We started the Promo Marketing Podcast this year, and Sean and I have had a great time speaking with people from just about every facet of the promotional products industry. We’ve learned a lot (including how to actually make a podcast, proper mic placement and tasteful soundboard usage), and we hope you have too.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, since they were all different, but there are a few moments from the 13 episodes we’ve released this year that stood out to us. Here are some of our favorite moments from the Promo Marketing Podcast this year.
1. Getting Spooky
Here’s some behind-the-scenes fun for you: We planned on doing the Halloween episode for months before it was actually time. We thought of every way we could tie spookiness into the promotional products theme. Thankfully, Jay Busselle from Equipment Zone and PromoChat was down to talk about promo “nightmares” and some truly scary ideas. Throw in the incredible Halloween-themed opener NAPCO Media Video Director John Gelety made, and you have a recipe for success. I don’t even like Halloween that much, but this made it a favorite moment of the year for me.
2. Four for The Price of One
Another fun fact: When we planned on speaking with Joe Fleming from HUB Promotional Group, we thought it’d be just him. Once we got on the call, we realized he brought his colleagues Trina Bicknell and Mike Fleming, as well as Debco’s Alex Morin. It made for a much more in-depth and fun chat about HUB’s many acquisitions over the last two years.
3. Both Sides of the Issue
Having Jeff Laniado, who worked as a distributor before working on the end-buyer side for CBS, on the podcast gave us the opportunity to shed some light on exactly what big-name clients are looking for in a distributor. It was also interesting to hear how he made the switch, and why he hates the suitcase full of samples. It’s also a topic we had with Parker Melvin from Goldstar Pens, who made the switch from the distributor to the supplier side.
4. Narrowing Playing Field
Consolidation has been a hot topic in the promo industry, with acquisitions and mergers seemingly happening every day. We spoke with Paul Bellantone about how consolidation affects the promo industry overall, and how it’s not nearly as dire as some people might make it seem.
5. News From Afar
We couldn’t attend the Hong Kong Gift Fair, although we wouldn’t mind taking the trip. But, Dan Jellinek from The Magnet Group did, and he was kind enough to fill us in on the trends and news from one of the premier industry shows in the world.
6. Make It Pop
Taek Sung from iClick came on the pod to talk about PopSockets, which are one of the most popular items around right now. He also talked about iClick’s explosive growth and the unexpected challenges that come with it.
7. Everyone Loves a List
Rounding out this unofficial list is our pal Dale Denham. Dale joined us to talk about his annual “Online 18” list of promotional products professionals who are crushing it on social media. Dale is always fun to talk to, and his insight on the topic of tech is super valuable.
This is just a small sample of what we did this year. We hope you enjoyed the Promo Marketing Podcast as we got it off the ground, and we’re looking forward to doing even more in 2019. Thanks for listening!
