Professionally Personalized for embroidery, screen printing, and promotional items

A complete idiots guide to decorating garments

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:43:00 +0000

Over the next few blog entries we will discuss different ways to print on products and wearables, but I thought I would give my readers a brief guide to the options out there and a few pros and cons of each to start.

EMBROIDERY:
Pros
- works well with heavier weight garments
- very durable so it won't easily wear over time.

Cons
- does not work well on light weight garments
- logo reproduction is not 100% accurate

SCREEN PRINTING:
Pros
- produces vivid colors
- quick turnaround time

Cons
- multiple colors require multiple screens- can get very pricey
- Inks are not always environmentally friendly

GARMENT-PRINTING:
Pros
- photo-realistic images without the use of screens
- works well on whites and light colored garments

Cons
- colors are not as vibrant
- slower process compared to screen printing

SUBLIMATION:
Pros
- achieves and all over print
- using digital technology so each shirt can be different

Cons
- requires 100% polyester garments
- requires lighter colors

How to Increase Profit Margins Step 2!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:08:00 +0000

I will only say this once!! DO NOT COMPROMISE ON PRICE!

When distributors lack confidence in their products they immediately lower the price, which ultimately effects their bottom line. This comes out of fear of loosing the sale. Everyone figures that some money is better than none. Especially in this economy we have to keep every sale that we have in our hands. But truthfully maybe the sale should be lost if the profit margins cannot be maintained. The problem is when the owner has the mind of a salesman, you need to keep your businessman hat on and not put on your sales hat. It takes time to realize that the bottom line is more important then the top line.

The new Trend for 10- Vests!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:28:00 +0000

The vest is becoming a fashion staple, and with winter in full swing in most parts of the country vests can be a great item to add to your wardrobe. A vest provides protection and warmth without the confines of a jacket. It's ideal when layering tee shirts or with sweaters or turtlenecks.

Vests come in many different styles, you can get dressy vests or casual outdoor vests for both women and men. Logo's can be embroidered or screen printed onto the front or back of the vest to make a great promo for either customers or employees.

Employees that work outdoors can also have a great use for vests. A car salesman, for example, when they go outside to show cars to customers can just throw on a puffy vest to stay warm in the winter, and with their company logo on the vest they are showing brand loyalty. Vests are also great for people who work indoors as well- a simple vest with a company logo embroidered on the chest can make employees look like a team, without the expense or hassle of having to order full uniforms. Employees can wear their own pants and shirt, but all wear a vest that matches. This look is very professional and is very easy for employees to care for, it's also very fashion forward. So do not count out the vest, it's making a comeback in 2010!

What Businesses Get on Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Facebook has over 150 million users, it is the number one social media network in the world. Facebook lets users create profiles, post status updates, pictures, and connect with friends.

Think of your Facebook network like an email or newsletter list. But don't use it to bombard your friends with pricing specials and sales pitches. The up side is that you have all the personal information people put on their Facebook pages and it can offer insight into their lives. Facebook gives you a snapshot into a prospect, and you can look into their profile. Something that may take numerous luncheons to get to know about someone you can learn in two minutes off their Facebook page.

Facebook offers professional and personal sides of social networking- which mean you can do things more casually on Facebook and get away with it. No more worrying about being all dressed up for the business meeting- you can network on your couch in your pajamas.

The last and most important point when dealing with Facebook is that people buy from their friends. People will buy from people they know and people they like, which is why Facebook is a great resource. So if you are not on Facebook yet, sign up today- it's free at www.Facebook.com.

Still Using a Wall Calender?

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Well your customers are! With the latest Blackberry's, iPhones, and other smart phones the battle has certainly been on with the traditional date keeper. Although many business men and women are keeping their schedules with smart phones or other electronic devices the traditional desk or wall calender is not quite as extinct as some would like to think. There is a calender is just about every kitchen in the country and best of all for distributors calender orders tend to represent a lot of recurring business this time of the year.

