Welcome to our podcast, where we dive into the world of promotional products, brand marketing, and occasionally, digital marketing. Our hosts, Gary and Melissa, are two experienced industry professionals who are not afraid to discuss all the ins and outs of the promotional market. Together, they offer behind-the-scenes insights, tips and tricks, success stories, and even share failures. Join us as we explore everything related to the industry with their unique angles. Taking you on a journey into the world of brand marketing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's world, a wealth of information is at our fingertips, empowering buyers to conduct their own research, explore a vast array of products online, and complete purchases with the aid of AI assistance. The question remains: will this trend continue? Melissa and Gary welcomed Lisa, CREATIVE's Senior Promotional Marketing Consultant, to explore the roles and benefits of partnering with a consultant for promotional marketing projects. Their discussion went beyond simply sourcing products, delving into the inspiring possibilities of creating, managing, supporting, optimizing, and customizing tailored promotional efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Your website is the heartbeat of your business, serving as the gateway to your brand story that potential customers can explore around the clock! So, have you ever wondered if your business website is truly thriving? Does it clearly convey what you stand for and what you offer? Join Melissa and Gary as they welcome Cale, a CREATIVE web developer, for a discussion about the world of website creation and development. They delve into essential topics such as the power of landing pages, the magic of SEO, the insights gained from analytics, and some game-changing tools that will elevate your website's success. Get ready to transform your online presence! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's hard to believe that three months have passed since their last conversation about the important trade policies between Canada and the United States. In this episode, Melissa and Gary share their experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of current trade policies, the challenging purchasing climate, the pressures of inflation, and the evolving business landscape. We hope their thoughts resonate with you and provide some comfort as we all navigate these changes together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The rapid evolution of technology presents a challenge in keeping up with the latest trends and innovations. In the promotional product industry, the ability to adapt is crucial for achieving market success. In a recent discussion, Melissa and Gary highlighted the shifting interests in various tech promotional products over time, moving from USB memory drives to more advanced solutions like NFC technology. They also shared anecdotes about different products they have encountered in their experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are two principal types of brands within an organization: the corporate brand and the employer brand. The marketing department is primarily tasked with managing corporate branding through outward communication. However, it is equally essential for this department to collaborate with the human resources department in developing and nurturing the employer brand. In this episode, Melissa and Gary will explore the importance of establishing a robust employer brand within an organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We find ourselves in the midst of a trade war between Canada and the United States, and its implications are undeniable. Gary and Melissa explore how tariff policies affect Canada's purchasing landscape and consider the impact on the promotional product industry in Canada. They also discuss the relevance and feasibility of the Made-in-Canada and Product of Canada movements to see if it makes sense for the industry to adopt that model. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are numerous ways a corporation can uphold brand consistency, retain talented employees, and inspire best practices. One powerful approach is to implement promotional programs within the organization. Melissa and Gary welcomed Rob, CREATIVE's Program Director, to share insights on the transformative potential of a corporate online promotional program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wow, what a year it's been! We're excited to bring you the final episode of 2024! Join Melissa and Gary as they reflect on all the highs and lows from the past year, sharing what they've learned along the way. They're also looking ahead and chatting about what fun things are in store for 2025. You won't want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and advancements are being made globally to reinforce this reality. As marketers, we have a choice: We can fear AI or fully embrace its potential. Melissa, Gary, and Larual are convening to explore how AI is shaping their marketing strategies and tactics, and there's no doubt it will play a crucial role in the future of their work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The promotional product industry is filled with diverse decoration methods that inspire creativity. Melissa and Gary are sharing their knowledge on traditional techniques like embroidery, screen printing, and transfer while also showcasing cutting-edge methods such as Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF). Their stories reveal the remarkable evolution of decoration and the endless possibilities for growth within the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gary and Melissa exchange stories about various topics related to the promotional products industry. They discuss key terms such as sampling, setup charge, Pantone colour, overruns, and underruns, which evoke a range of emotions and experiences for both of them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Promotional products have often been wrongly criticized for their lack of environmental friendliness. However, this is far from the truth. In this episode, Melissa and Gary discuss sustainability and the promotional product industry's commitment to an eco-friendly future through sustainable products and manufacturing processes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Creating a SWAG box is gaining immense popularity nowadays. In this episode, Melissa and Gary lay out the essential steps to creating a promotional SWAG box. It involves much more than just placing products in an attractive box. They discuss the consideration of strategy and theme, mock-up and design, ordering process, quality control and storage, as well as fulfillment and shipping. These factors must be thoroughly addressed for a successful SWAG box creation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The dynamic trio of Melissa, Gary, and Laurel are back with part 2 of their discussion, and this time they're diving into the world of Paid Social Media Advertising. They'll be unravelling the ins and outs of social paid ads, revealing how to choose the perfect one, uncovering the costs involved, and unveiling the key metrics to keep an eye on. They are sharing their real-life experiences and insider tips for running successful social media paid ad campaigns. Don't miss out on this – it's going to be an absolute blast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Melissa and Gary have finally decided to dive into the world of digital marketing. They've invited Laural to join them in a lively discussion about social media and how businesses can use these platforms to build strong customer relationships. They're also sharing stories from both the user's and the account manager's perspectives while talking about some of the assumptions and pitfalls when using social platforms for business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gary and Melissa had a special guest, Jordan, join them for a fun and friendly chat about finding the right clients. They shared stories and discussed the essential characteristics and attributes they look for when working with clients. They even compared this process to dating and marriage! You'll love listening to their episode and discovering what they consider the most important criteria for building great relationships with clients. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Gary and Melissa share their knowledge and insights gained from their experience and interactions with their supplier partners. They will dive deep into various aspects of the promotional supply chain, such as inventory warehousing, trends, supplier and manufacturer dynamics, customization production, and global and local logistics. Rest assured, you're in for an exciting and informative session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gary and Melissa provide an overview of the promotional product industry by identifying the key players: distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Furthermore, they draw upon their experiences to highlight the essential elements of a typical promotional project and highlight some of the challenges that distributors confront on a daily basis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Gary and Melissa in this episode as they discuss the promotional products industry and their journey into their current positions. They will define what promotional products are and discuss the relevance of this industry while highlighting how it changes over time. Tune in to learn more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.