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To keep my MAS certification with PPAI, requires 30 renewal credits every 3 years. These courses allow me to challenge myself to make changes that keep our company growing & evolving. We are also a HUB status business to connect us to partners seeking women- owned partnerships. Several of my courses were around diversity, equity and inclusion. What major concepts did I take away? Diversity is more than race, ethnicity, gender, age, and LGBTQ+. During one of my courses, Kelly McDonald, Speaker and Author, McDonald Marketing, suggested we explore others ways we are different from one another. By recognizing how we are different we broaden our perspective's which translates into a more productive & cohesive team in the workplace. Here are some examples of how we are different: Married or single Parent vs no kids Pet owner vs no pets Introverts vs. Extroverts Prefer collaboration or independent work Creative vs. Analytic Thinking Morning People vs. Night Owls Generational differences & perceptions of “good service” Rural vs. Metro Communication styles: face-to-face or email/texting only Apple people vs. Google people Religious beliefs Within our team- we are all different. Sure we have some similarities too. My post about the power of generational diversity lead to a series of discussions. Those discussions led to our pearls of wisdom series to celebrate women's history month. Each woman that is part of this series is a trailblazer in their industry. Each offered encouragement, coaching & mentoring through their "pearls". When we listen we learn. Being surrounded by individuals that approach projects differently, with a different frame of mind keeps me sharp; curious & exploring. Our team and our partners grow my hub of knowledge. Best of all, my toolbox stays well rounded. I'm able to replace antiquated tools with better tools to solve challenges. I seek out certifications that align with better tools for my toolbox. Build your own box- don't settle for pre-made. Like visual arts, there is no one way to paint, sculpt or draw; find the mediums that are right for your voice. Besides, just like what mayo does to zest up a sandwich, mayo can grease the wheel. Progress happens when we move forward! Staying curious strengthens the imagination, which becomes a creative power in your box.

Often an old toolbox has at least one gadget that's a mystery. Because I am curious & solution oriented, I love exploring ideas. The exploration process often reveals a new way of solving a challenge. When I was a kid my dad created a tree swing for me. I could swing for hours, going higher & higher; talking & singing. The swing was my happy place. My imagination was free to dream. Art has always been a part of my life. I love how different mediums can express emotions, thoughts, or capture a moment in time. The unlimited possibilities satisfies my creative side and offers me a space to be an idea engineer. I am excited by meeting new people because I love their stories. Remembering names can often be a struggle for me till I've had some repetition. However if you have a dog that sleeps on a polka dot pillow, that I will remember. A sense of community grounds me. By plugging into my community, I'm absorbing the currency & culture around me. When I listen to what makes my network dream & explore, it helps me connect the dots. Then those dots lead to new opportunities, which excites me. Work requires being actionable & setting goals. It's my way to stay passionate about developing strategy & creating experiences for our partners is on-going professional development. Collaboration between our partners is our foundational magic . We use that wizardry to craft project solutions around marketing, advertising, and employee engagement needs; creating solutions. We love adding partnership tools to our box. Learning keeps the creative wheel going. We're always looking for ways to strengthen our team. We became HUB status back in 2007, as a way to connect with businesses seeking women- owned partnerships. Through our industry certification programs we also learn & grow. Our on-going commitment to professional development is a huge part of what shapes the Promotional Partners toolkit. Ask me what I learned in my last 30 hours of renewal credits. I'm always happy to share. After-all it's a new conversation. Now the mayo- why should it be in your toolbox; you'll have to read my next post. Sneaky huh?