So despite the fact that most of us are toting around our lives in the palm of our hands print calenders remain a lucrative and profitable item. Part of the attractiveness of such a product lies in the ingenuity and innovation that companies are applying to traditional calenders. Ironically, the reach of traditional print calenders seems to extend even further than that of digital calenders. No longer restricted to the desk or wall, print calenders can be found on magnets and just about anything you can think of. Calenders are also used in conjunction with other promotional products- such as notepads, phone books, coupons, folders, or informational packets. Calenders are a great way to get your name out there and keep it out there- because people keep them all year long, so your company name and contact information is in front of your potential customers for 365 days a year!

How to Increase Profit Margins Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:49:00 +0000

The ideal gross profit margin for an ad specality distributor is in the range of 38-40% and you have to have that margin to grow your business and sustain your growth. Despite the current economic situation there are distributors that are succeeding and are able to maintain those kinds of margins.

But how do you get to, and maintain that level of profitability in the face of an increaingly price concious cleints?

1. Remember that attitude is everything.

You are not selling yourself or the cheapest item out there, you have to beleive in the product. You have to beleive that the product you are showing, because then the client will believe in the product as well. You have to add value to the transaction.

2. Provide top notch customer service.

One important way to add value is by offering your clients exceptional customer service during each step of the selling process. Price means nothing, as long as you are accessable and the order is completed and delivered without any issues. Keeping profit margins high mean keeping clients happy.

Stay tuned for more ways to increase your profit margins.

Neckwear- who knew?

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:47:00 +0000

With the ever changing economy it's more important than ever to look the part and look professional and nothing says professional like a necktie sporting your corporate logo or corporate colors. Ties give the wearer the ability to be fashionable, professional with subtle branding. Sometimes a T-shirt or a polo shirt is not enough- sometimes you need something with an impact that says fine clothing and class. Unlike tradition garments neck wear decoration is not limited to one small location. Instead neck wear can feature logos and corporate colors in a beautiful subtle pattern. These patterns can emulate famous brands turning logos into attractive pattens that end users are excited about wearing. For a winning co-ed corporation promotion, I would suggest a branded silk tie for men and a silk scarf for women. Neck wear allows employees to be uniform without wearing standardized uniforms. Neck wear is easy to wear in the summer or the winter and is convenient and comfortable for all.

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Small Business's, who normally have a small budget for advertising, ofter resort to unconventional methods to promote themselves. There are two most common types of advertising that small business's use and I will discuss them both.

The first is cross promotion. This is leveraging the success or popularity of another business for your own good. In a cross promotion you work with another business to increase sales for both companies. For example, you may offer free print work to any customer who buys a monthly subscription of your product. Or you could offer a free movie ticket to someone who purchases your product. Either way you are working with another company to promote sales. Associating with a business that is already popular and successful is the best way to go, because this can successfully raise the reputation of your company. It can be difficult to establish a rapport as a new business, but by working with someone who is already well known can do a great deal for your business. Had anyone ever heard of Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz until they started working with Oprah, heck no! So find the Oprah of businesses and work with them, your business should skyrocket!

Wear it loud and proud!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:32:00 +0000

We have all seen them, pinned to lapels at work, on the back of cars, ironed to backpacks of college students- the universal red ribbon. In it's infancy stage the red ribbon was a symbol of the continuing fight against AIDS. Now that idea of increasing awareness and support through the use of promotional product has spread to include several other important causes across the nation. Why? Because when executed correctly, it works and it works well.

When connected to an important cause, like AIDS or Breast Cancer awareness promotional products boost awareness and support while also helping to raise money. Take the yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet from Lance Armstrong,'s organization. Once that yellow rubber band appeared on the market not only did almost everyone in the world own one, but it represented a knowledge and support of cancer research. Proceeds from the sales of the bracelets went directly to the foundation with the dual purpose of raising awareness and raising funds.

