by Kirby Hasseman

We have all been there. You have an event or promotion coming up, and someone in your organization runs up to you frantically and says “We need something to hand out!”
It’s the last minute! So you scramble to find the number of people that are going to attend (hopefully) and a budget and find things that fit in that box. You get “something” that fills the need, but frankly, does not delight. As Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that workin for ya?”
So how do you create a Promotional campaign that makes a real impact? How do you create the campaign that has your customers talking and keeps them coming back for more? The answer is “better questions.” When you are starting your discussions, you need to think deeper. Of course you want to know the budget. Yes you need to understand that number of prospects and customers you want to reach. And yes it would be super helpful to know the logo, the number of colors, and the messaging. These are all good…but they are basic.
Here are 5 questions to consider if you want to take your Promo to Pro Level.
How do you want your customers/prospects to feel?
I absolutely love this question. It really makes you consider the impact you are trying to make. Do you want customers to feel appreciated? Do you want them to be shocked? Do you want them to laugh? By getting introspective on this question you have a real opportunity to consider what premium will be the perfect item to get inside that emotion.
What action do you want your customers to take?
Studies will tell you that adding Promotional Premiums to a campaign increases the chances that a prospect or customer will take action. So what do you want them to do? Does this item or items increase the chance (in your mind) that it will happen?
What is the overall theme of the event?
This can be basic, but I am amazed at how many people ignore the theme of an event. It can give you a place to jump off from when it comes to creative. Or you can create a theme of your own! What do you want customers to remember?
Who EXACTLY are you trying to reach?
Dig in here and be specific. Maybe you don’t want to reach everyone at the event. If not, maybe you should create a VIP gift that you only give to legitimate prospects. Either way, do it on purpose.
Where do you envision your customers using the item?
I find this is a great way to narrow down what is a perfect item. If you want to reach an audience that sits at a desk all day, then picture what they see all day. What would make their life easier or more fulfilled. Do that. These are just a few important questions that you need to ask yourself before creating a campaign or purchasing any item. They don’t take long to consider and they will make a huge difference in your next event!
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by Kirby Hasseman
The Delivering Marketing Joy Podcast is back! Over the next 12 weeks, we are going 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! On a previous DMJ podcast we looked at some things you should start doing to be more productive. Today we look at some things that you should STOP doing right away if you want a more productive (and happy) life. Listen in and get ready to get more done. One of the books I reference today is the 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. It’s a great book on getting more done and you can find it here. If you want to make sure you never miss an update, a blog, a podcast or a video, make sure you sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
The Delivering Marketing Joy Podcast is back! Over the next 12 weeks, we are going 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! This week I talk about the PPAI Expo and the number one lesson I took away from this huge event. The lesson? This year I need to “Get Back to the Basics.” Do you? Listen in now! As always, I appreciate you checking in and listening here. And if you want to make sure you never miss an episode, please sign up for our VIP newsletter here. Or you can subscribe where you listen to podcasts!
by Kirby Hasseman
You want the best, coolest products in order to promote your brand…right? We get it. And that’s a responsibility we take seriously at Hasseman Marketing. So every year, our team takes the time to attend both regional and national trade shows in our industry to find out about the latest and greatest. In that spirit, I just attend the industry’s largest trade show in Las Vegas. It’s huge! But I went to work. Here are just a few of the fun things I ran across in my time at PPAI Expo 2018!
Selfie Drone from Origaudio: We always love the new and innovative products from our pals at Origaudio…and this year is no different. This new Selfie Drone has 5 minutes of flying time and an amazing imprint area. Check it out here.
Bolteron Charging Pad: We all want to be charged up when we are ready to go, right? The Bolteron is a wireless charging pad…and more. Charge up to 3 devices wirelessly…and 2 more if you plug in. This will keep you charged all the time!
Vacuum Sealed Insulated Stack Pint: Maybe it’s our affinity for Hasseman Brewing…or our love for beer…but this Stainless piece is really nice! This is double walled (just like the Viking) so it is sure to keep your beer cold for a long time! It’s beautiful and functional. Check it out here.
Multi Grilling Tool: Get ready to tailgate like a champ! This really fun piece will be perfect for your next outdoor event…or to build a tailgate theme around! Very fun…and very functional. Check that out here.
Parkside Smart Pack: With the Parkside Pack you can create a one of a kind promotion. It’s a great bag, full of functionality, that allows you to customize completely the message and the brand. Check it out here and be sure to watch the short video description!
Bali Wind Chime: Want a totally different gift for the home that will remind your clients of you every time the wind blows? These cool new wind chimes might be a hit! The tones are very soothing and mild. Very interesting gift that will be music to your clients ears. Learn more here.
And these are just a few fun products that we came across at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas! Want more ideas for your next campaign? You got it! Just email us here and we can schedule a consultation!
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by Kirby Hasseman
It’s time for a tradition like no other! Each week, our very own Jeff Wickerham takes the time to highlight a specific promotional product that he thinks YOU should know about!
Jeff’ pick this week is the Otterbox Phone Case. Here you have the name brand, Otterbox, that you can know and trust to protect your most important means of communication! Your phone fits perfectly in this case and you can put your logo on the back. Think about that!! Your logo on the back of an Otterbox?? You can give this phone case to your employee’s as a piece of recognition, give to board members, give to anyone to carry around your brand and know their phone is protected.
Stay tuned for next Friday’s Jeff’s Pick!
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