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Promo Insiders

Promo Insiders

If it impacts the promotional products industry, then the editorial team for Counselor, ASI’s flagship publication, is on top of it. Join these industry insiders as they delve into the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most to promo.

Hosted By: C.J. Mittica

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Promo Has an Image Problem, and We’ve Got the Answers to Fix It

10/26/2022

Promo Has an Image Problem, and We’ve Got the Answers to Fix It

The ASI Media crew offers their ideas to improve the industry’s reputation. Plus, “promotional products,” “swag” or “branded merchandise” – what term is best?

Implementing Personality Assessments for Sales Teams

10/20/2022

Implementing Personality Assessments for Sales Teams

Mike Carroll of Intelligent Conversations shares insights about using evaluations to make sure new hires are a good fit for a specific team and job, as well as to improve productivity and culture for existing departments.

How Big Brands Build FOMO With Clever Merch

10/12/2022

How Big Brands Build FOMO With Clever Merch

We’ve rounded up some of the best branded merch campaigns we’ve seen recently and discuss what makes them work. Plus, what lessons can promotional products suppliers and distributors learn from these examples?

Don’t Get Conned: Tips to Detect Scams Aimed at Distributors

10/6/2022

Don’t Get Conned: Tips to Detect Scams Aimed at Distributors

Scam attempts against industry firms are proliferating. Here’s how to spot them and keep from getting conned.

Networking for a New Age

9/22/2022

Networking for a New Age

Beth Bridges, the Networking Motivator, explains how to navigate the fragmented landscape of in-person and online events.

Are You Ready for Pumpkin Spice Season?

9/15/2022

Are You Ready for Pumpkin Spice Season?

ASI Media staffers test out some fall flavors and share ideas for capitalizing on the season.

Navigate the Q4 Holiday Selling Season Craziness

9/8/2022

Navigate the Q4 Holiday Selling Season Craziness

Get insights on top markets, hot products, selling strategies, and supplier inventory and service levels to help power a successful fourth quarter.

The Power of Unconscious Communication

8/31/2022

The Power of Unconscious Communication

An expert on persuasion and influence discusses the impact of suggestion and how it can transform teams and relationships.

Where Did Arch Promo Group Come From & Why Is It Buying So Many Supplier Firms?

8/24/2022

Where Did Arch Promo Group Come From & Why Is It Buying So Many Supplier Firms?

Recent acquisitions of StrombergBrand, Drum-Line and ProRose have put this holding company on the map.

Balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit

8/17/2022

Balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit

Kathy Cheng of Redwood Classics Apparel explains what it means to have a sustainable business model and shares strategies for suppliers and distributors looking to do the same.

Marc Simon: The Long Term Looks ‘Exceedingly Good’ for the Promo Industry

8/10/2022

Marc Simon: The Long Term Looks ‘Exceedingly Good’ for the Promo Industry

Beyond that positive prediction, the CEO of HALO Branded Solutions delivers a bevy of insights on the current state – and future of – the market.

Challenges – and Opportunities – in the Travel Industry

8/3/2022

Challenges – and Opportunities – in the Travel Industry

A travel expert and a professor of travel and hospitality join the podcast to discuss the current state of the travel industry and occasions for promo products sales.

A Deep Dive Into the 2022 State of the Industry Report

7/29/2022

A Deep Dive Into the 2022 State of the Industry Report

The ASI Media team unpacks the most interesting findings and trends from our annual survey.

Counselor's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Oesen

7/28/2022

Counselor's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Oesen

From building Canada’s nascent promo industry to mentoring countless professionals, Oesen leaves a staggering legacy.

Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year: Lisa Smith

7/27/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year: Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith established her Texas company with a mission: to provide the best customer service and a flexible work environment.

Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year: Shelbyville Pencil Company/Shepenco

7/26/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year: Shelbyville Pencil Company/Shepenco

Owner Dan Townes shares stories and wisdom from decades of working in promo.

Counselor’s 2022 Woman of Distinction: Debbie Abergel

7/25/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Woman of Distinction: Debbie Abergel

The chief strategy officer at Nadel reflects on her early days at the Top 40 distributor and her career trajectory that’s led her to become a beloved peer mentor.

#PromoSpace: Overcoming Price Objections to Sustainable, Ethical Merch

7/20/2022

#PromoSpace: Overcoming Price Objections to Sustainable, Ethical Merch

Daniel Cardozo of Ethix Merch and Lauren Piller of Eco Marketing Solutions talk about strategies they use to convince clients to purchase sustainable products.

NC Custom’s Remarkable 11th Hour Acquisition of Fresh Beginnings

7/15/2022

NC Custom’s Remarkable 11th Hour Acquisition of Fresh Beginnings

David Miller of NC Custom tells the story of how the Top 40 supplier acquired Fresh Beginnings just as it was about to close for good.

Trends & Sales Opportunities With Branded Displays, Banners and Exhibits

7/14/2022

Trends & Sales Opportunities With Branded Displays, Banners and Exhibits

Bill Roman, strategic sales manager at Orbus Exhibit & Display (asi/75209), offers can’t-miss tips for capitalizing with these product categories.

News Roundup With ASI Media’s Writers

7/6/2022

News Roundup With ASI Media’s Writers

Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski and Chris Ruvo give synopses of recent stories involving the supply chain, product trends, sustainability, apparel and more.

Which States Are Driving Growth in the Promo Industry?

6/29/2022

Which States Are Driving Growth in the Promo Industry?

The ASI Media editors dive into the telling data from the just-released State & Regional Sales Report.

Serving Up Summertime Promo Ideas

6/23/2022

Serving Up Summertime Promo Ideas

ASI Media staffers discuss all things summer in this lively chat.

How to Survive – and Thrive – In a Recession

6/14/2022

How to Survive – and Thrive – In a Recession

Three successful industry executives deliver powerful strategies distributors can use to overcome the challenges of an economic downturn.

Sustainability and Self-Care: The Story Behind Baloo Living

6/8/2022

Sustainability and Self-Care: The Story Behind Baloo Living

Sisters Elizabeth and Jennifer Grojean discuss the sustainability and giveback aspects of their company, Baloo Living (asi/38053), which sells weighted blankets for alleviating anxiety and insomnia.