Promotional products such as, bracelets, bandannas, key chains, magnets, and stickers spread the word around in the simple, fun, yet effective way. They produce a lasting relationship between the target, cause and brand. Sometimes even the color of a product can have a lasting effect on some one's memory. Take the color pink, it is commonly known to symbolize breast cancer. Reusability and durability are very important when picking out a promotional products- its got be be useful and last so the owner holds onto it.

An effective promotional product turns the user into a walking billboard for the cause- it communicates the brand's message in an alternative way. It shows that the consumer care about and support the cause enough to display it proudly.

How to recruit top sales people to your firm?

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Want to recruit the top salespeople to your business? Follow these simple steps and you will not be disappointed.

1. Look outside the industry- Some of the best places to find salespeople are the alternate avenues that have nothing to do with the ad speciality industry- business magazines, other selling environments.

2. Payment and Perks- Companies who want to attract top notch sales people are doing so with not only good commission plans, but top of the line perks, such as annual incentive trips, sliding commissions rates and pre-paid commissions.

3. Cut the Strings- Plenty of sellers love their freedom, and that means the freedom to walk away from a deal whenever they want- even if that means leaving the company they work for. Some top 40 distributors say their strongest recruiting took is a contract that has no strings attached, allowing reps to walk away without a non-complete agreement any time they want. Don't be too territorial with a new hire- it will give them a negative view of your company.

4. Get Creative- Job applicants respond to creative recruitment tools. That's why companies are using YouTube, Facebook, Craigslist and Twitter. Sometimes you can find the best people in the most unusual places. Recruiting should be constant- even when you're out for dinner. That waitress could be your nest top rep.

Bags meet high fashion

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Bags are trendier in 2009 then ever before, with high end retail brands such as Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada appearing as a style statement on the arms of everyone from toddlers, like Suri Cruise, tweens, like Miley Cyrus, teens like Selena Gomez, and high paid actresses, like Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz they are clearly making a statement.

When a woman is carring a fashion forward bag it sets a tone, it mean's look at me, I am a force to be recokened with. Remember the more fashionable and trendy the bag is, the longer a person will hold onto it.

Fashionable bags are available in a range of price points. From affordable hand woven and non woven bags to high end leather products, bags used as a fashion accessory can can fit a multiple of promotions.

Bags are the number two promotional product (next to shirts) and represent about 12% of the promotional industries revenue. Bags are great because people use and reuse them over a long period of time and they offer a large space in which a logo or brand name that has constant visability.

The most important thing about bags is to offer diversity in your promotional bags. Think about your audience, think about weather a reusable grocery bag will be best or will a leather bag that screams trendy be better. Decorating techniques are very important when selling bags for promotions. When you have a nice looking bag, it's important to decorate it in a subtle, trendy, yet sharp looking way that the user will want to use it over and over again.

Hot Markets for Intimates

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:26:00 +0000

1. Colleges, sororities, fraternities, and spring breakers.

From the college gift shop to the cell phone company that wants to stake out a spot in Cancun for spring break to sign students up for a wireless plan, intimates are a great giveaway. Frats and sororites are also great candidates for loungewear promotions.

2. The spirits industry

In two words- LIQUOR COMPANIES. From in pack promotions- where there is thong inside every six pack to retail sales, liquor companies are selling a sexy young image.

3. Resorts and Hotels

Boxers are a great souvenir with the resort name on the band or the leg. Resort gift shops often sell boxers and other sleepwear. In addition if the resort is known as a romantic getaway branding women's intimates would be a natural for the gift shop or in room gifts.

4. The Entertainment Industry

Boy shorts for local radio station giveaways are very popular. They also work well for TV shows and rock band merchandise to give away or to sell after a concert. The entertainment industry is all about edgy hip promos.

5. Trade Shows

Now, this may seem a bit strange to you- but it's a great way to create a buzz. Get a conservative company to give away panties or boxers and everyone will be coming to their table to see what all the fuss is about.

