Like everyone else, Social Media Managers are going through a lot in 2020. From a global pandemic and mass layoffs and furloughs, to the constant threat of trolls and a TikTok ban, these folks have had to make some quick pivots to match the pace of this unprecedented year. In this episode of the Social Angle Podcast, ASI’s Melissa Newman sits down with Holly Singletary, a digital content strategist from ASI Creative Labs, to discuss self-care tips for social media professionals and how organizat...
Aug 18, 2020•15 min
Ellen Overcast, vacation specialist at Main Street Getaways in Kutztown, PA, says the unprecedented number of cancellations due to COVID-19 was one of the most challenging situations she and her fellow travel agents have ever experienced. Listen to more in this Promo Insiders podcast.
Aug 13, 2020•14 min
Jon Norris, of supplier Starline (asi/89320), knows a thing or two about social media. The VP of operations was the first winner of ASI's #PromoInTheWild, a social media campaign run by ASI that encouraged industry pros to post videos and photos of promo items they spotted in everyday life. It was also announced that Norris' company won the "Best Use of Social Media" category of ASI's annual Promo Campaign Awards.
Aug 11, 2020•19 min
When companies throughout the United States sent their employees home in mid-March, most expected to be back in the office by now. That hasn’t been the case for Nashville, TN-based On Promos Powered by Proforma (asi/491390). In this Promo Insiders episode, co-owner Kimble Bosworth tells senior writer John Corrigan how she and her husband transitioned the company to working remotely, offering plenty of tips and strategies along the way.
Aug 11, 2020•21 min
Tips and advice on how to build the right brand voice for your social media channels.
Aug 04, 2020•32 min
PPE expert Kimberly Fulford of Proforma provides insights on what products are trending, which end-markets to target now, how clients’ PPE needs are evolving and more.
Jul 31, 2020•20 min
Emblems and patches are two of the most popular decoration products in our industry – and with current needs for this decoration method on the rise, it’s important to know why you should sell them and how to speak to current customer concerns. In this podcast, learn from Alison Zuccaro, Strategic Product Manager of STAHLS’, a leading decoration materials manufacturer as she breaks down everything you need to know. Listen now to learn what exactly all the different types of patches and emblems ar...
Jul 30, 2020•40 min
Distributor Joseph Sommer saw some of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand in his native New York City. But he’s found ways to adapt and keep business moving – something he shares here.
Jul 29, 2020•35 min
Businesses are reopening to a new reality, so there's no better time like the present to assess your current social media strategy and make changes. In this episode, Melissa Newman walks you through conducting a social media audit, and then speaks with Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of AMB3R Creative, on defining your company’s mission statement and how that influences quality content and branding on social media.
Jul 27, 2020•59 min
Be nice and tell the truth. Marty Lott attributes his nearly 50-year career and the massive growth of Top 40 supplier SanMar to those two kindergarten lessons. In this Promo Insiders episode, Lott reflects on growing SanMar from his parents’ basement and discusses how the company has endured the COVID-19 crisis.
Jul 27, 2020•20 min
In this Promo Insiders podcast, Jo-an Lantz, CEO/president of Top 40 distributor Geiger(asi/202900), discusses everything from how to lead effectively, to dealing with the impact of COVID-19, to ways forward for the promo industry, to why empathy, making mistakes and perseverance are essential to success.
Jul 27, 2020•28 min
Counselor's Michele Bell talks to Spencer Kramer, Chris Ferriter and Scott Latimer of Sobe Promos.
Jul 23, 2020•23 min
In June, Counselor asked the promotional products industry to share the most creative and interesting imprinted masks and other personal protective equipment they’ve worked on since the coronavirus pandemic started. The Decorated PPE Challenge had more than 50 entries, all of which were impressive in their own right. ASI writers and editors narrowed the field to 10 finalists, then opened the voting up to our readers, through an online poll. The winner, by a wide margin, was Toronto-based supplie...
