Our latest episode of Lessons from DMJ features an insightful interview with Mark Graham, the co-founder and chief brand officer at commonsku. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of customer care and team collaboration in building a successful business. From the humble beginnings of a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry, commonsku’s growth story is nothing short of inspirational. In this article, we delve into Mark’s reflections on his journey, his emphasis on customer and colleague care, his advice on creating memorable events, and his thoughts on team growth and inspiration.
Mark’s entrepreneurial wisdom is a beacon for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of business. His insights on the importance of not trying to control everything and finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress are particularly enlightening. As we explore Mark’s journey and wisdom, we hope to inspire you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust.
Reflection on the Growth of commonsku
Mark’s reflections on the growth of commonsku are a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He recalls the journey from a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry with a sense of pride and gratitude. The journey, as he puts it, was not without its challenges. One of the key lessons he learned was the importance of not trying to control everything as an entrepreneur.
Mark emphasizes that finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress is crucial for entrepreneurial success. It’s about understanding that perfection is not always attainable and that sometimes, good enough is indeed good enough. This balance, he believes, is what has allowed common skew to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.
The Importance of Taking Care of Customers and Colleagues
Mark’s philosophy on building a successful business is centered around taking care of customers and colleagues. He believes that the success of a business is directly tied to the happiness of its customers and employees. This means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are satisfied and that employees feel valued and respected.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a great business by taking care of customers and colleagues. This involves not only providing excellent products and services but also creating a work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. According to Mark, a happy team leads to happy customers, and happy customers lead to a successful business.
Advice on Creating Great Events
Mark is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a seasoned event planner. He shares his advice on creating great events, emphasizing the importance of being a great host, focusing on guest experiences, and connecting attendees. According to him, a successful event is one where guests feel welcomed, engaged, and connected.
Being a great host, he says, involves anticipating guests’ needs and going above and beyond to meet them. Focusing on guest experiences means creating memorable moments that guests will remember long after the event is over. And connecting attendees involves facilitating meaningful interactions between guests, which can lead to lasting relationships and collaborations.
Growth of the Team at commonsku
Mark discusses the growth of his team at commonsku and the challenges that come with transitioning from a small team to a larger organization. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and trusting team members and giving them guidance without micromanaging. According to him, a successful team is one where members feel trusted and empowered to do their best work.
He believes that as a leader, it’s important to provide guidance and support without stifling creativity and initiative. This involves trusting team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. It’s this trust and respect, he says, that has allowed the team at commonsku to grow and thrive.
Inspiring People
Mark draws inspiration from several people in his life. His business partner and wife, his parents, Denise Taschereau from Fairware, and Rena Nelson from Brandid are just a few of the people who inspire him. He credits these individuals for their resilience, creativity, and dedication, and for inspiring him to be a better leader and entrepreneur.
He encourages others to find their own sources of inspiration, whether it’s from family, friends, or industry leaders. According to him, inspiration can come from anywhere, and it’s important to stay open and receptive to it.
Conclusion
Mark’s journey and insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His emphasis on customer care, team collaboration, and balance is particularly enlightening. He encourages people to connect with him and commonsku on social media platforms and LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about his journey and insights.
As we conclude, we hope that Mark’s wisdom inspires you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust. Remember, success in business is not just about making profits, but also about making a positive impact on customers and employees.
Welcome to another exciting episode of “Thirsty Thursday,” a unique series where our hosts take on the challenge of tasting a mystery drink from a piece of amazing branded drinkware. This time, Kirby, Kelly, and Wendy, are sipping from a new piece of branded drinkware, the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug from Gold Bond. The Retro 11 oz ceramic mug is not your everyday coffee mug. It boasts a large handle that promises a comfortable grip, perfect for those who like to enjoy their drink leisurely. (And you can always learn more and order here).
The ceramic material of the mug is another feature worth mentioning. It is ideal for drinking coffee, keeping the beverage hot for longer periods. The hosts were quick to appreciate these features, making the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug from Gold Bond a star of the episode. But, of course, the real mystery lies in the drink itself. What could it be? A new coffee blend? A unique tea infusion? Or perhaps something entirely different? Let’s dive into the episode and find out.
Mystery Drink Tasting
Without further ado, the hosts dive into the tasting of the mystery drink. The anticipation is palpable as they take their first sips, their expressions a mix of curiosity and excitement. And then, the big reveal – the mystery drink is none other than Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee. This revelation takes the hosts by surprise, but in the best way possible.