I see London, I see France, I see promotional underpants!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Okay, let's get the blushing out of the way, yes I said it underwear and yes it has it's own place in the promotional industry and it should hold a category in your apparel sales arsenal. Now, while your clients may feel desensitized to the novelty of the branded apparel items that they have used for giveaways over the years, it's almost guaranteed that intimate apparel will still hold a great deal of novelty and interest and defiantly humor for all involved. Intimates are also at a great price point for small giveaways and promotions. For the price of a mug or a T shirt you can get two or three times the impact with using intimates.

While not often actually seen when worn by customer, underwear does pack a large promotional punch. But the category can be sensitive to many. Intimates are personal and have strong associations, positive and negative, for many people. It's important to remember that the mere mention of a thong or bikini can catch clients off guard when presented. Since underwear can seen risque to some clients, please feel your clients out to see what would be appropriate for them.

Some clients are perfect customers for intimate apparel, think of liquor distributors and bars not the ultra conservative financial institution. I don't think we will see Wells Fargo on a thong any time soon! A college campus giveaway or spring break promotion will be much happier with their name stretched across a boy short then a grocery store, so please think of your client first!

With the right client with a young and progressive brand intimates can communication their message effectively and reach their target audience.

The new fasion trend- PLAID!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Plaid has made its way into the corporate apparel market, inspired from the Brit tartan look. Showcased in Fall 2009 by Christopher Kane, DKNY, and Bottega Veneta, this season's plaid patters opt for a less traditional palette consisting of blacks, greys, blues, and browns with wider striping. The plaid styles are great for men and women and is versatile across client bases. Plaid adds some excitement to an item, while still being conservative. Plaid dress shirts are hot sellers for corporate customers who want something different when using promotional apparel. When clients are spending money, especially right now, they want to get the most bang for their buck and plaid is doing that. Plaid is unique because it features both color and simulated texture in its design. It's best when worn one piece at a time, for example a plaid shirt with solid pants. Less busy busy patterns work better for office settings.

So next time you go to order your corporate apparel, look into plaid, its different and classic!

News Flash! Use Flash drives!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:31:00 +0000

Offer Big Marketing Opportunities USB flash drives - also often referred to as thumb drives or jump drives - act as reusable portable hard drives. These small units - about the size of a pack of gum - can easily be carried in a pocket, worn around the neck like a necklace or used as a key chain by your clients and prospects. There are even USB flash pens - with the flash drive "hidden" inside the writing utensil.

USB flash drives plug directly into your Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of a computer and are typically built to hold between 64 megabytes and 2 gigabytes of data. The popularity of flash drives have grown significantly over the past several years as storage capacities have increased and USB-enabled computers have become ubiquitous. The popularity and capabilities of flash drives has led to the advent of flash drive marketing.

The use of USB flash drives as effective marketing tools is continuing to evolve for forward thinking marketing professionals.

Thumb drives can be stamped with a company’s logo and as a result, custom logo USB drives have become trade show and convention favorites.

Companies are giving branded custom logo flash drives to key customers and prospects providing them with an instant reminder of your company every time they use the flash drive to transfer files or back up a document. Providing your customers (and potential customers) with a branded custom logo USB flash delivers a great way to market by keeping your brand in front of customers while giving them something of real value they will use over and over.

Throw one hell of a party!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:50:00 +0000

With the economy taking a nosedive companies and individuals have to get the most out of their marketing materials. Many have started using promotional products to function in more than one way, thus stretching their dollar. Follow their lead and not only save some money in your budget, but also, join the ranks of the likes of Sean "P.Diddy" Combs as a noted innovator when it comes to throwing one heck of a party!

