Tip: Make "more" out of follow-up

I recently received a fantastic tip for follow-up that I would like to share with you. We all try to reach out to our existing clients and remind them of our services and our commitment to satisfaction, but how many of us reach out to our existing clients and try to improve their business simply to say: I care!

One way we can all strive to build our b2b relationships: look for relevant magazine articles, helpful surveys, interesting industry studies and other important information - whether digital or print - and pass this information on to our existing clients. Clip an article that helps them market or build their business and send it to them with a note.

It's an easy method for follow-up that actually helps everyone. If we all did this, imagine how successful we could be together!

The Value of Promotional Products

Here is the most recent data from a study performed by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) on the value of promotional products & branding:


83% surveyed like receiving promo products with an advertising message
48% surveyed would like to receive promo products MORE often
76% surveyed could completely recall the message and brand from a promo product
50% surveyed keep and use promo products for 1-4 years

They are memorable. They are mobile advertisements. They make a statement. They encourage brand recognition and company pride. These are the reasons that define the value of promotional products.

Read more at: http://www.stepbystepmarketing.com/?p=8153

Planning 2011 in December

The New Year is fast approaching, and it's a good time to mentally begin planning your marketing in 2011. I will be writing several blogs featuring marketing & promotions tips and tricks for 2011 because of how important it is for everyone to begin considering their plans and the effectiveness of their approach.

Just what can you do now to start preparing? First, order catalogs from us. Begin to browse through your options - I'm sure you don't realize how many options you have and how your approach can be customized with promotional giveaways! The catalogs will help you immensely.

Second, begin reflecting on 2010. What worked? What needed improvement? Did you find any resistance to your sales technique? Were you having difficulty with retaining customers? It's time to write all of this down, so you can correct any issues in the new year and start fresh with a better outlook on your ability to market, promote and sell!

Walking, Talking Marketing Tools

Recently I read a fantastic blog by JoAn Majors on working with indecisive prospects. One key point she made was that not everyone you meet with is the decision maker. Often, you will run into a prospect that needs more time or needs to clear the decision through the actual decision maker. These prospects, she says, should be handled with more care.

She calls this type of indecisive prospect a "walking, talking marketing tool." I couldn't agree with her more! This type of prospect is the PERFECT example of an opportunity when your marketing materials really have to make an impression. Sure, this person meets many people a day. That's why you need something unique - something expressive - to reach out to that prospect and make your service or brand stand alone!

Structuring your presentation is key, and Ms. Majors points out how the structure of a presentation to an indecisive prospect should be loose. It shouldn't restrict the person to saying YES when they clearly cannot commit. My sales tip is to structure your presentation into giving things - your promotional dynamite - away, so that the prospect is neither saying NO or YES, but THANK YOU!

What better way to make an impression!

Holiday Tips from Helen!

Back in October I mentioned it was the best time to order promotional items and start browsing through catalogs. With the season fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment a revisit holiday promotional buying with a few simple tips to help you this season:

• Buy Early & Save

It shouldn't be surprising that businesses want you to buy early. Many people wait until the last moment and will pay a price for their procrastination. To award early shoppers, businesses are most than willing to offer savings, and this is especially true in the promotional items genre where time is essentially everything due to imprinting, embroidery and miscellaneous customizations.

• Creativity is Key!

Yes, everyone is trying to gain market share by going above and beyond expectations, even in holiday gift giving. If you're on a budget - and almost everyone is today - plan on using creativity instead of dollars to win over existing and potential clients. We are experts in the fields of "fun" and "creative" so try to consult experts like us who love these areas and save yourself the time and energy of brainstorming the perfect gift. Let us be your holiday helpers!

• Grow Your Business During the Holidays

Don't give up on growing your business because the holidays are upon us. In fact, this is the best time to grow your business because the holiday season offers so many opportunities to spread and share your message and brand. We have both holiday-themed items and seasonal items - such as calendars - that will enhance your season through helping to grow your brand. We like to say that we "give the gift of BRAND" during the holidays!

Holiday 2010 Promotions Time

It may seem too early for Holiday 2010 promotions, but October is the *best* time to start ordering your holiday promotional items and corporate gifts. At least begin to browse - you can call our office at 631-580-6036 and order your holiday catalogs to get a head start on the season. Also, if you're looking for the perfect gift item this year, call our office for special tips and ideas for your business.

After the Party: Tips on Following Up After A Networking Event

Star Promoz had a wonderful Lunch Break event yesterday with a fantastic turnout, and I wanted to take a moment to give some tips on how to make the most of a networking event by focusing on AFTER the party.

1.) Prioritize - who needs something immediately?

Did someone mention they needed something tomorrow? Did anyone mention a deadline, an urgent need, or a last minute request? Exceed expectations and contact these people immediately. You will find that they not only appreciate the rapid response, but remember you in the future for being mindful of them when they were stressed under a deadline.

2.) Stacks of business cards - what now?

Implement a system for keeping track of your business cards. Scan them into a computer or have someone input these contacts for you. There are plenty of companies and programs that will make this much easier. Don't skip this step! Business cards will get lost in the shuffle, and you should keep track of who you meet in a way that makes future follow-up simple.

3.) It was a pleasure to meet you!

Take a moment to make contact with everyone and thank each person for taking a moment to meet with you.

4.) Make An Appointment

It's important to make an appointment and learn more about a person - what do they do, exactly? What do they need? Build a lasting relationship by meeting with someone and learning more.

5.) Revisit Your Leads

You've met a lead at a networking event but he/she just didn't seem interested. Maybe they were in transition, or focusing on something else at the time. Timing is so crucial, and sometimes it's not the right time. Be sure to revisit all of your leads. Take to time to meet again. You may find there was more to the connection than it seemed!

Hope these tips help everyone to get organized and start making those connections! See you at the next Lunch Break!

Build Your Business - Support Your Community!

Looking for a unique way to build your business & brand? One way is through showing support for local charities and community non-profits. Remember that building a business can be just as much about giving as it is about receiving.

Give from your heart and find a charity or cause that is meaningful to you & your employees! Communicate your new cause through your business networks and through your own office staff. Encourage everyone to join & participate in supporting your community.

Star Promoz supports the following organizations. Visit the links to learn more about how these amazing people help & support people in your community everyday!

Island Harvest - http://www.islandharvest.org/
AHA - http://www.ahany.org/
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - http://www.cff.org/Chapters/longisland/