especially when you get rave reviews!

The most important thing about getting to know your customers is taking the time to interpret what you learned. Listen to what they're telling you, and read through their comments. Based on what you now know, think about what you can do to best meet their needs. Answer that succesfully and you'll have more customers to get to know next time around! Happy customers tell their friends...

We value your support would love to know more about you and what you think about National Pen. Please let us know how we're doing!

It's National Thank Your Customers Week

The first week of January is usually a busy week for everyone. We set business and personal goals, get excited about the promises of a new year, and are often just taking time to catch up after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This week is also National Thank Your Customers Week. As you begin 2012, remember to take a moment to thank those who supported your business in 2011. Everyone likes to feel appreciated.



Showing your appreciation can be as simple as writing a personal note to your best customers. Include a favorite inspirational quote to help set the tone for a great year. If you didn't get a chance to give thank you gifts last month, here's your chance. Personalized calendars are a timely option. You can also give gifts that support your customer's resolutions for the New Year - a lunch bag to pack healthy meals, a duffle bag to take to the gym, or a new padfolio or business card holder to get organized.

However you choose to thank your customers, make sure they know you value them. Keep your message personal and memorable, and you'll be off to a great start!