by Kirby Hasseman
This has been true for years. There is an appreciation gap. It’s the gap between how much companies think they show appreciation…and how much employees and customers feel appreciated. It’s probably always been true. Studies show you that 69% of customers that leave you will do so because of perceived indifference. Nearly 70% of them leave because they don’t think you care!
And that was before a pandemic, quarantine, wildfires, racial injustice, murder hornets, and the Big Ten postponing football! So showing your customers and your employees that you really care about them is more important than ever before.
But let’s be honest, it can be harder now. With those challenges, many events have been cancelled. The places where we saw customers have been shut down. So while we need to say “thank you” more than ever, it’s harder than ever before to do it. That is why some companies are thinking outside of the box with appreciation.
Create A Party In A Box
Many companies are looking at the fact that traditional Holiday parties are going to be difficult this year. We want to show our team appreciation, not get them sick! On the other hand, the holidays is when many of us take the time to show appreciation to our employees and our customers. And since we just said, we need to show more appreciation this year, what can we do?
What about a virtual Party In A Box? The idea is simple. While we might not be able to physically get together, what if we did it virtually? We create a Zoom meeting (or pick your platform) and then ship each of your team a box with some amazing items so you can all celebrate together. Depending on your team (and your budget) you can create a branded package that might include an apparel item you want everyone to wear, a bottle of wine, a set of glasses, some sweet treats to eat, and even hand sanitizer! You could create a “party in a box” that really dazzles. And just think, you won’t have to rent a facility or cater a meal…so you can use that budget to build your team, your culture and your brand.
As a side, many of our suppliers are working hard on drop ship programs so you can do this more efficiently and cost effectively than ever before.
What do you think?
If you are interested in exploring an idea like this to show your team or customers that they are special, let us know. You can reach out to your Hasseman Marketing rep…or you can click here to reach out to us!
by Kirby Hasseman
If you are looking for a great branded gift item for your team or your customers, drinkware is a great category to consider. Why? There are plenty of reasons, but here are a few.
First, no sizing. While apparel is a wonderful item to give your team (and you should) you need to make sure you have the right sizes, or the gift is a waste. Functionality. Everyone uses drinkware. And if you get your team or your best customers a NICE piece of drinkware, they will use yours. It’s Personal. Anything you are putting in your mouth is personal! So tying your brand to something legitimately personal ties them more emotionally to you.
But what piece of drinkware?
At Hasseman Marketing, many of our team lean lean toward the Vacuum Tumbler. A vacuum tumbler (often a Yeti style mug) is double walled and insulated to keep your coffee hot and your ice cold for hours. With that, they are functional regardless of what kind of drink your recipient enjoys. Want to sip on a coffee all day, these work great! And if you like to enjoy a cold beverage by the pool all day, these have you covered as well.
But which Vacuum Tumbler? We asked our team!
Kelly Bowe Says: “The Viking Tumbler is always my go to tumbler. That’s the one I always bought for the hospital and everyone always loved it. The price was right and the quality was top notch.”
Jeff Wickerham Says: “Celeste: I love this tumbler! It is vacuum sealed, but unlike most vacuum sealed tumblers, it is ceramic. The Celeste has the traditional coffee cup feel but keeps my coffee hot, so it is the best of both worlds!”
Kirby Hasseman Says: “I love the Urban Peak tumblers. They have great performance as a tumbler, and the full color decoration is amazing. Oh…and you can personalize it so everyone makes sure they have the right tumbler.” (Yes…I just quoted myself there).
Regardless of what style you like the best, during this time we have a great opportunity to show our team and our customers how much we really appreciate it. Let’s not waste it. Please let us know if we can help. Remember, we have drop ship programs that can help you send your branded merchandise directly to their door!
by Kirby Hasseman
I believe we are living in a “Give First Economy.” What I mean by this (and I talk about it more here) is that the best and most successful brands, salespeople, entrepreneurs, etc. provide value up front. They “give” before they go for the sale. This is great for people who want to “do business right,” because they are poised to do this anyway. They want to help. But there is one mistake that I see people make all of the time around this “give first” economy. They want to say “thank you,” but they mix it up.
Let me explain. I got a box in the mail the other day from one of our suppliers. They are a great company, and we do a decent amount of business with them. The box said it had a gift inside, so I was excited to break it open. Let’s face it, it’s always nice to get a “thank you gift.” However, when I opened the package, there was a sales flyer and samples. Don’t get me wrong. They were nice samples. They even had good information on the sales flyer. It was a quality sales piece…and it got me to open the box.
