Leveraging Opportunities During COVID
Rich Corvalan at Zing Manufacturing in Phoenix discusses the company’s big year in 2021, including an industry-exclusive contract with retail drinkware brand S’well.
Feb 16, 2022•13 min
Advertising Specialty Institute
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest media, marketing and education organization serving the promotional products industry, with a network of over 25,000 distributors and suppliers throughout North America. ASI leads the industry in technology solutions, providing cloud-based e-commerce, enterprise resource planning software (ERP) and customer relationship management software (CRM). ESP Web is the industry's leading tool for sourcing hundreds of thousands of products. A family-owned business since 1964, ASI also provides online research, marketing, advertising opportunities, trade shows, education, award-winning magazines, newsletters, custom websites and catalogs to help members sell, market and promote their brands. Visit ASI at www.asicentral.com and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and the CEO's blog.
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Episodes
The Social Angle, Episode 91: Tips for Creating Great Content
In the latest Social Angle podcast, ASI Media’s Vinnie Driscoll picks the brain of Jeff Anderton, SnugZ USA's director of content, about how much effort goes into the creation of his videos, social media’s impact, and advice for anyone looking to take their content game to the next level. They two even discuss Anderton’s latest augmented reality creation, Swagar!
Feb 11, 2022•34 min
Distributor Tips & Tricks: Time-Saving Apparel Sales Shortcuts
We all wish there were more hours in the day. Thankfully for distributors, there can be … if you take advantage of time-saving tools and tricks that make apparel sales easier. Today we’re joined by Gina Barreca, Director of Marketing at Vantage Apparel. Stay tuned as we dive into all the savvy ways you can save time and better serve your clients, even when faced with supply chain issues out of your control.
Feb 10, 2022•10 min
First Look: ASI’s Ad Impressions Study
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica and Research Director Nate Kucsma discuss which promo products are most influential across the U.S., show how men and women differ and overlap in their product preferences, and reveal a few surprising findings.
Feb 10, 2022•33 min
The Social Angle, Episode 90: I’m New, Now What? Tips for Social Media Newbies
Paola Granados of Anypromo dishes lessons she’s learned after six months in the promo industry.
Feb 03, 2022•42 min
Strategies for Overcoming Omicron-Driven Worker Absences
Matt Hare and Josh Diamond, two health and safety leaders at Hit Promotional Products, share best practices for navigating workers being out sick in high numbers during the latest COVID surge – and potentially the next one.
Feb 02, 2022•25 min
The Social Angle, Episode 89: Rock On! A Promo Item Made for the Digital Age
Lisa Gavoni of Brand O’ Guitar talks about the impact social media has had on her business.
Jan 28, 2022•32 min
Contending With COVID Uncertainty
Licensed psychologist Dr. Melissa Whitson offers her expertise on coping with long-term pandemic stress and modeling emotional intelligence for others.
Jan 26, 2022•20 min
The Social Angle, Episode 88: Social Media Lessons from the Entertainment Industry
Mike Ross, Proforma's new social media and PR specialist, spent a decade in the entertainment industry, most recently as a manager of the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning's community hockey social media accounts. Mike, who earned two Cup rings while working for the franchise, offers social media lessons and insights from the entertainment industry as well as first impressions of his new industry, promotional products.
Jan 21, 2022•28 min
The Importance of Diversity
Promo expert and author Darryl Jenkins explains how embracing diversity can deepen relationships, promote personal growth and improve company performance.
Jan 19, 2022•26 min
Behind the Deal: Insights Into SnugZ USA’s Acquisition of Sweda
Brandon Mackay of SnugZ USA and Jim Hagan of Sweda discuss SnugZ’s acquisition of Sweda and what it means for the companies – and the industry – going forward.
Jan 07, 2022•17 min
Create Connections & Commerce With Promo Products
Sales and persuasion expert Carolyn Strauss, who is speaking at ASI Shows this year, serves up strategies for success.
Jan 05, 2022•26 min
Generate Creative Content and Build Your Brand
Content marketing is vital for businesses, especially in the pandemic era when so many eyeballs are glued to social media for entertainment and education. “This is where people are looking for information,” says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, a partner at Trendependent and a speaker at the 2022 ASI Shows. A smart social media and content marketing strategy can humanize brands, both large and small. But how do you get started when there are so many platforms to choose from? And what if content creation d...
Dec 22, 2021•17 min
Becoming a Digital Thought Leader
Dawn Raquel Jensen, founder of Virtual Options and an education speaker at the upcoming 2022 ASI Shows, discusses establishing digital authority and thought leadership over social media and shares how to generate content that converts.
Dec 15, 2021•22 min
Trends in Sustainable Fashion
Dr. Noshua Watson, founder of Interwoven Impact, a social impact analytics consultancy for content companies, shares strategies for promo companies that want to make their swag more sustainable.
Dec 08, 2021•27 min
The Social Angle, Episode 87: How to Get Over Your Fears and Be a Content Creator
In this episode of the Social Angle podcast, ASI Media's Vinnie Driscoll is joined by aspiring author and motivational influencer Samantha Demers to discuss how you can take the leap from being an observer to a creator on social media. In this recorded live discussion from Twitter Spaces, Demers and I discuss everything from how stage fright and imposter syndrome plays into the fear, tips on how to create great content, and much more.
