by Kirby Hasseman
The American economy is driven (pun-intended) by the American Truck Driver! So it makes sense to show them some love. Well, great news! The American Trucking Association has recognized September 13-19th as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. So what can you do? Well other than listening to the Alabama Country Classic “Roll On,” you could consider giving the Truck Drivers helping your company go with some awesome and useful gifts. Here are a couple of cool ideas that they might just love! Coleman 1/2 Gallon Insulated Jug: This is a classic insulated jug that is perfect for the soccer game…or long miles on the road. This is extremely functional and has a high perceived value. On a long hot day, this item can help your team stay cool on the road. Pocket Work Flashlight: This item is small, but it’s mighty! This flashlight not only is easy to carry with you, but it also has a super bright light. It also has a powerful magnet so the trucker in your life can use both hands when needed. This is a powerful tool at a powerful value. Roadster Sticky Pad: Think about safety and uselfulness. The Roadster provides both to the drivers in your life. The Roadster provides a safe place for phones, GPS, sunglasses and more…and it keeps them there. Great for life on the road. 12 Can Duffel Cooler: Great for the road, and any other time. The 12 Can Duffel Cooler is one of our favorites for any occasion. Great quality and the perfect size for drinks and a big lunch on the road. This is a winner for many miles ahead. LED Roadside Safey Light: Everyone you know can use a flashlight, but this one is perfect for that time on the road when things go wrong. There is a magnet on the end of the flashlight so you can place the light on the truck…and see what is going on! It even has a flashing light setting for extra safety! Bonus Ideas: There are so many more fun ideas! Two bonus ideas include this awesome Travel Mug that keeps coffee hot for hours AND this Vent Clip It that holds your cell phone right within reach. Need more? No problem. Let us know and we can hook you up! Make sure you say “thank you” in style to the Truck Driver (and team) in your life! 
by Kirby Hasseman
No one knows how the business world has changed and evolved more than a top-notch realtor. The Internet has certainly changed the way people search for homes and it’s harder and harder to stay ahead of the competition. But some things have not changed. The best realtors still are trusted advisors that create long-term relationships. The best of the best stay top of mind…all the time. We want to help! So here are a few great promotional products that will help you become (or stay) the Cream of the Crop! Utility Scissors: You might be thinking “what?” But this is a great utility item. These are nice scissors with a full color imprint available. And with a strong magnet on the back, they will always be where your customer needs them (and can see your logo!). 4 x 3 Sticky Note: These are a great low cost item that is extremely functional. You have the chance to imprint in full color (great for pictures of smiling faces) and 25 sheets of impression and impact. Umbrella: What is something that everyone needs but NO ONE wants to buy? An umbrella is a great promotional gift. And with a high perceived value, you get to look like a superstar…without breaking the bank. Razor Sign: Want to make sure your Open House is well attended? Then make sure everyone knows about it! Here is a cool sign that is sure to grab attention. Mystique Coffee Mug: Yes…everyone has a coffee mug. But this one is different. With the Mystique Coffee Mug you have one message, and then when the coffee is poured in, the message changes! So a sign can go from “For Sale” to “Sold!” Custom Wine: Want a closing gift that is sure to wow! Check out this custom Wine Bottle! This includes an amazing full color laser engraving that is beautiful. This is one closing gift that is sure to leave a lasting impression! We know that being a top notch realtor is hard work. But a few of these items will help you stand out from the crowd…and at the top of your clients mind!
by Kirby Hasseman
You have a sales meeting coming up and you want to make it snap! We have all been to meetings, and sometimes it’s the little extras that make the event “extra-special.” So here are a few things to consider when planning your next sales meeting. Signage: Nothing can ruin the experience like your team not knowing where to go! Make sure your guests are not only greeted, but done so with the perfect branding. You can use these Economy Retractors to help along the way. These are a great low cost way to start the day off on the right foot! 3 Ring Binder: With most sales meetings, you need your sales team to gather a ton of information. You need them to get literature and be able to take notes. This 3 Ring Binder is perfect for just that. It’s also nice enough that they might actually use it after that event! Writing Instrument: So many times this is where meeting planners go super cheap. If you want your team to actually write notes at the event, give them a writing instrument that doesn’t stink! (Anyone that has ever been to a meeting, can I get an “amen?”). Here is one that will write well and not break the bank. Phone Chargers: If you want to be a total rock star, all you have to do is provide a charger to someone who left theirs at home! And here’s the thing, even if you didn’t forget yours, you can always use another one. Here is a cool kit that takes care of everything for the meeting! USB Drives: So often at an event like this, we are sending our team home with a ton of information. A USB drive is a great way to put it all in one place! Tote Bag: At some point, you are going to need a convenient way to transport all of your SWAG! A nice tote bag is always functional. Here is a nice one that might fit the bill. Tumbler: One of the challenges with Drinkware is that not everyone drinks the same thing. Some folks like water, some soda, some coffee. We get it. So here is a really nice tumbler that works for all. This Shelby Tumbler also has a life time guarantee and is Made in the USA! So that’s a good start. Obviously other items can be shaped by location and theme, but this list will get you started on the right foot! Let us know if we can help you knock this meeting out of the park! 
by Kirby Hasseman
It’s not rocket science, really. Humans want to be recognized for the value they bring to a project, family or organization. Whether they are a trusted confidant, customer or employee, a smart leader will take the time to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others.
It has long been said (on this very blog) that studies show that 69% of customers that leave you will do so because of “perceived indifference.” This is one of those good news/bad news cases. The bad news is, it’s all your fault. The good news is, you can fix it. You do the little things (and sometimes big things) that let each of your customers know that you appreciate their business.
Ready? Go!
But a new study says the same is true for employees! A study conducted by Healthstream of 100,000 managers and employees revealed that 79% of people who quit their jobs cited “A lack of appreciation is a key reason for leaving.” Wow. 8 in 10 of your employees and co-workers leave because they simply don’t think anyone cares! It’s what I call “The Appreciation Gap.”
So what can you do to fix it? A lot, really.
The simple things (that are true for your customers) are true for employees. Just tell them. Stop by their work station and (sincerely) thank them for their work. Send them a card. Call them out in a positive way in front of the team. Show them appreciation.
You can also create programs that will recognize them on work anniversaries and birthdays. The fact is, there is a lot you can do. Need more ideas? Let us know!
But get out there and say “thank you” today. Recognition is KEY For Success.
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