Abstract:
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes calendars for dissimulation by distributors of customizable promotion products with distributor specific URLs which enable the customer to view supplier produced products which then are ordered through the distributor. The distributor then reviews and forwards the order to the suppliers who then manufacture the customized items and either ship the items directly to the customer or ships the items to the distributor who checks the items and forwards them to the customer. A number of URLs may access the same website. The calendars also may include monthly themes, descriptions of the benefits of use of the themes, case studies and statistics involving use of the themes, promotional products, planning work sheets, and return on investment and return on objectives work sheets.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Priority is claimed to provisional application No. 61/063,014, filed on Jan. 30, 2008, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/227,560, filed on Sep. 15, 2005, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/041,397, filed on Jan. 24, 2005, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/638, 765, filed on Aug. 11, 2003, abandoned. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 37 CFR 1.98 
       [0005]    The present application discloses embodiments of a calendar and system in which calendars provided by distributors to their customers both contain advertisements from suppliers for customizable promotional items of interest to the customers, who typically are retailers, and also contains a distributor specific website address. Neither the calendar nor the website contains accessible information which would allow the customer to order directly from the supplier but both the calendar and website contain symbols which allow the customer to inform the distributor of the desired order. The distributor then reviews and forwards the order to the suppliers who then manufacture the customized items and either ships the items directly to the customer or ships the items to the distributor who checks the items and forwards them to the customer. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,128,989 discloses a booklet calendar suitable for mailing with advertising visible throughout the life of the calendar. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,228,517 discloses a calendar display in which a calendar month card is presented with a picture suitable to the season, the pictures located on the back of calendar cards other than that card for the current month. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,306 discloses a self-mailing calendar in which a portion of the back cover extending from below the calendar pages is used to seal the folded calendar and subsequently to provide a pencil holder when the calendar is opened. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,402 discloses a hanging calendar in which the current month is at the top, there is a space for notations and priorities, and the following month is at the bottom. When the current month is over the calendar is folded so the previously following month is now at the top and a new month is a following month. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,917 discloses a regimen calendar which correlates time periods and a predetermined regimen such as a diet program. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,733 discloses a calendar in which each day is associated with either a label of either an “action” for the day or a “thought” for the day. Movement of the labels disclose illustrations on the calendar. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,122 discloses a combination calendar and catalog in which each month has a theme and tabs at the bottom of the calendar open to a portion of the catalog with products relating to the theme. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,342 discloses a calendar with symbols for events which occur within the month represented and an artwork field for decoration by an art student. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,647 discloses an appointment calendar for a hairstylist having index tabs for the months and double pages for each day of a month with rows and columns defining areas for entry of data concerning clients. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,423 discloses a magnetic perpetual calendar in which indicia indicating the month and date and information specific to particular days are printed on magnetic strips which adhere to the calendar when it is in place on a ferromagnetic surface. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,391 discloses a calendar with monthly calendars and a top cover having separate apertures for viewing the monthly calendar month and each day of the month indicia. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,553 discloses a theme calendar in which personalized calendars are designed and generated by a computer system. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,965 discloses a calendar selling system with a plurality of pictures which are selected by a customer who orders a printed calendar. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2001/0042011 discloses an electronic version of an advent calendar in which selected doors are opened and the viewer is invited to select a treat or gift which can be hyperlinked to an URL with such items for sale. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2001/0051901 discloses a shopping tool linking consumers to retailer pricing and database information. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2002/0052775 discloses a method and software for implementing a multi-activity marketing plan. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2002/0114220 discloses a calendar for distribution by service providers which shows dates just beyond the period generally recommended for repetition of the service provided. 
         [0023]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2005/0120598, corresponding to Ser. No. 11/041,397, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a calendar for distribution to customers by distributors, with advertisements of suppliers which do not allow direct contact of the suppliers by the customers. 
         [0024]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2006/0010036, corresponding to Ser. No. 11/227/560, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a website associated with distributors, with advertisements of suppliers which do not allow direct contact of the suppliers by the customers. 
