Untangling Onboarding: Simplifying the path to success for the team

Onboarding a new team member can pose challenges, especially when you are bringing on someone entirely new to the promotional products industry. Stepping into the industry can be overwhelming, not just for new hires, but for owners and managers as the onboarding responsibility often falls on your shoulders.  

Beyond adapting to a new company culture, new hires are often intimated by the steep learning curve in the promotional products space due to the unique complexities of the business: 

Learning the Extensive Product Catalog 

One of the primary challenges new hires encounter is the vast array of products they are expected to understand and sell. From apparel and accessories to tech gadgets and stationery, new team members must quickly grasp the broad range of promotional items available to clients. 

Mastering Decoration Techniques 

In addition to understanding the product range, new hires must also become familiar with different decoration techniques. Whether it be screen printing, embroidery, or engraving, each promotional product may require a unique approach to customization. Balancing creativity and efficiency in these processes is crucial, adding another layer of complexity to the onboarding process. 

Managing Client Expectations 

Beyond product knowledge and decoration expertise, navigating client relationships is a critical aspect of onboarding. New hires must quickly learn how to effectively communicate with clients, understand their needs, and manage expectations.  

"As you grow your team of promotional product professionals, you will find yourself dealing with a myriad of issues,” said Brandon Rogers, Vice President of Sales at Black Rock Branding. “It's not just about introducing new hires to your company's culture; it's about immersing them in a complicated dance where they must learn how to sell over a million products quickly, how to decorate them differently, and how to manage the client's expectations appropriately...all at the same time.”  

If you are an owner or manager, these challenges likely hit close to home. If you are new to the industry or considering a career in promo, you may have questions surrounding these same issues. The good news is that there are many effective solutions in place, specifically designed to alleviate the stress for owners, managers, and new hires alike.  

Members of The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) may take advantage of a variety of ASI University online courses, including live and online courses that are specifically designed to help you grow your industry knowledge and your business.  

Facilisgroup recently launched PromoIntro to the industry, a program initially offered exclusively to their partners. As an owner or manager, you can leverage tools like PromoIntro to streamline the onboarding process and empower your team members with the knowledge they need to thrive in the promotional products arena. 

“We know onboarding isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to run a business,” said Claire Lavoy, Professional Development Manager at Facilisgroup. “Knowledge that can take someone years to learn is packaged into a 4-hour course, allowing reps to be able to perform their jobs faster, and freeing up your valuable time,” remarked Lavoy.  

Additionally, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) offers members Training Advertising Specialist (TAS) certification courses targeting professionals with less than three years of industry experience.  

As you welcome new talent this year remember, with a strategic approach and the right tools, untangling the complexities of onboarding can become more manageable. If you are considering a career in the promotional products industry, be sure to ask prospective companies about their onboarding offerings to ensure they will set you up for success as you enter the industry. Here’s to a smooth onboarding journey ahead!