Bruce Fox Blog

Estimated Read Time: 12 Minutes

Order-Taker – it’s not an endearing term, yet it satisfies the job description for many in the promotional products industry. From the Swag-Getters to the Branded Products Retrievers, our industry is flooded with people who just take orders without any question or real thought behind why their customer wants those tchotchkes.

Dave wrote a blog a while ago – Welcome to McPromoland, May I Take Your Order? this hit a little too close to home for some. Why? He called out many promotional products companies for being no better than a fast food joint.  

“If you are showing pictures and taking orders by number, and there is no personal relationship with your customers, then you are operating a McPromoland.”

Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes

With all of the industry changes, distributors are left with a choice. You are standing at a crossroads right now. And you have two roads to choose from.

One is to continue to outsource your goods; whether it’s your cups, glasses, and certificate frames, or even your custom goods.

The other is to work with US manufacturers; ones who do not have to wait for overseas shipping, tariffs, or foreign holidays that shut down the country for weeks. In addition to satisfying the growing demands for products made in the USA.

As you are aware, there have been a few of articles written about this choice.

So, which road will you choose?

Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes

Employee engagement and employee recognition might not be the hot button topics that they once were, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not still in-demand or relevant. On the contrary, statistics are showing that employees are wanting (and needing) recognition and engagement even more.

Here are 17 statistics discussing employee recognition and engagement that’s perfect for any employee recognition project you’re working on right now. Enjoy!

Estimated Read Time: 16 Minutes

When you buy products for your employees, how do you decide what to get?

Price? That’s typical but shouldn’t be the sole factor.

Because you like it? What you like might not represent the majority of the recipients.

Because it’s useful? Useful to whom? A retiree most likely won’t need dishware or a blender; they will just give it away, likely to a child or grandchild. My mother would not appreciate some modern tech gift because she wouldn’t know how to use it, but my brother would.  

The point is, when was the last time you looked at how your recipients see your gift? Does it mean anything to them? Or does your gift come off as a slap in the face?

That’s a nightmare situation to say the least.

Estimated Read Time: 10 Minutes

Podcasts – we’ve all heard of them, many regularly listen to them. Me being one of those masses.

There are so many podcasts, their topics, personalities, and knowledge seem limitless, but they are still growing as even more join their ranks.

No, we are not starting our own podcast.

Instead, as an avid listener, I decided to expand my listening-list. That’s why I’ve created this extensive list. I figured that there are other people like me, always looking for more channels and topics to learn about. Most are podcasts that I listen to or someone has suggested for me to listen to, with a few podcasts that I’ve found thrown in. But I will admit I’m only looking at business and work-related podcasts.

Don’t worry; these 109 podcasts have been broken up into scanable sections so you can easily find where you’d like to grow and learn.

Estimated Read Time: 14 minutes

Relationships are the lifeblood of this industry. With the age of Amazon on our doorstep, you have to define your value to customers (which has to be more than price, especially with the tariffs).

For some, it’s about approaching their clients and the relationship like a consultant or agency; which is wise in this ever-changing industry.

Despite so many concurring that we need to build relationships beyond price, many don’t know how to do so.

That’s why I’ve written this blog about building relationships. Now, since I’m in the custom awards & displayable recognition segment, much of what I say will apply to that. However, you can easily glean plenty of info from this blog.

Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes

I went to the St. Louis City Museum not too long ago. If you have kids, or are a big kid yourself, I highly recommend it. It is basically a giant indoor/outdoor playground with interactive (and educational) exhibits.

But what in the world does the City Museum have to do with DYR’s Diamond Acrylic?

Well, when I walked up to the front desk, I noticed a few things.

1. The person behind the counter taking payment and giving out tickets.
2. The glass panel separating us.
3. The two desk signs. One talked about how they were rated as one of St. Louis’ top attractions while asking for us to go online & rate them on the that same site. The other was promoting “The Roof.” It seems if you pay a little more, you can get into another area of the museum that is only open during certain times of the year, depending on the weather.

How smart is that? The desktop signage didn’t take up much room, looked professional, and caught my attention.

Estimated Read Time: 6 Minutes

PPAI’s Las Vegas Expo is one of (if not the biggest) tradeshows for the Promotional Products industry.

It takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from January 13-17 and each year it has grown bigger and bigger.

We’ve been attending for so many years, we’ve lost count and each year we see the same thing – a lot of stuff.

That’s the point of this Expo, so that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But when you’re walking through row upon row, aisle upon aisle, you start to just glace down the rows. However, when you do that, you start missing some of the exhibitors tucked away, out of eyesight.

Furthermore, we all know that over time, the products begin to blur, your swag bag gets fuller, and you start to miss your comfy bed.

Before we get started on what makes this PPAI Expo so unique, we’ve put together 5 expo tips – enjoy.

Estimated Read Time: 10 Minutes

While on the various Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and blogs, I’ve noticed a few key topics.

1. Tariffs
2. Interesting Products
3. Sales Tips

Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes

The holidays are finally here (and over for some of us).

The eggnog was bought, the halls were decorated, and the endless holiday parties were (mostly) attended.

With all that running around, from setting up your out of office to wrapping up any last-minute projects, I want to take a moment to discuss one of the most thought-about subjects this season – presents.

Yes, you heard me.