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  • Pricing Without Guesswork: Turning What You Do Into What You Charge

    Pricing Without Guesswork: Turning What You Do Into What You Charge
    2026/04/17
    Previously, we talked about what “value” really means in your business. This week, we answer the question everyone is really asking. How do you actually turn that value into pricing that works? If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to charge, worried about raising your prices, or found yourself looking at competitors for answers, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why so many businesses undervalue what they offer and how confidence plays a bigger role in pricing than most people realize. We dig into the difference between cost-based and value-based pricing, the warning signs that your pricing might be too low, and how to figure out what your customers are truly willing to pay. You’ll also hear practical ways to communicate your value, so your pricing feels justified, not questioned, and how to raise your prices without losing your best customers. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start pricing with purpose, this conversation will give you the clarity and direction to take the next step. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/DLNbeJGMZro Dad Joke Terry: Someone ripped the 5th month out of my calendar… Terry’s Big Book of Travel Yeah, I’m disMAYed (May is the 5th month for our podcast listeners… disMAYed) What You Do Into What You Charge Aaron: As we talked about 2 weeks ago, Pricing is one of those things that every shop owner knows matters, but too many are still guessing at. Maybe you’re looking at competitors, maybe you’re adding a little margin on top of your costs, or maybe you’re just hoping the numbers work out in the end. The reality is, if your pricing isn’t built on a clear understanding of your value, it’s always going to feel uncertain, and that uncertainty shows up in your confidence, your customers, and your bottom line. On April 3rd, we talked about what value really means in your business. Today, let’s get Erich in here and talk about how to turn that idea of value into pricing that works for our businesses. Why do so many businesses undervalue what they offer? What role does confidence play in pricing? @CindyKightKing Every Item you make is a Custom Product!! Hooping can be so different from brand to brand. Example: SanMar makes a Nice invisible zipper opening, but it can take longer to hoop. Caps: Structure vs Non @CindyKightKing This is just one little piece of the puzzle! @XtraHandz1 Confidence in yourself and the work you produce will help guide you towards the people you need as clients. Why is pricing against competitors often a losing strategy? Adelina Tagaduan Mozayeni, I just quit my job and started focusing on my business full-time! So excited and so scared!!! @dougsobel2571 I work out of my garage, but I spent 10k converting it. epoxy floor installation and mini split AC. @XtraHandz1 It’s good to know the competition you have, but not so good to try to compete against them. Know your costs, overhead, and future growth plans. What are the warning signs that your pricing is too low? @dougsobel2571, if you are quoting and everyone is agreeing and not complaining or you are not losing some jobs, you are probably not charging enough What are the most effective ways to communicate value so price feels justified?How do you raise prices without losing your best customers? @XtraHandz1 Being sincere in what you have to offer to the client, this hits home; they need to believe they are making the correct choice. They will be lifelong clients. What should someone do first if they realize their pricing is wrong today? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/4p-PG5lnJ6w OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up ...
