Category: Uncategorized

2015 … Really?

Jeff Solomon, MAS

As I write this, it is hot in Southern California, making it hard to believe that summer is almost over and fall soon will be upon us. This year we didn’t take a big vacation, but took a couple of short ones. Our end-of-the-summer getaway was a few days on Catalina Island. Catalina is an awesome gem, just an hour by boat out of Long Beach, Calif. We hiked, visited the interior where bison roam, saw bald eagles, did miniature bowling, at which I am horrible, and had a few good meals. Getting away is so important to our personal and professional development.

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How Can I Make It Happen? (Ask “How” Three Times) Part 6 of “Get Curious About Your Business”

Paul Kiewiet

Strategies set your direction, values, culture and actions that will make your dream business a reality. You can’t just “wing it.” You need to decide how you will nurture and cultivate the reality that you desire. You need to ask yourself “How?” three times.

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Top 3 Problems with Artwork

Dale Denham

Unfortunately, artwork is still a major headache for distributors and suppliers alike. We’ve come a long way and the problems are easier to fix with a skilled graphic artist than they were 15 years ago, yet there are still a few fundamental misunderstandings that cause problems for the promotional products industry.

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What Clients Really Want—It’s Not the Best Price!

Cliff Quicksell

A few years back I was speaking at Fruit of the Loom’s national sales meeting, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a gentleman whose name escapes me, however, his message during our offstage conversations still resonates with me today.

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No, I Don’t Need A Receipt

Jeff Jacobs

just when you think you’re out of the woods on an issue, it pops up in a most unexpected place. As reported in a recent article in Naturally Savvy, research has found BPA in cash register receipts at many of your favorite supermarkets.

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Where Are Trade Shows Going?

Jeff Solomon, MAS

In our first article on What’s Happening with Trade Shows, we covered the SAAC Show, a strong regional association event, in Long Beach, Calif. There were a couple of anonymous comments bemoaning that the article featured links to product videos from some interesting items we found at the show.

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My Very Personal Connection to the ALS Challenge

Rosalie Marcus

You’ve probably seen the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge all over social media and TV. Perhaps you’ve taken it. For me, it had special meaning and a very personal connection. My older brother Martin, a natural athlete, prolific writer, creative thinker, baseball aficionado—and the bravest person I’ve ever known; lost a courageous battle to ALS. So, while I generally shy away from fads, I happily took the challenge and donated money to ALS as well.

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When Will It Happen? (Ask “When” Three Times) Part 5 of “Get Curious About Your Business”

Paul Kiewiet

Time. It’s here and it’s gone. There are lots of clichés about time and there ain’t no time like the present. So let’s get going. And let’s get growing. Ask yourself “When” at least three times.

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5 Problems With Promotional Supplier Videos

Dale Denham

Dear promotional product supplier: That video you made has a great soundtrack. The special effects? Nice touch. I even like the way you demo the product. It makes me want to sell the item. I want to feature your video on our website and social media channels, which reach thousands of people every week. Unfortunately …

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Connecting—Not a New Concept

Rebecca Kollmann

We’ve all seen ways to buy and sell—from brick-and-mortar to online shopping; from receiving letters to being deluged with email. The handwritten card seems to be the new way to cut through the clutter that we created by trying to reach buyers on their terms. The irony is that the everyday interpersonal medium from our pre-1990s world is becoming a little more exciting simply due to its rarity.

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