Kelly, Wendy, and Kirby find the drink surprisingly good, describing it as sweet and reminiscent of caramel. The Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee, with its unique blend of flavors, seems to have won over our hosts. The sweet, caramel-like taste is a hit, making the drink a delightful surprise. It seems the Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee has indeed passed the Thirsty Thursday test!
Review and Conclusion
As the episode nears its end, the hosts give a thumbs up to both the drink and the Retro 11 oz ceramic mug. The ceramic mug, with its large handle and ideal material, has proven to be a hit. The hosts also mention that the mug is available for under four dollars at end-column pricing, making it a great buy for coffee lovers (and marketers). The Dunkin’ Spiked Original Iced Coffee, with its sweet and caramel-like taste, has also won the hosts’ approval, making this episode of Thirsty Thursday a success.
This was a fun one. So, stay tuned for the next episode, and until then, keep sipping and enjoying your favorite drinks. Here’s to many more Thirsty Thursdays!
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
If you are new around here, let me let you in on a little secret. We love Branded Merch. We believe it’s one of the best ways to build a long-term brand. With that in mind, last month we created a blog featuring the 6 Promotional Products you needed to know about in June. Well, this month we want to show you the 7 Promotional Products you need to know about in July. It’s the 7th month…and there are 7 products! Get it? This month we have items that are fun or functional (or both). And if you want to skip the line and go straight to order information...you can head here.
7 Promotional Products You Need To Know About In July
Our goal is to show you some timely, and hopefully trendy, promotional products that will hit many different price points. In addition, we will tell you what we love about the products…but also some drawbacks as well. Let’s dig in!
Black & Gray Palm Dipped Gloves
No matter your walk of life…everyone needs gloves. Breathable gray knit gloves, cut, puncture & abrasion-resistant thin black nitrile coated palm. Form-fitting with great grip on dry surfaces, oil resistant. A thin palm provides great dexterity. Great for auto mechanics, assembly, technicians, delivery drivers, yard work, gardening…and so many more!
Positive: Can you say “functional?” We believe the best branded merch is functional. And no matter what you do, there are times when you need a work glove. So that means that the perceived value on this item is much higher than the actual cost.
Negative: If you are looking for “trendy new products,” then this one might not be for you.
Power Bar 3000 mAh with USB-C and Wrapper
One of our best and most popular power banks now has a 3,000 mAh battery capacity and a USB-C input port. With fully customizable design options, the Power bar is playfully disguised as an ordinary nutrition bar. Our amazing Power Bar continues to represent our core principles in providing you with products that are practical, enjoyable, and meaningful. Pair the Power Bar with any brand that encourages the healthy spirit of play in their daily work culture.
Positive: This is such a creative and useful product. Not only do you have a functional power bank that clients can use for a long time to charge your device, but the packaging can totally stand out and tell your story. Show your creativity and this can be a home run.
Negative: It does need good artwork and creativity to take this home. Don’t just slap a logo on this one or you will miss the real impact.
Microfiber Scrubber Golf Towel
Measuring 16″ x 25″, this innovative microfiber golf towel has anti-scratch scrubber loops on the back side to clean the club head or golf ball. It’s designed to dig deep into the groves of the golf club. Great for promotional events, the front side is a soft absorbent microfiber that can be embroidered or edge-to-edge printed with your company logo or custom design.
Positive: Great imprint area with the sublimation with vibrant imprint colors. In addition, the scrubber on the backside of the towel is really functional.
Negative: This is very seasonal. Now is the time to order these if you want them for golf season in much of the country.
uni-ball® Jetstream Sport
Exclusive, low-viscosity Super Ink™ combines the quick drying time of a ballpoint with the vibrant color and smoothness of a gel penuni Super-Ink™ technology protects against water, fading, & fraudInk color matches plunger color (white barrel features black ink)Point size: 1.0mmThe sleek body and form-fitting comfort grip make JetStream pens a perfect choice for everyday writing, journaling or color-coding notes.
Positive: This is a really nice writing pen. When you hand this out, your clients and prospects will keep it for a long time!
Negative: This is not the most inexpensive pen. If you are looking for a cheap pen, this might not be the one for you!
Ghostbuds
Experience audio excellence and flaunt your style. These sleek earbuds deliver Exceptional Sound with 13MM speaker drivers, delivering audio that’s crystal clear. With up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge plus an included ultra cool Compact Charging Case, your music never skips a beat. Ghostbuds are carbon neutral and crafted from 52% recycled materials. These earbuds can be decorated in 48hrs at a 1pc minimum. 2nd life packaging: the box transforms into a charging stand.