         [0025]    U.S. Pub. Pat. Applic. 2007/0050247 discloses an advertising calendar with a place for the customer to write on and advertisements. 
         [0026]    The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0027]    The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
         [0028]    Embodiments include a calendar for dissemination by distributors of customized promotional products manufactured by suppliers to customers of such products. Embodiments include a calendar with accessible information indicia on the calendar allowing access to the distributor by the customer, and a distributor specific URL indicia bearing distinctive identification indicia concerning the distributor. The URL indicia is for a password-protected website homepage bearing distinctive identification indicia concerning the distributor. The website further comprises a multiplicity of supplier advertising pages bearing information indicia concerning customized promotional products, each website supplier advertising page being free of accessible information indicia allowing contact between customers and suppliers. Each website supplier advertising page further bears identifying symbol indicia such as ASI code number which allows identification of the supplier by the distributor, wherein a multiplicity of distributor specific website homepages lead to the same supplier advertising pages. 
         [0029]    Embodiments include the process of selecting, ordering, and manufacturing customized promotional products for customers by distributors and suppliers which comprises the following steps. a. providing a customer with a calendar bearing a distributor&#39;s website address by a distributor, b. accessing the distributor&#39;s website by the customer, c. perusing the product&#39;s on supplier advertising pages free of accessible information allowing contact between customers and suppliers by the customer, d. ordering selected customized promotional products from the distributor by the customer using identifying symbols allowing identification of the supplier by the distributor, e. ordering the selected customized promotional products from the suppliers by the distributor, f. manufacturing the selected customized promotional products by the supplier, and g. providing the customer the selected customized promotional products. 
         [0030]    In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of the steps in an embodiment process of obtaining customized promotional products by customers using a calendar alone or a calendar and the internet. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a view of the cover of an embodiment calendar in the closed position 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a view of the header side of the cover ( FIG. 2 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a page describing use of the calendar. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a view of a grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a monthly page. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a view of the header side of a grid page ( FIG. 4 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a monthly theme, tips for implementation of the theme, and several promotional produces to reinforce the theme. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a view of a grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing the days of a month, a promotional showcase product, the four products associated with the month, and early ordering warning. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a view of the header side of a grid page ( FIG. 6 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing planning tools and a two year calendar. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a view of a tear-out grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a planning page for use of a distributor working with a customer. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a view of the header side of a grid page ( FIG. 8 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing descriptive matter concerning a marketing assessment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a view of the inside back cover of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a planning page for use of a customer working with a distributor and having an extended contact flap bearing accessible information concerning the distributor 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a view of the back cover of an embodiment calendar in the closed position showing a promotional showcase with further information concerning the 12 promotional items of the preceding 12 monthly pages. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic representation of the steps in an embodiment process of obtaining ordering information by customers using the internet and a password obtained from an embodiment calendar. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is an embodiment internet Website Home Page. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is an embodiment internet website Distributor Home Page. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is an embodiment internet website Monthly Page. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is an embodiment internet Featured Product Page. 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  is an embodiment internet Product Query Form page. 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  is an embodiment internet Product Query Confirmation Page. 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  is an embodiment internet Supplier Page. 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is an embodiment internet supplier Catalog Request Page. 
           [0051]      FIG. 21  is an embodiment internet supplier Catalog Request Confirmation Page. 
           [0052]      FIG. 22  is an embodiment internet Product Detail Page. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]    Embodiments deal with the selection, manufacture and distribution of customized promotional products. They include presentation of calendars customized with the name and accessible information of a distributor to a customer. The customer then uses the information included on the calendar to select customizable products for the customer&#39;s use in promoting the customer&#39;s business. The customer may order customized products directly from the distributor or from the distributor after obtaining additional information on the products from the distributor&#39;s internet homepage. Both the calendar and website contain information allowing contact with the distributor but do not contain information allowing direct contact with the supplier by the customer. 
