From Counselor Magazine...Analysts are now forecasting the best holiday shopping season in four years as confidence, spending and expectations among consumers are all continuing to trend higher, according to a pair of new surveys. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment in December has risen to 74.2, reaching its highest point since June. Meanwhile, separate findings from a CNBC survey show 60% of Americans plan to spend more for holiday gifts this year, a 10% improvement compared to 2009.
With consumers' optimism increasing, the National Retail Federation is now predicting that November-to-December sales will rise by 2.3% this year, compared to 2009. The International Council of Shopping Centers recently said it expects December sales to improve as much as 3.5%.
"I would generally say that the core customer is absolutely back shopping," said Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz.
Believing the economy is strengthening, consumers are more likely to buy big-ticket items this year, data also shows. For example, one in six Americans expects to give or receive an Apple product, like an iPad or an iPhone. Only matched by Wal-Mart, electronics retailer Best Buy is now a top choice for purchases, with 48% of Americans saying they will spend money at a big box store this holiday season. Internet sales have reached watershed marks this year as well, with roughly 25% of consumers in the U.S. saying that shopping on the Internet is one of their top two choices for spending, the largest percentage ever.
Looking beyond December, data from the surveys shows 37% of Americans expect the economy will improve in 2011, while just 20% believe it will get worse. Optimism about wages is increasing, too, with workers expecting earnings gains of 2.1% in 2011, up from 1.3% a year ago. For the first time since 2007, the majority of Americans feel the value of their homes will rise in the next year as well.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
HMC Incentives for 2011
Hasseman Marketing & Communications is excited to announce its sales incentive plan for 2011. HMC Account Executives have the opportunity to win an all expense paid trip to Jamaica for their sales efforts next year! It's going to be a great trip. Want more information? Keep reading!
Hasseman Marketing & Communications is looking to add dynamic, goal driven people to our sales team. Responsibilities include business prospecting, meeting with businesses to help create targeted marketing campaigns with promotional products, and servicing the client after the sale.
The position is straight commission and has UNLIMITED income potential! No promotional products sales experience is required. We will train the right person (or persons) in the industry. Veterans of the promotional products industry are welcome as well!
And now we have a fantastic incentive trip to add to your motivation! Any Account Executive that reaches $150,000 in sales with HMC in 2011 will win! If you are interested...now is a great time to join us!
We are only looking for the best. If you are interested in creating a business of your own and a career for your life, contact us today. (We currently have sales coverage in Coshocton, Muskingum, Licking, Tuscarawas, Holmes counties and are looking for Account Exectutives OUTSIDE of those areas).
If you are interested please email Kirby at kirby@hassemanmarketing.com
Hasseman Marketing & Communications is looking to add dynamic, goal driven people to our sales team. Responsibilities include business prospecting, meeting with businesses to help create targeted marketing campaigns with promotional products, and servicing the client after the sale.
The position is straight commission and has UNLIMITED income potential! No promotional products sales experience is required. We will train the right person (or persons) in the industry. Veterans of the promotional products industry are welcome as well!
And now we have a fantastic incentive trip to add to your motivation! Any Account Executive that reaches $150,000 in sales with HMC in 2011 will win! If you are interested...now is a great time to join us!
We are only looking for the best. If you are interested in creating a business of your own and a career for your life, contact us today. (We currently have sales coverage in Coshocton, Muskingum, Licking, Tuscarawas, Holmes counties and are looking for Account Exectutives OUTSIDE of those areas).
If you are interested please email Kirby at kirby@hassemanmarketing.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Consumer Confidence Hits Five-Month High
Consumer confidence in November reached its highest point since June, easily beating analysts' forecasts and further lifting the hopes of retailers at the start of the holiday shopping season. The monthly index provided by the Conference Board showed consumer confidence climbed to a 54.1 rating last month, up from 49.9 in October.
"Expectations, the main driver of this month’s increase in confidence, are now at the highest level since May," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board's research center. "Hopefully, the improvement in consumers’ moods will continue in the months ahead."
Along with an improvement in overall confidence, the Conference Board reports consumers are also slightly more upbeat about future job prospects. Those expecting fewer jobs in the months ahead declined to 19% from 22% in November, while 16% now believe there will soon be more employment opportunities. This optimism could be a precursor to actual growth, as a separate report last week showed 93,000 private sector jobs were added in November, the majority of them (54%) tied to small businesses. In the last nine months, small businesses have hired back 200,000 workers.