Positive: This one has many positives, but let’s start with perceived value. When you give these to employees or great customers, they will be overjoyed with the value and the cool look (and sound).
Negative: Depends on the audience. If you have an employee base or customer list that does not mesh well with tech items, this might be a stretch.
2-in-1 Marker/Cutter
File this one under, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” This box cutter/marker is an inexpensive promotional product that nearly everyone can use. We fell in love with this one so much, we did these with our own logo.
• Four-section blade with locking slide.
• Felt tip permanent marker.
• Slotted cap for snapping off dull blade pieces.
Positive: This is just so functional. From restaurants to realtors to any other business that receives shipments (that means everyone), this will be coveted. Combine that with the fact that they are only around $2…and you have a winner.
Negative: The pushback is always simple…safety. Some organizations don’t want to hand this out because of travel or perception.
Magnetic Bowl Set
Ideal for storing small parts (hardware, fasteners) while you work in your garage or workshop – use at any angle.
• 6” stainless steel magnetic bowl, 3.25” magnet on bottom.
• 3” stainless steel magnetic bowl, 1.625” magnet on bottom.
• Rubber-coated magnetic base prevents scratches on finished surfaces.
Positive: If you have ever worked on a project where you needed to take something apart, then put it back together, the appeal is clear. Give me someplace to put the screws so they don’t “walk away.”
Negative: It’s a fairly niche piece. You might think “blue collar” versus “white collar” but those lines are blurring for sure!
So there you have it! These are 6 Promotional Products You Need To Know About In June! Want to see more? Check out our Summer Shop here!
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Marketing, a crucial component of any successful business, is often met with dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams themselves. This dissatisfaction, a long-standing issue, is often a result of the lack of organizational planning in marketing. Unlike other disciplines, such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. In this “lessons from DMJ,” we discuss these challenges and introduce the FAPI marketing framework as a potential solution.
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments. The strategy stage, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. However, implementing this framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, commitment from the leadership team, and a clear understanding of the marketing pillars and objectives. This article will delve into these aspects and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of the FAPI marketing framework.
Dissatisfaction with Marketing
Marketing dissatisfaction is a pervasive issue that affects both the C-suite and the marketing teams. The C-suite, or the executive level of a company, often expresses dissatisfaction with the performance and results of marketing efforts. This dissatisfaction stems from a variety of factors, including the inability to measure marketing effectiveness, the lack of alignment between marketing and business goals, and the perceived high cost of marketing activities.
On the other hand, marketing teams also face their own set of challenges. High churn rates, or the rate at which employees leave the company, are common in marketing departments. This can be attributed to the high-pressure environment, the lack of clear goals and objectives, and the constant need to prove the value of marketing to the rest of the organization.
Marketing Lagging Behind Other Disciplines
Marketing, as a discipline, often lags behind others in terms of organizational management. Unlike fields such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. This lack of organizational planning in marketing can lead to inefficiencies, misalignment of goals, and ultimately, dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams.
There is a pressing need for more attention to be paid to organizational planning in marketing. By adopting a more structured approach, marketing teams can align their activities with the overall business goals, measure their effectiveness more accurately, and ultimately, increase satisfaction levels within the organization.
Introduction to the FAPI Marketing Framework
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It is designed to bring structure and organization to marketing activities, thereby addressing many of the challenges faced by marketing teams. The framework emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments, ensuring that marketing activities are aligned with the overall business goals.
The strategy stage of the FAPI marketing framework, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. This stage is crucial as it provides a clear direction for the marketing team and ensures that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives.
Challenges in Implementing the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, with everyone, from the leadership team to the frontline employees, needing to embrace the framework and its principles. This cultural change is often the most difficult part of implementing the FAPPY framework, as it requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to a more structured approach to marketing.
Leadership commitment is crucial for the successful implementation of the FAPI framework. Without the support and buy-in from the leadership team, it can be difficult to drive the necessary cultural change and ensure that the framework is embraced throughout the organization. Furthermore, creating a culture of organizational planning in marketing can be a challenge, as it requires a shift from a more ad-hoc approach to a more structured and planned approach.
Starting with the FAPI Framework
To start implementing theFAPI framework, it is important to assemble a team of functional leads and managers. These individuals will play a crucial role in driving the implementation of the framework and ensuring that it is embraced throughout the organization. They will also be responsible for defining the marketing pillars and strategic objectives, which will serve as the foundation for all marketing activities.
