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» Be the change that you want to see in the world.
«MAHATMA GHANDI, INDIAN LEADER, 1869 – 1948
I write this editor’s note on the day of the assassination of two-time Pakistani prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. Readers may ask, “What possible connection could her death have with the sales of promotional products?” Directly—I can easily cite, this being our political-promotions issue—it makes sense. Oftentimes, buttons,badges and ribbons are made to commemorate even horrific events, such as this. I can also mention the ensuing ramifications a world leader’s assassination can have on our industry economically. Already-delicate world markets and staggeringly high oil prices—which

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Thanks for the comment. Good point about the ink that companies use. I made a few calls about the organic printing/imprinting, but have not heard much back yet. I’ll let you know what suppliers we come up with.
I do know Anvil Knitwear is doing a lot right now in terms of implementing new, more environmentally friendly lines and practices. You might want to check out the AnvilOrganic line (http://www.anvilknitwear.com). The president over at Anvil, Anthony Corsano, is truly committed to going green. I’ve had a few discussions with him about it. Some of what they are doing can be found

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There is one thing I’ll promise you—never in this blog will I quote a certain amphibian—shaped puppet on the difficulties of going through life having skin of a certain hue. Firstly, because it is an over-used quote, and secondly because it isn’t true.

It’s pretty easy being green. Maybe not all-out, put up a windmill and solar panels, drink rainwater, take yourself off the grid, Al Gore-green, but achieving a nice seafoam, even Granny-Smith apple kind of green doesn’t really take much work. Currently, I’m that kind of green. I do what I can, but honestly, it’s just the bare minimum and some

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Hi. Welcome back, you.
Since I got nothing but crickets from my last post’s call for comments, I am forced to do all the heavy lifting this week. But that’s the point of having one’s own blog, I suppose. It seems you’re onto the fact I’m trying very hard to not have to think of a new topic each week. Thanks reader, for always keeping me on my toes and teaching me a life lesson to boot.
Now, let’s talk a little bit about things that are free.
First up, free editorial. Suppliers, I’m going to let you in on a not-so-hidden secret:

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According to the sticky note put on my desk by Charles Plyter (PM’s esteemed Web editor and my cube neighbor), I am a grinch.
I can’t help it.
I’m just not feeling very Christmas-y this year. And though that just happens to be my denominational holiday, I’ll even go out on a limb and say I’m also on the outs with Hannukah and Kwanzaa. Not even up for Festivus. My lassitude is that bad—I’m actually denouncing holidays I’ve never even celebrated.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to rain on your seasonal parade. However, if I may, I’m going to widen

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I’d like to thank everyone that has passed along feedback on the new site and those who have sent in press releases about company news or products. We’re optimistic here about building a community of distributors, suppliers and industry experts that can be mutually beneficial to one another.
In any case, the new issue of Promo Marketing Headlines is out and probably already in your inbox. Hopefully everyone will have a chance to read it over. If you haven’t, Here are the new headlines from Bodek and Rhodes, Broder Bros. and Crystal D.
Remember, if your company has news, make sure you

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Well, compared to my last installment, this week’s blog will be quite the little ray of sunshine. At least, that’s what people call me.
I kid, but you see where I’m going with this? It’s a proven fact that a casual joke builds rapport. No need to laugh, I can’t see you. Just know I’m trying to make you feel comfortable. Because, frankly, lead poisoning doesn’t go very far in achieving the laid-back vibe I’m trying to create. And, yes, last week’s call to action had to be aired, but I’d like to choose this moment to move forward from a subject I obviously

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In almost 20 years of working in both marketing and sales roles, I’m consistently perplexed by the cross-departmental relationships between marketing and sales teams. Recently, I’ve been working with a number of companies to learn more about the key factors involved in integrating marketing and sales and producing increased sales revenue and ROI.
It has become clear to me that the secret lies in training both your marketing and sales teams to truly listen to your customers. This allows you to better understand your customer, their needs and the solutions and/or experiences they are looking for. Armed with this valuable information, you will be

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This, the first of my blog entries, was originally supposed to be a “nice to meet you, here’s why I think you should visit with me each week,”- type of intro. Standard fare—easy, breezy and at least vainly attempting to be funny. But, since I believe that candor is essential when forging relationships, there’s something that’s been on my mind that I’d like to share.
I’m a bit of a newcomer to the promotional products arena, but there’s one thing that has been unceremoniously drilled into my head since my very first trade show. This is an industry entrenched in its “process.” Suppliers

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“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic somewhere behind the morning.”
J.B. Priestly, British Writer & Broadcaster (1894 – 1984)

I can look around my office and home and find remembrances of the past everywhere. Sometimes simple objects, not necessarily meant to bear great significance, will remind me of beginnings and endings. In these moments, I consider what I have learned and where my choices in both my career and personal life have led me.
This month, there is a new beginning—a

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