As we begin a new year with added branding focus on earth friendly products, I’d like to take a few blogs and talk about what does all this mean and how can we make informed choices. I have watched folks in our industry, both vendors and buyers; jump on the bandwagon of the hottest fads. For instance, three years ago there were very few products available in pink. A few manufacturers, early adopters I would call them, actually showed their true commitment to breast cancer research and donated 10% of their net proceeds to a breast cancer charity. I love that! They created a product in response to the needs of the market and helped with the cause as well.

This article was originally featured in the Janury 2008 issue of PPB, Promotional Products Business. PPB is the Official Business Monthy Promotional Products Association International.

It’s time to raise our glasses and toast to being allowed into the esteemed marketing club.

Let’s discuss our evolving industry and forge a name for us and what we do. By “us,” I mean the entire promotional products industry. Ever since I started in this business nearly 20 years ago, I have felt a stigma when explaining what I did for a living. My secret passion has been to help establish our industry in consumers’ and buyers’ minds, and show them we are in the business of marketing and advertising—and we’re not the industry’s ugly stepchild.

I have enjoyed many careers, and I love marketing and branding. Even while serving as brand manager for recording artist Jewel, I actively sold promotional products as a rep for a major industry company.