Employment Outlook Improves For 2011
Employers in the U.S. are increasingly optimistic about hiring in the first quarter of 2011, according to a new survey from research firm Manpower Inc. The adjusted Manpower Employment Outlook for Q1 2011 is +9%, signaling the most promising job market since 2008. "The fact that hiring expectations are trending upward is an encouraging sign," said Jonas Prising, Manpower president of the Americas. "This quarter's survey responses paint a picture of a job market that is easing up."

Of the more than 18,000 respondents, 14% expect an increase in their staffing levels early in 2011. By comparison, about 70% of employers anticipate no changes in staffing, with 10% planning for a decrease and an additional 3% undecided about their intentions. Manpower data shows employers in 11 of 13 sectors surveyed have a positive outlook for the first quarter of 2011, led by the leisure and hospitality industry (+12%), professional and business services (+11%), information (+11%) and wholesale and retail trade (+10%). In geographic terms, data shows respondents in the Midwest and South have the most optimistic employment view (+10%), closely followed by respondents in the Northeast (+9%) and West (+7%).

While the employment outlook for 2011 is positive, there are signs the 2010 job market is closing on an upward swing as well. A separate report shows the number of advertised jobs rose by 44% in October, with the private sector increasing its help-wanted ads by its largest number in four years. Gains were made across a variety of industries, led by retail (+6%).

Video Report: News Of The Week
In this episode of Counselor's Industry Update video, we detail a new distribution agreement for one long-term industry supplier and explain why the job market is poised to heat up in 2011. Plus, will a new FTC proposal change the way marketers target online customers? Watch the video to find out.

Click here to see the trends and to watch Counselor PromoGram’s Industry Update.

If you have any news you’d like to see covered on Industry Update or in Counselor PromoGram, please send it to newsdesk@asicentral.com.

Marketers Report Rise In Spending
For the first time in over a year, marketers increased their spending across direct and digital channels in the third quarter of 2010, according to a new report. The business review, issued by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), particularly emphasized an improved return on investment for companies as ad activity accelerated. "For the first time in a long time Q3 saw marketing expenditures, revenues, staffing levels, and profitability grow," said Yoram Wurmser, director of marketing and media insights for DMA. "The U.S. economy's slow rebound is finally having a positive impact for marketers."

According to Wurmser, marketers are allocating larger portions of their budgets to customer acquisition efforts, taking advantage of better economic conditions. Data also suggests that marketers are continuing to lean heavily on investments in digital channels, focusing on search, e-mail, mobile, social and online display approaches.

"During periods of economic growth, marketers typically expand their focus on customer acquisition in an effort to grow their businesses and capitalize on opportunities that may have been missed during more difficult times," said Jonathan Margulies, a director at Winterberry Group, which partnered with the DMA in producing the study. "In conjunction with widespread optimism about new channel investment, response and profitability, this portends good things about what may lie ahead for the marketing community in 2011."

Another reason for the increase in ad spending, the report indicates, is an increase in profitability. In fact, for the third quarter, 55% of marketers surveyed reported a year-over-year rise in profits.

Podcast: Bill-Collecting Strategies
On Tuesday’s ASI Internet Radio Show, the hosts took questions from callers looking for advice on how they could get clients to pay their bills before the end of the year. Looking for effective tactics for collecting on outstanding invoices? Want to motivate clients to pay their bills quicker? Check out this podcast. 

Click here to listen to the bill-collecting segment from Tuesday’s show.

If you’d like to check out a recording of the whole online radio show, go to www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don’t forget to join us next Tuesday, December 14, for our next broadcast. Log on to www.asicentral.com/radio at 10:30 a.m. ET and give us a call at 215-953-4979 or e-mail us at radio@asicentral.com to participate on the show. We want to hear from you.

FTC Proposes Do-Not-Track System
Advocating for greater Internet privacy rights, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has endorsed a plan that would let consumers block companies from monitoring their online browsing and buying behavior. The proposed system, which is drawing comparisons to the national do-not-call registry, could significantly affect technology companies that make money from Internet ads tailored to online consumer habits. "Despite some good actors, self-regulation of privacy has not worked adequately and is not working adequately for American consumers," said Jon Leibowitz, FTC chairman. "We'd like to see companies work a lot faster to make consumer choice easier."

The suggested do-not-track mechanism, which could be built into an Internet browser, would essentially signal to a website that the user doesn't want to be monitored or receive tailored ads. A consumer that uses the mechanism would still see advertisements, but those ads would likely only be reflective of the webpage that's being viewed. Currently, Internet users who want to block pattern-based tracking have to adjust browser controls or click on icons near ads that open separate webpages offering opt-out functions.

