A Dash of Industry Insights

Industry Headlines, Insights, Data & Events

🌐 U.S. Economy and Policy Developments: The U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first decline in three years. Meanwhile, President Trump’s tariffs have stirred debate, with some retailers pulling back from the U.S. market. The White House claimed credit for adding 177,000 jobs last month, despite economic challenges.

Pressure on People-First HR Policies: Leapsome’s 2025 HR Insights Report highlights growing challenges for HR leaders, with 92% facing internal resistance to people-centric initiatives like DEI, flexibility, and well-being. Return-to-office mandates are contentious, with 56% of HR leaders pressured to enforce them despite 81% believing other working models are more effective. Additionally, 73% of companies are restructuring roles to integrate AI, with 64% reporting urgent AI skills gaps among employees. You can read more here.

💬 Quote of the Day: “The greatest motivational act one person can do for another is to listen.” - Roy E. Moody, President, Roy Mood & Associates

🎁 Weekly Giveaway Winner: Congratulations to Roy Wiggins, Nareena Vou, Spencer Conners, and Justin Dattilo on winning our giveaway in last week's newsletter! Shout out to everyone who participated. Missed your chance last week? Don't worry, we have a new giveaway every week!

Non-Proft Marketing

Turning Donors into Walking Billboards

The Missed Opportunity in Non-Profit Marketing

Most non-profits pour resources into digital ads and direct mail while overlooking their most powerful marketing asset: their donors. These passionate supporters have already demonstrated their belief in your mission through their wallets. They're emotionally invested. They want to help spread your message.

So why aren't we empowering them to become walking billboards for the causes they love?

The Brand Sauce Donor Activation Strategy

Imagine this: Every time someone donates to your organization, they receive a digital gift card to your branded non-profit store. This transforms a one-time transaction into an ongoing relationship and marketing opportunity.

Your donors don't just want a tax receipt – they want to show the world they support your cause. When someone compliments their branded water bottle or asks about the logo on their cap, they naturally share your mission. These authentic conversations convert new supporters far more effectively than any advertisement.

The Data Behind Donor Merchandise

Research shows that branded merchandise creates powerful emotional connections. When donors wear or use your branded items, they create natural opportunities to share your organization's story and impact. Quality branded merchandise allows supporters to publicly align with causes they're passionate about, reinforcing their values and identity.

How It Works:

1. Partner with Brand Sauce to create your custom non-profit store

2. Establish a "gift with donation" framework (e.g., "$25 store credit for every $150+ donation")

3. Curate merchandise people actually want to use daily

4. Automatically send gift cards to donors after contributions

5. Track how your donor network expands through these authentic conversations

The Impact:

Non-profits using this strategy report dramatic increases in donor acquisition through referrals, stronger donor retention, and significantly expanded brand awareness – all while spending less on traditional marketing channels.

Why Aren't More Non-Profits Doing This?

Many non-profits still view merchandise as an expense rather than a strategic marketing investment. They worry about using donation dollars for "swag" without realizing that empowering donors to share their mission creates exponential returns.

The most successful charitable organizations understand that branded merchandise isn't just about appreciation – it's about activation. When your supporters proudly display your logo in their daily lives, they become ambassadors who spread your message far more effectively than any paid advertising.

Weekly Giveaway

🤩 Giveaway of the Week: Jupiter 3.0 PowerBank

This week, we're powering up your promotional game with our newest tech marvel - the Jupiter 3.0 PowerBank!

The newest generation of our Jupiter PowerBank series now boasts powerful 15W MagSafe "snap-on" wireless charging capability and 20W via USB-C port, efficiently charging a phone from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes or less. Continuing the slim profile design that made the Jupiter series so popular, this latest version delivers the perfect blend of power and portability.

Your logo will shine via vibrant full color or crisp laser engraved finish, making a lasting impression with every charge. Each unit comes presented in a retail gift box for maximum impact.

Tech Features:

• 5,000 mAh UL Li-Polymer battery

• MagSafe "snap-on" wireless charging (15W)

• USB-C input/output (20W)

• Includes USB-C cable

MSRP: $40

Ready to win this week's giveaway? Simply reply to this email with "POWER UP". One lucky winner will receive a Jupiter 3.0 with their company logo. May the odds be ever in your power!

Spotlight

Brand Sauce Refreshes Product Lineup

Meet Brand Sauce: Where Swag Gets Strategic

This week, we're turning the spotlight on ourselves to share some exciting news! After months of careful curation and market research, we've completely refreshed our product lineup with hundreds of premium options designed to transform how your team experiences branded merchandise.

Our refresh isn't just about new products – it's about elevating your company's culture through thoughtfully designed items your team will actually want to use and proudly display. We've expanded our selection across every category, from premium apparel and drinkware to tech accessories and eco-friendly options, all available with your custom branding.

Why This Matters For Your Team

Did you know that 86% of employees proudly wear branded swag outside of work – but only when it's something they'd actually choose for themselves? The data is clear: when people select items that match their personal style and needs, engagement soars and your brand visibility expands organically.

Our refreshed collection eliminates the "one-size-fits-all" approach that leads to unwanted items collecting dust. Instead, we're offering a curated selection of premium merchandise that transforms company swag from obligatory to aspirational.

What's New in Our Collection

Our product team, led by our Master Curator Madison Miller, has sourced hundreds of new premium items across multiple categories, with options at various price points to accommodate any budget. Each item has been carefully selected for quality, durability, and most importantly – items people will actually use daily. You can visit our company shop here.

The Impact

By refreshing your company store with these new options, you're not just ordering products – you're investing in a culture of choice and appreciation. When employees can select items they genuinely want, your branded merchandise becomes a walking advertisement for both your company culture and your brand.

Ready to Refresh Your Company Store?

👉 Current clients: reach out to your account manager or email [email protected] to add these exciting new products to your existing store! Our team is standing by to help you curate the perfect selection for your specific culture and demographics.

👉 New to Brand Sauce? There's never been a better time to set up your first company store. Book a demo here or contact us at [email protected] to schedule a demo and see how our refreshed product lineup can transform your approach to company merchandise.

Weekend Update

Around the Water Cooler With Ross AKA The P.O.D. Guy

Success multiplies when you ask for it.

I go to a Pilates studio called Bodyrok — four times a month. Have you ever tried Pilates? It kicks my butt every single time.

Now, I know what you're thinking: I do it because I’m the only guy in the class.
That’s... fair. I am the only guy in the room. And yes, it can be humbling when the women around me are stronger, more flexible, and absolutely crushing it.

But I keep going. Why? Because it’s good for me.

Here’s the part that blows my mind: I’ve been to over 50 classes, and not once has an instructor asked for anything from the people in the room.

Not even simple questions like:

• “Did you enjoy the class?”

• “Would you mind leaving us a review?”

• “Did you know we have a referral program?”

• “Have you checked out our online store?”

• “Want to take a photo with me for our Instagram?”

• “Did you see our line of branded socks?”

And that’s just a few. You could easily come up with ten more.

Every business, whether it's Pilates, tech, or tacos, should be asking these kinds of questions. And more importantly, rewarding people for saying yes.

People want to help. They just need to be asked.

Hopefully, one day, we can set up a pop-up shop for Bodyrok and help them grow. They deserve it. They just need to ask.

© 2025 On Demand Global, LLC, DBA Brand Sauce