Discover the secrets to happier employees in this week's edition of the Happy Office Hour powered by Brand Sauce. Chock-full of industry insights, hot new products for your company store, and valuable info to make your office happier and your company culture the envy of your industry.

A Dash of Industry Insights 📰

Industry Headlines, Insights, Data & Upcoming Events

🤖Robotics Meets Branded Swag: Ever wonder what a modern-day distribution center powered by mobile robots looks like? Meet PopPick! You can watch the video here. 

📈Employee Recognition Data: Did you know, 92% of workers are more likely to repeat a specific action after receiving recognition for it, & 83% of HR leaders said that recognition programs had a positive impact on employee engagement? Learn more.

🔮Trends & Predictions for 2025: more sustainable materials, value-driven products, experience-based gifting, hybrid work essentials, and smart fabric technology are set to reshape company merchandise.

Sustainability

It’s Time to Put an End to Wasteful Company Swag Practices in 2025

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Bulk ordering of company merchandise is creating unnecessary waste. Think about it - how many t-shirts are collecting dust in a storage closet because they were part of a minimum order requirement?

The reality of traditional bulk ordering:

• The one-size-fits-all approach fails to delight. Zero choice = zero excitement.

• Excess inventory ends up in a storage closet and ultimately in a landfill

• Employees stuck with items they never chose or wanted

• No personalization means missed opportunities for connection

There's a better way forward. Just imagine letting employees choose items they actually want, ordering exactly what's needed (even if it's just one), and eliminating storage headaches. Not only is this approach more sustainable, but it also:

• Creates better employee experiences

• Reduces waste and environmental impact

• Saves money on unused inventory

• Provides real-time analytics and insights on what people actually want

The technology exists. So why isn't everyone doing this?

The future of company merchandise isn't about ordering in bulk and hoping for the best - it's about smart, sustainable, on-demand solutions that put choice back in employees' hands.

Let's make 2025 the year we say goodbye to wasteful swag practices. Your budget (and the 🌎) will thank you.

Strategic Gifting

6 Gifting Strategies for Savvy Sales Teams

1. Leave Behinds

Turn every meeting into a lasting impression. It’s time to start gifting prospects premium branded merchandise they actually keep, use, and remember. Ultimately creating natural follow-up opportunities & accelerating lead conversion with high-quality items that stay on desks, not in drawers.

2. Client Onboarding

Welcome new clients with carefully curated onboarding packages that set the tone for your partnership. Because great relationships start with meaningful gestures.

3. Expiring Service

It’s time to start nurturing renewals before they're due. Stay top of mind with strategic touch points as contracts approach renewal. Subtle, sophisticated gestures that remind clients why they chose you.

4. Client Loyalty

It’s time to start rewarding your MVPs. Strategically recognize your top 20% of clients who drive 80% of value. Premium loyalty packages help extend customer lifetime value while strengthening key relationships.

5. Client Appreciation

From holiday gifts to milestone celebrations, create moments that matter. Curated appreciation packages that reflect your brand's value and strengthen client bonds.

6. Referral Programs

Turn happy clients into brand advocates and fuel your referral engine with strategic rewards that inspire action. Lower acquisition costs while celebrating the clients who help grow your business.

Conclusion

Oscar Wilde said it best: "The smallest kindness outshines the grandest plan."

In a world of complex sales strategies, sometimes it's the simple gestures - a thoughtful leave behind, a timely appreciation gift, a meaningful recognition moment - that build the strongest relationships.

Client Spotlight

Company Store Spotlight: achieve Engagement

This week we're shining a light on achieve Engagement's custom store - a perfect example of branded merchandise & swag done right. Their intuitive storefront combines sleek design with premium products their team actually wants.

We stocked them with a wide array of options for their community: branded apparel, new hire welcome kits, signage for events, office supplies for everyday use, tech gadgets, bags, apparel, drinkware, and more.

It’s an honor to help Barry, Zech, and their team turn company culture into wearable moments.

You can check out their store here.

Weekend Update

Around The Water Cooler With Ross

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who shared their Thanksgiving traditions with me in last week's edition. One of my favorite traditions these past several years has been welcoming people from our community, beyond just family, to join our Thanksgiving festivities.

After college, I founded a nonprofit helping Israeli athletes secure scholarships at American universities. This year, I felt immense gratitude hosting 5 of these students at our holiday celebration. Watching them experience their first Thanksgiving while reflecting on the impact we've made over the years brought a profound sense of humility to the entire gathering.

This experience has me wondering about the ripple effects of opening our homes and hearts to others. How might one simple invitation change someone's life trajectory?

I'd love to hear your thoughts – how have unexpected connections shaped your own journey?

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend,

-Ross

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