Even after 19 years in business I learn something about building my business almost everyday. I have build relationships with customers over the years. Many have been customers for 10 even 15 years, but some have been one timers, or only remain a customer for a couple of years. So why do some customers stick around year after year, while others do not? My goal is to make sure every customer is happy, even if it costs me money, so in my businesses case I don’t believe our customers … [Read more...]
Is Advertising and Marketing one in the same – or are they different?
June 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I overheard a conversation addressing this question and was surprised on the opinions of the two conversing - so I wonder how others look at Advertising and Marketing, as one or two separate (but related) segments, I posted this question on Linkedin.com and had some great responses: Advertising is just a part of marketing which may include many other facets such as trade shows, web site, white papers, etc. For some consumer products advertising may be the major … [Read more...]
Political Promotional Product Tips
June 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment
With 2008 being an election year, both nationally and locally I put together a few tips to consider when ordering Election Promotional Products. As with any message on a promo item, the message should be clear and to the point – just imprint the candidates name and the office they are seeking. Never imprint the year of the campaign on the promotional item. Most candidates will run again and dating the items will make them useless for future elections. Using bold fonts like Arial … [Read more...]
You Need Good Art To Print Promo Items
June 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment
When ever I quote a project I always put “based on camera ready artwork” on the quote. More often then not people do not know what camera ready artwork is. When I get an order and am usually told to visit their website and grab their logo…ugh. The promotional products industry is very similar to the offset printing industry; both need high resolution artwork to print in good quality. “Camera ready” is an old term used when a camera was used to produce the film or negative … [Read more...]
Three Rules of Prospecting and Networking
June 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment
When networking or prospecting you need to follow three very simple rules to be successful: 1. Never, ever speak to a prospect about your product or service until they express an interest – ask them questions, learn about them and their business first. 2. Eliminate the time wasters, make the prospect jump a hurdle and prove their interest and motivation in your product of service. 3. Establishing a rapport well before you talk to a prospect is hugh, get the prospect’s trust and … [Read more...]
