According to a recent article in Promotional Products Business magazine, there have been some big shifts in how employers are using promotional products. Part of the reason is a "trend toward rising distrust in business, government and media, providing fertile ground for populist movements.*" Subsequently, consumers no longer trust established company leaders as spokespeople, but, instead, look at employees of an organization in a better light. What does that mean for how promotional products are used now?

• Promotional products are seen as an "effective external marketing strategy that when used in isolation, can effectively elevate a brand with the company's internal stakeholders."
• Products can carry the brand mark and the people behind them carry the message.

Here are some interesting facts from the 2018 PPAI Consumer Study

• 98% of companies use promotional products for external and internal marketing strategies
• 48% use promotional products for traveling
• 34% for charity events
• 30% for working out
• 30% for dining out
• According to employee pride by job satisfaction, 97% that are very satisfied feel very proud to represent their company outside the workplace
• Millenial and Gen X employees both feel a stronger loyalty to companies that give them promotional products
• Employees, regardless of natural attrition, depart feeling appreciated will leave as "perennial brand champions", which is important in today's very connected world

Overall, promotional products are becoming more of a brand beacon and can really elevate consumers' perception of a company and establish it among the most trusted in the eyes of both employees and its customers.

*October 2018, The Truth Is Always Trending, Moumita Das