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Thursday
May 2, 2013 Doing Business BetterFiled under: News About ASI If you’ve ever struggled to understand the nuances of your cable or phone bill, I can sympathize. Which is why I’m happy to announce ASI has streamlined our billing and invoicing materials to make it easier for you to do business with us. Starting this week, you’ll see new invoices and statements based on formats that are easy to understand and to reconcile to your own accounts payable systems. We updated our system because, frankly, we got complaints from members about being held hostage to the old pen-and-paper era. Now, you can pay online and avoid writing that check or licking that stamp. And, if you save your credit card as the card of record, customer service will check if you want to update an existing card already set on autopay or if you want to establish autopay. As part of the process, we conducted focus groups to learn exactly what you wanted. During one session, a member told us, “ASI has thought of everything with the redesign.” That’s our goal. Highlights of the new invoices and statements include:
Members can log on to the Account Manager Tool at www.billpay.asicentral.com to:
Once you’ve had a chance to review the new system, please let me know what you think by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. Hopefully, doing business with us will be easier than with your phone or cable company! I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
April 22, 2013 Experience the New ESP WebFiled under: Member Benefits, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties To triumph in today’s supersonic business world, technology must pass a pretty stiff litmus test for speed, ease and intelligence. With that, I say welcome to the new ESP Web® experience. ASI’s world-class technology is taking a big step forward with a major upgrade that will help distributors increase sales and power up productivity. The best part? It’s already live for all users of ESP. And there’s no fee for the upgrade. Current ESP Web subscribers are automatically upgraded. Check it out, and if you have any questions, click here for tutorials and more. From the start, our goal with this upgrade was to make ESP® even more of an online business partner – a partner that intuitively knows what you want and helps you get it, as quickly and easily as possible. So we made it as close to a real-world Google experience as possible – with performance speeds on numerous features increasing a whopping 60%. Put these simple, intuitive tools to work for you to search and source products faster than ever before. ASI’s technology and user experience teams worked for over a year on design and implementation of the new ESP Web, incorporating critical feedback from numerous industry focus groups in order to transform the ESP experience. The hottest new ESP Web features include:
If you’re not already a believer, please demo the new ESP Web at our upcoming ASI Shows® in New York City (Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9) and Chicago (Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18). And if ESP has made a difference in the way you do business, I want to know. Please post a comment or e-mail me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Thursday
April 18, 2013 Mr. Machion Goes to WashingtonFiled under: Community, Members, Using Ad Specialties We all know how important it is to get your voice heard in Washington. Given the state of the economy and numerous legislative initiatives concerning taxes and expenditures, that importance cannot be overstated. That’s why for the last four years, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has sent a contingent of “volunteer lobbyists” to our nation’s capital to speak on behalf of the industry as part of its Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.). On April 10 and 11, as a member of PPAI’s Government Relations Action Council (GRAC), I joined over 70 volunteers who invaded Washington, D.C. on a mission to educate members of Congress about the value of advertising specialties and the legislative issues most important to suppliers and distributors. The group represented all 50 states and made over 300 Congressional office visits during the two-day period. Prior to arrival, we contacted our respective senators and representatives to schedule 30-minute visits. In preparation, volunteers also attended a webinar on key issues we later discussed with our representatives and/or their staff. Everyone became well-versed on the promotional products economic engine and its impact on the national economy, e.g., a $19.4 billion industry that employs over 430,000 people. Here’s a tip: If you want to get a representative’s or senator’s ear, just tell them what your industry does for the economy! To help prep the “lobbyists,” everyone was given a handbook with each Congressional member’s bio and broken into smaller teams to cover the aggressive meeting schedule. The volunteers gave each Congressional office position papers on the effectiveness and value of promotional products and the role they’ve played in particular in safety recognition programs. We also discussed the importance of maintaining the current independent contractor tax rules under IRS Section 530 and of considering small businesses in any proposed tax changes. Of course, we also handed out advertising specialties: a notebook imprinted with the PPAI logo and hand sanitizer. Everyone loved the products, which provided the perfect testament to the effectiveness of our industry. Before we met for dinner that night, we were surprised by an unannounced visit from John Boehner, the House Majority Leader, who commended everyone for their efforts. Clearly, the L.E.A.D. visits were noticed by the powers that be. The next morning, PPAI recognized Minnesota Rep. Erik Paulsen as its Legislator of the Year. The award recognizes members of Congress who have shown a commitment to small businesses, a willingness to meet with industry professionals and support of issues critical to our industry. “Congressman Paulsen has championed the cause of small business and met face-to-face with industry leaders,” said Paul Bellantone, PPAI’s president and CEO. “He has established a history of being available and listening to the concerns of promotional products businesses and supporting or opposing legislation that impacts the industry.” The diligence and enthusiasm of the PPAI L.E.A.D. volunteers was evident from the planning stages through the Congressional visits. I’m sure Congressional leaders left the meetings with a greater appreciation of our industry and the important role it plays in providing businesses with creative, cost-effective ways to reach their target audiences. – Chuck Machion is ASI’s senior VP and senior counsel and also serves his community as a Newtown, PA borough councilman In photo above, from left: Art Bustard, president of Cedars Advertising, Inc. (asi/159500); Larry Whitney, compliance manager for Polyconcept North America (asi/66887); Barbara Bustard, of Cedars Advertising, Inc.; Chuck Machion; PA Rep. Tim Murphy; George Jackson, owner of George Jackson Promotions; Bruce Korn, president of Zakback Inc. (asi/365556 )