It seems everyone is journaling! In fact, sales of notebooks and journals have hit a 7 year peak across our industry and in retail. What is behind this soar? Shift to remote work- a place to collect your thoughts Digital overload- unplugging from screens and access; shutting out the noise Mindfulness- taking time to reflect and breathe Sustainability- a RocketBook does not require paper and some notebooks are refillable, while others are made from recycled materials- even paper from stone. Crafting- planning & creating- it's hot! For example, this recycled journal features a recycled polyurethane (PU) cover adorned with a bamboo accent & recycled white lined paper combines style and eco-conscious materials seamlessly. As part of our commitment through 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales from all EcoSmart® products contribute to supporting environmental nonprofits. A stylish choice, making a positive impact too! What pairs with a journal? Writing instruments of course! Our showroom is stocked with pens & pencils to compare, so you have the right look & feel for your journal experience. Make sure you like the physical connection in the hand & to the page; it matters. Add value with custom sticker sheets, bookmarks or enhance your gift presentation with a tear away belly band. Paper can become any shape or have any type of content. Consider adding value with humor- your best dad joke, a call to action for reflection, a QR code to sign up for an upcoming event or to record your impressions from an event for later.

For many summer months represent an opportunity to explore a new destination or revisit a familiar location like the beach, lake, river or mountains to reset their mind & relax. Snipp Interactive provided these stat's: Studies show that warmth leads to more purchases (46% more likely to shop at 77℉ than at 68℉) People pay more too: over 80% of consumers were willing to pay more for goods and services when they’re warm! How can you use these stat's grow sales? Use our love of summertime activities as a way to connect with your markets & grow. Layer in coolers & drinkware into your summer marketing campaigns. Insert products into your social media to capture attention, then convert to sales. Offer rewards for loyal consumers that increase the frequency or increase the volume of their purchase by rewarding their behavior. Craft a loyalty program around products that are kept & used- read more here, Like what? Bags and drinkware are consistent winners for engagement. Getting consumers talking about you is an important step in growing your business. Our new on-demand program is an excellent way to offer rewards & incentives to your loyal consumer, in turn creating opportunities to insert your brand into their lifestyle. Grow attention & add new consumers to your business. Summer time includes cold drinks! Whether your favorite beverage is iced coffee or cocktail from your favorite social district; a flexible partner is an asset! Heat up sales & chill out your customer with a Frost Buddy. What's the magic of a Frost Buddy? Read more here. Make your business a summer companion. HEAT up your summer revenue with the infusion of clever marketing. Take a look at all the options, including one for your 4 legged companions! Ask us to put our certified knowledge to work by crafting a program for you to heat up your summer sales!

In the bustling world of professional development and personal growth, the voice of Ann Rollins, the esteemed Executive Director at the Poe Center for Health Education, rings clear and resonant. With years of experience and wisdom under her belt, Rollins shares invaluable insights on the significance of positivity, inner beauty, and the profound Japanese tradition of Kintsugi. In her empowering discourse, Rollins emphasizes the pivotal role of positivity in fostering professional growth. She accentuates how maintaining a positive mindset amidst challenges can catalyze success and resilience. Drawing from her own journey, Rollins illuminates how optimism acts as a catalyst for navigating obstacles, fostering innovation, and nurturing meaningful relationships in the workplace. One of the ways she does this is by expressing her hugs whenever she gets the chance, as those are the moments you have to remember. Beyond the realms of professional endeavors, Rollins advocates for the cultivation of inner beauty—a quality she deems indispensable for leading a fulfilling life. She elucidates how true beauty emanates from within, transcending superficial appearances. Rollins underscores the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and compassion in nurturing one's inner beauty, asserting that it forms the cornerstone of personal fulfillment and meaningful connections. One of Rollins' pearls of wisdom shines a light on the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi—a practice that epitomizes resilience, transformation, and the beauty of imperfection. Through the art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, Kintsugi celebrates the scars and imperfections, embracing them as integral parts of an object's history. Rollins draws a parallel between this profound tradition and the human experience, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing our flaws and setbacks as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Rollins encourages individuals to adopt a Kintsugi mindset, viewing life's challenges as opportunities for renewal and growth. By reframing setbacks as stepping stones toward personal evolution, Rollins empowers her audience to embrace their inherent strength and resilience, fostering a profound sense of self-acceptance and empowerment. Watch this short video for more on what Kintsugi is. In conclusion, Ann Rollins' wisdom serves as a guiding beacon in navigating the intricacies of professional growth, inner beauty, and the art of embracing life's imperfections. Through her insightful discourse and reverence for the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, Rollins instills a profound appreciation for the transformative power of positivity, authenticity, and resilience—a testament to the enduring legacy of wisdom and enlightenment she imparts upon all who seek it. Emily Freed

