Jeff Solomon, MAS, Author at Print & Promo Marketing

I Could Have Slept In But Why Should You Care?

October 16, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

Something strange has happened to me. On a recent three-day holiday weekend, I had the opportunity to sleep in. But I didn’t. I attended a concert at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday and started early Sunday packing meals at our church for families in Haiti. I was looking forward to sleeping in on the holiday Monday when my wife told me our runners group was going out at 7 a.m. What would seem like an automatic “no” has become a much easier “yes” for me.

Tending Life’s Garden

October 2, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

One of the things I enjoy doing is taking care of the flowers on my front porch and tending to the few houseplants I have. I enjoy the color they bring to the home entryway, and people often comment on how pretty the flowers look.

ADD…on an (A)

September 18, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

In the promotional marketing industry, we know what an (A) represents. If we compare an (A) to ADD, (Attention Deficit Disorder), it doesn’t mean half of anything

2015 … Really?

September 4, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

As I write this, it is hot in Southern California, making it hard to believe that summer is almost over and fall soon will be upon us. This year we didn’t take a big vacation, but took a couple of short ones. Our end-of-the-summer getaway was a few days on Catalina Island. Catalina is an awesome gem, just an hour by boat out of Long Beach, Calif. We hiked, visited the interior where bison roam, saw bald eagles, did miniature bowling, at which I am horrible, and had a few good meals. Getting away is so important to our personal and professional development.

Where Are Trade Shows Going?

August 21, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

In our first article on What’s Happening with Trade Shows, we covered the SAAC Show, a strong regional association event, in Long Beach, Calif. There were a couple of anonymous comments bemoaning that the article featured links to product videos from some interesting items we found at the show.

What’s Happening with Trade Shows?

August 7, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

Full disclosure here—and I’ve said this before—I love trade shows. There is no better way for distributors to connect with their supplier partners. Suppliers have the opportunity to connect with new prospects and to strengthen relationships with current customers. There is no question, however, that the dynamics of trade shows are changing. It’s a big topic that I will address in two parts.

Maintaining Profitability—Part 1

July 24, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

The news of a well-known supplier with a long history closing their doors stunned the industry recently. This isn’t the first of such casualties and it certainly won’t be the last. There also will be losses of distributors and more consolidation. Strong suppliers will buy smaller suppliers and strong distributors will absorb smaller distributors. Some companies will just close their doors.

I Confess: I Lied

July 10, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

Many of you may know that my faith and values are important to me. Reluctantly, I must share that I’ve done something I normally don’t do. I lied.

The Riskiest Product in Our Industry…

June 26, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

Flash drives are a practical item and offer a great branding opportunity. They can, however, be risky from a supplier, distributor and consumer standpoint.

Business Lessons from Mickey Mouse

June 12, 2014May 8, 2024 Jeff Solomon, MAS

I recently returned from a few days at Disneyland. My wife and I agreed to be chaperones for Grad Nite. On Grad Nite, Disneyland is open until 2 a.m. with just high school graduates and their chaperones. (It sounded like a good idea at the time.) I’m sure this goes on at locations all around the country, but being from Southern California, Disneyland is the place to be.