Ask the Accountant… Question: What is the perfect system for a promotional products distributor? Answer: I wish I had the perfect answer for that. Unfortunately, there is not a perfect system for our complex and unique industry regardless of cost. Ad specialty distributors have had to figure out their own systems, mostly by trial and…
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The Myth of Overnight Business Success
Showing up means pushing forward, arriving early and leaving late, pushing away the lure of laziness to pursue growth, and being willing to keep a stiff upper lip in the face of failure. Life will hurl all manner of curveballs at you—that’s just the way it is. The real test is how you react when those disappointments happen: You can either give up or show up…
Read MoreTurning Dreams Into Reality With Kevin Harrington of ‘Shark Tank’
Kevin Harrington was an original “Shark” on the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” is creator of the infomercial and pioneered the “As Seen on TV” brand. His business ventures have produced more than $5 billion in global sales and his secrets to success have empowered many to turn their own dreams into multi-million dollar reality. Harrington joins host Greg Muzzillo on Million Dollar Monday…
Read MoreUnlocking the Combination to Success With Jack Canfield, Founder of Billion-Dollar ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ Publishing Empire
Jack Canfield, founder of the billion-dollar “Chicken Soup for the Soul” publishing empire, discusses with host Greg Muzzillo how success is like knowing the combination to a lock. “If you know that combination, you can open the lock,” explains Canfield…
Read MoreWhich Edition of QuickBooks Premier Is Right for You?
Ask the Accountant… Question: I am downloading QuickBooks Premier. There is a question about which edition I want. Which one do I pick? Answer: When you purchase QuickBooks Premier, there will be options of editions when you download the program. The edition that is best suited for our industry is Manufacturing and Wholesale. By selecting…
Read MoreFail More to Succeed
Businesses spend about $250 billion per year on promotional products, printing and custom packaging. You are probably within an hour’s drive of at least $1 billion in business. You are surely an internet connection away from the full $250 billion. So, why do so many distributor owners and sales reps fail to get wealthy? I believe fear of failure is the No. 1 cause for failure…
Read MoreDo You Deserve to Be a Millionaire?
Do you deserve to be a millionaire? Why? If you said you deserve to be a millionaire because you work hard, long hours, you are wrong. Lots of people work long, hard hours and earn minimum wage. If you said you deserve to be a millionaire because you have been in this business 25 years…
Read MoreHow to Create a Value Proposition for Your Distributor Business
When a prospect finds your website, you have about five seconds to give them a reason to consider working with you. They arrived at your site because they are evaluating providers, so you want to be a strong contender. Therefore, your offering has to stand out in this important evaluation phase. This is when your value proposition comes into play…
Read MoreYou’re Invited to Submit an RFP—Now What?
As a salesperson or distributor owner, you have a choice. Do you make a run at filling out the RFP when it could take weeks to complete, but at least have a chance at new business? Or do you walk away from the RFP in the hope that you will continue to obtain maverick spend from your core buyers?…
Read More3 Drivers of Change in the Promotional Products Business
Right now, your clients are undergoing major changes that are affecting their needs for promotional products. With events out of the equation, employees working from home and staff reductions, companies are using promotional products very differently. Understanding these changes will help you provide the right solutions for your clients…
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