While advertising and event promotions can get the word out about you and your event, promotional products offer an avenue for more freedom and creativity. In order to do this, choose a promotional product that can serve more than one purpose at your event. If you are, for example, planning a wine tasting event, use a promotional product that can serve as your invitation as well as a nice gift for your attendees. On the wine glass, engrave your name, event and time and place. This gives both the company and event as sense of class and sophistication. It shows that your company can use innovative and creative ways to reach the audiences. This gets your guests excited and curious about the event so they absolutely can’t miss it.

Also, by using a promotional product as an invitation, your company and product get more use and have a longer self life. It remains visible for weeks before and after the party. And, what’s more if you choose a reusable product like a wine glass, every time the guest reuse the product they remember you and that specific event. Promotional products that serve as invitations have a timeless appeal that will generate constant branding and recognition of your company. A promotional product can build product and brand loyalty especially when connected to a memorable event. Your clients and guest will want more of you when they realize the extent to which you would go to please them.

Furthermore, when you use a promotional product for more than one purpose at an event, you can save some bucks. Many components play an important role in creating a successful event. You must include the invitation, printed materials like posters, napkins and coasters and awards and plaques, and the ever important gift bag. In order to save money without cutting corners consider combing the function of the promotional products. Instead of just serving as the invitation to your event, choose a product that works as both the gift and the invite. This saves you some stress and thanks the guests for coming before the event even starts.

At P. Diddy’s 29th birthday party, he used a promotional product as an invitation and gift for his guests. They received a leather-bound photo album filled with pictures for his previous parties. So, for your next event consider pulling a "Diddy" and combine the purpose of your promotional product. Get creative and practical at the same time to stand out and make an impressive impression for your brand on your entire audience.

Taking Risk Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:27:00 +0000

This promotional strategy doesn’t require the risk to your company or your job, which you might initially assume.You give away cash or large prizes. Everyone likes to win and most people like to see others win. As long as you protect yourself and company with promotional risk coverage, you will also be the winner. Your prize offerings are based on the odds of a winner claiming the prize. As long as your promotional strategy does not include a guaranteed prize offering as the only prize, your company can include promotional risk coverage with the promotion. Promotional risk coverage can be found in promotions like you see on television, hear on the radio, read in newspapers, magazines, see online or in Internet marketing promotions. They offer the consumer a chance to win, and when there is a winner, your company is protected against having to pay the winner. Much like you insure your car from an accident or your home from a natural disaster, you can cover your promotion against a risk associated with the liabilities of giving away large valued prize amounts. The cost of promotional risk is minimal, literally a fraction of the prize value, and is based on the promotional odds, the prize value, and the number of chances given to win the promotion.

The strategy behind marketing promotions, which include promotional risk coverage, is simple and enables companies to differentiate brands in a very competitive market. Promotional risk covered promotions open up possibilities to offer larger prizes than most companies can afford, or would want to take promotional risk on. These large prizes are proven to increase registrations of online users, traffic in stores, and sales at any given time, leads generated both offline and online promotions, and build large brands through consumer loyalty.The strategy is to include a prize offering, which can be based on a game of skill, game of chance, or the redemption of an offer.

With Games of Skill, you could include promotional risk coverage in offering someone a chance to win up to $1,000,000 in a sports promotion.You have probably seen such games of skill in basketball promotions of a random fan shooting a basketball from half court.A football promotion might include a punt or throwing contest, or a hole in one coverage for golf promotions and tournaments.

Games of Chance are found in online marketing promotions and Internet marketing, with sweepstakes, online contests and games.You might see them in offline promotions for trade shows and events where B2B marketers or consumer marketers are holding drawings to increase traffic to events, increase customer response and generate leads.

Promotional risk coverage can be included in marketing promotions to protect companies against over redemption of coupon offerings and fix promotional marketing budgets for both consumer and B2B marketing strategies.Conditional offerings, such as conditional weather rebates, can add to marketing promotions to engage consumer involvement in the promotion and increase promotional coverage and public relations of the marketing effort.