         [0054]    In this disclosure the term “customized promotional product”, “promotional product”, “promotional item” or “product” means items which are embossed or decorated with names, logos, or other information concerning a business and are customarily provided gratis or for a nominal fee to patrons of that business. Examples of customized promotional products include pens, letter openers, balloons, etc. which are customized with the customer&#39;s identification information, such as name, logo, address, telephone, fax, and e-mail numbers, and website addresses. The term “customer” means a businessperson who orders and provides customized promotional products to present or prospective patrons of his or her business. 
         [0055]    The term “supplier” means a person who manufactures or customizes the products ordered by a customer. The term “distributor” means a person who is an intermediary agent between a customer and supplier of customized promotional products, who provides information concerning the products, obtains and audits orders from the customer for customized promotional products, conveys such orders to suppliers, and optionally audits and delivers the finished customized promotional products to the customer. The term “consultant” means a person who represents a distributor in dealing with customers. The term “user” means the person who receives a customized promotional product from a customer. The term “accessible information” means information allowing contact between the customer and distributor, such as business name, contact, address, telephone or fax numbers, email or website addresses. The term “inaccessible information” and “identifying symbols” means information designating the supplier but not allowing direct access between the customer and supplier, such as supplier line name, symbols such as UPIC: HAMP002 or ASI# 219009 numbers. The distributor can contact a supplier using inaccessible information because the distributor can obtain accessible information using inaccessible information on the supplier. 
         [0056]    In this disclosure the term “restricted constituency” means an organization restricted to suppliers and distributors in a single industry. Suppliers and distributors who are members of a restricted constituency can use inaccessible information or identifying symbols to communicate directly with each other. The general public and customers cannot use inaccessible information or identifying symbols to communicate directly with or to order directly from suppliers. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of the steps in an embodiment process of obtaining customized promotional products by customers using a calendar alone or a calendar and the internet. In step  20  a distributor provides a customer with an embodiment calendar. The customer selects a product of interest directly from the calendar, step  22 ; or uses the password from the calendar to access information on the website, step  24 , where the customer makes a selection of a product of interest, step  26 . The customer then contacts the distributor for additional ordering information concerning price, delivery, product details, using accessible information from the calendar or website concerning the distributor, and inaccessible information concerning the supplier, step  30 . The distributor provides the customer information on price, delivery, customization options, etc. in step  32  and receives a complete order from the customer in step  34 . After auditing the order for completeness, step  38 , the distributor forwards the order to the supplier, step  40 . 
         [0058]    The supplier manufactures the product and ships the product directly to the customer, step  42 . Optionally, the supplier manufactures the product and ships the product to the distributor, step  44 . The distributor checks and audits the shipment in step  46 . If the product is suitable the distributor ships product to the customer  50 . If the product is not suitable the distributor notifies the manufacture of the defects in step  48  and the cycle of auditing and shipping by the distributor is repeated. 
         [0059]      FIG. 2  is a view of the cover  100  of an embodiment calendar in the closed position. Visible in  FIG. 2  is the bound side which in this embodiment is a spiral binder  103 , but may be a stapled or sewn fold and a hanging hole  101  for attaching the calendar by a hook or nail on a wall when the calendar is in the open position. The cover  100  is not visible when the calendar is open and attached to a wall. A page which like the cover is visible with the binder  103  at the top of the page and a hanging hole  101  at the bottom of the page is termed a “grid” page. Also visible in  FIG. 2  are twelve monthly representations, an example of which is January which contains the name of the month  108 , a pictorial representation of the month  110 , and the theme of the month  112 . Also visible is the logo of the calendar manufacturer  104 , the year  102 , and a slogan  106 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  is a view of the header side of the cover ( FIG. 2 ) or grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position, showing a page describing use of the calendar  114 . Also visible is the binder  103  and the hanging hole  101 . The purpose of the calendar is described  116 . An overview of the system  118  includes writing describing worksheets, marketing assessments, The Marketing Minute, The Last Minute Alert, and the use and address of the calendar manufacturer&#39;s website. The promotional programs for the year are listed by month  120 . Each monthly square includes the month  122 , the theme  124 , and writing describing the results to be expected through implementation of the theme  126 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a view of a grid page  132  showing a conventional depiction of the month of December of the previous year  130 . Also visible is the binder  133  and hanging hole  103 . A FYI (for your information) box  134  has writing providing information concerning the use of promotional products. A Lasting Impression box  136  shows a successful promotional product  138 , in this example, an ice scraper, which has endured for a period of years  131 . A Last Minute Alert box  135  includes promotional product suggestions  137  to be ordered now for use