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Wednesday
September 24, 2008 Greetings from Big, Fat, Ugly MeFiled under: Guest Blog, Using Ad Specialties Guest blog from Kathy Huston, Advantages magazine editor: Let me start by saying that I’m originally from Northern New Jersey. This is why my colleagues here in Trevose, PA make fun of the way I say “cawfee,” “chawklette,” and “draws” (meaning, the things you store clothes in inside your dresser, or as I call it, your “chest-a-draws.”) Nowadays, as a transplant living in Langhorne – home of Reedman-Toll Auto World and Sesame Place and a suburb of Philly – I can say that while I totally disagree with this conclusion, I really don’t take it too personally that Philadelphians are deemed the ugliest people in the history of the world. OK, so that’s taking it a little too far, but the City of Brotherly Love was, in fact, named the city with the ugliest people, according to Travel & Leisure’s “America’s Favorite Cities 2008” survey. Where’s the love, brother? Plus, Philadelphians are allegedly among the least stylish and least friendly. Are they kidding me? As if all that isn’t insulting enough, last year, the American Obesity Association ranked Philly in the top 10 cities with the fattest populations. Thanks, cheesesteak inventor, soft-pretzel makers…and yes, you too, Tastykake bakers (I could go for one of each right about now). The Web site www.brandcurve.com says, “Looks like it’s time for Philadelphia to revamp, revitalize and rebrand!” On that note, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation did unveil a new marketing campaign just before the summer to entice travelers to visit Philly and its surrounding areas. The slogan: “Philly’s More Fun.” Maybe one of you clever promotional gurus can help out with a “Philly’s Phat” campaign to combat the “Philly’s Fat” designation. Suppliers, what do you think? Can you help a brother (sister) out? Think “Phat” hats; highly attractive bobble-head dolls; T-shirts that say “Pretty Philadelphian” and “Keystone Cool.” Let’s turn this thing around. Fellow Philadelphians unite! Or we can just go drown our sad, fat, ugly sorrows in Yuengling lager, brewed right here in the Greater Philly area. That should add another five pounds, but on a more positive note, even the ugliest Philadelphians will look better through beer goggles. I’m joking, Philly! For the editorial team’s take on whether or not we are so very hideous and even more opinionated discussions, watch a video replay of the most recent ASI Radio Show – at asicentral.com/radio. Post a comment now or email Kathy, at khuston@asicentral.com. Also, stay informed and submit your email address in the window called ‘Enter your email for updates’ at the top right of the screen and you’ll receive a note when the next post goes live.
Monday
September 15, 2008 Video Tips for Your MarketingFiled under: Education I’ve heard from ASI members that video is starting to transform how they’re selling advertising specialties and they’re thinking about using videos to increase sales faster. Some already use them extensively. We’ve embraced using video at ASI and you can watch several on asicentral.com that provide personal introductions to our staff and demonstrate business-building features of our products. In a recent business radio program about using video, I shared some tips that we’ve learned at ASI that you can apply to your videos or ones you’d like to start making. Tips for producing and using videos that sell:
I’ve uploaded the video of the radio program and you can click here to watch it for more video tips from me, the hosts and another invited guest. Let me know your thoughts about the radio program and videos – I’d like to hear your experiences. Post now on the blog or email me anytime, at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. For new products from our shows, watch my videos at youtube.com/timasitv.
Tuesday
September 9, 2008 Tony Robbins Booked for ASI OrlandoFiled under: Education, Industry Initiatives, Members, News About ASI I’m excited to announce today that Tony Robbins, world-renowned authority on the psychology of leadership, negotiations, organizational turnaround and peak performance, will be the keynote speaker at ASI Orlando on Monday, January 5. Seating to this event will be limited and ASI members should register for ASI Orlando at asishow.com to be guaranteed a seat. Robbins has also been honored as one of the “Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World” by Accenture; as one of the “Top 200 Business Gurus” by Harvard Business Press; and as one of the world’s “Outstanding Humanitarians” by Justice Byron White. I’m sure our members will leave Tony’s presentation with new ideas for achieving business success in our industry and growing personally. Robbins told ASI Show today: “I am honored to be speaking as part of The ASI Show 2009. ASI is a leader because its members know how to thrive, not just survive, in any economic environment. It will be a privilege to address a group that consistently delivers superior results and raises the bar in the industry.” Tony was selected based on surveys taken by ASI members and he consistently ranked among the top individuals that people most wanted to see. To see Tony Robbins, register now for ASI Orlando, at Tell me what you think. Post a comment now on the blog or email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. Enter your email in the “Enter your email for updates” window in the gray shaded area at the top right of the screen, and you’ll get an email when there’s a new blog post.