But it was NOT a thank you gift. It was a sales pitch.
I immediately felt duped. I was a disappointed. I went from being excited to being (mildly) annoyed.
It was not the most egregious mistake in the world. It’s not like I won’t forgive them. But I guarantee you it was not what they wanted me to feel (at least I hope not).
So just a quick word of advice for Succeeding in the Give First Economy; don’t mix up appreciation and sales. If you want to say “thank you,” then just do that. Show the appreciation. Be sincere. Give first. Don’t work in a sales pitch. You are smart enough to see through that…and so are your customers and prospects. It takes away from the original intent. It also decreases the likelihood that I open the next package.
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by Kirby Hasseman
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, many people look up from their turkey filled haze and realize that we have officially entered “the last minute” for Corporate Gifts! You want to say “thank you” to your best clients and employees (to fix the appreciation gap), but you know you have to hurry! We get it. We do the same thing! So here is a quick list of “last minute” gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression!
Presidio Backpack: If you want a gift that is stylish and functional, this might be right fit for you and your team. The Presidio Backpack is vintage inspired with modern day features and it comes in denim or black. Very cool. To learn more go here.
42 Can Coleman Cooler: I love this cooler so much I wrote an entire blog about it! You can check that out here. But the fact is, this will be the only cooler you need! It’s a good size to hold all you need…and it will keep ice 36 hours. Learn more here.
12 x 18 Year At A Glance Calendar: This is simple. Functional. And we print this in house! If you want to get your contact information up all year long on your best customer’s wall…and provide them value…this might be the answer! Oh…and we also have a new 12 x 18 Calendar product that is nearly indestructible. It’s water proof and so tough to tear. This is THE product you want to have on construction sites, manufacturing, food, healthcare and more. Let us know if you need more information!
Pyramid Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler: This piece has a cool design, a great quality and a quick turn around time! It’s all you need in a gift for the holidays. Check out colors and details here.
Urban Peak Drinkware Gift Set: This has plenty of “wow” factor because of the great packaging and the different styles of drinkware. Oh…and did we mention you can do a really cool imprint on it? Learn more here.
So those are 5 quick ideas. Need more? We can help! But time is of the essence. Please email us here and we can help move you in the right direction! Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up to be on our VIP list here!
by Kirby Hasseman
I was meeting with a client the other day and we were discussing year end gifts for some of her VIP customers. She said she wanted to get them “something cool,” and then she added, “really I want to get them something they would love…but they would not buy for themselves.” Yes! That’s perfect. That a the definition of a great gift. It’s something they would love…but not buy for themselves! With that challenge in mind, I thought I would share a few that I think fit the bill! Urban Peak Gift Set: I love this. As a matter of fact, it’s the gift I got our team last year. Why? Because it fits everyone. It’s functional. It’s got wow factor. And with a full color imprint, you have great branding opportunities. This gift includes the Urban Peak cooler (great size) and 3 (count ’em 3) great vacuum drinkware pieces. Get more information here. Mission Pack: This is still my go to backpack. Designed by people who really travel, this one has all the bells and whistles. And, get this, with a minimum of 1 piece, you can personalize this too! Check it out here. Sonosphere Bluetooth Speaker: This is a super cool gift with great sound. The Sonosphere is a beautiful speaker and includes a full color imprint. Again, this is the kind of piece where you can really tell your story or show your appreciation. In addition, this is another piece with a one piece minimum…so you can personalize this like an award. Oh…and I love the packaging of this piece. If you want to make your VIP’s feel special, then this should be on the list! Yes…Beer: As I mentioned in this recent blog, we are doing Private Label Craft Beer. This is truly a one of a kind gift. For more information on it, check this post out. Finally, let’s talk about Brands! North Face Dry Vent Rain Jacket: You may not know this, but we able to get you the best brands in the business as well. This is just one example of a stylish jacket you can find in retail…and you can co-brand with now. This is a great jacket from North Face. And if you are interested in other brands, like Under Armour, Columbia, Coleman, Dri-Duck, and so much more…we have your back. These are all cool gifts that they will be really fired up to get…but they probably won’t go out and by. So they are sure to delight! As always, now is a great time to make sure you never miss an update. Join our VIP list here.
