It's graduation season and many will accomplish significant milestones in their lives. 

My son is graduating from junior high.  It's great to see him accomplish one of the many achievements in his young life. 

As an old guy, sometimes it's hard to connect with the idea of continuing education.  My wife tells me I need to keep stretching my mind, so it doesn't get stagnant.  She's right...of course...as always.

Taking my wife's direction, I diligently pursued my Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) designation and am pleased to have accomplished that goal.  It's been debated whether these industry "degrees" have any tangible value.  Some feel that a Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) or an MAS designation may mean nothing to your clients and that might be true, but it should mean everything to you...and your ability to better serve your clients.  

The graduation season gives us the opportunity to share one of our most popular business articles.  Steve Jobs from Apple and Pixar, two "moderately" successful companies, offered a stirring commencement address to the graduating class at Stanford University a few years ago.  We are pleased to offer it to you in words and in video. See below.

Keeping with with our education theme, We would like to draw your attention to a new PromoTips feature "Deep Thoughts with Industry Leaders."  In this issue, we are pleased to feature Steve Slagle, CEO of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).  You need to be aware of what's happening and what PPAI is doing to address the impending threats to our industry. Check out PPAI LAW.

Happy business building!

Jeff Solomon, MAS
"Master Advertising Specialist"
FreePromoTips.com