Over redemption coverage allows promotional risk coverage to prevent the variable costs associated to budgeting of a marketing promotion when there is uncertainty about your program’s response rate or outcome. Promotional risk companies cover the cost of excess redemption's or responses, whatever the value of the prize, rebate, coupon, or premium. This allows you to plan promotional expenses to the penny, eliminate budget overruns for higher than expected response, and stretch promotional dollars for a maximum market impact.

The bottom line is magnified during the current economic climate, within every department of every business, small or large.To drive business in a recession, or any economic downturn, marketers must find new ways to gain and maintain market share.Those who realize that the success and longevity of their brand is in the hands of the American consumer will stand far ahead of the competitor.In order to engage the consumer and gain brand loyalty, the savvy marketer provides that consumer with benefits which will entice reaction.Consumers react to what they perceive is in their best interest.Find that formula in promotional risk coverage and you will benefit.

Should you take a risk!?

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Promotional Risk… Is it worth it? Over the past decade, there has been tremendous growth in consumer and business product releases, bringing challenges to consumer and business to business marketers to differentiate brands. The ever changing media market increases the complexities, for both offline and online marketing professionals. The combined formula, with the recent recession and ongoing downturn of this economy, leaves marketers with an environment that is unique to any year in history, with a challenge that only the riskiest of marketers will survive. Are you willing to bet your marketing, advertising, public relations or promotions career on your willingness to take a risk? If you do not include this risk in your promotional strategy, while your competitor does, what will happen? Will your marketing competitor win market share that you have lost or will the safe road you have taken pay off? It is my experience that you must take the promotional risk.You are about to learn why you should include promotional risk coverage in marketing strategy to engage the consumer and secure a larger market share, during this recession.Follow these simple steps in marketing promotions strategy and build big brands that will stand the test of time.

There is no argument that consumers are responding to large cash and prize giveaways. Your marketing research can stop with the review of network programming you find in recent shows like Deal or No Deal, Price Is Right, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, and the many other network promotions which include large prize and cash offerings to both gain consumer loyalty and increase ratings. Radio and television stations, newsprint and magazine publications, online and offline companies alike are all tapping into the simplest of strategy to increase viewers, visitors and readership, while gaining promotional affiliations and sponsorships.The strategy is simple. They are taking promotional risk.

Choosing different promotions and giveaways!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Small businesses, which usually have limited advertising budgets, often resort to unconventional methods to promote themselves. Two of the most common types of "small business" methods are cross promotions and freebies, or giveaways. Let’s take a look at each, along with some pros and cons.

A cross promotion is leveraging the success or popularity of another business for your own good. In a cross promotion, you work with another business to (hopefully) increase sales for both companies. For example, you might offer free commercial color printing services from a commercial printer to any customer who buys a monthly subscription to your service. Or you could offer free movie tickets to any customer who buys your new product. Either way, you are working with another company to promote sales. The benefits of cross promotions are obvious. If you are able to work out a deal with an established and reputable business in the area, then you are on the right track. Associating with a business that is already popular can significantly enhance the reputation of your company. It can be difficult for a new small business to establish itself in the minds of the customers, but partnering with a business that is already well entrenched can really moves that process along.

There is a possible negative involved, however. If the company you have partnered with has a serious problem at some point, and loses some of its luster, it could impact negatively on your own efforts. This is not likely, and even if it did happen, the effects would probably not last long. Still, the possibility is there and is worth noting. If it were to happen, one way to help combat the negative effects is to actively promote your separation from the offending company. You can do this by designing an attractive commercial color printing that extols your own company’s virtues and qualities, and distributing that to as many customers as possible.

Freebies

Giveaways are another popular tactic used by start up small businesses. In a giveaway, you literally give away one of your products, or some of your services, to customers in an attempt to increase profits or to establish an identity for yourself. This is done in a variety of different ways. You could offer a free one-hour massage in the hopes that customers who take advantage of it will be so pleased that they will come back for more. You could give your customers a free ball cap for every two that they buy at regular price. Giveaways, if done properly, can enhance a company’s success, especially in its early stages. If you have a quality product or service and are just trying to introduce it to people, a giveaway can help you achieve that goal rather quickly. And if you are looking for cost effective advertising options, freebies are definitely an option you should consider.