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr 12 min
A Chat With SanMar’s New VP of Sales
Steve Cuthbert, previously a vice president of sales at The North Face, shares insights on everything from trends to leadership.
Dec 01, 2021•17 min
NFTs and the Promo Products Industry
In this special edition of Promo Insiders, ASI Media's Vinnie Driscoll discusses NFTs with three promo pros who have their fingers on the pulse of this digital tech: Lisa Fosdick, Meg Erber, and Jeremy Picker. In this podcast, which was recorded live on Twitter Spaces, they discuss examples of how NFTs work, their potential impact on the promo industry, and much more.
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Keeping the Faith With Lynka’s John Lynch (With an Assist From Bon Jovi)
ASI Media’s Michele Bell talks to Jersey native and Poland-based Lynka President John Lynch on the ups & downs of getting his first novel (a thriller topping the charts in Poland) published and his recent merger with Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel.
Nov 23, 2021•44 min
Wacky Treats and Things to be Thankful for
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right, ASI Media Editors Theresa Hegel and Sara Lavenduski are once again pre-gaming Thanksgiving, sampling a veritable cornucopia of odd flavor combinations. For this year’s “snacksgiving” celebration, there’s no gravy-infused vodka cocktail or green bean-flavored candy corn. But foraging through picked-over supermarket shelves did yield some unexpected rewards – including pumpkin spice ramen, flan-flavored KitKats and radioactive green cotton ca...
Nov 18, 2021•28 min
The Social Angle, Episode 86: Viral TikTok Video Helps Company Get Noticed
ASI Media's Vinnie Driscoll talks with Erin Reilly and Logan Oh of Pop! Promos about a viral TikTok video Logan created to help drive interest in open positions at the company. The video, which quickly went viral, gained over 30,000 views in just a few hours, and over 80,000 views by the end of the week. More importantly, the video helped Pop! Promos receive a flood of resumes from candidates all over the country.
Nov 11, 2021•28 min
Preparing Your Business for the Exit Phase
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media Executive Editor Sara Lavenduski speaks with valuation expert Dave Bookbinder, managing director at B. Riley Financial, about creating an exit plan and how to get the most value from your business.
Nov 10, 2021•23 min
Exploring the Promo Items Gen Z Craves
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, chats with Trey Reed, an editorial intern with ASI Media, about the hottest promo trends he’s seeing on campus. Reed is a senior at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he’s studying broadcast journalism at the Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications.
Nov 05, 2021•18 min
The Social Angle, Episode 85: Facebook in Crisis: What’s Next for the Social Media Giant?
The Facebook Papers. Allegations of knowingly hosting hate speech and illegal activity. A high-profile rebrand. Facebook is under fire and and facing a firestorm of PR. What does this mean for the social media giant? ASI Media's Vinnie Driscoll and Peerless Umbrella's Charity Gibson discuss in the latest Social Angle podcast.
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Fashionable Fleece: Top Trends to Watch for Winter Wearables
It’s officially hoodie season, so now’s the time to plan your sales for everyone’s favorite type of soft and cozy outerwear. Yup, we’re talking about fleece. Today we’re joined by Eric Simsolo, VP of Business Development at Next Level Apparel. We’ll find out what new fleece products, colors and cuts Next Level brought to market this year, plus maybe even a sneak peek on what’s to come in 2022.
Nov 03, 2021•20 min
Holiday Corporate Gift Sets: Seasonal Tips to End Q4 Strong
The end-of-year holiday rush is in full swing. Make sure you know the top trends and in-demand branding ideas to make your gift and incentive orders stand out this year. Today we’re speaking with Rachel Corey, promo fulfillment manager at STAHLS’ to learn popular products, decoration methods and kitting tips to end Q4 strong.
Oct 28, 2021•19 min
Releasing the Kraken
How was the Seattle Kraken brand created and how is branded merchandise being used to support the NHL’s newest team? Co-owner Jay Deutsch, also founder/CEO of Top 40 distributor BDA, explains here.
Oct 27, 2021•26 min
The Social Angle, Episode 84: How to Use Twitter for Business
In this special edition of the Social Angle podcast, adapted from an ASI Media #PromoSpace discussion held on Twitter Spaces, ASI’s Digital Content Director Vinnie Driscoll picks the brain of Twitter marketing expert Madalyn Sklar about the basics of the network.
Oct 25, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Surviving the Q4 Supply Chain Storm
ASI Media’s Christopher Ruvo delves into the supply chain crisis facing promo and explains how distributors can best navigate it.
Oct 22, 2021•49 min
2022 Success Trends: Service Selling to Win Big in the New Year
The year is winding down and 2022 will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to think ahead and start planning for the new year. To help you out, today we’re speaking with Rob Watson, Chief Experience Officer at Vantage Apparel. You’ll find out how the promo landscape has changed and why service selling is essential for success in 2022.
Oct 21, 2021•14 min
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