I’m creeping up to my eight-year anniversary in this industry, and while I have so much learning ahead of me, I can’t help but reflect on the things I wish I would’ve known sooner. Here are ten tips I’d share with my 22-year-old self:
1. Curate your network
It’s not a race to the highest number of connections/followers. It’s best to thoughtfully build your network to incorporate people who can provide something for you - and vice versa. Whether it’s content, ideas, news, community…be intentional. After in-person events, I often use my flight home to connect on social with people I just met. This is also even easier to do when you meet and communicate with people virtually. Be sure to make this a habit.
2. Find your people
As you build your network, identify the people whose values and work ethic align with yours and build on those relationships. Think long term - even if they can’t help with the challenge in front of you, they can be invaluable in helping you navigate big life decisions as they hit you. It’s safe to say that this industry is full of deep, meaningful friendships that last decades.
3. Identify leaders and influencers
Follow the people who make content that inspires and speaks to you. When your social feed is high-quality, it helps you absorb news and ideas organically.
4. Be your own PR agent
It’s your responsibility to manage your own personal brand. A post doesn’t need to be “life-update”-worthy to be worthwhile. Almost anything can be content. Here are a few examples that with the right context and build up, could spark engaging posts:
Attended an event (in-person or virtual)
Wearing/using your favorite branded products
Speaking engagements (big or small)
Kitting or delivering a special project to a customer
Strategy or product meetings with industry partners/customers
Appreciation posts for your customers, co-workers, mentors, etc.
5. Discover the infinite resources available
What seems common knowledge now wasn’t always the case. Be sure to check out resources like ESP, SAGE, Distributor Central, Promohunt, ZOOMcatalog and relevant private Facebook groups.
6. Ask for help
If you’re confused, chances are that someone else in the room is too. Have the courage to stay curious and ask for help when you need it. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, asking someone for a help can be a great way to strengthen your relationship.
7. Learn the lingo ASAP
If you know someone joining the industry, make sure they understand the structure of the industry, net vs. list pricing, discount codes, MOQ (minimum order quantity), decoration terminology, etc. Sometimes just learning the lingo and acronyms is half the battle.
8. Embrace industry education
We are so lucky to have unlimited (and often free) access to valuable, applicable education from subject matter experts.
9. It’s not about you (most of the time)
For me, I tend to start feeling burn out and mental fatigue when I start making problems personal. If someone doesn’t like a product I pick out, it still takes some emotional labor to remind myself that all they’re saying is…they don’t like the product. It’s not that they don’t like me (well, hopefully lol).
10. Competition isn’t as cutthroat as you think
Even if we live in different houses, we’re all still neighbors on the same block. At my first couple events, I remember thinking that I shouldn’t even talk to other distributors or engage on social. The truth is, there’s enough business out there for everyone. Our real competition is actually other forms of advertising spend that end user buyers prioritize over print and promo: television, radio, magazines, billboards, other exposure budgets, etc. On the supplier side, collaboration is even more prevalent, considering the time spent together at events throughout the year. Competition makes us better at what we do.
Regardless of your tenure in the industry – what lessons would you add to this list?
Taylor Borst is Sr. Director of Marketing & Vendor Relations for American Solutions for Business. Joining the print and promo industry in 2015, she specializes in social media, promotional products, and supplier relations. Taylor is currently a Sous Chef with PromoKitchen, board member for UMAPP, on the PSDA Emerging Leaders Committee and is an advocate for education and youth involvement in the industry. Connect with her on Instagram,
TikTok and LinkedIn.