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    1 時間 12 分
  • Turning Sustainability Into Real Business Growth: The Sustainable Merch Summit 2026

    Turning Sustainability Into Real Business Growth: The Sustainable Merch Summit 2026
    2026/04/10
    Sustainability is everywhere right now, but for most apparel decorators and promo professionals, the big question is simple: what actually matters, and how do you turn it into something that grows your business? This week, we’re joined by Jay Busselle and the media partners behind the 2026 Sustainable Merch Summit to break it all down. We talk about what people are really trying to figure out when it comes to sustainable merch, when sustainability becomes more than just a good idea, and how to separate meaningful action from marketing noise. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by certifications, skeptical of sustainability claims, or unsure how this fits into your business strategy, this conversation will help bring clarity. Plus, we’ll share what makes this Summit different and why it’s built to deliver real-world value you can actually use. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/FQXt-o2mz-g Dad Joke Terry: I always keep my guitar in my car now It’s good for traffic jams The Sustainable Merch Summit 2026 Aaron: Welcome to all of you. Jay, let’s start with what and when for this event. Terry: What are people actually trying to figure out when it comes to sustainable merch right now? For all three of us – this helps ground the conversation in real audience questions and sets up why this Summit exists in the first place. Aaron: At what point does sustainability move from a “nice idea” to a real growth strategy? For all three of us – Connects directly to business impact and opens the door to real examples from across the industry. Terry: A lot of sustainability messaging still feels like marketing. How can brands communicate sustainability in a way that actually builds trust instead of triggering skepticism?For Theresa – reinforce the pillar: proof over promises. Helps differentiate good vs lazy messaging Aaron: Certifications, materials, and claims can get confusing fast. How should people think about what actually matters vs what’s just noise? For Cassie– Supports the goal of simplifying the conversation and reinforcing clarity over claims. Terry: What makes the Sustainable Merch Summit different from other industry events or conversations happening right now? For all three of us – Gives us a chance to clearly position the event and invite people into the experience. Reinforces the collaborative nature of the Summit and the value of diverse, real-world perspectives. Aaron: Jay, where can people get more info, see the panelists, and register? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/sn-FUP-t1KU OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% OffDTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change
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    1 時間 7 分
  • Pricing Without Guesswork: How to Charge What You’re Worth

    Pricing Without Guesswork: How to Charge What You’re Worth
    2026/04/03
    This week, it’s just the guys and producer Erich Campbell tackling a problem we’re seeing way too often. Shop owners investing lots of money into equipment and then asking the most important question after the fact… what should I charge? If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, felt unsure about your numbers, or found yourself looking at competitors and guessing, this episode is for you. We break down what “value” really means in your business and why pricing based on cost alone keeps so many decorators stuck. You’ll hear how to move beyond features and start understanding the real value your customers are buying, including the emotional side that often drives purchasing decisions. We’ll also talk about why competing on price is a race to the bottom, how to uncover what your ideal customers are actually willing to pay, and how to communicate your value so your pricing feels justified instead of questioned. If you want to stop second-guessing your pricing and start building a business that actually supports your goals, this conversation will give you the foundation to do it right. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/4bxHtN7gxBU Dad Joke Aaron: Mary ran to Peter and said, “Jesus has risen!” Peter said, “No way!” Mary smiled and said, “Yahweh.” Pricing Without the Guess Work Aaron: As we were putting this show together and deciding what to talk about, I actually had 3 requests through SuperGamut from new customers asking what they should charge. They just spent a decent amount of money and had no pricing strategy other than to copy what we told them. And I get it. Pricing feels like one of those things you’ll figure out once you get going. We just want people to have an understanding of what pricing is really all about, so you can think differently about the way you price your products. We have seen way too many good people create an expensive job for themselves because of their pricing strategy, or lack thereof. This isn’t about formulas. This isn’t about copying your competitor’s price sheet. This is about understanding the value you actually bring to the table, who you’re best suited to serve, and how to turn that into pricing that’s both profitable and sustainable. If you get pricing right, everything else in your business gets easier. If you get it wrong… you stay busy, stressed, and stuck. So we’re going to break this into two parts. First, what value really means in your business. And then, how to translate that into pricing that actually works. And of course, we’ve got Erich Campbell here with us today to help us make sure we don’t leave embroidery behind. When you think about pricing, what does ‘value’ actually mean in your business? How do you measure the value your product delivers to customers beyond just features? Who should you NOT be pricing for? How do you uncover the emotional value—not just functional value—of what you sell? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/qTUv6QppU5Q OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% OffDTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, ...