As part of its review, the FTC will seek comment on its proposal for the next two months and will then evaluate the effects of the mechanism on consumers and advertisers. Analysts say tech giants like Yahoo, Google and Microsoft would all be affected differently because of the varying ways they use data collection to generate revenue. Advertisers who oppose the mechanism argue most consumers would choose to block monitoring, failing to see the benefits of targeted marketing. In general, marketers are willing to pay more for ads that can be delivered directly to a specific demographic.

The FTC's proposal comes during a time in which Internet advertising spending continues to easily outpace all other media spending. According to research firm eMarketer, online ad spending will increase 10.5% in 2011 and reach $440.5 billion annually by 2014. In its analysis, the Interactive Advertising Bureau found that in 2009, 80% or more of digital advertising campaigns used behavioral targeting.

Podcast: Exclusive Laura Bush Interview
The hosts of ASI Radio's Tuesday Morning Show welcomed former First Lady Laura Bush to the show last week. Bush shared her experiences in the White House, and offered stories about the many charitable causes that she's involved with. She also provided listeners with ideas for how they can thrive through obstacles and challenges. "Keep your eye on the ball and stay focused," Bush said during the show. "You have to do everything you can to keep your eye on what the goal is and not be sidetracked by other criticisms or problems that come up."

Click here to listen to a podcast of the whole interview.

New ASI Education Online Course Available
Start working toward achieving your BASI (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) or MASI (Master of Advertising Specialty Information) by taking self-paced, on-demand courses at ASI Education's Online Learning Center. In our newest course, "Eco-Friendly Apparel Facts and Strategies," you'll learn about a variety of eco-truths, key strategies for working with suppliers and customers, and how to sell different eco-categories.  

In The News
Kaeser & Blair (asi/238600) announced that it has been recognized by Print Professional magazine as the 5th largest overall distributor of printed products and the number-one largest in the category of promotional products.

Target Graphics (asi/90549) announced that it has changed its name to Target Decorated Apparel. In conjunction with the name change, the company has also launched a new branding effort, new website (www.targetda.com) and new products and services.

People On The Move
Ash City Worldwide (asi/37127) announced the appointment of Spencer Linwood to the position of national sales manager for Canada.

Geiger (asi/202900) announced that it has promoted Mike McKew to the position of assistant corporate credit manager.

iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) announced that 14 distributors, representing a combined annual sales volume of about $4 million, affiliated with the company in November. Among the new affiliates are: Paul Dube of PoPP, LLC in Reisterstown, MD; Ruth Ethridge of Pride Monkey One Promotions in Houston, TX; Sara Grier of Grier Marketing Source in Victor, IA; Scott Harman of Pagefleet in Mesa, AZ; Ardys Johnson of Absolute Promotions in Elko, NV; Ken Martasin of Peach State Promotions, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA; Bradford Miller of Creative Matters, Inc. in Palm Beach, FL; Brian Moreau of B MO Ventures, LLC in Monroe, LA; Bob Russell of Russell Promotional Products, Inc. in Glen Rock, PA; Carl Thyberg of Triton Business Systems in Columbia, MD; and Susan Todaro of Port City Promotions, Inc. in St. Augustine, FL.

Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) announced that it has hired Kevin Schardt for the newly created position of director of customer experience.

ASI SHOW

ASI HOLIDAY PREVIEW TOUR — VISITING FOUR CITIES IN 2011 (JUST ANNOUNCED)
The ASI Show just announced the launch of the ASI Holiday Preview Tour that will visit the greater Los Angeles area (September 23); the greater Toronto area (September 27); Atlanta (October 18) and Philadelphia (October 26) in 2011.

A full-day schedule will allow distributors to participate in free, hot-topic workshops led by industry practitioners from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., spend valuable time with leading suppliers in an intimate tabletop environment from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and network with other ad specialty professionals during a closing reception from 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Whether it is eco-friendly products, high-tech electronics or fun, seasonal items that your clients are looking for in the all-important fourth quarter, you will find a wide spectrum of choices at the ASI Holiday Preview Tour. For more information about the ASI Holiday Preview Tour, and to register for FREE, visit www.holidaypreviewtour.com.  

Follow The ASI Show on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook today!

The following are the dates and locations for The ASI Show in 2011:
Orlando, January 23-25, 2011
Dallas, February 16-18, 2011
New York, March 22-24, 2011
San Diego, May 18-20, 2011
Chicago, July 19-21, 2011

Plus, don’t miss the ASI Advantages Roadshow, the industry’s #1 traveling show. Visit www.advantagesroadshow.com for the complete schedule and go to www.asishow.com for information on all ASI Shows.