Wednesday
April 10, 2013 Go SocialFiled under: Community, Members, Research, Using Ad Specialties ASI® recently welcomed about 35 members of the PAPPA members (who used to be called Specialty Advertising Counselors of the Delaware Valley) got an eyeful from Jake Krolick, ASI’s rock star creative director, in a fast-moving presentation offering practical, tactical tips for businesses to “go social.” He was joined by special speakers (and former ASI-ers) Jay Ostrow and Dale Denham. During the seminar, everyone was encouraged to branch out. Share product info with clients through the information corkboard site Pinterest and add more video to your marketing mix. It’s also quick and easy to liven up your company’s YouTube site with something fresh, like a behind-the-scenes tour of your company. Remember to make it fun – and keep it short. With a little imagination, you’ll find the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re pitching a potential new client, send an infographic on the ROI or CPI of promotional products along with your presentation. Spread the news about a new product by uploading a captioned pic through Quickmeme. And don’t forget about good old blogs, which can help bump up your company’s search engine results while allowing you to better engage with customers and potential customers. I hope PAPPA members enjoyed their morning at ASI. Several members later told me how much they enjoyed it and thanked ASI for hosting. In return, I’d like to sincerely thank PAPPA for the recent award the organization presented to ESP®, the PAPPA 2013 Liberty Award in the technology category. The tech award recognized, among other things, proclivity, user friendliness and mobile marketing efforts. ESP, of course, uses world-class search technology to give members and their customers a superior searching experience, and we are delighted to see that recognized. In the photo at left, Heather DiPrato, ASI’s senior VP of distributor services, proudly displays our award. Let me know what new technology or social media site has made a difference at your company lately by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube – and exploring new possibilities like blogging site Medium (founded by ASI keynoter Biz Stone and his partner Ev Williams), the new iPhone app Whisper (which is taking off like gangbusters on college campuses) and Sina Weibo, billed as China’s Twitter – with twice the number of users.
Monday
March 25, 2013 Long Beach Show Strikes GoldFiled under: ASI Shows, News About ASI Our inaugural ASI Show in Long Beach, CA was a true success, from Friday’s full day of education through two very busy exhibit days. Suppliers who wondered how the weekend dates would affect attendance were happily surprised by the turnout, and feedback overall was terrific. Stacy Horton, of Dard Products (asi/48500), dubbed the show “awesome” and said she was so slammed by heavy foot traffic she had to call for help in her booth. “ASI did a great job of getting the right distributors here,” she told us. “I honestly think next year many more suppliers will attend and take larger booth spaces. I have so many requests to follow up on.” Peter Zeiger, of Geiger (asi/202900), brought a team of 15 to the show, which he rightly described as an “event,” thanks to education, a Gala Celebration at Gladstone’s, tons of suppliers and big-name keynote Ben Stein. “Attending an ASI Show,” he said, “allows you to take your game to the next level.” We moved the show from its traditional berth in San Diego about 120 miles north so thousands of greater LA distributors could take advantage of a more affordable, accessible alternative. Distributors and suppliers alike said they loved the spectacular waterfront location and easy access to major highways, three airports and first-class accommodations. New shows can be a risk for everyone. Happily, the show delivered, attracting a solid turnout of industry distributors who aren’t ASI® members but who either joined on-site or who likely will in coming weeks. All told, The ASI Show™ Long Beach, which took place Friday, March 22, through Sunday, March 24, at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, featured 61 education sessions (attended by 400+), over 300 top-flight suppliers and 11 team-building distributor sales meetings. Our keynoter, Ben Stein (pictured with me, backstage), really packed the house. We had so many people we had to bring in extra chairs. If you only knew Stein through his turn as the stone-faced teacher in the “Ferris Bueller” movie, you were in for a treat. Funny, frank and informative, Stein shared his unique take on small-business success. Click here for an ASI TV interview with Stein, taped after his keynote, and click here for a previously recorded ASI Radio interview. Laura Hook, of EmbroidMe of Cypress (asi/384575), told us Stein made her laugh and cry. “What more could you ask for?” she said. “His point on not taking things for granted was a good one and an impactful one. We cannot sit around and whine about what’s not happening because we are the ones who need to get up and make things happen.” What a great takeaway! Although it was tough to leave 70-degree weather behind to return to a spring snowstorm back East, I’m happy to be home – and eager to hear what you thought of the new show. Please let me know by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Important note about Long Beach 2014: it’ll take place during the week, Tuesday, March 25 through Thursday, March 27. And don’t forget: Other upcoming 2013 ASI Shows are New York (May 8-9) and Chicago (July 16-18). To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen DiTomasso, our sales VP, at kditomasso@asicentral.com.
