By Ilise Benun, marketing mentor I know how tempting it is to take all the work that comes along, even if you have that sneaky feeling that it’s not your “ideal” project. That’s why, in today’s tip, I’m giving you three of the 10 reasons to turn down a project: 1. Unrealistic schedules. The job is yours for the asking, but they want it done faster than you’ve ever done it before. 2. Major mismatch. Your specialty is quality work, but your customer is a penny pincher who treats you like a commodity. 3. Dangling carrots. Don’t be fooled by the promise of
Read MorePPAF Announces New Expo Location
The Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF) has announced the move of its Expo to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., beginning in 2008. The 2008 PPAF Expo will be held Aug. 27 and 28. The PPAF Expo currently draws 650 distributors and 180 supplier exhibitors. By partnering with SAGE, an experienced tradeshow management company, and moving to the convention center, the PPAF board is confident the Expo will expand. For more information, call (813) 662-2784 or visit www.ppaf.com
Read MoreAtlantic Afghans Releases 2008 Catalog
Atlantic Afghans, Atlanta, Ga., recently released its new 2008 catalog. New to the catalog this year is the Personalized Photo Throw. Companies can offer an incentive card that directs employees to a Web site where they can upload a photo. Another addition is the Custom Flannel Blanket, offered in two sizes and is ideal for school and college promotions. Atlantic Afghans’ new products were officially launched at the Geiger Summit last month. The new line will appear at the Kaeser and Blair Trade Show (Booth #54) on Sept. 14 in Covington, Ky. The products will also be available through Web site requests
Read MoreWine Design Changes Name
In and effort to revamp its image, Wine Design, San Diego, recently changed its name to A+ Wine Designs. The company also added a new mascot, Corkey, as part of its new marketing campaign. “We’re extremely excited about this natural progression as our business continues to grow, as we expand our product line and markets, and seek to attract new customers,” said Michael McCarron, owner. “We look forward to continuing the fine relationships we’ve established over the last 10 years with some of the top distributors in the industry, while reaching out to new clients as well.” For more information, call (800) 201-9463
Read MoreBIC Graphic USA Finalizes Atchison Deal
BIC Graphic USA, Clearwater, Fla., completed its acquisition of Atchison Products, Atchison, Kan., on Aug. 31. The deal will expand BIC’s products to include totes, bags, coolers and backpacks. As previously announced on Aug. 17, BIC Graphic had signed a definitive agreement to purchase Atchison, which posted sales in 2006 of approximately $15 million. Dolly Duffy and Dan Fangman, CEO and president of Atchison Products, respectively, will remain with the 125-employee company. Atchison Products will continue to operate in Kansas, and the company will retain its original name, with the addition of a BIC tagline. For more information, call (800) 255-6023 or visit www.bicgraphic.com
Read MoreChocolate Chocolate Opens New Factory, Announces Tour Winner
Pat Knoll of Brown and Bigelow’s Ft. Lauderdale office was the winner of a trip for two to Chocolate Chocolate’s new 60,000-sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Washington State. To launch the opening of the new facility, Chocolate Chocolate held a contest open to distributors who placed orders between May 1 and Aug. 1, 2006. Knoll and her husband Dick were flown to Northwest Washington for a three-night stay at a luxury seaside hotel. They were treated to a Pacific coastal island tour aboard a private plane, flown by factory owner Jeff Robinson. As part of the tour, the couple had the opportunity to design
Read MoreNotes Awards Top Distributors Limited-Edition Mona Lisa Prints
Notes, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., awarded 20 of its top distributors of 2006 with a limited-edition print of its 2007 catalog cover art: a colorful, contemporary Mona Lisa rendered by award-winning illustrator Chris Gall in his signature engraving style. The honorees were chosen from more than 1,000 distributors. “We wanted to present our best distributors with something really special; something that would show our appreciation for their superior results,” said Pete Langdon, division sales manager. “And the Gall cover fit the bill. It’s the one sales trophy that doubles as artwork.” Each year, Notes introduces a new Mona Lisa depiction to promote the
Read MoreR.S. Owens Receives Excellence in Customer Service Award
Mary Busch, manager of executive accounts at R.S. Ownens, Chicago, received Adventures in Advertising’s (AIA) top award in the “Best Hard Goods Customer Service Rep or Team—Category 1” at AIA’s annual conference in Denver last month. “This is such a great honor,” said Busch. “It really shows what teamwork can do and I’m flattered to receive this honor on behalf of everyone at R.S. Owens. It’s a real testimonial to the work we do and the products we manufacture.” Adventures in Advertising recognizes its franchisees and supplier vendors at the annual conference. R.S. Owens’ Executive Accounts Team received AIA’s “Save the Day” Award in
Read MoreGo Green (or Go Home)!
DON’T LOOK NOW, but—POOF!—the promotional products industry just went green. Green meaning, of course, eco-friendly—not violently seasick, uncontrollably jealous or oddly monochromatic. No longer is saving the earth simply a topic for college campuses and backstreet beat coffee shops. The environmental sloganeering has been replaced by actual conversation—which, it should be pointed out, never would have happened without the sloganeering—as big businesses wake up to the natural world around them. Suppliers and distributors are singing a new tune that is friendly to everyone’s ears. More importantly, end-users are purchasing environmentally responsible products and supporting conservational business practices. Even if they don’t realize it, or
Read MoreInside Outerwear
FOR A LONG time, outerwear has been somewhat on the outskirts of the promotional apparel landscape. Much more attention had been given to its business-ready, corporate casual counterparts. These days, however, promotional outerwear is charting its own course and marching to the beat of its own drum. With a rise in environmental awareness and a greater focus on fabrication, outerwear has redefined its role in promotional apparel, and thus distributor profits. “Fabrications are the big story in promotional outerwear,” noted Cathy Groves, vice president of marketing at Overland Park, Kansas-based Dri Duck Traders. “Bonded soft-shell fabrics, cotton canvas waterproof and fabrics with any type of
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