in subsequent months  136 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a view of the header side of a grid page ( FIG. 4 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a monthly theme  138 , in this case for January 2010  136 , tips for implementation of the theme  154  (See Table 3), and four promotional produces that reinforce the theme  143 ,  145 ,  147 ,  149 . The benefits  140  of applying the theme are listed. A reference to the website  142  is also included. One promotional product box  143  is shown in detail with a picture  148  of the product, a case study of use of the product  150 , and a suggested slogan for use with the product  152  (See Table 4), and other suggested uses for recipients of the product  151 . Codes which designate the product supplier are shown  141 . Also visible is the binder  133  and the hanging hole  131 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  is a view of a grid page which faces  FIG. 5  of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing the days of a month, a promotional showcase product, the four products associated with the month, and early ordering warning. Also visible is the binder  167  and the hanging hole  161 . The month and year  136  is shown with a calendar grid  168  representing the days of the month, as well a Last Minute Alert box  164  includes promotional product suggestions  163  for use in subsequent months  165 . A FYI box  160  has information concerning uses of promotional products. the use of an internet webpage  162 , The image  166  of a promotional product which has achieved the status of a multi-year keepsake in the mind of a user and the duration in years of its success  169  is in a Lasting Impressions box  170 . More information on the Lasting Impressions is on the outside back cover ( FIG. 11 ). 
         [0064]      FIGS. 5 and 6  represent pages for the month of January which are visible at the same time when the calendar is fastened to the wall in the open position. Additional similar pages which present the themes (see Table 1) and associated products and associated benefits, as well as Lasting Impression products for each of the months of the year following January are part of embodiments but are not shown in the figures. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  is a view of the header side of a grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing planning tools and a two year calendar. Also visible is the binder  173  and the hanging hole  171 . To facilitate the use of the planning tools, a condensed current year  184  and next future year  186  calendars are included in  FIG. 7 . The How To Measure Your Results Page  174  include detailed instructions for determining Return on Investment (ROI)  176 , Return on Opportunity (REO)  178  and Evaluation of Opportunity (EOO)  180  for use of the customer in planning marketing programs involving promotional products (See Table 2). Additional information on such calculations is shown in Table 2. In addition, colored icons  182  with names of the months and reminders of the themes of the months are included to assist the customer in making planning calculations. A Did You Know box  181  provides information on the value of planning. 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  is a view of a tear-out grid page of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a Marketing Planner/Investment Budgeting Worksheet for use by a distributor consultant working with a customer. Also visible is the binder  193  and the hanging hole  191 . A grid  194  is provided with months at the top  192  and planning items  196  arrayed vertically along one vertical axis for use in generating a promotional product marketing program by a distributor consultant along with a customer. There also is space  190  for notes for crucial events and client contact information. This page is designed for removal from the calendar and retention by the consultant and has provisions for disrupting the page for tear off  195 , in this example a line of small holes in the paper used in conjunction with the binder. Other means for facilitating tear off are contemplated, such as a line of embossed cuts in the paper. 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  is a view of the header side of a grid page ( FIG. 8 ) of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing descriptive matter concerning a marketing assessment. Also visible is the binder  193 , the hanging hole  191 , and the tear off provisions  195 . The Strategic Promotional Marketing Assessment  200  has provisions for the date  206  of the meeting between a consultant and customer, as well as recording the name of the customer&#39;s company  208 , contact person at the customer&#39;s company  210 , and follow up date  212  for additional meetings between consultant and customer. Specific questions  202  concerning a marketing campaign are provided as well as space  204  recording the answers. The customer answers the questions in preparation for an interview with a distributor&#39;s representative consultant The sheet which includes both  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  is designed for removal by a consultant after an interview with a customer. 
         [0068]      FIG. 10  is a view of the inside back cover of an embodiment calendar in the open position showing a planning page  224  for use of a customer working with a distributor consultant and having an extended contact flap  226  bearing accessible information concerning the distributor. The planning page  224 , partially shown in  FIG. 10 , is identical to the distributor&#39;s consultant worksheet in  FIG. 8 . It provides the customer with a permanent copy of the plan developed in conjunction with the distributor&#39;s consultant. Also visible is the binder  223  and the extended flap  226  which is visible whenever the calendar is open and hanging on a wall. The extended flap  226  contains accessible information  230  concerning the distributor. There also is information  228  to be used as a password in accessing the calendar manufacturer&#39;s website. In the example in  FIG. 10  the password is the distributor&#39;s email address, but other passwords also associated with the distributor are contemplated and may be used.  FIG. 10  is intended to be filled out by the customer in conjunction with an interview with a consultant who represents the distributor in planning the customer&#39;s marketing campaign and provides the customer with a record of the campaign plan. 