Jul 17, 2020•8 min
Diane Hall, owner of distributorship Promotions Plus, knows what impact promotional products have in politics better than most, as she also happens to be the mayor of Milo, IA. In this episode of Promo Insiders, senior writer John Corrigan talks with Hall about how she used promo in her own campaign and how promo can still be effective during this unprecedented election year.
Jul 14, 2020•12 min
Labor and employment lawyer Michael Elkins of MLE Law shares important information on free speech rights in the private sector.
Jul 10, 2020•13 min
Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman interview Jay Busselle, social media guru and Marketing Director of Equipment Zone, to discuss how promo pros can successfully use LinkedIn to generate business.
Jul 06, 2020•27 min
Eloisa Gutierrez, an intern in ASI’s editorial department this summer, shares her experiences of working from home and first impressions of the promotional products industry.
Jul 02, 2020•11 min
Nancy Schmidt became CEO of Top 40 distributor AIA Corporation (asi/109480) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights here are an interesting lesson in leadership and perseverance during a crisis.
Jul 01, 2020•15 min
Jake Krolick and Vinnie Driscoll discuss the promo opportunities that exist for the summer as states begin opening up again.
Jun 30, 2020•28 min
ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman discuss two new Twitter features -- Voice Tweets and Twitter Replies -- in the latest Social Angle Podcast.
Jun 24, 2020•25 min
Distributors and suppliers are reporting an uptick in sales of traditional promotional products, but reported surges of COVID-19 in certain areas could threaten progress.
Jun 23, 2020•15 min
In this episode of Promo Insiders, senior writer John Corrigan talks with Andy Keller, founder and CEO of California-based ChicoBag Company (asi/44811), about the COVID-19 crisis disrupting the bag market. Keller’s business has been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, in large part due to reusable bags being discouraged because of fears that they spread the disease.
Jun 22, 2020•17 min
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages magazine, speaks with product safety and compliance expert Larry Whitney, managing partner of Whitney & Whitney Consulting Group, about what promo firms need to know when selling face masks and coverings. Since the products come in contact with the mouth and nose as well as sensitive skin on the face, it’s important to work with trusted manufacturers and make sure purchased products are tested and labeled.
Jun 16, 2020•13 min
Two leaders in the European promotional products market provide perspective on the state of the industry there amid COVID-19, offering insights that apply across the pond as well.
Jun 15, 2020•30 min
Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer, but with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing and many states still in lockdown, tourism is going to look a lot different, compared to years past. In this episode of Promo Insiders, members of the editorial team – Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content; Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages; and John Corrigan, senior writer – discuss their (lack of) vacation plans, their shared love of ambrosia salad, despite the naysayer...
May 29, 2020•23 min
After 11 weeks of working from home, senior writer John Corrigan has grown quite content. Meanwhile, Nate Kucsma, executive director of research & corporate marketing at ASI, can't wait to get back to the office. In this edition of Promo Insiders, the colleagues debate the pros, cons and logistics of permanently working from home.
May 26, 2020•30 min
It may sound counter-intuitive during a crisis to ramp up social media ad spend, but that's exactly what you should be doing says ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman. Find out why, as well as the dos and don'ts of posting social media ads during a pandemic, in this informative Social Angle podcast.
May 22, 2020•21 min
As governors begin to lift closure orders, offices with remote work forces prepare for the physical and emotional challenges of reinstating in-person work. Just as organizations needed to help employees transition to home offices, they’ll need to do the same as they welcome them back to a workplace that’s going to look and feel very different from when they left it in March. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages magazine, discusses this next phase with M...
May 22, 2020•14 min
After nearly a decade at Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867), former CSO Mark Seymour has left due to the COVID-19 crisis. In his first public statement since his exit, Seymour – a member of Counselor’s Power 50 – opens up to senior writer John Corrigan about adjusting to life at home and what his next chapter may look like.
May 14, 2020•24 min
Patrick McHargue of promo products recruitment agency PromoPlacement offers practical tips that will help you land your new position.
May 13, 2020•17 min
