Hey, marketers….Recession in 2023? Umm…Maybe?

When there's an economic downturn, CEOs look to cut costs.

And often, as budgets are tightening and there is a cost-cutting discussion, branded merch may be on the chopping block.

Why is it important to attend industry education events?

That was the question that Kirby Hasseman asked me when he interviewed me for his Delivering Marketing Joy podcast.

My answer?

For me, it’s all about relationships. In our industry, so much of my daily work life revolves around helping others and seeking help.

Hey, HR Pros: Show me the company swag you sent out this year!

Here's why I'm curious: I've seen a big shift in my client base during the past year.

I used to work on branded-merchandise projects with marketers, sales managers/admins, event planners, and account execs.

This is Toby Flenderson’s desk.

Toby is the HR rep for the Scranton branch of paper distributor Dunder Mifflin on The Office.

As fans of the show, you know that Toby is not very well-liked. 

Came across this old school vending machine at a Chicago brewery.

It had been retrofitted to no longer offer spider rings in a clear plastic ball (remember those!) but instead to offer some inspiration in the form of a poem from a local poet.

“I want to offer gift choices to my (fill-in-the-blank)”

I hear this a lot from my clients.

My solution? Create a Pick-A-Gift shop!

A Pick-A-Gift shop allows your prospects, clients, employees or referral sources to choose their own gift.

Attention HR Folks, business leaders and entrepreneurs:

Are you the World’s Best Boss? (tip of the cap to Michael Scott).

I certainly cannot claim to be the World’s Best Boss, but here are 7 things I learned about “managing” folks over the past 25 years (yes, I’m that old!)

Do your quieter team members have a voice in your organization?

Last year the Printable team visited "The Office Experience" where the world of the TV show comes to life.

Check out this super cool graphic of total lines spoken by each character:

Question: For all the Creeds, Merediths and Stanleys in our organizations, how can we do a better job of giving them a voice?

Everyone talks about R.O.I. But what about R.O.E.?

In my swag world, R.O.I. means Return on Investment.

As in, what type of “return” will I get back from the amount of money I invest in swag.

But what about R.O.E. – Return on Engagement?

A few years ago, I visited Las Vegas with my teenage daughter to celebrate her acceptance into college. Being a teenager, she has a pretty typical sweet tooth.

So when we passed by a store called I Love Sugar...we just had to go in.

“I just need something cheap to giveaway at an event”.
 
I scratch my head when a client says this to me.
 
I have to remind them that their reputation is on the product we choose to represent their brand. 

HR Folks: Is it possible to stem the tide of “quiet quitting” with high-end branded merch?
 
In the age of quiet quitting, connecting with disengaged employees is a top priority.
 

ASI Live: How Distributors and Suppliers Can Effectively Leverage Social Media at Trade Shows. Great discussion yesterday with some of the top minds in our industry! Thanks Vincent Driscoll for inviting me to take part.

What’s reusable, warm and glows?

No, it’s not one of my patented Dad jokes, but rather words that describe the characteristics of the items in this super cool “Let’s Get Cozy” kit I recently received from my partners over at Hit Promotional Products.

A reusable travel tumbler, some hot chocolate and a scented candle!

HR Professionals: Please don’t give cash or gift cards to employees during Q4!

I think we all can agree that in this current economic climate it’s harder than ever to find and retain top talent.

So, it’s easy to think that a gift card or cash appreciation gift would be part of the retention elixir.

Procrastinators raise your hand!

If you find yourself behind the 8-Ball when it comes to year-end gifting to employees, clients, prospects and referral sources, I have some good news!

We’re currently operating on standard lead time including orders with embroidery.

It's my job to stay in tune with branded merchandise trends.

One of the biggest trends I am seeing from my clients is a gravitation toward co-branding with premium products and retail brands.

People are LOST without their earbuds and headphones. Well, 87% of us, anyway!

Listening to music, podcasts, & audiobooks or taking a phone call. At their desk, out for a jog, chilling on the couch. They’re practically glued to our ears!

Have you done anything embarrassing lately that you’ve shared with your team to show personal responsibility/ show your vulnerability?

Recently, I had one of my biggest Doh! moments while on vacation.

Hey, HR managers: Branded merch can be part of the solution to the 3 “R’s” that keep you up at night.

1️⃣ Recruitment of talent
2️⃣ Retention of employees
3️⃣ Rewarding and appreciating existing team members