by Kirby Hasseman

Welcome to a super awesome new blog post series for Hasseman Marketing called:
“Brand-ecdotes!”
Each week we will talk to a branding all star about what makes the Promotional Product advertising media so special!
This week we talk with Kelly Bowe. Kelly is an Account Executive for Hasseman Marketing.
1. What is your all time favorite Promotional Product and why?
Apparel. I love good quality apparel that I can wear for years. Especially jackets. 2. Can you name a Promo Product that you have that STILL reminds you fondly of an event, person, organization? If so, can you tell us that story?When I worked at JII Promotions in Coshocton, I received a really nice set of knives. When JII was closing, they allowed the employees to take a few samples from the warehouse to keep as mementos. I chose the knife set because it was a really nice item. Every time I use the knives, I think of the wonderful memories and friendsI made at JII. 3. What is the current product you use all the time?The “Twister” Cell Phone Metal Ring Holder and Stand I received a sample of it at our last trade show and I absolutely LOVE IT! It allows me to prop my phone up while I am working at my desk and it makes my phone easy to hold onto while talking. 4. What is an idea/product that you think organizations UNDER use?That is an easy one for me. I feel that organization should have a “Years of
Service” Program for their employees. When a worker is employed 5/10/15/20/25 or more years, they are allowed to choose a gift from their specialized catalog. They receive the gift either at their home or hand delivered by their manager. They also receive a nice appreciation letter from the company thanking them for their years of dedication and service. Every loyal and dedicated employee appreciates when their company acknowledges their efforts and years of service. I feel this is such an amazing program that every company should take advantage of. 5. What do you think is the best thing about Promotional Products as an advertising media?I think that loves to receive gifts. I feel that when a company gives someone a special gift, the recipient will always remember the person and company that gave them that gift. When the gift is an item that they use on a daily basis, the company is thought of often. I try to choose my “gifts” to my clients wisely as I want them to use my gifts often and love receiving them.
And…that’s another awesome edition of Brand-ecdotes! Thanks to Kelly Bowe for taking the time to jump in on this brand new project!
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by Kirby Hasseman
When I think of Tailgating, I think of fun. Whether it’s grilling food, cold drinks or just spending time outdoors, the thought of a good tailgate brings a smile to my face. So Tailgating (and other outdoor events) can be a great time to bond with the team or create experiential marketing for customers! But what do you need to make sure you hit the mark? Here are a few great products that will make your company event a home run! Coleman Oversized Cooler Quad Chair: If you are spending time outside, you will need a place to sit right? This is a great option. Not only does it have a cooler built into the arm (that holds 4 cans plus ice, but it’s also big enough to hold a full size person! Coleman 60 Quart Wheeled Cooler: You want to make sure you don’t run out of cold beverages. This Coleman cooler holds plenty of liquid! But don’t worry, the handle and wheels make it easy to move from place to place! Caps Off Spinner: Okay…this is just fun. This combination fidget spinner is also a bottle opener! Not only can you open the beverage of your choosing…but it’s fun to play with too! Giant Tumble Tower Game: And speaking of fun…it’s great to have a few games to play at any outdoor event. This Tumble Tower Game will provide fun for kids of all ages. Multi-Q Grilling Tool: This multi-tool is for the grill master! It includes a spatula, grill fork and a basting brush in one compact unit. It’s fun AND substantial. Nice for when you never know when you might happen upon a party and need to grill some meat! 20 Oz Keeper Cup: And of course you will need something to drink from! This 20 oz Keeper cup is really nice for the price. It’s a nice plastic cup that will last! 16 oz Stack Pint: But if you want to take your tumbler up a notch, this Stack Pint is awesome. It’s double wall and vacuum sealed and features a stackable design. This thing will keep your beverages cold and will not sweat! This is Tailgating in style! These are 7 products that are sure to be a hit at your next tailgate or any outdoor event. If you want more ideas, please let us know! And if you want to make sure you never miss an update, sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
