PPB December 2019

Beth Eaton President Race Ahead CLE, LLC If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing that would make a huge impact on how you work today, what would that be? Focusing on clients who provide avenues for growth, versus a focus on transactional clients who are “one and done.” Also, leveraging my time effectively by delegating to production coordinators so that I can focus on relationship building and continued business development. Describe the promo industry landscape in 2028. What will we need to be teaching now that will make a difference? Consultative selling and truly listening to our client needs, rather than pushing the product of the week. Andrea Weston Director-Program Operations Bob Lilly Promotions If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing that would make a huge impact on how you work today, what would that be? Make time for relationships in this industry. The relationships I’ve had for 15 years are invaluable. Not only do you cherish the friendship, but being able to call on someone in a time of need is very helpful and can save your world. Describe the promo industry landscape in 2028. What will we need to be teaching now that will make a difference? Ten years can bring a world of change. More online sales. Make ordering with you an easy button. Amazon-like customer service expectations with free everything and zero shipping. We need to take the reins now and set our customers up with the mentality that having a promo concierge is much more valuable than any online company can offer them. However, broadening the way distributors sell promo has to happen. We must make it easy to order, communicate and deliver information to our clients. Incredible ERP and CRM systems are going to be the future. Pablo Prahl Marketing Director/Owner Proforma A&G Marketing Group If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing that would make a huge impact on how you work today, what would that be? Hire a CSR since day one, it will make a huge impact in the development of your business. Describe the promo industry landscape in 2028. What will we need to be teaching now that will make a difference? Customer service. People have more choices now than ever before so I will take a wild guess that in 10 years it is going to be even more difficult to differentiate yourself. So, you have to teach soft skills and great customer service to the new generation combined with the modern workplace. Sam DeWeese Owner/CEO Brandstorm Solutions If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing that would make a huge impact on how you work today, what would that be? Stay focused on the task at hand. Don’t chase the rabbit. I was too often distracted when I came across something that I didn’t understand that didn’t necessarily pertain to the current goal. I would stress out and waste time trying to learn something that would eventually come with time and experience. I still have to practice focusing to avoid this. Describe the promotional item industry landscape in 2028. What will we need to be teaching now that will make a difference? Ten years from now marketing will be even more important than it is now. An expert in promotional products will be key to the success of any business. Specifically, I believe video marketing will have an even bigger role in reaching companies that desire to grow and develop new, long- lasting relationships. FEATURE | Looking Back, Looking Forward 32 | DECEMBER 2019 |

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