However, you must use giveaways sparingly, and with care. Sometimes, freebies devalue your product. In other words, giving something away for free can lead customers to consider that product to be cheap, even if it is not. It becomes less valuable in the customer’s mind, which is certainly not a good thing. To avoid that problem, only give away a product for free if you pair it with another product that is already well established as a valuable item. If you are giving away a free service, do not overdo it by offering so much that it devalues your work. Basically, if you try to think like your customers, you will be fine.

Promotional Bags what a great idea!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Can there be anything more convenient at a sales event than a promotional bag? Promotional bags are particularly handy for sales and marketing exhibits and events where attendees invariably collect business cards, sales brochures and other items as they move from one sales area to the next. The best part of these bags is that the smart company who provides them knows they will be used over and over. With each use, the company name, clearly emblazoned, provides a wide range of exposure.

Choose a bag in regular logo colors or in a more eye-catching hue. The fabric from which these bags are made range from sturdy plastic to durable canvas. Bags with promotional power are often passed on from an original owner so that the company logo remains a potent promotion.

For special events of the non-sales kind, they are appreciated for the remembrance of an anniversary, birthday, club or organization picnic or virtually any special event where the convenience of these bags plays a large role. That’s why these bags really are "All-Purpose". With that kind of usefulness, it’s a great opportunity to display an appropriate logo. This makes company, group or event logo quickly recognizable and at once, a great opportunity for promotion. Logo recognition often takes time. This type of bag handily increases company name recognition by virtue of continued use.

The trend to use bags with logos as "giveaways" has been popular for decades because they are an inexpensive way of advertising. Advertising is costly. Promotional bags are reasonably priced for purchase in bulk quantities. Schools, libraries and museums love them as a measure of "appreciation". Banking institutions and athletic organizations consider these a regular promotional item for their advertising.

Finding new marketing ideas

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Sometimes, the old methods are still the best way to go when it comes to building a business. In an ever competitive business world, this can often mean using promotional items to entice potential customers to become definite customers. The problem, of course, is you need to find some good "schwag" to entice them.

Promotional materials have been used by businesses for as long as one can remember. On the cheesy end of the marketing stick, you see them used in infomercials. You know, "…but that’s not all. You’ll get these handy, dandy knives plus…for only $19.99." You may laugh at these infomercials, but you would be wrong to do so. Why? They work.

Moving farther up the marketing scale, we find that promotional items are used all the time with "nicer" products. We often just don’t realize it. Consider a magazine like Sports Illustrated. How do they drive sales? They offer tote bags, clock radios, magazines customized to specific teams and so on if you will only subscribe for a year or two. Again, they wouldn’t be doing it if it didn’t work.

If you have a business, you need to think about using promotional items to entice your potential clientele. The problem most businesses run into is figuring out what promotional items to use. Many in the industry refer to these items as "schwag". So, what schwag should you use?

Schwag comes in unique and run of the mill forms. We’ve all seen the coffee cups, pens, note pads, hats, shirts and so on with company names on them. This is run of the mill schwag. Since it is not unique, the chances of it having a positive effect on prospects is nominal.

Unique schwag is a much better choice. Unique makes you stick out. Sticking out makes people remember you. So, how do you find unique schwag? Avoid the "promotional companies." Instead, look for companies that produce a real product that also happen to private label it.

Also, focus on companies making products that are associated with your business niche. Nomad Journals makes a great travel journal that is available for private labeling. If you have a travel agency or other travel related company, it would make a tremendous promotional gift.

What if you have a "dry" profession? What could a lawyer, for instance, give away that their clients would enjoy. How about a free "lawyer jokes" book? It would definitely set you apart from other lawyers and probably make your client feel a bit better. A happy client results in referrals.