On the holiday shopping front, several major retailers, including JC Penney, Macy's and Abercrombie reported significant year-over-year November sales increases. On Black Friday weekend alone, shoppers spent $45 billion, focusing less on discounters and more on department stores and apparel shops.
Overall, the economy expanded at a 2.5% pace in the third quarter, more than first thought, according to a new U.S. Commerce Department report. Consumer spending rose at its highest rate in almost four years, while salary gains have been revised upward for the past two quarters.
"Expectations, the main driver of this month’s increase in confidence, are now at the highest level since May," said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board's research center. "Hopefully, the improvement in consumers’ moods will continue in the months ahead."
Along with an improvement in overall confidence, the Conference Board reports consumers are also slightly more upbeat about future job prospects. Those expecting fewer jobs in the months ahead declined to 19% from 22% in November, while 16% now believe there will soon be more employment opportunities. This optimism could be a precursor to actual growth, as a separate report last week showed 93,000 private sector jobs were added in November, the majority of them (54%) tied to small businesses. In the last nine months, small businesses have hired back 200,000 workers.
On the holiday shopping front, several major retailers, including JC Penney, Macy's and Abercrombie reported significant year-over-year November sales increases. On Black Friday weekend alone, shoppers spent $45 billion, focusing less on discounters and more on department stores and apparel shops.
Overall, the economy expanded at a 2.5% pace in the third quarter, more than first thought, according to a new U.S. Commerce Department report. Consumer spending rose at its highest rate in almost four years, while salary gains have been revised upward for the past two quarters.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Study Illustrates the Power of Promotional Products
TREVOSE, PA - November 8, 2010 - The Advertising Specialty Institute today released a landmark study that proves advertising specialties beat out prime-time TV, radio and print advertising as the most cost-effective advertising medium available.
The most significant findings of the 2010 Global Advertising Specialties Impressions Study show advertising specialties are less expensive per impression than most other media* and are very affordable and effective when compared to other forms of media.
To complete its research, ASI conducted a total of 3,332 online and in-person surveys, including interviews with businesspeople in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, London, Sydney, Toronto and Montreal metro areas.
The 2.0 study, a follow-up to the definitive 2008 survey, includes new demographic information on politics, ethnicity, gender and age, since knowing the likely recipient of products is paramount for an advertiser. This year, the comprehensive report also adds global markets and includes more products, such as automotive accessories and food.
The study was released at the fourth annual ASI Power Summit in Aventura, Florida. Among key findings, results show:
• Cost per Impression. In the U.S., the cost per impression of a promotional product stayed virtually the same from 2008 to 2010, at .005 cents.
• Product Usage. Bags have the highest number of impressions in a month, over 1,000, and over one-third (36%) of those with incomes under $50,000 own bags.
• Gender Preferences. Males are more likely than females to own shirts and caps, while females are more likely to have bags, writing instruments, calendars and health and safety products.
• Ethnic Preferences. African Americans have more promotional products on average (11.3) than any other group.
• Positive Reinforcement. Seventy-five percent of independent voters prefer consumer-branded products; nearly 1.5 times more than Democrats or Republicans.
• Identifying the Advertiser. Eighty-three percent in the U.S. say they can identify the advertiser on a promotional item they own.
• Influencing User Opinions. Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents say their opinion of the advertiser is more favorable after receiving a promotional product.
• Global Reach. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents from Great Britain have received and kept a pen in the last 12 months. In the U.S., writing instruments are used the most often, an average of 18.2 times per month.
• Popular Products. The most commonly owned promotional products among U.S. respondents are writing instruments (46%), followed by shirts (38%) and calendars (24%).
• Promo Product Capital. Los Angeles has the highest average number of items owned, at 12.7.
The most significant findings of the 2010 Global Advertising Specialties Impressions Study show advertising specialties are less expensive per impression than most other media* and are very affordable and effective when compared to other forms of media.
To complete its research, ASI conducted a total of 3,332 online and in-person surveys, including interviews with businesspeople in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, London, Sydney, Toronto and Montreal metro areas.
The 2.0 study, a follow-up to the definitive 2008 survey, includes new demographic information on politics, ethnicity, gender and age, since knowing the likely recipient of products is paramount for an advertiser. This year, the comprehensive report also adds global markets and includes more products, such as automotive accessories and food.