When you search for Promotional Merchandise, what do you type in the search bar on Google? What do you call it? How do you view it? What is the “right” thing to call the items you put your logo on? It’s a 22 Billion dollar industry…so it should be easy right? Turns out…not so much! There are tons of terms for the items you put your logo on. And many professionals in the industry don’t agree on what we should call it! No wonder our clients are not sure. Here are a few members of the Hasseman Marketing Team on what we like…and don’t like! Jeff Wickerham: Jeff is an Account Executive in Ohio that has been around HMC for several years. His favorite term? SWAG. His least favorite? Trinkets. Eric Dingler: Eric is an AE in the Virginia Beach area. Eric says he is “not a fan of chotskies or swag.” On the other hand, he does like “promotional items or (depending on the audience) novelties. I also gear for certain audiences.” Amy Hasseman: Amy is a veteran of the marketing industry and really feels that what we call it matters. She is not a fan of “trinkets and trash.” She says that it’s important in the industry, but also for customers. “If you want your brand to be a premium, then you should hand out Promotional Premiums.” No matter what you type in the Google Search bar, we want to help. As a matter of fact, whether you buy from Hasseman Marketing or not, we want to be a resource. So check out this link on 5 Questions Your Should Ask before your next campaign. So whether you get branded items, promotional products, SWAG, or Promotional Premiums, make sure you consider the lasting impression you want to make. How do you want your recipients to feel? Make sure you never miss an update or piece of content. Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
The Delivering Marketing Joy Podcast is back! Our goal here is to attack 2018 with a vengeance! The Delivering Marketing Joy Podcast will provide some inspiration, motivation and education to make it happen! Consider this your 10 minute “kick in the pants” to get your week started off right! Today we take a look at something many of us do. We discount the journey others have taken to gain success. We think it “comes easy to them,” or that “they got lucky.” Listen to the DMJ Podcast today to discuss why that is not productive…and what you can do to move in the right direction! Thanks so much for taking the time to listen this Monday! Sign up for the VIP newsletter so you never miss a Podcast, video or blog! We want to bring you value with content…so sign up here.
by Kirby Hasseman
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Welcome to a super awesome new blog post series for Hasseman Marketing called:
“Brand-ecdotes!”
Each week we will talk to a branding all star about what make the Promotional Product advertising media so special!
This week we talk with Paul Kiewiet. Paul is the Executive Director of MIPPA (Michigan Promotional Products Association), former Chairman of PPAI, Speaker, Trainer and all around Marketing and Business Guru! When Paul speaks…people listen.
1. What is your all time favorite Promotional Product and why?That’s like asking which is my favorite daughter. The right promotional product that solves the right problem at the right time is always my favorite. 2. Can you name a Promo Product that you have that STILL reminds you fondly of an event, person, organization? If so, can you tell us that story?It’s a small multi-tool with a knife and a scissors from a concrete company that my father did business with in the 1960’s. I don’t know how I ended up with it, but it’s moved with me throughout my adult life and reminds me of my dad every time I see it or use it. The product must be about 50 years old now but the imprint is still clean and the product still usable. 3. What is the current product you use all the time?I have a pad of sticky notes on my desk from TraverseCity.com. I use it every day for jotting quick notes and reminders. I received it last October and it will probably last until at least next October.
4. What is an idea/product that you think organizations UNDER use?I think personalized products are the most under used and most effective promotions. Everyone loves seeing their name on something and have a hard time throwing it away. It’s the best way to get someone’s attention.
5. What do you think is the best thing about Promotional Products as an advertising media? There are so many things that make promotional products the best advertising media – target ability, low cost per impression, affiliation with a brand to name a few. But the best thing about promotional products as an advertising media is that they touch all of the senses. They are the high touch counterpoint (or exclamation point!) in a high tech world. It fits perfectly with the touch-ability trend that we’re seeing today with board games and more analog experiences.
And…that’s the another edition of Brand-ecdotes! Thanks to Paul Kiewiet for taking the time to jump in on this brand new project!
Make sure you never miss a post, video or podcast! Sign up for the Hasseman Marketing VIP newsletter here.