Thursday
March 21, 2013 ASI Launches New Long Beach ShowFiled under: ASI Shows, News About ASI ASI® will be on the West Coast this week for our inaugural show in Long Beach, a spectacular waterfront city whose motto is “where the action begins and the fun never ends.” Located less than 20 miles from Los Angeles, Long Beach provides distributor and supplier members from the West Coast and greater LA areas an affordable location along with easy access to major highways, airports and first-class accommodations. The ASI Show™ takes place Friday through Sunday at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. We’re expecting over 300 top-flight suppliers, 11 team-building distributor sales meetings, a value-added Education Day featuring 61 business-building sessions – and lots of action on the show floor Saturday and Sunday. Our keynote speaker on Sunday morning is the very smart, very funny economic commentator and “Ferris Bueller” star Ben Stein, who promises to tell us all “How to Ruin Your Life – and How to Make it Great.” If you only know Stein from his famously funny turn as the stone-faced teacher from the 1986 John Hughes movie (“Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?”), you might be amazed by his largely conservative insight into some pretty serious economic issues. Along those lines, I’m looking forward to talking to our West Coast members about the California economy, which after five long, hard years appears to be finally turning a corner. According to the local papers, there’s solid evidence of job growth, economic stability, a resurgent housing market and rising spirits in a state that was among the worst hit by the recession. It would seem that in a state that’s struggling to find its economic footing, promotional products’ high ROI and relative low cost would be the perfect angle to pitch on any sales call. If you’re at the show, don’t forget to stop by the ASI booths for a demo of our increasingly popular and highly-rated ESP Mobile™ apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, which have topped 10,000 downloads since launch. We know the apps are popular because ESP Mobile for iPhone users, for instance, have awarded that app 4.5 stars. As further evidence of user engagement, product searches in ESP Mobile nearly doubled in the last three months alone. Click here for an overview of cool app features, including speak to search and virtual samples. And don’t forget: Other upcoming 2013 ASI Shows are New York (May 8-9) and Chicago (July 16-18). To learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen DiTomasso, our sales VP, at kditomasso@asicentral.com. And for complete coverage of the Long Beach show, including blogs and videos, check http://www.asicentral.com/. Finally, if you’re with us in Long Beach, please let me know what you think of the new location by posting a comment or e-mailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Thursday
March 21, 2013 It’s Official: ASI is a Great Place to WorkFiled under: News About ASI Carol Albright, our intrepid senior VP of human resources, likes to say that ASI® employees “work hard and play harder.” This week, Carol got the ultimate confirmation that ASI is a very happy place indeed when it was announced that we won three “Best Places to Work” awards. For Carol, the best part of this competition is that it was strictly decided by employees, which means the people who work here gave ASI the greatest possible vote of confidence. All told, we won “Best Places to Work-Large Company” (among companies with more than 100 employees), “Best Place for Working Moms” and “Best Employer for New Graduates.” ASI previously won “Best Places to Work” awards in 2012, 2011 and 2010, so I think it’s official: this is a great place to work. Greater Philadelphia Media sponsored the contest to recognize top regional employers, based on nominations by their employees. ASI was presented with its awards at a fancy luncheon at the Pen Ryn Mansion in Bensalem, PA. Carol’s happiness was in full evidence in the text she sent me from the awards ceremony (where she also took the photo of the awards): “Felt like the awards just kept coming … I was so excited I hyperventilated … These awards are because our employees voted for us … OMG.” Part of the reason why we won is because ASI offers competitive benefits, an array of educational programs, an award-winning Wellness Program and diversity initiatives. In addition, employees can enjoy on-site day care, Starbucks and a café featuring healthy options, free fitness classes and gym reimbursement, casual dress every day and community service events. As for the “fun” part of the equation, we’ve got everything from field days, ice cream socials and Halloween parties to an annual holiday mixer. In addition, we always recognize creative thinking in our employees with quarterly president’s awards and an annual employee awards ceremony. And we’re always looking for more talented people to join our team. To apply for employment at ASI or for more information on the company, click here. Current job openings include sales reps, marketing/copy manager, product manager, business intelligence DBA, senior designer, product and technical support director and controller. Congratulations, Carol. Now, breathe! |