The study was released at the fourth annual ASI Power Summit in Aventura, Florida. Among key findings, results show:
• Cost per Impression. In the U.S., the cost per impression of a promotional product stayed virtually the same from 2008 to 2010, at .005 cents.
• Product Usage. Bags have the highest number of impressions in a month, over 1,000, and over one-third (36%) of those with incomes under $50,000 own bags.
• Gender Preferences. Males are more likely than females to own shirts and caps, while females are more likely to have bags, writing instruments, calendars and health and safety products.
• Ethnic Preferences. African Americans have more promotional products on average (11.3) than any other group.
• Positive Reinforcement. Seventy-five percent of independent voters prefer consumer-branded products; nearly 1.5 times more than Democrats or Republicans.
• Identifying the Advertiser. Eighty-three percent in the U.S. say they can identify the advertiser on a promotional item they own.
• Influencing User Opinions. Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents say their opinion of the advertiser is more favorable after receiving a promotional product.
• Global Reach. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents from Great Britain have received and kept a pen in the last 12 months. In the U.S., writing instruments are used the most often, an average of 18.2 times per month.
• Popular Products. The most commonly owned promotional products among U.S. respondents are writing instruments (46%), followed by shirts (38%) and calendars (24%).
• Promo Product Capital. Los Angeles has the highest average number of items owned, at 12.7.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Small Businesses Forcast Growth
New data released by payroll firm ADP shows 52% of small businesses expect to grow over the coming 12 months, with 35% believing their volumes will at least stay the same. The results demonstrate an increase in optimism among business owners who now closely link operational efficiency with improved sales. "In today's economy, small business owners are watching cash flow more closely than ever," said Regina Lee, president of ADP's small business services. "That reality, combined with ever-growing time pressures, means small business owners are looking to spend more time growing their businesses and less time on the administrative burdens of running them."
The ADP survey also shows the lifestyle of many small business owners is changing, with 90% of respondents saying they spend some time working outside of the office during the week. Further, about 30% of respondents said they're spending a larger amount of time working away from the office, on average about nine hours every week.
Complementing their busy lifestyles, small business owners are using more Smartphones to increase the efficiency of their operations, according to ADP data. Six out of 10 executives surveyed own a Smartphone, with 80% of respondents using them for business. Mobile devices are primarily used by business owners to help with customer relations (77%) and time management (53%), according to ADP. "Companies serving the small business sector need to adapt with them, leveraging new technologies like Smartphones and faster networks to bring trusted resources to clients wherever they choose to work," said Lee.
The ADP survey also shows the lifestyle of many small business owners is changing, with 90% of respondents saying they spend some time working outside of the office during the week. Further, about 30% of respondents said they're spending a larger amount of time working away from the office, on average about nine hours every week.
Complementing their busy lifestyles, small business owners are using more Smartphones to increase the efficiency of their operations, according to ADP data. Six out of 10 executives surveyed own a Smartphone, with 80% of respondents using them for business. Mobile devices are primarily used by business owners to help with customer relations (77%) and time management (53%), according to ADP. "Companies serving the small business sector need to adapt with them, leveraging new technologies like Smartphones and faster networks to bring trusted resources to clients wherever they choose to work," said Lee.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Join the Hasseman Marketing Sales Team
If you are looking for a rewarding, lucrative, challenging and fun career with unlimited income potential and freedom, then consider this opportunity!
Hasseman Marketing & Communications is looking to add dynamic, goal driven people to our sales team. Responsibilities include business prospecting, meeting with businesses to help create targeted marketing campaigns with promotional products, and servicing the client after the sale.
The position is straight commission and has UNLIMITED income potential! No promotional products sales experience is required. We will train the right person (or persons) in the industry.
We are only looking for the best. If you are interested in creating a business of your own and a career for your life, contact us today. (We currently have sales coverage in Coshocton, Muskingum, Licking, Tuscarawas, Holmes counties and are looking for Account Exectutives OUTSIDE of those areas).
If you are interested please email Kirby at kirby@hassemanmarketing.com
Hasseman Marketing & Communications is looking to add dynamic, goal driven people to our sales team. Responsibilities include business prospecting, meeting with businesses to help create targeted marketing campaigns with promotional products, and servicing the client after the sale.