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    1 時間 23 分
  • Employee Appreciation That Sells: Turn Retention Into Revenue

    Employee Appreciation That Sells: Turn Retention Into Revenue
    2026/03/27
    This week, we welcome back Dean Biscan to talk about a powerful opportunity many apparel decorators and promo shops are overlooking: employee appreciation and retention programs. While your customers are struggling to retain good people, there’s a real opportunity for you to step in as a strategic partner rather than just another vendor. Dean shares why this is becoming a major focus for businesses right now and how shops can position branded merchandise as more than just swag. We break down how to turn appreciation into a meaningful experience, build programs that drive real results for your clients, and show how this approach can open new revenue streams with customers you already have. If you’re looking for a simple, high-value way to stand out in your market, strengthen client relationships, and grow your business without adding new equipment, this conversation will give you a clear path forward. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/Ilg-fTm8RW8 Dad Joke Terry: Did you know you can actually major in Dad Jokes at college? Yeah, you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Sigh-cology. Employee Appreciation Aaron: You were on recently, just give us a recap of what you’re doing right now in the industry. Terry: Employee Appreciation and Retention… give us the “Why?” from the standpoint of your customers. Aaron: So what we’re talking about here is how a decorator can help other businesses with their Employee Appreciation and Retention Terry: Why should apparel and promo shops be talking about employee retention and appreciation with their clients right now as a sales tool? Aaron: How can shops position branded merchandise as a strategic retention tool instead of just another swag order? Terry: How can appreciation programs become a true differentiator for shops in their local market? Aaron: How do you position yourself as a partner versus just another vendor? Terry: Give us some specific examples of decorated items you would use in a program like this. The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/qTUv6QppU5Q OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% OffDTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change
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    1 時間 10 分
  • Mix It Up, Stand Out: Boost Profits with Mixed Media Decoration

    Mix It Up, Stand Out: Boost Profits with Mixed Media Decoration
    2026/03/20
    This week on 2 Regular Guys, we’re joined by Stephanie Young of Sostephaniesays to talk about one of the biggest opportunities in apparel decoration right now, adding mixed media to your lineup. From embroidery to vinyl to sublimation and beyond, Stephanie shares how combining techniques can elevate your products, increase perceived value, and open the door to higher profits. We’ll also dig into why staying adaptable in a changing industry matters more than ever, and how ongoing education and creative inspiration can directly impact your bottom line. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your offerings, this episode will give you practical ideas and the confidence to start mixing things up. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/5JG_4IZwKNQ?si=oNGqzj8iAPbb_rht Dad Joke Terry: On St Patrick’s Day I saw a leprechaun pushing a little wheelbarrow full of four leaf clovers I thought, “That guy is really pushing his luck.” Multi-media Value Add Aaron: Let’s start with your journey. How did you get into mixing embroidery, vinyl, and sublimation, and what made you lean into teaching others? Terry: For someone hearing “mixed media” and feeling a little overwhelmed, how would you define it in a simple, approachable way? Aaron: What was one of the first mixed media projects you created where you realized, “Okay, this adds real value”? Terry: From a customer perspective, why do mixed media designs tend to command higher prices or stand out more? Aaron: Can you walk us through a couple of your favorite project examples and explain what makes them work so well? Terry: For decorators who are currently focused on just one method, what’s the easiest way to start incorporating a second process without overcomplicating things? Aaron: How does offering mixed media help shops stay adaptable as trends and customer expectations continue to shift? Terry: You spend a lot of time teaching and inspiring others. How have you seen education directly translate into more revenue or better opportunities for decorators? Aaron: Asking for a friend here… A lot of people get stuck in “I’m not creative enough” or “I might mess this up.” What advice do you have for getting past that fear and just starting? Terry: If someone listening today wanted to take action this week, what’s one simple mixed media idea or experiment they could try to begin adding value right away? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/BEtaNvBzOp4 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% OffDTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Real-Life AI Uses for Small Business: Save Hours Every Week

    Real-Life AI Uses for Small Business: Save Hours Every Week
    2026/03/13