         [0069]      FIG. 11  is a view of the back cover of an embodiment calendar showing a “Lasting Impressions”  244  promotional showcase with further information concerning the 12 promotional showcase items of the preceding 12 monthly pages. Visible in  FIG. 11  is the binder  223 . For each monthly showcase item  242  there is the name of the item  246 , and additional descriptive material  244  which describes the interest of a recipient in a promotional product which has caused that recipient to retain the product for a multi-year period  250 . In general, the showcase products have an aspect which resonates with and causes an emotional response in the recipient. There also is the website address  248  of a video describing the item. 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic representation of the steps in an embodiment process of obtaining ordering information by customers using the internet and a password obtained from an embodiment calendar. It should be noted that a customer is not able to order promotional products using the process of  FIG. 12  but must order the products from the distributor. In  FIG. 12 , the action of a customer is indicated by reference numbers and the relevant web screen is indicated by the name of the screen within a rectangular box. 
         [0071]    In step  302  the customer accesses the calendar manufacturer&#39;s website using the website address on the calendar ( 228  in  FIG. 10 ) or through other sources, such as a search engine. 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  depicts one embodiment internet website Calendar Manufacturer&#39;s Home Page  420 . Visible in  FIG. 13  are 12 boxes  402  each of which indicates a month of the year and includes a symbol of that month and the theme or program of that month. For example, in the first box January  401  is the name of the month represented, a calendar picture  404  symbolically depicts the month, and the theme or program  406  “NEW YEAR” is indicated. In addition, a video which may depict an actual person or an atavar presents a welcoming video  408  when clicked upon by the customer and also presents instructions to enter the password and click on the “SUBMIT” button. 
         [0073]    In step  304  the customer enters the password and clicks on the “SUBMIT “button. The password can be any suitable word or number or letters, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 13  the Password is the distributor&#39;s website address which is listed at the bottom of the calendar hang page ( 230  in  FIG. 10 ). This leads to the Distributor&#39;s Home Page,  FIG. 14 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 14  is an embodiment internet website distributor homepage  420 . This page contains the 12 monthly boxes  422  each of which indicates a month of the year at and includes a symbol of that month and the theme or program of that month. For example, in the first box January  421  is the name of the month represented, a calendar picture  424  symbolically depicts the month, and the theme or program  426  “NEW YEAR” is indicated. Clicking on one of the monthly boxes  422  leads to a monthly page an example of which is at  FIG. 15 . Also depicted in  FIG. 14  is a video  432  which is accessed by either clicking on  434  which provides a video with information concerning the distributor, or by clicking on  436  which provides a video with a tutorial on information on using the website. Also visible in  FIG. 14  is the distributor&#39;s name  428  and accessible information  430  which provides a number of channels for contact of the distributor by the customer. For example, clicking anywhere on box FEBRUARY  423  leads to the FEBRUARY Monthly Page  FIG. 15 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 15  is an embodiment internet website Monthly Page  440 . Visible in  FIG. 16  is the month name  442 , and the theme or program  444  of the month. Four featured product boxes  454 ,  456 ,  458 , and  459  are in the monthly page along with the name, picture, and short written description of the product in each box. A click here  441 ,  443 ,  445 , and  447 , respectively, leads to a featured product page. Accessible information including the distributor&#39;s name  448 , address and phone number  450  is listed, along with the distributor&#39;s logo  449 . Clicking on a video symbol  446  leads to a video about the benefits of a promotional program based on the theme of the month. Optionally, the featured products correspond to those found on the calendar on the corresponding month page. Clicking on “Home”  451  brings up the Calendar Manufacturer&#39;s Home Page ( FIG. 13 ). Clicking on “About”  453  brings up information concerning the distributor. Clicking on “Login”  455  brings up the homepage. A list of the months and themes or programs  452  is arrayed along one side of the page. Clicking on any of the months listed leads to the appropriate monthly page. A forward looking reminder  457  reminds customers of the need to order products for use in upcoming months. Clicking on the Theme Article box  483  brings up a 500-800 word article on the monthly theme or product. Clicking on the Marketing Library box  485  brings up a library of 20 or more articles on marketing subjects in general. Clicking on the supplier logos  487  brings up the appropriate supplier page such as  FIG. 19 . Clicking on Measure Results Worksheet box  489  leads to a website with a complete worksheet which explains more about ROI, ROO and EOO and provides specific examples of each tool. 
         [0076]    In step  308  the customer clicks on one of the featured product boxes  454 ,  456 ,  458 , or  459  in  FIG. 16  which leads to  FIG. 16 , the Featured Product Page. 
         [0077]      FIG. 16  is an embodiment internet featured product page  460 . The name of the page  462  along with name of the featured product is listed along with a picture  464  of the featured product. Visible in  FIG. 16  is the distributor logo  461 , distributor name  468 , and accessible information concerning the distributor  470 . Clicking on “Home”  475  brings up the Calendar Manufacturer&#39;s Home Page ( FIG. 13 ). Clicking on “About”  476  brings up additional information on the distributor. Clicking on “Login”  479  brings up the home page. A list of the months and themes or programs  472  is arrayed along one side of the page. Clicking on any of the months listed leads to the appropriate monthly page. A forward looking reminder  477  reminds customers of the need to order products for use in upcoming months. Inaccessible information  465  concerning the supplier, in this case, the supplier name is listed. Pricing information  466  is included, along with additional product description  469 , coupon information  471 , if applicable, a case study  473  showing the successful application of the product in application of the program, and suggested slogans  474  which tie the featured product with a desirable attribute of the customer&#39;s products or services are also included (See Table 4). For more information involving the featured product, the customer clicks a “Submit Query” box  478 . 
