The advent of social media has created many changes in the way we communicate. Normally, when I receive study data, I will review and figure out what is best for inclusion in a post. Statistics are great ways to add credibility and make something more compelling, but let’s face it -- they can be boring.

Welcome to a new series of posts about promotional product trends. It is a series that focuses on unscripted interviews, real people, and thier opinions about promotional products. The short video clips are connected to data points that underscore the conversation. Hopefully this is a more entertaining way to get the point across. The video technique needs work, but I think the concept is sound.

A special thanks to my friends Nancy, Kelly, and Mary who allowed me to torture them with a video camera in a public place, while we were eating.

The data used in this post has been gleaned from the ASI Advertising Specialties Impressions Study, released in November of 2008.

Let me know what you think of the new format.

Linda Whitteaker-Hanson