Trinkets and Trash? I Don't Think So!

Just a few months ago, all of our businesses were at all-time highs. Every one of us, in every industry, knows where I am going with this. Business was fairly easy to come by and you couldn't pick a losing stock. Everyone was an expert!

And here we are...First, to all of my industry friends that have been furloughed or their position eliminated, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Hard work and being the best at what you do doesn't always secure your job. I am in total disbelief at some of the A+ people that have been let go. Clearly, you can do everything right but this monster is bigger than all of us. I will do everything I can to help you through this!

What I really wanted to mention today is how PROUD I am of the majority of people in my trinket and trash, tchotchke, promotional product business. When times get tough it is the first thing cut from that marketing budget and when things get better it is the last thing they bring back. Those of you not from this industry that may be reading this need to remember that a promotional product is here to educate, motivate and raise awareness. If there was ever a time to motivate your team, it is now!

Why am I proud? I am proud because while we were all receiving our work from home mandates things were starting to change. While the lifeblood of our business - sales meetings, conventions and other events were being cancelled, the suppliers in our industry put on another pot of coffee and started brainstorming. How can we keep our doors open, the cash flowing, as many people as possible working, and help our neighbors?

The result? All of these trunk slamming, ankle biting, cold calling and every other derogatory term you can think of for a sales consultant started talking to their contacts and realizing there was a very serious and urgent need for Personal Protection Equipment! PPE Their customer's normal channels were having a difficult time supplying the demand. People needed masks, sanitizers, gowns and many other things.

I am proud because our industry is agile! We are a speed boat used to finding ways around the barricade and getting solutions quickly. We know drop-dead event dates and meeting crucial timelines. And now this industry is playing a major role in getting people back to work. This has involved 60 and 70 hour weeks, working from home, tears, and many shouting matches. We are not perfect but we are survivors. That is why I am so proud of all of you!