Social Networking Usage Doubles
A new University of Maryland survey shows social media usage among small businesses increased to 24% in 2009, up from 12% in 2008. Further, three out of four respondents reported use of a company social networking Web page, tied to a site like Facebook or LinkedIn. An additional 40% of respondents say they have created a blog, where they post entries related to their areas of expertise. About 26% of those surveyed send Tweets about their business field, while 16% use Twitter as a customer service tool. "Social media levels the playing field for small businesses by helping them deliver customer service," said Janet Wagner, director of the Center for Excellence in Service. "Time spent on Twitter, Facebook and blogs is an investment in making it easier for small businesses to compete."

Besides demonstrating usage, the survey also compared expectations to results, showing social networking wasn't quite as effective in attracting new customers as had been hoped. Roughly 73% of respondents expected social networking to help customer acquisition, while only 61% of surveyed businesses could identify an uptick. However, 46% of respondents believe social media helped their businesses stay engaged with customers, falling in line with expectations.

Maybe most notably of all, 22% of those surveyed feel social networking is already helping them turn a profit, with 46% believing the marketing tool will help them make money within the next year. This new optimism among business executives is an attitude reversal from prior studies, including one conducted by Citibank last August. In that study, 75% of respondents did not find social networking to be helpful for generating leads or expanding their businesses.

Video Recap Of ASI San Diego
ASI held its first-ever show in San Diego last week, and Counselor's cameras were there to document the action. We interviewed speakers, talked to attendees and even barged in as show-goers relaxed at various receptions. Check out the videos below to get a complete feel for the ASI San Diego show.

Show Update Day One

New Products In Kathy's Korner

Tony Robbins Reaction

Interview With Marc Held

Show Update Day Two

Cool Apparel On Display

Catalog Doc Solves Marketing Challenges

Tim's Take On ASI San Diego

Gala Takes Over SD Nightclub

Tuesday Morning Radio Show Live On The Air
Every Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. eastern time to 11:00 a.m., a team of ASI editors debate the most important topics facing the industry. We also, of course, offer our own off-beat look at the market. This morning, we offered a recap of last week's ASI Show San Diego, provided tips for effective customer service and debated the best ways to deal with difficult co-workers. Plus, we even took calls from audience members looking for ways to upsell their clients.

If you missed the show, don't worry. A recording is now available at www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don't forget to join us next Tuesday, March 9, for our next broadcast. Log on to www.asicentral.com/radio at 10:30 a.m. eastern time and give us a call at 215-953-4979. We want to hear from you!

Halo Acquires Relay Gear
As first reported in Counselor PromoGram last week, Counselor Top 40 distributor Halo/Lee Wayne (asi/356000) has announced the acquisition of Ohio-based Relay Gear LLC (asi/306686), which specializes in fulfillment programs for non-profits. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Relay Gear's sales team will join Halo, eventually selling under the Halo Branded Solutions label. "We have had great success partnering with distributor companies with a strong regional presence and, in the case of Relay Gear, a strong national presence in a niche market," said Jim Stutz, Halo executive vice president of sales. "They are poised to use our financial and operational strengths to grow their successful business model."
 
Relay Gear, which generates annual revenues of $5 million, employs a sales team of six people, as well as additional support staff. Per the deal, Relay Gear's sales office will remain in Columbus, OH. "Our clients' needs were growing increasingly complex," said Bob Southard, Relay Gear partner and vice president. "Halo/Lee Wayne will allow us to offer robust fulfillment and merchandising solutions to better serve our clients."

This is Halo's first acquisition of 2010. The company, which is ranked as the eighth-largest distributor on Counselor's Top 40 list, completed an acquisition of the 17-member-sales-force of the Advertising Novelties Company this time last year.

The Joe Show: Product Design Awards Finalists
In this episode of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some of the finalists in Counselor's Product Design Awards competition. This annual awards program highlights the most unique and interesting items that suppliers launch into the market.

Click here to see this Product Design Awards edition of The Joe Show.

And, click here to vote for the products that you think are the best designed, considering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. You can select up to three products in each of the 13 featured categories.

Take The State Of The Industry Survey
Counselor is currently polling professionals in the industry – both distributors and suppliers – to see how the market did in 2009 and to get impressions on where the industry is headed in 2010. We need your input. Please take some time to click the appropriate link below and complete the annual State of the Industry survey. Your responses will remain anonymous and you'll be helping to create Counselor's annual State of the Industry report.

Distributors click here to take the distributor State of the Industry survey.

ASICentral: Is Green Losing Steam?
Some experts say eco-friendly marketing is dying. Others say it's just hibernating and is poised for a comeback. What do you think? Read more and take the poll by clicking here.

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Free Webinar: How To Follow Up On Trade Show Leads
Next Tuesday, March 9, from 2pm – 3pm eastern time, we'll be hosting a free webinar for suppliers focused on how to follow up with trade show leads to get the sale. Suppliers say their top self-promotion method is exhibiting at national trade shows, according to the latest Counselor State of the Industry report. And, suppliers generate more than 1,000 leads, along with an average of $209,022 in new business, from attending trade shows. What's key, though, is to follow up with all your leads after a trade show.

New Course Available On ASI Education's OnlineLearning Center 
Be sure to register at http://www.asicentral.com/asionlinelearning for some exciting new courses available exclusively to ASI members. Brought to you by ASI Education, Online Learning is the newest and most convenient way for distributors to get educated.

NEW: Social Networking Tactics That Get Results
Social networking for business? Lots of businesses are using social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn; creating videos and podcasts; and using blogs to connect with prospects and clients. We'll cover all of these cool, social media tools in this course, so when you're done, you'll have an overview of which ones might be right for promoting your business. Register now! {http://www.asicentral.com/asionlinelearning}

Coming Soon:

In The News
ActNow Media Inc. (asi/31015) is offering a net 30-day credit term for qualified distributors.

Bag Makers Inc. (asi/37940) has launched a Facebook fan page with commentary, photos, videos and product education.

Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788) and Image Apparel Solutions (asi/62202) have announced a partnership. Per the agreement, customers of Image Apparel Solutions can now purchase items from Bodek and Rhodes and have them drop-shipped (to Image Apparel Solutions) with no freight charge ($50 minimum order, excludes white basic short sleeve T-shirts).

CSE (asi/155807) has selected SanMar (asi/84863) as its Supplier of the Year for 2009. The distributor has also named Joey Klinger of SanMar as Best Sales Representative and Heather Newingham of Leed's (asi/66887) as Top Customer Service Representative. 

FRS Industries (asi/53480) is celebrating its 125th anniversary during 2010.

Magnet LLC (asi/68507) has announced a multi-million dollar investment in operational upgrades. The company is also offering its magnetic Power Clip at a special low price.
Natural Trends LLC (asi/73497) has been named the exclusive industry supplier for the WD-40 No Mess Pen. The product will be available for delivery, with custom imprinting, in mid-March.
Newton Manufacturing (asi/283300) has named Noteworthy (asi/74360) an Outstanding Supplier for 2009.

People On The Move
Bruce Fox Inc. (asi/42330) and E.A. Dion, Inc. have announced the addition of Jonathan Sweet, who will work to develop both firms' distributor networks, operating from Los Angeles.

Canyon Outback Leather Goods (asi/43766) has hired the following multi-line reps: Diane Leslie (covering southern CA, NV, AZ and HI); Shawna Tickle (CO and UT); Seth Porter (IA, IL, KS, NE and MO).

Superex (asi/90231) has announced that Bennett Sales will provide representation in TX, OK, LA and AR.