Wednesday
September 3, 2008 Product Ideas from Estonia – PicsFiled under: Education, Using Ad Specialties I just returned from vacation in Estonia, a former Soviet territory that sits on the Baltic Sea. It’s a wonderful country, with tons of rural areas to explore, casual but delicious restaurants and incredibly friendly people. Plus, since Estonia is in the EU but not yet on the Euro, it’s an affordable place to vacation. Like everywhere I’ve been, there were imprinted items being used to market stores, hotels and other businesses. I brought back a couple favorites. At one local restaurant, Ribe, the table was set with the napkin and eating utensils completely enclosed in a linen holder with the restaurant’s name embroidered outside. It was a long piece of cloth with an extended flap at the top that folds down into a loop to cover the utensils – sort of like those 1960s pencil cases that had the roll top. It provided a sense of a more sanitary situation versus when the utensils are placed by hand on the table, and it was a cool way for clients who own or market restaurants to brand their establishments.
I think it also would be a terrific giveaway – diners could take them home and tell their friends. Any restaurant would work – imagine chopsticks at Asian places, for instance.
I also visited a small local shop where a craftsman/merchant offered to imprint a logo or message onto the front cover of an old-style, 100% leather hand-bound journal. It had impressive thick covers and two matching ribbons to use to tie it closed. It even included antique-style paper inside to provide an exclusive feel. A truly unique and personal gift for clients to use to thank their customers. There are several U.S. suppliers who could provide similar products, and some who I’m sure could upgrade their offerings for special, higher-end incentive gifts like these.
Fashion trends often start in Europe, especially Eastern Europe. I’ve been traveling there for several years, and one big, obvious trend this year is a “new color” – white. Shirts, pants, shorts, shoes, belts, you name it. I’d say 15% of the Estonians – male and female – were in all white or mostly white. When I was there 18 months ago, I didn’t see anyone in white. So be on the lookout for those white 1970s shoes to be back in style – and for apparel demands to shift to white in coming months. Tell me what you think – post a comment now on the blog or email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. I also mentioned these products on this week’s ASI Radio show – available for replay at www.asicentral.com/radio.
Tuesday
September 2, 2008 AlphaGraphics Recognizes Service and SupportFiled under: Community, Industry Initiatives, Members, News About ASI The “Supplier of the Year” award from AlphaGraphics recognizes a supplier that provides outstanding service, responsiveness and support to their 230 U.S. business centers. This year, AlphaGraphics presented the award to ASI. Our people and products truly help distributors and suppliers excel professionally and personally, but of course no one is perfect and we’re striving to improve in all areas across-the-board for our members all the time. The award was presented during the recent AlphaGraphics Annual International Conference in Montréal, Canada and ASI was one of only three suppliers recognized by the AlphaGraphics system this year. Tell me what you think anytime – post now on the blog or email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. For new products from our shows, watch my videos on YouTube, at youtube.com/timasitv.
Tuesday
August 26, 2008 Guest Blog: Rob Spike Named VP, Distributor ServicesFiled under: Guest Blog, News About ASI From Dan O’Halloran, SVP of Distributor Services: Many of you may know Rob Spike, a dedicated resource here at ASI for distributors. Rob has been helping thousands of distributors grow their businesses everyday for the last 15 years and I’m pleased to announce that he’s been promoted to vice president of distributor services. He will expand upon his roles as sales consultant and mentor in his new position, providing business solutions for distributors and helping his team of ASI account executives advance personally and professionally. Rob began his career with ASI in 1994 as a catalog account manager, advancing through sales and management roles of increasing responsibility before serving in his most recent position of executive director of distributor services. Tim Andrews, president and CEO for ASI, said this about Rob in a press release today: “Rob’s promotion to vice president is to recognize his continuous sales excellence, his leadership and reputation for providing superior client service. Rob always challenges himself, and the organization, by raising the bar to new heights previously unimagined.” Rob sets the example for our team and has mentored many ASI account executives and ASI members to help them achieve business success. In addition to his professional duties, he still finds time to volunteer for the Jewish Relief Agency of Greater Philadelphia, delivering food and daily living supplies to those who have no means to get them. Please join me in congratulating Rob on his promotion. You can reach him at rspike@asicentral.com.
Wednesday
August 13, 2008 ESP Upgrade Rolling Out Today – New Confirmed Supplier DataFiled under: Members, News About ASI We’re starting to rollout the new ESP Online upgrade today. If you’re a current ESP Online user, expect to get your upgrade automatically during the next several weeks at no additional charge. With a number of new features, I wanted to note several personally that are important to your business. In addition to our own work here at ASI, for some time suppliers have been logging into ESP Online regularly to update their information and product data so distributors can have late-breaking information for their sales efforts. With this upgrade we’re providing an additional measure of assurance and suppliers who have confirmed their information now have a distinguishing logo next to their product in ESP Online. So far, over 2,600 suppliers have already confirmed their data with ASI, ensuring that you have the best data in the business. ASI employs a team of 70 data specialists and invests over $2.5 million in updating information every year. Numbers that matter. And, as of today, we have over 3,800 supplier catalogs from 2008 current in ESP Online. That’s the most available anywhere. The new upgrade also features sharper product images and improved virtual samples. If you’re not using ESP Online, call 1-800-546-1423 for a free demo, or visit asicentral.com/esp. If you’re one of our 40,000 registered users of ESP, you can learn more at asicentral.com/elearning. Happy selling. Tell me what you think anytime – post now on the blog or email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. For new products from our trade shows, watch all my videos, at youtube.com/timasitv. |