         [0078]    In step  310  the customer clicks on the “Submit Query” box which leads to the Query Form page,  FIG. 17 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 17  is an embodiment internet Product Query Form page. The Page has the distributor&#39;s logo  481 . In addition, there are spaces for the customer to fill in the customer&#39;s name  482 , email address  484 , and contact phone number  486 . A “Submit” box  488  allows the customer to submit the information to the distributor by email. 
         [0080]    In step  310  the customer clicks on the “Submit” box which brings up a Query Confirmation page,  FIG. 18 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 18  is an embodiment internet Product Query Confirmation Page  490 . The page has a distributor&#39;s logo  491  and a statement  492  which confirms the receipt of the query by the distributor and indicates contact with the distributor will be forthcoming. 
         [0082]    In step  314  the customer clicks on the featured product image  464  in  FIG. 17  for more information on the supplier which brings up a Supplier Page,  FIG. 19 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 19  is an embodiment internet Supplier Page  500 . This page has the distributor logo  501 , distributor name  508 , and accessible information concerning the distributor  510 , and inaccessible information  502  concerning the supplier such as the supplier&#39;s name. Clicking on “Home”  503  brings up the Calendar Manufacturer&#39;s Home Page ( FIG. 13 ). Clicking on “About”  504  brings up additional information on the supplier. Clicking on “Login”  505  brings up an optional provision for registration of the site visitors. Arrayed along the side of the page is a list of the months and themes or programs  512 . Clicking on any of the months listed leads to the appropriate Monthly Page. A forward looking reminder  517  reminds customers of the need to order products for use in upcoming months. The main feature of a Supplier Page  500  is the array of boxes  509 ,  511 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516 ,  519 - 522 , each of which contain a picture of the featured supplier&#39;s products along with the name of the product, for example the picture  507  and name  506  in box  509 . Clicking on any of the boxes leads to the Product Detail Page (As in  FIG. 22 ) for that product. More information concerning the products also can be obtained by requesting a catalog of the supplier&#39;s products by clicking on the “Submit Query” button  518 . In addition, access to a video provided by the supplier is optional and not shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0084]    In step  316  the customer requests a catalog by clicking on the “Submit Query” button  518  in  FIG. 19  which brings up a Catalog Request Form  FIG. 20 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 20  is an embodiment internet Catalog Request Page  520 . The Page has the distributor&#39;s logo  521 . In addition, there are spaces for the customer to fill in the customer&#39;s name  522 , email address  524 , and contact phone number  526 . A “Submit” box  528  allows the customer to submit the information to the distributor by email. 
         [0086]    In step  318  the customer clicks on the “Submit” box  528  of  FIG. 20  which brings up a Catalog Confirmation page,  FIG. 21 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 21  is an embodiment internet Product Query Confirmation Page  530 . The page has a distributor&#39;s logo  531  and a statement  532  which confirms the receipt of the query by the distributor and indicates contact with the distributor will be forthcoming. 
         [0088]    In step  320  the customer clicks on a box in  FIG. 19 , for example, box  509  which brings up a Product Detail Page  FIG. 22 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 22  is an embodiment internet Product Detail Page  540 . The name of the page  542  along with name of the featured product  545  is listed along with a picture  544  of the featured product. Visible in  FIG. 22  is the distributor logo  541 , distributor name  548 , and accessible information concerning the distributor  550 . Clicking on “Home”  554  brings up the Calendar Manufacturer&#39;s Home Page ( FIG. 13 ). Clicking on “About”  555  brings up additional information on the product. Clicking on “Login”  556  brings up an optional provision for registration of website visitors. A list of the months and themes or programs  552  is arrayed along one side of the page. Clicking on any of the months listed leads to the appropriate monthly page. A forward looking reminder  557  reminds customers of the need to order products for use in upcoming months. Inaccessible information  543  concerning the supplier, in this case, the supplier UPIC and ASI identifying numbers are listed. Pricing information  546  is included, along with additional product description  549 , coupon information  551 , if applicable, a case study  553  showing the successful application of the product in application of the program. To request a supplier&#39;s catalog the customer clicks a “Submit Query” box  558 . 
         [0090]    In step  322  the customer clicks on the “Submit Query” box  588  of  FIG. 22  which brings up the Catalog Request Page  FIG. 20 . 
         [0091]    In step  318  the customer fills out the information on the Catalog Request Page  FIG. 20  (described in detail above) and clicks on the “Submit” button  528 ,  FIG. 20 , which emails the distributor and brings up the Catalog Confirmation Page  FIG. 21 . (described in detail above). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Month 
                 Program 
                 Benefits 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 January 
                 Tradeshow 
                 Invite prospects 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Remind prospects 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reinforce message 
               