    AI is everywhere right now, but most small business owners are still asking the same question: how do I actually use it in my day-to-day work? In this episode of 2 Regular Guys, Aaron and Terry talk about practical, real-world ways AI can help apparel decorators and product professionals save time without replacing the craftsmanship and relationships that make great businesses work. From documenting processes and organizing SOPs to writing customer communication and clearing mental clutter, we explore simple ways AI can act like a time-saving assistant instead of a complicated tech project. If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where it actually fits into your shop, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can start using right away. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/DMNLCkl3j1k Dad Joke Aaron: You know it’s Friday the 13th and I had a horrible dream last night. I dreamt that a horse in armor was chasing me. It was a Knightmare. Real-Life AI Uses The Reality of a Small Business Day / Where AI Might FitThe press just stopped, emails still need answers, pricing needs updating, SOPs are still not written. This sets the stage for why owners feel overwhelmed. The Big Myth About AIEveryone says AI will “save your business.” That expectation creates disappointment. AI cannot fix pricing, relationships, positioning, or craftsmanship. The Real Promise of AIAI does something much simpler but incredibly valuable. It saves time by organizing messy thinking and removing the blank-page problem. Why Most Owners Get Stuck with DocumentationMany shops know they need SOPs and processes documented, but everything lives in the owner’s head. Writing it down feels overwhelming. Using AI to Turn Messy Notes into StructureDescribe the example from the article. Record messy explanations, dump them into AI, and let it create a structured first draft of your SOP. AI Did Not Create the ProcessThis is an important philosophical point. The owner still created the system. AI simply organized the information faster. Production Clarity for Customer QuestionsShops answer the same questions repeatedly: file requirements, turnaround times, pricing explanations. AI can clean up your explanations and turn them into reusable templates. Operational Support with Pricing AnalysisAI should not set your prices, but it can help organize your numbers and surface inconsistencies in your pricing tiers. Marketing MomentumWriting product descriptions or marketing copy gets exhausting after the hundredth time. AI helps generate drafts so you are editing instead of starting from scratch. Cleaning Up Confusing Customer RequestsOne of the most practical uses. Paste a messy customer email into AI and ask it to produce a clear job brief with product, quantity, deadline, and missing details. Reducing Expensive MiscommunicationWhen AI organizes information before production, it prevents errors that cost real money like wrong garments, misunderstood deadlines, or unclear specs. The Key Skill: Better Inputs Create Better OutputsThe article’s refrigerator example illustrates this well. Specific instructions produce dramatically better results than vague prompts. AI as a Thinking Partner, Not the Final DraftAI should never be the final output. It is a starting point that helps clear mental clutter so owners can focus on relationships, craftsmanship, and serving customers. The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/TOR30jdRLs0 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn ...
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Promotional Products vs Digital Ads: The Surprising CO₂ Impact Study

    Promotional Products vs Digital Ads: The Surprising CO₂ Impact Study
    2026/03/06
    Most people assume digital advertising is the more sustainable marketing choice. But a new industry study suggests the story might be more complicated. This week on 2 Regular Guys, we welcome Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at ASI, to discuss the findings from a major CO₂ impact study commissioned by ASI and PPAI. The research looked at the carbon footprint of promotional products compared to other forms of advertising and uncovered some surprising results around longevity, memorability, and environmental impact. Theresa walks us through the key findings, explains how the study gathered and analyzed the data, and shares what these insights could mean for the future of sustainability in the promotional products industry. Join us as we explore the data and discuss how decorators and distributors can think differently about the environmental impact of branded merchandise. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/6BXmKHKC8H4 Dad Joke Terry: Did you know there are only 12 seconds (2nds) in a year? There’s January 2nd… February 2nd… March 2nd… Promotional Products vs Digital Ads Aaron: Welcome to the show as a guest. We have been loving having you bring us news on a regular basis from your work with ASI. Give us the quick rundown of who you are and what you do. I’m the executive editor of special projects and sustainability at ASI. I’ve been at ASI for 12 years, and I write about a variety of topics, with a focus on apparel, apparel decoration and sustainability. I started out in daily newspapers – highlights of my career include writing about a bedbug-sniffing dog, profiling a legally blind art teacher and following a local ghost-hunting group on a research trip to a cemetery at midnight. Terry: Let’s start at the beginning. What led ASI and PPAI to commission this CO₂ impact study in the first place? Promo products often get a bad rap as “trinkets and trash,” and we’ve seen some “anti-swag sentiment,” particularly on social media, with people complaining about promo’s perceived carbon impact. But up until now, there hasn’t really been any concrete data showing how promo stacked up compared to other forms of advertising. In order to combat people’s misconceptions about our industry, it’s important that we arm our members with real data they can use in sales conversations or when establishing themselves