Most salespeople are extremely agile. Extremely agile. Salespeople want to say “yes” to anything. Agility is critical to success in sales. A great process is critical, too, but being flexible to meet each customer’s needs is equally critical. Agility often breaks down once you get past sales. Operation teams often are far less agile by…
Read More
Question: I have a vendor who has become a customer. QuickBooks will not let me use the same name. What do I do? Answer: You can use a variation of the name, such as “ABC Company” for the customer and “ABC Company Inc.” for the vendor. Alternatively, you can do something as simple as adding…
Read More
It’s not the product itself that provides value, but it is how the recipient uses and perceives it that influences branding and promotional efforts. You can assume that swag is a cheap and expendable marketing tactic, or you can leverage every impression possible and evoke valuable emotions in your customers and clientele by choosing the right…
Read More
Question: How should I set up items for blank goods in QuickBooks? Answer: “Blank goods,” or orders that are then screen printed or embroidered by other vendors, are one of the most complex of orders in our industry. I recommend setting up a blank wearable by its item number and description only—not including color or…
Read More
I see the industry from many sides, both in my role as publisher of the PPAI-award winning FreePromoTips.com and as a distributor. My perspective is different from most, and that enables me to publish content that is of interest to our industry.
Read More
My husband, Steve, consults with small businesses that he calls “underdogs”—businesses that rely primarily on the skills and efforts of their owner/operators. He helps them identify their “super powers” that they bring to their businesses.
Read More
You’ve probably heard the buzz created when Apple’s attorneys contacted promotional products distributors last week. The issue is aftermarket charging cords and AC adapters sold that connect to iPads, iPhones and iPods, and Apple’s claim that they infringe on Apple patents.
Read More
Dear promotional product supplier: That video you made has a great soundtrack. The special effects? Nice touch. I even like the way you demo the product. It makes me want to sell the item. I want to feature your video on our website and social media channels, which reach thousands of people every week. Unfortunately …
Read More
How would you like a powerful marketing strategy that can position you as a leader in your field, put you in front of your best prospects, and help you close sales quickly?
Read More
When the discussion turns to delivering safe and compliant promotional products, and specifically how difficult it is to do, I usually go with this response: “You can either run toward the problem, or you can run away from it.”
Read More