Being seen & heard starts by having space "at the table". For those of us that are extroverted we assume our words matter and those around us are listening! However not everyone wants to hear a lot of words. Connection is what makes promotional products - work, they leave an impression. In order to make a connection a product should fill a space where it will be noticed. Today let's explore how quiet products offer huge touch points- filling the room. Our senses create strong impressions - sight, smell, taste, touch and sound. Elegance. Fragrance. Light. Ground individuals by offer tranquility. An artisan hand poured candle offers a way to connect with their senses. Introduce partnership by growing something together. Sprout an environment that nourishes relationships. Fill space in a way that nourishes relationships- you might be surprised how not using your words will create a powerful connection. While these may seem like quirky strategies- they work.

Have you ever wished you could jump into someone's suitcase, computer bag or duffel & hit the road in an instant? If you were a RuMe bag- you'd be the perfect companion, ready in a moment's notice! RuMe® short for ReUseMe features products designed towards creating an organized way of living. What makes this brand special? RuMe products are designed with environmentally conscious consumers in mind, who don't want to sacrifice style and functionality for sustainability. The RuMe® Recycled tote are easy to fold up for travel and made with recycled materials! These lightweight yet rugged bags are known for their spacious interior and sturdy construction, making them perfect companion for carrying groceries, books, or beach essentials, the tote bag is up to the task. The ease of companionship, plus a travel partner that's adaptable makes these bags an essential for all. Watch this video to see how simple for travel. Explore all of our options here.

When you want something out of the ordinary- you need the right partner. In our personal lives, humans look for "the one"- those best friends and partners that can go the distance in our relationship. Those perfect matches make us laugh, they support us, and most importantly they "get us", which adds value. Surely you've heard the term- don't be cookie cutter, but let's explore that lingo for a moment. A franchise has a formula that's pre-scripted and defined, yet it has a place in the landscape of business. The consistent deliverable is appealing for removing the unknown. Whether it's a hotel chain, restaurant, coffee shop or your dry cleaner; you know the policies, the hours, the processes that will be followed. Independent business owners however are completely in charge of their brand identity. Who are you? What do you want others say about you? When you get a referral, what does your new connection say was the reason for the referral? What type of people & projects make you happy? Know yourself. Find partners that want your relationship. What do I mean? We sell products, even cookie cutters. However does every client need a cookie cutter to market their brand? Hardy. Think about it. A cookie cutter is merely meant to be a quick template to set up the baker for a consistent outcome. The surface of the product is meant to be a creative canvas. Partnerships in business are similar to the ones in life. Conversation forms relationships. By asking questions and provide vulnerable- open answers, you'll discover the best alignments. Here's an example: Keith sees me work every month at the kitchen counter on the newsletter. He sees the time it takes to craft one and often asks if it's worth the time. Being a linear matrix type guy, what he really means is did the content produce a sale? I tell him "no, not always, but it always adds value." Of course he follows up, "how do you know?" I show him the open rate I tell him about a product or service that a client shares with a co worker I share information about orders My favorite share? The intangible - tangible relationship. Recently I caught up with a long time client at an event. Immediately she shared how much looks forward to our monthly newsletters. For her, the content is relevant and to use her words, not cookie cutter. She went on to explain that she deletes most newsletters that hit her inbox, because often they are the same. She laughed saying, "I really love it when it's the exact same content." What really made me feel great, and of course could not wait to share with Keith was her next comment. "When I get your newsletters, I feel like your collaborating with me. Your offering me insights and ideas that I know are your own. So even though I might not have time to meet all the time, I feel like each month you are meeting with me one on one." What's the point of this blog? Use your key ingredients to make something special. I love to write, so making a newsletter or writing a blog is both relaxing and fun. There is no one way to form connection. Figure out how to position your assets to add value for your relationships. Don't be cookie cutter.

