In this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, join us and special guest Jeremy Rossbach as we dive deep into the heart of marketing: passion and creativity. Jeremy, a seasoned tech professional who transitioned back to his marketing roots, shares his unique journey, from running data centers to becoming a passionate advocate for network observability and even a podcaster.

Discover how Jeremy channels his marketing energy into meaningful endeavors, including his own podcast, "NetOps Expert," and pro bono work for a non-profit empowering underserved youth through tennis. This episode explores the vital connection between personal values, creative pursuits, and effective marketing. We also discuss how diverse creative talents within a marketing team, from authors and graphic designers to musicians, contribute to truly collaborative and impactful work. We also touch on the delicate balance of receiving and giving constructive criticism in the creative process.

In this episode, we're joined by SAGE's Vice President of Marketing, Billie Forman, to dive into the world of marketing with a large team. This episode serves as a powerful counterpoint to our recent discussion on marketing with a small, limited team.

Billie, with 18 years of experience at SAGE and a deep understanding of the promo industry, shares invaluable insights on:

• The advantages of a diverse, specialized marketing team: Discover how having in-house experts like copywriters, graphic designers, and video producers can lead to greater efficiency, higher quality work, and a deeper understanding of your brand.

• Real-world examples of successful large-team initiatives: Learn how SAGE leverages its diverse team for major projects like the Promo Perspectives podcast itself and the industry's "Super Bowl," PPAI Expo.

• Overcoming the complexities of managing a large, diverse team: Billie discusses strategies for fostering communication, collaboration, and prioritizing projects, especially in a hybrid work environment.

• Fostering individual growth: Get tips on how to empower team members, provide transparency for career advancement, and trust your specialists to excel.

• Scaling a marketing team: Billie offers practical advice on identifying skill gaps, justifying new hires, and deciding whether to bring on a generalist or a specialist.

• The role of AI in modern marketing: Explore how SAGE's team is currently utilizing AI for tasks like image generation, voiceovers, content polishing, and strategic assistance.

Whether you're looking to grow your marketing department or optimize your current large team, this episode is packed with actionable advice from an industry expert!

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by his friend William Rubsamen of Whirlix Design to discuss marketing strategies for small businesses with limited marketing teams. Many distributors in the promotional products industry operate with small teams, often with owners or their family members handling marketing efforts. This episode aims to provide practical tips, tricks, and insights to help these businesses thrive.

Gabe and William dive into the realities of wearing many hats in a small marketing department, covering topics like:

Setting Goals: The importance of defining clear, SMART goals to guide your marketing efforts and ensure your content is impactful.

Choosing Channels: How to identify the most effective marketing channels for your specific business, with a special focus on the power of video content.

Leveraging AI: A deep dive into how artificial intelligence tools can save time and enhance various aspects of the marketing process, from planning to content creation.

Competitive Analysis: Understanding what competitors are doing, even with limited resources, using free and affordable tools.

Budget-Friendly Tools: Practical advice on utilizing free or low-cost marketing tools like Canva and Hootsuite, to maximize impact without breaking the bank.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer in a small business or just starting to build your marketing presence, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you make the most of your resources and achieve your business goals.