Whatever your business area, promotional items can make all the difference between success and failure. Take the time to consider the possibilities. You’ll be surprised how big a difference they can make to your bottom line.

Show of your business with a promotional folder!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Customized, printed products are a popular choice for business promotion, especially when they will be used to hold materials at a conference or trade show. Savvy organizations and businesses turn to promotional products, including folders, in their overall business management and marketing strategy. While attending a conference, seminar, trade show or exhibition, promotional folders are one of the first products that an attendee will receive upon arrival. These folders are typically embossed or printed with corporate logos or details. They are used to hold all of the relevant materials for the event, and are commonly updated throughout the conference by the recipient. A quality folder will be used regularly during the conference while increasing the perception and visibility of the promoted company or brand name in a professional yet stylish manner.

Folders are also a great trade show or promotional giveaway item, especially when they are packed with information about you and your company such as a diskette / CD, marketing materials, sales kits, or customized presentation information. A well-designed marketing folder can have a significant positive impact on your company’s visibility, image, and bottom line. These folders are perfect for times or situations when limited distribution is required, small meetings, or informational seminars.

There are numerous types and styles of folders on the market today, including popular options such as leather, PU, silver trim, or koskin. Environmentally-concerned clients are also well pleased with the latest recycled board folders featuring professional lines, business card slits, and Velcro closures. Many folders come with additional amenities such as added utility space, zipped outer pockets, calculators, writing pads, and ringbinders. The discerning business client will find a wide variety of promotional folders, from the low budget variety to the executive leather folder.

Lipstick Pens

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Need a great promotional product! Let me introduce you to the Lipstick Pen! This has become a must have for any business that has women as thier client's or as potential clients.

The lipstick pen is the size of a real lipstick and looks like a real lipstick until you pull off the "lipstick" to reveal a nice silver ball point pen. The "lipstick" comes in red, pink, purple, or blue.

These pens can be printed with your logo and contact information and are perfect for your next trade show. These are espically popular for bridal and beauty shows.

The pens start at $1.75 for 100 units- but the more you order the more you save. So ask today about our lipstick pens and how they can help get you noticed!

They don't follow up!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Here is where you can make or break your trade show experience- the entire point of having a booth at trade show is to get leads, and you must follow up with those leads after the show. Your job does not end when the show closes down, it's only beginning. You must follow up with your leads within 10 days of the show, the sooner the better. It can be an email, letter, or phone call, although it's always best to have voice to voice contact with your perspective contacts. Remember don't waste you time with the people who were not interested- you have already weeded out the time wasters- so you should only be calling interested parties!

Remember people will not call you, they most likely do not even remember you, they met tons of people at the show- you have to follow up with them and remind them that they need your products!

They don't recognize time wasters!

noreply@blogger.com (John Sholtz) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:21:00 +0000

This is the most important part of trade shows in my opinion. You only have a set amount of time at a trade show- and most likely you have paid to be a part of the show- so you better get the most bang of your buck, and don't waste your time with people who are not interested in your products or are not your potential clients. Some people have no intention of doing business with you, but they love to chat and they love whatever it is you are giving away or they love whatever products are on your table. This is a qualifying issues- you need to learn to quickly assess the value of a visitor before investing too much talk time. You need to ask qualifying questions, "could you see yourself ordering 500 of these?" and show them a product. This may seem like you are pushing away smaller orders, you can still spend time with the smaller orders, but don't let that take all of your time. Get their card and call them the next day to talk. Or if you have someone that has a lot of questions explain that you would love to talk with them, and set up a time to either meet or just say I will call you tomorrow to continue this conversation. A trade show is not the time to have a 30 minute discussion with a potential client. Trade shows are a time to get leads, you follow up on those leads after the show, not during!
So remember QUALIFY FIRST, PRESENT LATER!