Promo Insiders
If it impacts the promotional products industry, then the editorial team for Counselor, ASI’s flagship publication, is on top of it. Join these industry insiders as they delve into the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most to promo.
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11/17/2022
Welcome to the Power 50
Three first-timers on Counselor’s annual list of the industry’s most influential people share how they got started in promo, plus company innovations and initiatives aimed at moving the market forward.
11/10/2022
Talking About Promo Sales in Q3 & Q4
ASI Media editors share key data from the Distributor Quarterly Sales Survey and discuss what the industry is saying about end of 2022 and beyond.
11/2/2022
Could This Proposed Federal Rule Impact Your Livelihood?
ASI’s Senior Counsel Chuck Machion and Digital News Director Christopher Ruvo delve into an under-consideration regulation that could affect independent contractors – and the businesses that rely on them – in the promo industry.
10/26/2022
Promo Has an Image Problem, and We’ve Got the Answers to Fix It
The ASI Media crew offers their ideas to improve the industry’s reputation. Plus, “promotional products,” “swag” or “branded merchandise” – what term is best?
10/20/2022
Implementing Personality Assessments for Sales Teams
Mike Carroll of Intelligent Conversations shares insights about using evaluations to make sure new hires are a good fit for a specific team and job, as well as to improve productivity and culture for existing departments.
10/12/2022
How Big Brands Build FOMO With Clever Merch
We’ve rounded up some of the best branded merch campaigns we’ve seen recently and discuss what makes them work. Plus, what lessons can promotional products suppliers and distributors learn from these examples?
10/6/2022
Don’t Get Conned: Tips to Detect Scams Aimed at Distributors
Scam attempts against industry firms are proliferating. Here’s how to spot them and keep from getting conned.
9/22/2022
Networking for a New Age
Beth Bridges, the Networking Motivator, explains how to navigate the fragmented landscape of in-person and online events.
9/15/2022
Are You Ready for Pumpkin Spice Season?
ASI Media staffers test out some fall flavors and share ideas for capitalizing on the season.
9/8/2022
Navigate the Q4 Holiday Selling Season Craziness
Get insights on top markets, hot products, selling strategies, and supplier inventory and service levels to help power a successful fourth quarter.
8/31/2022
The Power of Unconscious Communication
An expert on persuasion and influence discusses the impact of suggestion and how it can transform teams and relationships.
8/24/2022
Where Did Arch Promo Group Come From & Why Is It Buying So Many Supplier Firms?
Recent acquisitions of StrombergBrand, Drum-Line and ProRose have put this holding company on the map.
8/17/2022
Balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit
Kathy Cheng of Redwood Classics Apparel explains what it means to have a sustainable business model and shares strategies for suppliers and distributors looking to do the same.
8/10/2022
Marc Simon: The Long Term Looks ‘Exceedingly Good’ for the Promo Industry
Beyond that positive prediction, the CEO of HALO Branded Solutions delivers a bevy of insights on the current state – and future of – the market.
8/3/2022
Challenges – and Opportunities – in the Travel Industry
A travel expert and a professor of travel and hospitality join the podcast to discuss the current state of the travel industry and occasions for promo products sales.
7/29/2022
A Deep Dive Into the 2022 State of the Industry Report
The ASI Media team unpacks the most interesting findings and trends from our annual survey.
7/28/2022
Counselor's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Oesen
From building Canada’s nascent promo industry to mentoring countless professionals, Oesen leaves a staggering legacy.
7/27/2022
Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year: Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith established her Texas company with a mission: to provide the best customer service and a flexible work environment.
7/26/2022
Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year: Shelbyville Pencil Company/Shepenco
Owner Dan Townes shares stories and wisdom from decades of working in promo.
7/25/2022
Counselor’s 2022 Woman of Distinction: Debbie Abergel
The chief strategy officer at Nadel reflects on her early days at the Top 40 distributor and her career trajectory that’s led her to become a beloved peer mentor.
7/20/2022
#PromoSpace: Overcoming Price Objections to Sustainable, Ethical Merch
Daniel Cardozo of Ethix Merch and Lauren Piller of Eco Marketing Solutions talk about strategies they use to convince clients to purchase sustainable products.
7/15/2022
NC Custom’s Remarkable 11th Hour Acquisition of Fresh Beginnings
David Miller of NC Custom tells the story of how the Top 40 supplier acquired Fresh Beginnings just as it was about to close for good.
7/14/2022
Trends & Sales Opportunities With Branded Displays, Banners and Exhibits
Bill Roman, strategic sales manager at Orbus Exhibit & Display (asi/75209), offers can’t-miss tips for capitalizing with these product categories.
7/6/2022
News Roundup With ASI Media’s Writers
Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski and Chris Ruvo give synopses of recent stories involving the supply chain, product trends, sustainability, apparel and more.
6/29/2022
Which States Are Driving Growth in the Promo Industry?
The ASI Media editors dive into the telling data from the just-released State & Regional Sales Report.