by Kirby Hasseman
Welcome to our awesome 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 Danny Rosin! Danny is the co-founder of Brand Fuel (a progressive and fun distributor in North Carolina). He also helped to create BandTogether, which is a super cool not for profit that raises money through their love of music to make their community better!
1. What is your all-time favorite Promotional Product and why?
From James Dean to Lebron. Marlon Brando to Pedro. T-shirts are memes, walking billboards, novelties, fashion statements, great bang for the buck, utilitarian…universal weekend wear. T-shirts were the gateway to me falling in love with and being a part of this industry. With a logo/design, they have incredible sentimental attachment.
Postscript for corporate swag buyers out there: Provide shirts that people want to wear versus have to wear.
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?
Before Brand Fuel ever existed, I was running pretty wild with my now business partner of 20 years, Robert Fiveash. As teenagers, we shared a lot. We played the same three sports in school (football, wrestling, lacrosse). We loved the same music (Ramones, Clash, CCR, Pink Floyd). We even dated a few of the same girls (but not at the same time).
We also co-lead a high school club that provided resources to children in developing countries through Operation Smile. When we started Brand Fuel, Robert gave me his 15-year-old Operation Smile t-shirt as a memento. I have kept it, using it as a prop when I speak with high schoolers who are leading similar Operation Smile student clubs 30 years after we started that first club. Anyone looking at it would say the shirt is on life support. It’s faded, worn and full of holes, like a Velveteen Rabbit. It is associated with so memories of my friendship with Robert. The shirt serves as a metaphor for the things we have shared. And it is a reminder to never forget where we came from and that there are many people much less fortunate that we should lend a hand to whenever possible. It’s always possible.
3. What is the current product you use all the time?
My OtterBox iPhone case by Branded Logistics. It keeps my multitasking device safe and looks righteous too.
The runner up is a journalbook. The most recent one where I write musings is made from a recycled vinyl Aretha Franklin album, from supplier Vinylux. My album journal is a head turner, makes people jealous (so I have been told) and is a conversation starter. That’s the power of promo.
4. What is an idea/product that you think organizations UNDER use?
Cause-marketing. I am a believer that the 5th “P” of marketing, soon after price, place, promotion and product, is PURPOSE. Organizations are shifting their marketing dollars to a more purpose-driven model where stakeholders (employees, environment and local community) versus shareholders matter more. When delivered with integrity, an investment in shareholder value will be associated with the positive result of healthier recruitment and retention for both employees and clients. B Corporations are leading this charge internationally. I encourage you to check out what our industry is developing through the PromoCares initiative, to get involved and then, use your business as a force for good.
5. What do you think is the best thing about Promotional Products as an advertising media?
When our industry is doing its job justly, no other form of media can match up. While promotional products are the only form of advertising people like to receive, a physical promotional product can also serve as the trigger for human to human connection.
The effective design, delivery and use of promotional products starts a conversation. Opens a door. Helps recognize an employee. Provides a canvas to feature loyalty to a school, for a band or a cause, for example.
When we aren’t putting logos on crappy, cheap items that end up in landfills, which is a liability for our client’s brands and our industry, our industry will be more associated with what our customers want – utilitarian marketing. Yes, more of that, please.
Wow! Special thanks to Danny Rosin for taking us along this week! Great stuff!
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by Kirby Hasseman
I like to talk. Trust me. My wife will agree! But despite what people think, the best sales people, entrepreneurs (and friends) are good listeners. It’s so true that it’s become cliché. It’s simple. But that doesn’t make it easy. It’s something I have to work at. The best way I have found to do this is to “actively listen.” I try to take notes. And if you pay really close attention to me, you might even see me put my hand over my mouth to remind me to shut up! It’s my visual “tell.” But another way to be a better listener is to ask better questions. (As a side note, here are 5 great questions you should ask before your next Promo Campaign) I find that if I work to have great questions ready, I am better prepared to just listen to the answers. Look at it this way, the better the question, the more interesting the answers. “Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Tony Robbons. If I do a better job of asking questions, I want to know the answers anyway! Make sure you never miss an update! It’s time to sign up for our VIP newsletter here. We will email you (only once a week) with the latest content and specials. It’s your call. But life is better as a VIP.
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! This week on the podcast, I dig into why I don’t get nearly as much done when my family is gone. Weird, right? It turns out that they provide me my purpose! Listen to the podcast today…and find yours! And if you didn’t get a chance to see them on the Ellen show, you can check out our Facebook page and watch! Thanks so much for listening each week! Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for the VIP newsletter here. Oh…and if you want to spend a few minutes and shop for some great Promo, you can head to our site here.
by Kirby Hasseman
I was in a conversation recently with a person who was looking at their phone. Well, it was sort of a conversation. I would talk to them and they would occasionally nod and say “uh huh.” They continued to scroll through their social media feed and pretend to be in a conversation with me at the same time. Sooner or later I gave up and walked away. I am not sure they noticed. In that situation they did not “tell” me that I wasn’t important. They showed me. And I think that might have hurt worse. Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
In my experience there is an over-abundance of people that are willing to “say” they want to be successful. They will tell you that they wish they had more money or more time or a place at the beach or….you get the idea.
But there is a huge disconnect.
It’s between what people are saying they want, and what they are willing to actually do. It reminds me of my favorite quote: The greatest distance in the world is the distance between “I know” and “I do.”
Most people know what they need to do. They just don’t do it.
What about you? Do you have a goal in your life that you profess to want? Are you doing anything about it?
This is not designed to beat you up. And I don’t want you to beat yourself up either. It’s just real. And once you recognize it, you can do something about it.
So start today. Make a short list of the things you need to do in order to make your goal a reality. Now pick the first thing on the list you can do today to move you toward the goal.
Go do that.
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by Kirby Hasseman
Welcome to our awesome 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 Dana Geiger. Dana is the Regional Relationship Manager for PPAI. She is a rock star with tons of experience and knowledge in the Promo World!
1. What is your all time favorite Promotional Product and why?
The mug. It’s not a sexy answer, I realize. But people identify with mugs. I choose a mug each morning from my overly cluttered mug cabinet that reflects my mood. I have some pretty irreverent mugs.
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?
I have a windbreaker from about 10 years ago. I know now that it is a Charles River piece that retails for about 34.99. It was given to me as an incentive prize for raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association. But it is so much more than all of that. Each dollar I raised that EARNED in pursuit of that windbreaker was another opportunity to tell people about my grandmother. As such, that windbreaker connects me to her memory. I feel happier when I wear it. And yes, I actually do wear it.
3. What is the current product you use all the time?
A silicone tech wallet. I have been through many of them (I am tough on phones). I travel fairly frequently and often find myself wanting to carry as few items as possible. The tech wallet makes this easy. I always know where to find my room key, my ID, and a credit card.
4. What is an idea/product that you think organizations UNDER use?
I think many companies underestimate how products they choose reflect upon their brand. Without sounding critical, I think many companies are lazy about the products they and more importantly, are even lazier with the messaging they put on those products. A well thought-out, clever product and message choice will not only reinforce a brand subconsciously set the company apart from others almost guaranteeing a future partnership with the consumer.
5. What do you think is the best thing about Promotional Products as an advertising media?
Promotional products are not only the most effective form of advertising, they are also the most ingratiating. Not only can marketers convey a message that lasts, but their audience will thank them for doing it. The rumors are true, they work!
And…that’s another awesome edition of Brand-ecdotes! Thanks to Dana Geiger for taking the time to jump in!
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