|
Wednesday
December 1, 2010 Laura Bush Offers Advice and InsightFiled under: ASI Shows, News About ASI One statement really made an impression on me during Laura Bush’s interview on ASI’s radio program this week: “It’s important to nurture boys as well as we’ve nurtured girls.” The former first lady wants to be sure both boys and girls are given the chance to grow up happy and strong. One way to help make that happen is by volunteering, especially at your local elementary school, where a few hours a week can really make a difference in someone’s life. At this time of year, I can think of no better message to spread. No matter what your politics, a front-row seat to history makes for fascinating stories. In her interview with our radio hosts, Mrs. Bush discussed everything from the way a presidential visit to Africa inspired her daughter to study global health issues to her current obsession with her BlackBerry – a promotional product she got from an event sponsor. To listen to the entire archived interview, click here. To read our press release, click here. Mrs. Bush spoke to us to advance her free upcoming keynote, “Life in the White House,” at the ASI trade show in Dallas on Friday, February 18. The same day, she will also address the ASI Women’s Summit in a luncheon talk titled, “Shaping the Future: Empowering Women Around the Globe.” Reserve your spot now by clicking here. In her radio interview, Mrs. Bush discussed her continuing efforts on behalf of Afghanistan women, the importance of volunteering and the pleasures of private life. She also talked about a new initiative being championed by the George W. Bush Institute to improve the performance of school principals. Mrs. Bush says the Alliance to Reform Education Leadership hopes to certify at least half of the nation’s public-school principals through its program by 2020. Her advice to business owners who might be facing adversity? “Keep your eye on the ball. “You’ve got to continue to work toward goals and not be sidetracked by criticism or other problems that come up.” Please let me know what you thought of the interview by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Wednesday
November 24, 2010 ’Tis the Season to Shop, Spend and SendFiled under: Industry Initiatives, Members, News About ASI, Research, Using Ad Specialties Whether you shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, give or receive, we’re hoping a business gift-giving tip sheet and the results from a recent survey on corporate spending will ring your bells. Nearly every company carefully considers what to give and how much to spend when it comes to gifts for employees and clients. According to a recent survey from ASI’s Successful Promotions magazine, this year gift cards trump cash for year-end employee gifts and bonuses, and food and drink win out for clients and customers. For complete survey results, click here. To read our press release, click here. As always, there’s no limit on creativity when it comes to passing along your company name and logo. According to a recent feature on ASI’s popular “The Joe Show” video, this year’s hottest corporate thank-you gift ideas include:
To see a product demonstration, click here. And while food remains a perennial hit, since it can be enjoyed and shared by the whole office or department, there’s no denying the increasing popularity of accessories for high-tech items and techno gifts, like charging docks with a four-port hub or a wireless USB laser pointer. Companies that want to be seen as socially responsible will send eco-friendly products made of bamboo or from recycled material. Still deciding what to give? Here are some tips that might help:
Let me know what your company is sending by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Friday
November 19, 2010 ASI Mags Continue Winning StreakFiled under: News About ASI It’s always great when your kid’s soccer team kicks butt on the field. But when they score big against the best players in the league, great becomes phenomenal. And phenomenal is pretty much how I felt when I learned three of ASI’s magazines will be honored among heavy-hitters like Inc., Entrepreneur, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Sports Illustrated and Travel + Leisure at the upcoming FOLIO: magazine awards. This week, FOLIO: announced that Wearables, Stitches and Advantages won four awards in a field crowded with more than 2,000 entries. The FOLIO: competition is the largest and most inclusive awards program of its kind in the industry. Its annual award program — spanning all corners of the magazine publishing industry — recognizes the very best in editorial and design. Wearables, edited by C.J. Mittica, won a “Best Full Issue” award for October 2009. Stitches, edited by Nicole Rollender, won a “Best Full Issue” award for May 2009 and an award for “Best Single Article.” Advantages, edited by Kathy Huston, also won an award for “Best Single Article” for its “Energize Your E-Mail” story. The editors, pictured at right, with Nicole in the middle, will be honored alongside all the other winners with either a bronze, silver or gold award during an awards luncheon set for January 13 in New York City. Our editor-in-chief, Melinda Ligos, says of the accomplishment: “This continues a long award-winning streak for ASI’s editorial department. For the past four years, we’ve received awards from all of the major business magazine awards programs, including 14 awards from the American Society of Business Publishing Editors earlier this year. These awards are a testament to the consistent talent, fresh ideas, and hard work of our entire editorial team.” I couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, everyone. If you have a favorite story or issue, let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Wednesday
November 17, 2010 What’s the Big Idea?Filed under: News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties What slips in a pocket, pops in an envelope and makes a perfect leave-behind on sales calls? If you guessed the Spring 2011 Idea Showcase catalog, you’re right. As a testament to its popularity, we’ve already received pre-orders totaling nearly 156,000 for the handy-size catalog. But supplies are limited, so order yours today. Distributors receive free shipping on orders placed by December 1. Budget-conscious end-buyers love Idea Showcase because the 390 products offered range from the practical to the premium, from $1 to $40. There’s even a “Made in the USA” section with specially-marked pages so they can easily pick out products that provide a feel-good oomph for buying American. Other features include:
Despite the current excitement about digital (which we offer!), savvy distributors know to always include paper catalogs in their marketing mix, since research shows that catalogs remain a proven advertising vehicle. Our study shows paper catalogs drive an astonishing 93% of purchasing decisions. What’s more, you can easily brand copies in full color with your logo and contact information on the cover, which is guaranteed to set you apart from the competition. If you want more info, click here or contact Dan Brown, ASI’s executive director of distributor services, at dbrown@asicentral.com or at 800-546-1350. Let me know how catalogs have helped your business by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
November 16, 2010 What’s Your Question for Laura Bush?Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI Since leaving the White House, former First Lady Laura Bush has spoken out loud and clear on a number of issues. On Tuesday, November 30, she’ll speak her mind on ASI Radio. If you have your own burning question, now’s the time to share it. Send your question to radio@asicentral.com by 2 p.m. this Friday and we might read it on the air – or ask you to call in and ask it yourself. The subject possibilities are endless, from education, Afghanistan and women’s health care to life after politics and her hankering for grandkids. I’m sure you can think of plenty of questions for one of America’s most popular First Ladies. The radio interview will advance Bush’s free keynote at the ASI show in Dallas Friday, February 18. Her speech, “Life in the White House,” is being co-sponsored by Pepco Poms (asi/77280). Early admission and a special meet-and-greet limited to 50 people are also available. No question about it, the former White House occupants are hot topics these days, coming on the heels of both their books: “Spoken from the Heart” (hers) and “Decision Points.” On November 14, George and Laura Bush appeared together on “60 Minutes” and discussed everything from weapons of mass destruction to jigsaw puzzles. Tune in November 30 to listen to our interview with Laura Bush online at www.asicentral.com/radio. And send in those questions now. Who was your favorite First Lady? Let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
November 15, 2010 Spend It to Make ItFiled under: News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties Where’s the beef? According to suppliers, it’s in e-marketing. A survey in this month’s Supplier Global Resource magazine says suppliers invigorated by this year’s sales surge are reinvesting those earnings in trade shows – and marketing. According to the survey, 58% of responding suppliers say they’ll beef up e-marketing in 2011, 27% say they’ll increase trade show participation, and 46% say they’ll boost their total marketing spend. All in an effort to get the word out about their products. As SGR senior writer Betsy Cummings discovers, sales are up and suppliers are on the move. More than half of survey respondents report sales are up for the year overall, which is prompting companies like Counselor Top 40 supplier Ash City to open a second factory and a second lab while also increasing its marketing spend. As we’ve noted throughout the downturn, numerous companies that maintain their aggressive edge are coming out on top now that purse strings are loosening. As SGR reports, the mantra seems to be “spend it to make it.” At Liqui-Mark Corp., for example, a 20% rise in sales from 2009 to 2010 allowed the company to invest more in personnel and equipment. Our survey says action is winning out over inertia: more than two-thirds of suppliers (69%) plan to expand their product line in 2011. Bob Buddenbohn, owner of American Artisan, attributes his recent sales to an investment in new items in the $1 to $5 price range – perfect for end-users reluctant to place pricier orders. Trend reports are just one of many resources available to readers of Supplier Global Resource, where so many suppliers turn for the latest news and ideas. If you’re not reading it, now’s the time to start. There are only 40 days left till Christmas, and a brand new sales year will be upon us before we know it. Let me know what economy-busting ideas are working best for you by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
November 9, 2010 Counselor’s Power 50 Power OnFiled under: Members, News About ASI The past couple of years forced change upon everyone. My congratulations to everyone on the list, and especially to No. 1 Kevin Lyons-Tarr (at right), president and CEO of 4Imprint (asi/197045), who catapulted all the way from No. 11 in a single year. And to our seven newcomers, welcome to the Power 50. Kevin was chosen No. 1 by proving himself a master in the emerging world of ad specialty e-commerce. His peers testified to his considerable influence over the industry, and all evidence points to even greater things to come. The top-ranked executives include: 1. Kevin Lyons-Tarr, 4Imprint (asi/197045) For the complete Counselor Power 50 ranking, click here. To read our press release about the Power 50 list, click here. How did they do it? No doubt, with considerable vision and foresight – and through aggressive recruitment of top talent inside and outside the industry plus a passionate embrace of all forms of traditional and emerging media. You can learn even more about the Power 50 in the upcoming December issue of Counselor and online at www.counselormag.com. As always, I expect some of the names will spark debate. Bring it on! Half the fun comes from the deliberations that begin the minute the list is released. The 50 high-ranking leaders were recognized Monday night at the fourth annual ASI Power Summit in Aventura, Florida. To see photos from the summit and all the events, click here. The Power Summit is coming to a close. It’s been a whirlwind of ideas and discussion. To see for yourself, visit the website and check out the videos, interviews and highlights – and register now for early bird discounts on the 2011 summit in Dana Point, California. Just click here to reserve your spot at next year’s exclusive gathering. And please let me know what you think of this year’s Power 50 by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
|