               
                 February 
                 Patron appreciation 
                 Retain clients 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Encourage loyalty 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Increase revenues 
               
               
                 March 
                 Spring fashions- 
                 Communication 
               
               
                   
                 wearables 
                 Consistency 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Customization 
               
               
                 April 
                 Golf 
                 Create goodwill 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Networking opportunities 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Public relations 
               
               
                 May 
                 Patriotism and loyalty 
                 Improved employee morale 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Increased productivity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reduced absenteeism 
               
               
                 June 
                 Fundraising outdoor 
                 Positive image 
               
               
                   
                 Activities 
                 Team spirit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Media exposure 
               
               
                 July 
                 Summer vacation 
                 Confidence (reliability) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Stand out 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Increase sales 
               
               
                 August 
                 End of summer programs 
                 Build relationships 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Energize staff 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Increase visibility 
               
               
                 September 
                 Back to work 
                 Team spirit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lock in revenue 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Share of mind 
               
               
                 October 
                 Safety and security 
                 Reliability trustworthiness 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Increase morale 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reduced insurance premiums 
               
               
                 November 
                 Recognition 
                 Create goodwill 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Strengthen internal relationships 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reduce attrition and turnovers 
               
               
                 December 
                 Holiday cheer 
                 Networking 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Give back - charity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Promote external relationships 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0092]    Table 1 lists the months of the year, representative themes or programs,  138  in  FIG. 5 ), and representative benefits, ( 140  in  FIG. 5 ) which stem from such programs used in embodiments of calendars of this disclosure. Other themes or programs and other benefits are contemplated. 
       Table 2  
     Planning Tools 
     Return on Investment (ROI). 
       [0093]    ROI quantifies the benefit of investing in a program. For example, if a safety program is implemented, the ROI would be the financial benefit of the program compared to the cost of the program. The ROI would be the present value of the benefits of the program (the insurance premiums before the program minus the premiums after the program) divided by the present value of the investment in the program. Return on Objectives (ROO) 
         [0094]    ROO quantifies the benefit of acting to achieve an objective. The costs of programs to obtain objectives are relatively easy quantify but quantifying the results of the programs may be more difficult. For example, the objective is to save money by lowering insurance premiums. The program would be a Safety program. The ROO would be measured after completion of the program by comparing the number of insurance claims before the program with the number of insurance claims after the program. Other objectives, such as education of customers, enhancing standing in the industry, obtaining competitive date, and building relationships with current customers also can be quantified by using subjective judgments about the value of the results. The first step is to establish criteria—define the objectives, then weigh the objectives by assigning points on a scale, then measure the resulting ROO by dividing the resulting points by the costs required to achieve those points. Evaluation of Opportunity (EOO). 
         [0095]    EOO is a qualitative evaluation of opportunities undertaken after the opportunity has passed. For example, suppose the opportunity was a trade show. The EOO analysis would ask questions such as: What was offered that we did or did not take advantage of? What should we do differently next time? What was our competition doing? Did they succeed? 
         [0096]    Table 2 lists some planning tools as shown in  FIG. 8  for use by the customer in planning a campaign using customized promotional products. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Month and Theme 
                 Marketing Minutes 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 January - 
                 Obtain a target list of prospects and clients 
               
               
                 Work A Trade Show 
                 Pre-mail invitation to visit booth 
               
               
                   
                 Offer an incentive to visit booth 
               
               
                   
                 Use promotional products the fits message 
               
               
                   
                 Conduct follow up campaign 
               
               
                 February - 
                 Define goals: first order, most orders, loyalty 
               
               
                 Gain Customer 
                 Delivery: hand carry, mail, special courier 
               
               
                 Appreciation 
                 Creative and fun packaging 
               
               
                   
                 Personalize promotional item or card 
               
               
                   