Before diving into execution, it is important to establish clarity and set solid foundations. This involves clearly defining the marketing pillars and objectives, setting the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities, and ensuring that everyone in the organization understands and embraces the FAPPY framework.
The Architecture Stage of the FAPI Framework
The architecture stage of the FAPI framework involves tactical planning, forecasting, resource allocation, and team structure. This stage is crucial as it turns the strategy into a blueprint for execution. It involves planning the specific marketing activities, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and deciding on the budget allocation.
The shape of the marketing team is also determined during the architecture stage. This involves deciding on the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, based on the objectives and the industry. By clearly defining the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, the marketing team can operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing satisfaction levels within the organization.
Investing Time and Resources in the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, this investment is necessary to establish clarity and processes, which are crucial for successful execution. By investing time and resources in the beginning, organizations can ensure that they have a solid foundation for their marketing activities.
Establishing systems and processes is also crucial for effective marketing. These systems and processes provide a framework for the marketing team to operate within, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives and that the effectiveness of marketing activities can be accurately measured.
Conclusion
The FAPI marketing framework provides a comprehensive solution to address the challenges and dissatisfaction in marketing. By emphasizing collaboration, setting clear objectives, and establishing solid foundations, the FAPI framework can help organizations improve their marketing effectiveness and increase satisfaction levels within the organization. It is a powerful tool that can transform the way organizations approach marketing, leading to improved results and increased satisfaction levels.
Welcome to another episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we explore the fascinating world of beverages, one sip at a time. This week, we’re diving into a mystery drink served in a 3 oz mini mate shot glass from Modern Glass. This intriguing little glassware piece is not only perfect for our tasting adventure, but it also sparks our imagination for other potential uses. Imagine using it as a unique giveaway at events or as a fun element in team-building activities. But for today, it’s all about the mystery drink it holds.
Our mission is to unravel the secrets of this drink. Is it a yeasty liquor? Does it taste like watered-down vodka or beer? Or is it something entirely different? Join us as we embark on this tasting journey, share our initial impressions, make wild guesses about the flavor, and finally reveal the true identity of this mystery drink. So, grab your shot glasses, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
Tasting the Mystery Drink
As we take our first sips of the mystery drink, our taste buds are immediately intrigued. The flavor profile is complex, with a yeasty undertone that reminds us of a well-crafted liquor. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely there, adding a unique twist to the drink. It’s almost like a watered-down vodka or beer, but there’s something more to it, something that we can’t quite put our finger on just yet.
Our initial impressions are mixed. The yeasty flavor is unexpected, but not unpleasant. It’s a taste that’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely intriguing. We’re curious to find out more about this drink, and we’re eager to continue our tasting journey.
Guessing the Flavor
As we continue to taste the mystery drink, we start to speculate on its flavor. Could it be a pineapple-infused vodka? Or perhaps a fruity beer? Our guesses are all over the place, but there’s one thing we all agree on: this drink is unlike anything we’ve tasted before.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives. The mystery drink is revealed to be sake. We’re surprised, but in retrospect, it makes sense. The yeasty flavor, the subtle complexity, the hint of fruitiness – it all adds up to a well-crafted sake.
Opinions on Sake
Now that we know we’re drinking sake, our opinions are divided. One of us is a fan, enjoying the subtle flavors and the smooth finish. The other, however, is not as impressed. It’s not that the sake is bad, it’s just not to their taste. And that’s the beauty of tasting – everyone has their own preferences and opinions.
Despite our differing opinions, we all agree that this sake-tasting experience has been a fun and enlightening journey. We’ve learned a lot about this traditional Japanese drink, and we’re eager to explore more in the future.
Characteristics of Sake
So, what exactly is sake? It’s a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. The result is a drink with a subtle flavor and a unique character. It’s not as strong as vodka, but it’s not as light as beer either. It’s somewhere in between, with a complexity that’s hard to describe.
One of the things we love about sake is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be mixed with other drinks to create interesting cocktails. For example, try mixing sake with orange juice for a refreshing and unique drink. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our Thirsty Thursday episode, we can’t help but reflect on the fun we’ve had with the mini-mate shot glass from Modern Glass. It’s been the perfect vessel for our mystery drink, adding a touch of elegance and fun to our tasting experience.
Overall, we’ve enjoyed this yeasty liquor adventure. We’ve tasted, we’ve guessed, we’ve learned, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. We can’t wait to see what the next Thirsty Thursday brings. Until then, cheers! Oh…and if you want to see all of the cool branded drinkware featured in Thirsty Thursday, check out our shop here.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
