Keep Calm, Cause I'm SO Excited

So, it’s an exciting time in the promotional industry – I might even be so bold to say it’s the most wonderful time of the year!  Christmas is coming, new catalogs are arriving, technology is officially the 2^nd largest selling category in the industry, and apparel is becoming more female friendly!  Woo HOO!  All of these things make me ridiculously excited to be doing what I do.CHRISTMAS IS COMING!  This is exciting for so many reasons.  One, it’s time to find out if Santa thinks you’ve been naughty or nice. Two, I mean, Christmas dinner, duh. Three, it’s officially the time of the year where employers can give their employees something to show how much they are appreciated and kick off the New Year on the right foot.  Our industry is full of ideas for this.  From a vacuum coffee tumbler full of chocolates to a “Christmas store” personalized just for you – the possibilities are close to endless.“New Catalogs?  Why would that be exciting?” is probably what you are thinking.  Well, let me explain.  This time of year, it’s pretty much the most exciting part of my day.  The mail arrives and I wait to see what’s in it so I can have the first glance! New catalogs mean new products.  New products mean new ideas to help our customers market their company and keep things fresh.  New products also give me something to learn about and think about who I NEED to show them to.  Sparkly, fresh ideas are the best.Technology is one of my favorite things to show in our industry, but one of the hardest things to sell.  I was just informed that technology is the 2^nd highest selling category in the promotional industry.  THAT is great news.  We live in a world (love it or hate it) where technology is key.  It seems that there is always something bigger and better out there and our industry is no exception.  From Bluetooth earbuds to a little pod that can turn anything into a speaker to a flashlight with a powerpack that can charge 3 iPods and a car (ok, I don’t think that actually exists, but probably will soon), the possibilities are endless. Plus, the perceived value of an item like that is through the roof.Last but not least, the promotional industry is finally becoming stylish for women – and as a female, that is so exciting.  I’ve always dreaded when a female-oriented company calls for new apparel for their employees.  No one wants another boxy polo shirt or an ill fitting button down, but those used to be the only options.  NOT TODAY!  Now we have a plethora of cute cardigans, fun sweaters, and feminine-cut casual wear at our disposal.  Plus, the color selections are veering away from the basic red, blue, black and grey.  Neons are all the rage, and the industry is keeping up!  YAY!So, forget the oncoming blizzards and the fact that it’s going to be dark when you get to and leave work.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year, my friends.  Give me a call, and I’ll get you on board.

• Shannon Kirby