                 Make offer for next order, 2 for 1 
               
               
                 March - 
                 Select products right for customer 
               
               
                 Wear Your Brand 
                 Evaluate decorating options 
               
               
                 or Image 
                 Consider additional imprint areas 
               
               
                   
                 Determine imprint areas 
               
               
                   
                 Check samples for size and shrinkage 
               
               
                 April - 
                 Plan at least one year in advance 
               
               
                 Run a Golf 
                 Find a course in favorable location 
               
               
                 Tournament 
                 Assure affordability to the players 
               
               
                   
                 Have plenty of advertising and marketing 
               
               
                   
                 Obtain sponsorships 
               
               
                 May - 
                 Empathy. Show you care 
               
               
                 Encourage Loyalty 
                 Accomplishment. Show you appreciate it 
               
               
                   
                 Training. Continuing education is valued 
               
               
                   
                 Appreciation. Say “Thank You.” 
               
               
                   
                 Communication. Say “What do you think?” 
               
               
                 June - 
                 Venue: appropriate, challenging, fun 
               
               
                 Conduct Fund 
                 Pre-mailing: “Save-the-Day” cards 
               
               
                 Raiser 
                 Plenty of advertising and marketing 
               
               
                   
                 Registration: online and prepaid 
               
               
                   
                 Promotional items as thank you gifts 
               
               
                 July - 
                 Tune up the vehicle 
               
               
                 Have a Stress 
                 Stop the mail and newspapers 
               
               
                 Free Vacation 
                 Light the house using timers 
               
               
                   
                 Use Travel Checks 
               
               
                   
                 Arrange a key person contact 
               
               
                 August - 
                 Define goals 
               
               
                 Increase Employee 
                 Create team atmosphere 
               
               
                 Productivity 
                 Reinforce goals with promotional products 
               
               
                   
                 Have beef and squak sessions 
               
               
                   
                 Solicit ideas for productivity improvement 
               
               
                   
                 Reward achieving goals 
               
               
                 September - 
                 Develop and define goals 
               
               
                 Keep Employees 
                 Make goals brief, concise, realistic 
               
               
                 Focused 
                 Communicate goals to employees 
               
               
                   
                 Accompany goals with promotional items 
               
               
                   
                 Encourage feedback with a program 
               
               
                 October - 
                 Create Safety Awareness campaign 
               
               
                 Improve Safety 
                 Designate week or month for campaign 
               
               
                 Awareness 
                 Have clear and concise safety goals 
               
               
                   
                 Reward accomplishment of goals 
               
               
                   
                 Use promotional items to reinforce program 
               
               
                 November - 
                 Define objectives 
               
               
                 Motivate 
                 Reward specific actions 
               
               
                 Employees 
                 Personalize the reward 
               
               
                   
                 Let the reward equal the desired action 
               
               
                   
                 Use creative and fun packaging 
               
               
                 December - 
                 Send invitations 6-8 weeks in advance 
               
               
                 Have a Holiday 
                 Select appropriate venue 
               
               
                 Party 
                 Put someone in charge of music 
               
               
                   
                 Offer a variety of food and beverages 
               
               
                   
                 Give promotional items as take home gifts 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0097]    Table 3 lists some Marketing Minutes as shown at  154  in  FIG. 5  for use by the customer in planning a campaign using customized promotional products. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Promotional 
                   
               
               
                 Product 
                 Slogan 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Chocolates 
                 “A “delicious” way to say: We Appreciate You” 
               
               
                 Apple Clock 
                 “Your thoughtful gesture of Appreciation will 
               
               
                   
                 vault you to: “The head of the class”” 
               
               
                 Compact Disc 
                 “On the road or in the home this Vinyl Zippered 
               
               
                 Holder 
                 Compact Disc Holder Holds Our Sounds of 
               
               
                   
                 Appreciation” 
               
               
                 Stuffed Bear 
                 “Without your generous time and efforts our 
               
               
                   
                 project would have been “un-Bearable”” 
               
               
                 Pin 
                 “Those who give are such a sensation, we give 
               
               
                   
                 this pin to show our Appreciation” 
               
               
                 Pen 
                 “We could not come up with the right words to 
               
               
                   
                 express our deepest Appreciation, but if we could, 
               
               
                   
                 here is the pen we would use” 
               
               
                 Cup 
                 “Our “Cut Runneth Over” with 
               
               
                   
                 Appreciation” 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0098]    Table 4 lists some promotional products with suggested slogans as shown at  106  in  FIG. 2  for use by the customer in planning a campaign using customized promotional products. 
         [0099]    While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.