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 More
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 More
Many of us hold the mistaken belief that the more clients we have the more money we make. That is a myth that does not serve us well. My first great breakthrough on my quest to become a multimillion dollar producer was that to get to the next level, I needed to fire the deadwood out of my client list.
Read More
Step 1: Be Kanye West. Step 2: Don’t not be Kanye West.
Read More
There’s a heated debate going on in a promotional products LinkedIn group I participate in about whether or not to participate in the bidding process.
Read More
Recently, I had an “Ah Hah Moment.” Don’t laugh when I tell that I’m just now realizing that at its core, we are an industry that’s based on products and price. …Really?? This revelation came after my wife and I went to a trade show recentl
Read More
These days Internet sites abound with promotional products, frequently at discount prices, but can a website provide the level of service, creativity and product knowledge that you, a promotional products sales professional, can?
Read More
I’m active on LinkedIn and my network continues to grow. I get all kinds of connection requests as many of you do. I ignore the carpet cleaners and auto service businesses that are across the county who want to connect, but I always accept connections with people within our industry.
Read More
Hard-pressed for good news? It’s easier to find than you think. Read on for encouraging words from PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE.
Read More
It can take a long time and a lot of work to achieve a strong position in the market, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Read More