Our industry has been much maligned. We may dislike it, but the proven effective branding strategies we offer have been devalued in many ways. We’ve embraced terms like swag and tchotchkes, because the terms are so commonly used. It may be argued this contributes to the image of our industry as trinkets and trash.
Read MoreTag: Marketing
The Price Is NOT Right
The lowest common sales denominator in our industry is the product-based sales person, i.e., promo-peddler, trunk-slammer, tchotchke-chucker, ad nauseam. The mere fact that you are reading and digesting this means you most likely aren’t one of those. I’m addressing this article to you—the thinking sales person, the promotional partner, the extension of your client’s marketing department. You Think, Therefore, You Am. (I gotta stop talking like I’m Popeye.)
Read MoreWhy Do We Do This?
There are many things in life and business that are important to us. We have a passion for what we do in our personal and professional lives. And many of us are quite passionate… myself included.
Read MoreHold Your Own Open Gym
High school athletes are expected to spend time practicing in the off-season of the sports they participate in. They call these “open gyms.” The same off-season practice is just as important for suppliers and distributors.
Read More7 Ways to Create A Social Media Presence
You’re not still asking why or whether you need to have a social media presence, are you? You need a social media presence because that’s where your new customers are and it’s how they will find you, trust you and try you.
Read MoreRicko’s Patent-pending Bullseye Accounts Method for Success, Part 2: Targeting
This is the second half of an article that covers my Bullseye method of pursing and landing large accounts as PART of your account prospecting effort. If you are just coming to the party, go back into Blog Historyville and read up on Part One before continuing here. Otherwise, you’ll just be half-effective—and Bold, Different and Memorable-type Peeps don’t do things by halfsies.
Read More8 Things You Need to Know About How to Use #Hashtags
For the longest time, # meant number. Now, # means hashtag, but most people don’t really understand how to use hashtags. Here are eight things you need to know now about how to use hashtags.
Read MoreThree Little Words
This week we’re going to do an exercise that will define your Three-Word Promo Identity. It’s going to be fun, unless we end up with three silly words, like Wonky Water Wedgie. But I don’t see that happening…
Read MoreSuperman Sets Record for Most Promotional Tie-ins, Frowns
Zach Snyder’s new Superman film raises the bar for product placements and frowny faces.
Read MoreMarket Mastery: Turning Your Market Expertise Into a Sales Advantage
Some marketing companies are turning their demographic expertise into a sales advantage: Can you follow suit?
Read More