The position is straight commission and has UNLIMITED income potential! No promotional products sales experience is required. We will train the right person (or persons) in the industry.
We are only looking for the best. If you are interested in creating a business of your own and a career for your life, contact us today. (We currently have sales coverage in Coshocton, Muskingum, Licking, Tuscarawas, Holmes counties and are looking for Account Exectutives OUTSIDE of those areas).
If you are interested please email Kirby at kirby@hassemanmarketing.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
10 Tips for Positive Thinking
I ran across this and thought it might be great to share!
If you're down in the dumps for disproportionately long periods of time and you find yourself blaming the rest of the world for your misery, then perhaps a change of attitude is in order. These 10 tips for positive thinking may be able to give your outlook in life its much needed overhaul. So increase your chances for a more constructive perspective with these 10 tips for positive thinking:
1. Recognize negative thoughts as they take shape and bury them before they take root. If you feel your mood darkening again, put a stop to these dangerous musings before you succumb to them. Rule your emotions, don't let your emotions rule you.
2. Hang out with people who think positive as well. This condition can be quite infectious.
3. Just as contagious is a negative mindset. So avoid people who tend to think negatively on a constant basis. After all, who wants to hang around naysayers all the time?
4. Work out and eat right. If you look good on the outside, it'll be easier to feel good on the inside, too.
5. De-clutter. Surround yourself only with the things you love and that make you feel good--framed family photos, favorite books, potted plants, works of art, or whatever else that's meaningful to you.
6. If people tell you you can't do something, take that as a challenge and prove them wrong. Chances are, they themselves can't do it or are too afraid to try and are simply bitter about it. If you show them it can be done after all, maybe they'll even be inspired by your success. You can be a living tip for positive thinking to them.
7. Just when you're about to blow your top for all the seeming misfortunes that befall you, remind yourself of all your blessings instead. This practice can be very sobering, indeed.
8. Be a volunteer or get involved in charity work. Not only will you realize the sheer number of people who have bigger problems than you do, but there is also such an emotional and even spiritual high to be experienced in helping others.
9. De-stress. You're more likely to be cranky if you're perpetually stressed out. So get away from it all and recharge.
10. Keep it up. Getting started is easy. It's the maintenance that's tricky. Make a habit out of thinking positively till it becomes an indelible part of who you are.
Follow these 10 tips for positive thinking and be successful in your search for a happier and healthier frame of mind.
If you're down in the dumps for disproportionately long periods of time and you find yourself blaming the rest of the world for your misery, then perhaps a change of attitude is in order. These 10 tips for positive thinking may be able to give your outlook in life its much needed overhaul. So increase your chances for a more constructive perspective with these 10 tips for positive thinking:
1. Recognize negative thoughts as they take shape and bury them before they take root. If you feel your mood darkening again, put a stop to these dangerous musings before you succumb to them. Rule your emotions, don't let your emotions rule you.
2. Hang out with people who think positive as well. This condition can be quite infectious.
3. Just as contagious is a negative mindset. So avoid people who tend to think negatively on a constant basis. After all, who wants to hang around naysayers all the time?
4. Work out and eat right. If you look good on the outside, it'll be easier to feel good on the inside, too.
5. De-clutter. Surround yourself only with the things you love and that make you feel good--framed family photos, favorite books, potted plants, works of art, or whatever else that's meaningful to you.
6. If people tell you you can't do something, take that as a challenge and prove them wrong. Chances are, they themselves can't do it or are too afraid to try and are simply bitter about it. If you show them it can be done after all, maybe they'll even be inspired by your success. You can be a living tip for positive thinking to them.
7. Just when you're about to blow your top for all the seeming misfortunes that befall you, remind yourself of all your blessings instead. This practice can be very sobering, indeed.
8. Be a volunteer or get involved in charity work. Not only will you realize the sheer number of people who have bigger problems than you do, but there is also such an emotional and even spiritual high to be experienced in helping others.
9. De-stress. You're more likely to be cranky if you're perpetually stressed out. So get away from it all and recharge.
10. Keep it up. Getting started is easy. It's the maintenance that's tricky. Make a habit out of thinking positively till it becomes an indelible part of who you are.
Follow these 10 tips for positive thinking and be successful in your search for a happier and healthier frame of mind.
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