as thought leaders online. ASI and PPAI have always done a good job with gathering and crunching other kinds of data (ad impressions, state of the industry, etc.) but in some ways, sustainability-specific data has been a gap. Also, it was important for us to use a third party to conduct this study for impartiality. We knew the results might not be exactly what we wanted to hear, but we were prepared to share them whatever the outcome was. Aaron: Before we get into the numbers, can you give us the big picture? What question was this research trying to answer for the promotional products industry? The big picture is that we needed to establish an industry baseline. Until we measure how carbon intensive promo as a whole is, how can we address the impact? As I mentioned before, we also wanted to give our members some concrete data they can use to answer questions and concerns about the sustainability of the promo industry. We compared promo to five other advertising mediums: out of home (billboards and signage); digital advertising; radio; TV and print advertising, and looked at factors such as carbon impact per memorized impression (brand recall tied to a particular advertising channel), carbon impact per media campaign and carbon impact per dollar spent). Terry: What were some of the most surprising or headline findings that came out of the study? We didn’t really know what the study was going to say, so it was really exciting to find out that by most measures promo had the second-lowest carbon impact of all advertising channels. Billboards and other “out of home” advertising were the only channel with a lower carbon impact. For instance promo generates .56 grams of carbon equivalent per memorized impression, according to the combined U.S. and European data we gathered, whereas out of home is just under that figure with 0.54g grams of carbon equivalent per memorized impression. Digital advertising is 4.57g of carbon equivalent per memorized impression – 8 times higher than promo. (Grams and metric tons of CO2 equivalent is a ...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Automation & AI: Save Time, Scale Smarter, Stay Competitive

    Automation & AI: Save Time, Scale Smarter, Stay Competitive
    2026/02/27
    Automation and AI are no longer futuristic concepts reserved for big companies with developers on staff. In this episode of 2 Regular Guys, we sit down with Eric Granata, MAS of PromoPilot.io to explore how distributors can use automation and AI orchestration to save time, eliminate repetitive tasks, and build smarter, more scalable operations. With 13 years on the distributor side and now a Zapier Gold Solution Partner, Eric shares practical use cases, realistic starting points, and a grounded perspective on what is truly valuable versus what is overhyped. If you want to streamline your workflow and stay competitive without becoming a programmer, this conversation will show you what is possible right now. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/-i6pk_Gwgj4 Dad Joke Terry: I just read a very long article on Japanese sword fighting Allow me to Samurais it for you Samurai = Summarize Automation & AI Terry: Welcome to the show. We like to skip the fancy bios and just ask out of the gate, to give us more about you and your journey to where you are, briefly. Aaron: For decorators and promo distributors who hear the word “automation” and think it sounds complicated, how would you define automation in simple, real-world terms for our industry? Terry: Where are apparel decorators and promo shops bleeding the most time today without even realizing it? Aaron: If someone listening wants a quick win, what is one simple automation they could set up that would immediately save them time or reduce errors? Terry: A lot of shops are juggling email, QuickBooks, Shopify, CRM tools, and artwork approvals. How does automation actually connect all those systems together? Aaron: Let’s talk about AI. Where does AI fit into a typical decorator workflow, from quote to proof to production to follow-up? Terry: What is the difference between basic automation and what you call AI orchestration, and why should a small shop care about that distinction? Aaron: Many shop owners think, “I’m not technical.” How do they get started safely without breaking their systems or overcomplicating things? Terry: What is overhyped right now in AI for our space, and what is genuinely useful and practical? Aaron: How can decorators use their data, things like order history, reorder timing, or client buying patterns, to create smarter follow-ups and stronger customer relationships? Terry: If you were starting a decorated apparel or promo distributorship today, knowing what you know about automation and AI, what would you build into the foundation from day one?Aaron: Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us today. Can you share more about promopilot.io and let listeners know how they can learn more and connect with you? Learn more about PromoPilot at https://promopilot.io – learn about our services, scope the blog, and connect with industry automators and operators at our free community. The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/ydGtJjeiiqY OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain TimeDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellUnderstanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% OffDTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows ASI Show Forth Worth, TX – March 9-11, 2026Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, TX – March 12-14, 2026 CANCELLEDImpressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026DAX ...
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