It's our local advantage- access to the team. Your partnership starts in a collaborative space, with full access to our talented, creative & certified team. Each of our team members work in tandem to insure each element of your project runs smoothly from concept to delivery; there's work behind the scenes. Earlier this summer our intern captured the moving parts our clients depend on for consistency, quality and results. While work flows smoothly, there are many unknown aspects to each of each our job roles. Read Emily's insights here about our team's collaborative process with our clients. Then make sure to click each of our names to read her revelations seeing us work behind the scenes. You might be surprised how many moving parts are at work each day that remain unseen in the process of developing & delivering your order. How does our team work together for you? Let's go behind the scenes. What starts as collaboration in person or virtually from our showroom & design studio, takes many twists and turns along the way. It's not AI tracking your order- it's us! Olivia, Miranda and Isabel are working together - offering a unique synergy for each client that combined makes the outcome appear effortless. Keith is navigating options & makes sure we are compliant for everything related to safety. His years of experience in the environmental testing world make him a well qualified partner for insuring products are exactly what you expect when delivered. Sherri is managing the steps along the process once you'd placed an order. Her work continues to delivery. Our team assets play out in each collaboration with you. Take a look at how our four values of community, certification, creativity and collaboration play out to elevate your brand identity in these behind the scenes case studies. Together, we are providing you visionary assurance, united purpose.

There’s little wonder why we have heroes. We need them to get us through this challenging experience called life. Heroes help us survive, and they help us thrive.”— Scott Allison, Ph.D. – “Why We Need Heroes” Super-hero moments often don't make the visual impact suggested by the big screen or through comic characters. Perhaps it's because character is one of those things that doesn't have a symbol worn on the chest and adults don't go around wearing caps. Character is how we demonstrate our true colors- it's how we assist physically, emotionally, socially or spiritually in our communities. Individuals with character are, to use a popular word, authentic. They don't copy & paste what they see others doing around them. Instead these individuals carve out their own path. Recently I sat down with Ruth Steidinger to talk about how woman can lift one another up, mentor & support while carving out their own path. Watch our conversation here. Let me be clear, I've never done anything or has our company done anything that rises to the level of a heroic act. Instead, for today I'd challenge you to consider a hero or heroism to be a metaphor for a champion. We all need more champions in life. Champions are mentors, coaches and friends that find ways to invest in the activities that bring them joy and balance in life. We feel centered when we give to others. It's giving back that inspired me to start our Promotional Partners Cares program back in 2020. It's also a deep love of community, watch here, that motivates me to put a spotlight on programs making a difference locally & globally. Community is borderless; it's about finding heart everywhere and determining what skills, funds or voice you can add to the mission at hand. Loving our local community is part of our "DNA"- we encourage everyone to find the areas in their communities where their passions & interest can make an impact. Our passion behind community is the motivation behind an upcoming women's series called "Pearls of Wisdom" we hope you'll follow on our blog and through videos on our social media accounts. Sometimes becoming a hero comes down to simple choices. If your cape isn't visible yet, ask us about partnerships we've discovered that align with your authentic self; in fact please make it part of your next collaboration with us. We'd be happy to suggest local organizations or ways that your company branding can align with your passions; what you champion in life. Superhero or champion, the mission is helping another. Where did we apply our footprint in 2023? Click here for a summary of organizations and our investments. Let's partner to create moments that uplift others; cape optional.

