Have We Offended You?

Were We Out of Line With Any of These FreePromoTips "Bits?"

We REALLY Want to Know!

Many of you know that FreePromoTips is the industy's most popular business resource, presenting information in a variety of ways. We received an e-mail from a prominent industry figure questioning why a certain distributor company was not featured on a new section of FreePromoTips.com which had not yet to be formally launched. We dubbed this section, “Looking for a New Direction.” This is simply a page that enables someone to get a snapshot of distributor organizations who would love to have quality salespeople join their team. The heart behind this came from my own personal journey.   I explain my take on this page.

In addition to being called a “loose cannon” by this well-known industry personality, in our e-mail dialogue, he brought up something else I have done that he found “utterly distasteful.”   What was is that you might ask? Well you may be surprised but it’s the kid on a cheese grater slide we used back in 2008.   If you missed this piece, click here.   We received quite a few comments on this one…mostly favorable. Feel free to add your thoughts. This humorous image was used to draw attention to product safety in our industry.

Another FreePromoTips e-mail that offended a few people was when we rocked the industry announcing that popular industry figures, Brandon Mackay and Charley Johnson got into a fight and left award-winning supplier SnugZ. If you followed the story, you will find out who took the company over. Click here to find out. Many who commented thought this was a riot, but is it offensive?   You decide.

Most recently, someone was offended was when we noted that promotional products were going in the toilet…and they are. The controversy started when someone was offended by our headline promoting this item. Want to know what it is? Click here and get a FREE sample of this product!
WARNING: If you are easily offended, DON'T click here!

We work diligently to make FreePromoTips a beneficial and relevant communication tool for our industry. Sometimes we like to push the envelope to stimulate a discussion.   Most love what we do, but in some cases there are a handful of people who don’t like it what we do. So…we want to know…have we offended you?

We also want to know, do we occasionally go too far to make a point? Would you prefer a more “traditional” style of communicating?   Do you want more fun stuff?   Do you want more straight reporting? What would you like to see in the FreePromoTips program? This is your opportunity to be heard! We REALLY want to know! Your comments below will help to shape the direction of FreePromoTips.

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Comments

0 #21 Stan Creatchman 2010-08-19 14:45

Being off center is what makes it, opinions, commentary etc.interesting. It's like the entertainment industry-you want different-to make it notable & memorable. If the messages were presented in a dry fashion, I would probably skip reading them altogether. Normal is ok but for me different is what keeps the edge & bounce in life. Keep pushing.

0 #20 2010-08-18 16:08

Marketing is subjective as we all know. Speaking as a former, 25 year, multiple-award winning, executive marketer for a Fortune 1000 company, and several large financial institutions...guys, it's simply cutting edge marketing. It works, it sells, so it is used, period.

0 #19 2010-08-18 15:23

I find your e-mails very informative. To be offended would be ridiculous. Some people need to lighted up a little bit. Course, with my sense of humor, who knows how many of these same people I would offend

0 #18 2010-08-17 23:43

No, your emails, advice, and videos do not offend me. You have a stronger personality than I do, but so what? Some people are stronger than I am and I am stronger than some of the people I know. It's all good. There are times when I've seen you attacked and wonder why in the world they would do that. Keep up your work. I like your style!

0 #17 2010-08-13 14:58

You have a good sense of humor. A bit offbeat at times but it makes the point and is NEVER offensive. Keep it coming

0 #16 2010-08-12 18:40

I should have seen that coming.

0 #15 2010-08-12 18:30

Thanks, Bruce . . . I truly admire your good taste!!

0 #14 2010-08-12 17:49

So was this well known person trying to prove you were right to leave them out?
Maybe just having a bad day.

Ron Baron said it best.
Keep on keeping us uncomfortable.

0 #13 2010-08-12 14:29

Considering your mailing list (which I'm sure is sizable), a few complaints are to be expected - but it does tell you that you are being read, too - a good thing. Keep up the good and generous work of sharing from your wealth of knowledge. God Bless.

0 #12 2010-08-12 14:25

My 2 Cents: "The Squeaky wheel" theory of sales.
Your attention getting tips provoke thought (to sell your services) .
The "offended" complain and write you,..they want attention brought to them(Sales)
It's disingenuos for the complainer, cause all they want is MORE SALES.
An industry wide need.
Simplistic, but my take. All complaints are self serving pleas for attention.
glen eley
eley imprinted products
30 years in sales

0 #11 2010-08-12 14:09

I think some people take life to seriously. If they feel you crossed the line or get offended then don't read the newsletter and cancel your subscription. Sometimes we all need to think outside the box to move forward to better things. Keep up the great work!

0 #10 2010-08-12 14:05

Offended? Of course, FreePromoTips is offensive! But so has every element of REAL progress been offensive to many. It may be offensive to ask consultative questions of your client when all he or she wants to do is buy stuff . . . but you should. It may be offensive to sell at full price when your client thinks he or she wants a discount . . . but you should. It's offensive to ignore a trade show exhibitor that wants to show you the hottest new product and, instead, ask for a valid case history that will make you money. . . but you should. Keep offending us, Jeff . . . IT HURTS SO GOOD!!

0 #9 2010-08-12 13:39

I very much appreciate your humorous approach to addressing serious subjects and challenges in our industry. I look forward to receiving your emails because of it. Some people just need to get a life. For the guy who pounded on you, well I'm guessing then that it's not a good company and why would you want to list a bad company.

Keep up the good work!

0 #8 2010-08-12 06:57

Really Jeff, do you care what a few nut jobs think! Fugetabout it. I love the fresh perspective you bring. This industry needs a little bit of craziness.

0 #7 2010-08-12 04:06

Companies recruiting my salespeople really bug me! I think what you have on this page is OK, but I wonder why someone would not be more tactful in approaching you if the wanted to be on the site.

NOTHING you have done has offended me and I thing what you are doing is great.

0 #6 2010-08-12 03:53

I love the offbeat way free promo tips presents information and I would not change a thing.

0 #5 2010-08-11 22:41

OMG...people are offended by what you do. I'm shocked. Some folks need to get a life! I loved the SnugZ dog bit. Who thinks up this stuff.

0 #4 2010-08-11 22:31

It really bugs me when people get upset about little things like this. What you do is very fresh and unique. I'm ok if it's a little irreverent and even crosses the line a bit. In the years I have read promo tips, I have never seen you even come close to a line you shouldn't cross. Keep doing what you are doing. The industry need what you do.