R.S. Owens, Chicago, donated 48,000 miniature trophies to the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAIER). The donated trophies will be dispersed to more than 5,000 schools, teachers and students nationwide for scholastic and sports achievements. NAIER is a not-for-profit organization that donates products that may be used to further the recipient organization’s mission. This is the single largest donation that R.S. Owens has undertaken. “Social responsibility is an important part of our mission, and the R.S. Owens team is proud to be associated with this donation,” said Brian Birkan, CFO. “We look forward to building a great relationship with
Read MoreTips of the Trade: “How To Get Your Foot in The Door of the Big Companies”
By Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to get an appointment in a big company these days. Voice mail is constantly on and your phone message is never returned. If you’re lucky enough to get a live person on the line, it’s usually the gatekeeper and she/he tells you they already have a vendor they’re working with and to call back next year. And it’s only February! So what’s a savvy promotional professional to do? Read Jill Konrath’s book, Selling To Big Companies, that’s what! Jill’s an expert on selling to big companies and she talks from experience.
Read MoreLeed’s Introduces More Than 30 Products In New Catalog
Leed’s, Pittsburgh, recently announced the debut of 37 new items in its Conventions and Tradeshows catalog. The items include a colorful selection of functionally designed totes with eye-catching design details, in addition to everything from writing pads to jotters and journal books. According to Meetings and Convention magazine’s annual report, an estimated 136.5 million Americans attended more than 1.2 million conventions, corporate events and association meetings in 2005. Those charged with planning all of their company events, including education seminars, trade shows or corporate meetings, will now have a catalog from Leed’s to select appropriate giveaways or leave-behinds. By adding a new palette
Read MoreBodek And Rhodes Hires Sales Rep for Illinois, Wisconsin Territory
Philadelphia-based Bodek And Rhodes announced the recent hire of Scott Pawlow as the company’s new sales representative for the Illinois/Wisconsin territory. Pawlow has more than 10 years of experience in apparel sales, including several years serving the promotional products industry. “In a relatively short sales career, Scott has gathered a tremendous amount of experience in areas that are key to understanding and serving Bodek and Rhodes’ customers,” said Marc Held, national sales manager. “He’s experienced in wholesale as well as retail, worked with apparel decorators, sold Russell Athleticwear for years [and] served the promotional products industry. All this translates into a very valuable knowledge
Read MoreAlo Performance Apparel To Launch in January
Color Image Apparel, Los Angeles, the parent company of Bella brands—Bella, Bella Girl, Bella Baby and a men’s line, Canvas—has announced the launch of Alo, a performance apparel line to address the growing need of high-quality, fashionable, long-lasting apparel for busy lifestyles. The line will debut at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, Jan. 2-6, 2007. The name Alo stands for Air, Land, Ocean, and combines performance-driven fabrications, technical features and sport-inspired designs to create a look and feel that can be worn for almost any occasion. Set to launch with 14 men’s and 15 women’s styles, the garments feature special treatments applied to
Read MoreOOPPS, Here It Is
In an effort to give promotional products salespeople a voice and to fill an important void within the industry, the Organization of Promotional Products Salespeople (OOPPS) and its associated Web site, www.oopps.net, has been established. Based in Orlando, Fla., the mission of the newly established OOPPS is to “inform and empower promotional products salespeople who work for distributors so that they can make decisions that will enhance their careers and their earning potential.” The OOPPS concept originated with Ross Silverstein, founder and president of iPROMOTEu. “I’ve long thought the industry as a whole could benefit from this sort of organization,” he said. “I
Read MoreHow To Sell Performance Apparel
As a leading apparel designer in the promotional products industry, Dunbrooke has a strong commitment to provide well-made, fashionable, quality products that will reinforce the image of both company and end-users. By combining our embellishment techniques with the strong Reebok brand name, we offer performance apparel that stands out from the competition. In addition to the Reebok line, our performance and outerwear products are the perfect solution to those looking for versatile promotions. An amplified combination of energy, style and easy-care performance ensures that your clients stay on top. Our items offer UV protection and a corporate fit. They come in a wide variety
Read MoreHow To Sell Mood Products
Mood products are an easy way to grab attention at company picnics, fundraisers, open houses, sporting events, trade shows or anywhere a one-of-a-kind product is needed to make a long-lasting impression. Our mood pens and pencils are heat-sensitive—they change color from the heat in your hands. They are available in five colors, with no screen or logo charges. Mood drinkware is cold-sensitive—the color changes before your eyes when a cold beverage is poured inside. The cups are an inexpensive souvenir that serve as a reminder of an event. At trade shows, they are excellent attention builders that draw people to your booth space.
Read MoreHow To Sell Retail Brands
One shouldn’t underestimate the importance of using well known brands in promotions. Big names will help draw end-users for more reason than just the prestige associated with the name. The business world is often thought to be dry and uptight. Authentic brands, such as Nike, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger, drive demand and create excitement within the corporate environment. End-users will be wearing a piece of logoed apparel in conjunction with other clothing; this is an opportunity to create additional sales by suggesting matching garments. Offering authentic retail brands along with private label and activewear products opens up a multitude of opportunities within
Read MoreHow To Sell Writing Instruments
Writing instruments are items many consumers use daily, explaining why they are one of the most popular promotional products. The first key to selling pens is to promote high quality. Yes, a cheaper, lower-quality item may gain you a customer or a sale, but will this customer return to buy again? At Graphco, we believe in having a quality product, so our pens contain only German ink and Swiss tips. We guarantee them to write. Believe in the product you are trying to sell so your customers will believe in it, too. It’s easier to convince a client that pens are great marketing tools
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