The Right Branded Products + Surprise & Delight Marketing = BIG Results

The BIG Show & Tell - June 2025

In this engaging episode, Donna Bender and Kim White explore the real ROI of branded merchandise and pose this question: "Are Your Branded Products Making You Money?" Don't let their cowboy hats fool you. Donna shares her strategies for corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and marketing and sales teams, and the show dives deep into how the right branded product — given to the right audience with the right intention — can directly increase your business.

This episode is a practical guide on how Surprise & Delight Marketing intersects with strategic branding to deliver significant results. Whether you're preparing for July 4th, motivating a sales team, or selecting gifts for National Hot Dog Day, Donna shares client-proven examples and product ideas that are not only memorable but also effective.

What You'll Learn

• The importance of choosing the right word for branded merch (and what not to call it )
• The best practices for reaching your audience 
• Real-life client success stories (including 18% sales growth from using a straightforward strategy for a trade show success)
• How to strategically budget branded gifts without overspending
• Why sensory marketing matters, sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell
• The power of emotional connections and nostalgia in brand-building
• How to turn your clients into walking billboards
• Why is it essential to train your sales teams on how to use branded merchandise to transform performance strategically

Featured Products & Segments

• Table Topics: Conversation starters for networking & team building
• Coolers & Grill Tools: Perfect for July 4th and tailgating season
• All-in-One Grill Tool & Spidey Toolkit: Functional, memorable client gifts
• 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station by Rupt: A sleek example of luxury branding with eco-friendly packaging
• Hot Dog Day Segment: From nostalgia to Nathan's Famous to gifting with a cooler, catch this fun, meaningful holiday tie-in
• Act Like a Kid Day: Crayons, yo-yos, and playfulness with purpose.

Business Highlights

• Corporate training that teaches sales teams how to use branded products to drive growth
• Behind-the-scenes insights from Donna's time with Calvin Klein, Ferragamo, MLB, and more
• New trends from 2025 B2B marketing reports, including brand-first strategies and tangible ROI

Quote of the Month

"It's not about increasing your budget, it's about changing your strategy." — Donna Bender.

Call to Action

Ready to turn your branded products into powerful business tools?

Book a strategy session with Donna's team or subscribe to @DonnaBenderGIVING on YouTube to catch the next BIG Show & Tell, streaming live on the last Tuesday of every month! We look forward to having you join us.