Is Your Net Working? Lessons learned from Networking in the Promo Industry

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The promotional products industry is large and diverse. It is full of family businesses and new entrepreneurs. There are single parents with small children running a side hustle in promo to bring in extra money. There are distinguished company owners whose leadership influences the livelihood of hundreds of employees. This industry is a melting pot of folks with diverse career backgrounds, and an amalgam of life experiences -- more than could possibly be listed. The unique blend that makes up this crazy world of logoed pens and screen printed t-shirts means that every individual has something to offer and because of that, there’s unlimited knowledge to gain. 


When finding a new career path for myself my eyes were suddenly opened to all the interesting players in the Promo-verse. I set a small goal: every day, I would reach out to 5 people. Those on my list were people I had worked with before, people I admired in the industry but had never met, and everyone in between. I asked each person what their story was and how they found their path. The greatest thing about every conversation was that everyone was happy to talk to me. Each person welcomed my questions and was excited to help me find my own path. Some of the conversations inspired me to take action. Other conversations lead to opportunities I might not have otherwise seen. I was able to meet my industry idols such as Charity Gibson, Jay Busselle, Vicky Ostrom and so many others. I reconnected with industry greats like Bill Petrie, Seth Barnett and Elson Yeung.   Even more of these discussions made me realize that we all have something to give. I was able to join the PromoKitchen team and find purpose and a tribe. 


It is easy to get wrapped up in our own world. There are too many tasks and too little time. We can learn so much from each other just by reaching out and connecting. Don’t just talk to your suppliers when they come in to show you a new product. Follow them on Instagram. Ask questions about their day. Get to know them. Don’t just sit in the back of the room at Expo and absorb the knowledge and take notes. Engage with your neighbor. Ask questions. Connect with the speaker on LinkedIn or Facebook, or send them a personal email thanking them for sharing their knowledge.  If you don’t know how to do something, ask someone to help you. If they don’t know how, they might have a connection who does. And be sure to reciprocate. If someone needs help, be a resource to them. You never know where the next great thing could come from.   


By: Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, PromoKitchen Sous Chef, Owner Trend On Brand