Alistair Mylchreest (CEO Sourcing City), Frank Murphy (MD BTC Group) & Sibby Khan (MD Logo X) attended the 6th ASI Power Summit in Naples, Florida, USA last week. Following the formation of PromoAlliance; Sourcing City and PSI were invited to visit, and to take any European guests who would like to get involved in the event.

The ASI Power Summit saw 250 of the USA Industry’s Leaders come to together in a spirit of collaboration to learn and share. Alistair Mylchreest said; “It was an amazing opportunity to network with the North American players and to see what we could learn to make a difference to all UK distributors. Also seeing how seriously they take education was impressive, and the seminar sessions were 1st class. The outstanding impression was the air of collaboration; fierce competitors had an openness and honesty we do not always see in the UK, and each had a common purpose; to grow the market and increase professional standards the Industry”

Frank Murphy said; “It was my first attendance of an ASI event, and I had been wondering what the fuss was about with Sourcing City and PromoAlliance, so I thought I better see for myself. I was blown away with the professionalism of ASI, and the USA Distributors and Suppliers.  The open and honest dialogue between them all was evident.  I have been in the Industry 35 years, yet still came away excited and refreshed, with seriously ambitious plans for BTC Group. It was an inspiring trip and worth every element of time and investment. I can really see where Alistair and his team are trying to take us all and I applaud it.”

Sibby Khan said; “This was my 3rd ASI event and the best yet, I have made amazing connections, learnt great new things and as always walked away inspired with a long action list.”

Both Frank & Sibby agreed, that any owner serious about learning, expanding horizons and growing there business would benefit from attending the ASI Power Summit.

Norman Cohn, the Chairman of ASI who has spent 60 years in the Industry gave at an impassioned after dinner speech, his top 5 tips he has learnt were:

1.Businesses will always need advertising to get out their message. The best way to advertise remains promotional merchandise, which provides the best ROI of almost any media. Businesses that don’t advertise will soon be advertising their business for sale!

2.You will never be the lowest-cost provider. Someone will always sell cheaper. So sell ideas, not products.

3.This is one my father taught me: In business, you must always have honesty and integrity. If you give your word, you keep your word.

4.To keep growing, our industry needs to educate participants, including every sales and customer service person. A great way to prove you are serious is to pass an ASI BASI? and MASI? test and wear the pin as I do.

5.One person can’t solve all the world’s problems – but one person can help make the world a better place.  Make a difference, however you can.

Published on: November 21st, 2012