By Ilise Benun, marketing mentor Today, my client, Christian, is going through his trash. He’s looking for the business cards he threw away after the last Chamber meeting he attended. Why did he throw them away? Well, that was my question and here’s what he said: “Those people didn’t even talk to me. We didn’t make a connection. They just gave me their card.” It sounded to me like Christian was insulted by their behavior and throwing their cards away was his way of punishing them. You can guess what I told him: “Never throw business cards away. If someone gives you their card,
Read MoreCrown Products Acquires LuggageSpotter Products
Crown Products, Mobile, Ala., has acquired the promotional division of Not by Chance Enterprises, and the patent rights to The Original LuggageSpotter and the SuperGrabber. The Original LuggageSpotter was launched in 2001 and has sold more than two million units in the promotional market. Bob Bickert, president of Crown Products, noted: ”The LuggageSpotter and SuperGrabber products have been home runs in the promotional products industry. Not by Chance and Crown Products share the same values, so it was an easy decision to bring them into our company.” The patented LuggageSpotter is a cushioned, ergonomic luggage handle wrap. This year, Not by Chance launched the
Read MoreDunbrooke to Launch 2008 Catalog
For the second consecutive year, Dunbrooke Apparel Corp., Independence, Mo., will distribute its 2008 product catalog in the first week of August to assist distributors with catalog program business. New products will be available at that time on the company’s Web site, www.dunbrooke.com. “Last year, our fall release of the catalog was well received,” noted Matt Gray, COO. “We are anticipating an even greater response this year as many distributors are looking forward to using it to merchandise their 4th quarter business in addition to ease of setting up program business.” “We are very excited about our 2008 line, which includes several new Reebok
Read MoreAll-In-One Lets Distributors Turn Their Cell Phones into ‘Sell Phones’
All-In-One, San Diego, has introduced an industry-first mobile Internet presence with its www.aio2go.com Mobile Web site. The company invites promotional products distributors to give the new technology a try by using a Web-enabled cell phone or PDA to access aio2go.com. The site is optimized for small screens and fast load times, and provides easy access to product information, product photos with zoom, current pricing, detailed order status and tracking for shipments. According to company personnell, the sales tool enables distributors to have all the information at their fingertips while working outside the office. “With aio2go.com, anyone can turn their cell phone into a
Read MorePolyconcept North America Acquires Journalbooks
Polyconcept North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of promotional products supplier, Polyconcept, and owner of Leed’s, Pittsburgh and Bullet Line, Miami, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Journalbooks, Charlotte, N.C. The transaction, for which terms have not been disclosed, closed on July 2. Polyconcept North America’s combination of Leed’s, Bullet Line and Journalbooks will represent the largest US supplier of non-wearable promotional products with more than 1,600 associates throughout the country. “We are thrilled to add Journalbooks to the Polyconcept family,” said Michael Bernstein, CEO of Polyconcept North America. “Journalbooks has similar operating philosophies as Leed’s and Bullet Line with an emphasis on
Read MoreSanMar to Build New Distribution Center
SanMar, Seattle, has announced plans to build a 580,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Irving, Texas. The warehouse will support continual enhancements in the company’s one-day delivery service across 11 central states. Groundbreaking for the facility is scheduled for Fall 2007. “SanMar promises the deepest on-hand inventory in the industry,” noted Jordan Lott, vice president. “Our national distribution network and advanced delivery service are designed to earn our customers’ confidence. This move into a larger, company-owned space is a recognition of our growth, but also our customers’ needs for more product that is readily available.” Construction plans for the new southwest distribution center were
Read MoreIMC Under New Ownership
The ownership of Agoura Hills, California-based supplier International Merchandise Concepts/IMC has been acquired by its Asia operations partner, the Kao family. The Kao family has overseen IMC’s Asia operations since the company’s inception 26 years ago, and has been responsible for the sourcing, development and manufacturing of all IMC merchandise through its offices in China, Hong Kong and Taipei. The purchase of ownership from the Fishman family will not interrupt service, and the company will continue to operate under its current name. Jeffrey Kao, who has been part of IMC’s corporate team for more than 23 years, will assume the role of CEO. He
Read MoreSimply Smashing Highlights New Items
Simply Smashing Highlights New Items
Read MoreChocolate Inn Reveals New Products And Packaging
Chocolate Inn Reveals New Products And Packaging
Read MoreFOR THE HOME TEAM
BRANDING’S OMNIPRESENCE IS a sign of modern times. Advertising itself has been around for many thousands of years. From Roman coins featuring the faces of emperors and generals to waterfalls and colonies named for the British monarchy, branding has played an influential role throughout history. Still, no era has rivaled the extent and scope of the power marketing has on current society. Today, all of the catchy slogans and flashy logos can sometimes run together in the mind of the consumer. But everyone recognizes sports team logos and sports brands. Sports have the ability to thrill a consumer like no other line of brands. Nobody
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