Dana Hali: The Force Behind Ceteramarketing
She’s an entrepreneur and a relentless thought leader. Her work is devoted to making every person and organization she comes in contact with feel and look their best. Dana Hali is the creative mind behind CeteraMarketing, an award-winning, boutique-style marketing firm, specializing in uniforms, promotional products, corporate gifts and event branding.
It has been said that the development of good relationships in the workplace have the potential to improve the mood of employees, making them subsequently more productive. Hali understands this concept very well, which is why her focus is on providing a nurturing office environment that has translated into a successful company. “If I can bring people in and give them a work environment that empowers them and makes them happy as well, that’s a win. Everybody is empowered to speak their voice. Everybody is empowered to share their ideas and to grow,” she says.
Operating for more than 10 years, CeteraMarketing recently started a new branch of the company, Cheapswag.com, a sister company and a self-serve site that sells products at a reduced price. Hali says the discounted site has been very successful for them. But it doesn’t stop there. She is excited to announce that they will be launching a women’s uniform company in 2020. “We’ll be providing functional pieces for career-driven women who are on the go, who have families,” she shares. Customers will be able to customize shirts with their company logos, as well.
When it comes to business, Hali is thinking beyond short-term benefits; she’s building long-lasting relationships with customers. She recalls a situation during her early days of working with Honda, where she was asked to provide a gift for the foundation’s board members. Her company was able to supply high-quality blankets at a desirable rate, meeting both the client’s budget and marketing needs. Her intent was focused on the residual relationship instead of immediate margins.
Initially, her company was created as GiftCetera in 2005 before she rebranded in 2008. As a result of Hali’s leadership and determination, CeteraMarketing has seen tremendous growth and development since its inception. It wasn’t easy, but she believes in pushing through adversity, as she states, “You soldier through it.” Hali believes in looking at all factors, identifying which ones are out of her control, accepting those things and focusing on what’s best for the team in order to push forward.
“If I can bring people in and give them a work environment that empowers them and makes them happy as well, that’s a win. Everybody empowered is to speak their voice. Everybody is empowered to share their ideas and to grow.”
“I started CeteraMarketing because I like seeing people happy, I like to see people smile. If I can do anything with passion to make other people happy, it makes my life that much brighter. I give selfishly, but it’s really because I gain so much gratification from others being happy.” When she sees a satisfied customer, Hali is proud to know that she’s done something good.