For this Pearl of Wisdom contribution I, Emily Freed, an intern at Promotional Partners, am going to share some of my reflections and thoughts as an observer of the series. Throughout the Pearls of Wisdom series, I have been part of almost all of the discussions and meetings which has offered me a unique perspective coming from a woman just starting out in the professional world. In today's fast-paced world, where instant gratification seems to be the norm, Barb Conroy the Vice President of the Apex Public School Foundation, offers a refreshing perspective on the importance of pausing before making decisions or taking action. In her discussion with us, Barb shares a pearl of wisdom that has resonated deeply with many, including myself: "Let me get back to you…" As a woman just starting to be immersed in the complexities of the modern workforce, I find Barb's insights particularly insightful and relatable. The Pearl of Wisdom series is a treasure trove of diverse perspectives and experiences shared by women from all walks of life. This series serves as a testament to the richness of wisdom that emerges from collective voices. As I navigate my own journey in the workforce, I've come to appreciate the depth and breadth of insights offered by this series. Barb's emphasis on the power of pause resonates deeply with me. In a world inundated with constant stimuli and the pressure to act swiftly, her words serve as a gentle reminder to step back and embrace moments of reflection. As someone who often feels the weight of urgency in decision-making, Barb's perspective encourages me to prioritize clarity and intentionality over haste. Barb acknowledges that she, like many of us, has been conditioned to prioritize speed and efficiency in her approach to life. However, she recognizes the value of resisting this urge and allowing herself the space to pause and reconsider. She states “I’ve been conditioned to be this way. Haven’t we all; with the immediate gratification culture hand-held computers have created. But, more times than not, there is still something to be said for sitting on something for at least a day. 24 hours can shift perspective, language, and emotions. 24 hours can confirm these things as well. A pause allows me to find clarity and peace with my actions.” Through Barb's wisdom, I've come to recognize pause not as a sign of weakness or indecision but as a strategic tool for fostering deeper understanding and insight. Her ability to distill complex concepts into accessible nuggets of wisdom speaks to her expertise. She continues by stating that waiting “allows my decisions to be most meaningful rather than emotional or reactive. Pause helps me be in the moment and give you my best self. Pause is hard and goes against my core at times, but I have seen its impact and will continue to practice this approach.” Barb's perspective on the power of pause serves as a guiding light for those of us who are still learning to find our footing in the professional world. By embracing this approach, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our actions, ultimately allowing us to show up as our best selves in every situation. Have you seen our previous blog post on how to bounce back from dropping the ball? Check it out here. Barb Conroy can be found here and the Apex Public School Foundation can be found here.

Through conversation we find common ground that puts us on a road to creating solutions. Simple right? It should be, but often we create unintended barriers by not forming trust soon enough. In my last post I suggest that a little mayo might be a key ingredient to embrace. Go with me- Here is a quick test: Always late or always early? Spicy food or sweets? Avoid conflict or willing to share your opinion? Duke's, Miracle Whip or Hellman's? Did you pass? I hope, because there were no right answers. Well, except Duke's. It's really the obvious choice. Hold that judgement for a moment and let's get back to pearls. While filming the series & corresponding by email, the insights shared keep Emily & I reflecting long after the pearl is posted. Each woman is sharing vulnerable moments, including discussing imperfections, failures, motivators, and insecurities. Each story has been powerful because of the emotional vulnerability. What keeps us up at night or frustrates us during the day, is often an experience shared by those around us- yet until recently, left in silence. Let's talk about it. When I was in school where you placed your cafeteria tray was often defined by the individuals that seemed the most like you- in appearance & that represented your roots. The modern workplace is redefining the landscape of what it means to be diverse. Younger generations are not blindly following the norm and older generations like myself are not ready to exit the workplace. I still enjoy meeting people and learning something new. Bringing different perspectives into the workplace produces well rounded team's. Solving tasks together requires using our words & actions in ways that build bridges, not walls. Each woman in this series has shared relatable emotion's. By sharing her thoughts each woman is bridging the path to conversations we can navigate together. Now back to the mayo. What does mayonnaise have to do with diversity? Try this, ask a group of people in your office which mayo they prefer and bring on the spirited conversation. There will be judgement, but laughs, because why we love our specific brand isn't an uncomfortable topic. Ask something that is edgy, suddenly everyone will need to get back to work. Finding ways to create, collaborate and share common bonds is the clay that helps us work together for amazing results. PS- The photo selected was also meant to ignite conversation. Is mayo a dipping sauce or a condiment that should be layered into the sandwich?