Are Your Branded Products Making You Money?

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this high-energy May episode of The BIG Show & Tell, Donna Bender talks with Kim White and brings her signature Surprise & Delight marketing style to life — costume and all — as she shows how branded merchandise can go beyond the logo to drive measurable marketing results. With the 4th of July and summer client events just around the corner, this episode delivers timely strategies for maximizing ROI with promotional gifts. Learn how client appreciation, seasonal campaigns, and strategic co-branding can create memorable experiences that increase customer loyalty and brand visibility.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• A Deep Dive Into ROI-Driven Marketing with Branded Gifts

• The difference between branding, messaging, and marketing — and why having all three builds brand equity

• How to leverage National Donut Day to boost brand visibility and client engagement

• Why selecting the right branded product drives higher ROI than handing out more items

• How a single premium branded blanket created long-term client referrals

• The impact of co-branding with trusted retail names to build instant credibility

• Why headwear and bags deliver thousands of impressions per dollar spent

• Top-performing promotional products for outdoor summer events

• How smart brands thrive during downturns (featuring the Kellogg’s vs. Post case study)

FEATURED SEGMENTS AND GIFT IDEAS

The Tale of Two Blankets A comparison between premium branded blankets that earn referrals and lower-quality swag that gets forgotten — highlighting how product quality shapes brand perception.

National Donut Day Fun Celebrate with branded donut boxes, sprinkles, and sweet surprises that spark joy and reinforce your brand through sensory marketing.

Co-Branding 101 Strategic tips for pairing your logo with top retail brands to elevate your reputation and deepen consumer trust.

Summer Gifting Guide Client and team appreciation gifts for summer: branded umbrellas, beach chairs, coolers, and more designed for high visibility.

Bag ROI Stats Why bags are one of the most effective promotional tools — with each bag generating over 2000 impressions and long retention rate.

Headwear that Works Caps, visors, and bucket hats offer walking visibility — making them ideal for outdoor events and branded giveaways.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

• How B2B brands use creative branded merchandise to break through clutter and increase retention

• Why maintaining visibility through strategic marketing is crucial in uncertain economic times

• Key industry stats on cost-per-impression and brand recall from ASI and PPAI

• Sustainable gifting spotlight: Rupt’s eco-friendly branded products that align with modern values

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“The right branded product doesn't get tossed in a drawer — it starts a conversation.”

— Donna Bender

CALL TO ACTION

Are your branded products making you money? Let's audit your marketing strategy.

Book a 1:1 call or join Donna live on June 24^th, @ 1:00PM CST for The BIG Show & Tell, streaming on YouTube at DonnaBenderGIVING

Email: [email protected] | Website: DonnaBender.com