However, no business plan is complete without one of the most effective forms of advertising: promotional products.

While other forms of advertising often represent a fleeting moment in time, promotional products have proven to make a lasting impression on recipients, with an average shelf life of over 1 year. The promotional products industry reached new heights in 2023, registering a whopping $26.1 billion in revenue – a boom that presents exciting opportunities for your business.

What are promotional products?

Promotional products are items branded with a logo and/or message and distributed to promote a brand at little or no cost. These serve as tangible reminders of a company and run the gamut in terms of pricing and popularity. Check out the most popular promo products of 2023, according to ASI’s State of the Industry:

1. T-Shirts
2. Drinkware
3. Polos
4. Caps/Headwear
5. Bags
6. Wearables (Non-Shirts)
7. Writing Instruments
8. Shirts – Other
9. Flags/Banners
10. Desk/Office/Business Accessories

The promotional products industry has grown every year since the pandemic, proving its resiliency and long-term viability. Promo products also offer an incredible 37% profit margin, making it an attractive venture for any business looking to diversify their offerings.

Identify your target audience.

As a business owner, you likely have a general idea of where your most reliable customer base lies. One of the first steps in your promo journey will be to analyze your existing client lists and determine which ones have a need for promo . Then, tailor your marketing efforts and outreach for these clients to include your newest offerings.
To enjoy continued success in the promotional products industry, it’s essential to expand into new markets. Luckily, offering promo products makes it easy to branch out, as the top markets are always in need of some of the most popular items (apparel, tech items, drinkware, etc.).

The opportunities are endless in these top markets:

• Education – The #1 market in the industry has a diverse range of buyers, including colleges/universities, school districts, private institutions and athletic associations.
• Healthcare – From hospitals and nursing homes to pharmacies and doctors’ offices, there’s a substantial market for promo in this space.
• Construction – With a recent boom in building, development and home improvement, construction is one of the fastest-rising markets to target.
• Nonprofit – As one of the more budget-conscious markets, nonprofits rely on the power of promo for fundraising efforts and raising awareness of their cause.
• Manufacturing/Distribution – Buyers in this market include automotive companies, food service providers, electronics manufacturers and wholesalers.

By understanding the needs of each market, you can optimize your product offerings and marketing strategies to increase your chances of sales success.

Incorporate best practices.

If you want to reinvent your brand identity to position your business as a one-stop shop that can handle all promo needs, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Partner with the right suppliers – Gain insights into the latest industry trends, product features and market demands with trusted supplier partners.
• Use product samples – Having physical samples of promotional products on display in your store or while you’re on the road allows prospects to have an invaluable, tangible experience (see, touch, evaluate the quality) before making a purchasing decision.
• Update your assets to reflect promo capabilities – You’ll want your brand messaging to be up to date and consistent to build trust and credibility. Make sure your website, social media and all future print assets accurately represent your new promo ventures.
• Identify upsell opportunities – Explore opportunities to offer complimentary items or services that enhance your customers’ experience.

Reap the rewards.

The final step in promo success is getting products into your customers’ hands, and the best way to accomplish this is by partnering with ASI.

ASI is your trusted partner for promo success, offering valuable resources and cutting-edge tools to empower your business. By offering industry-leading research, a user-friendly business platform (ESP+), world-class tools and a team of experts by your side every step of the way, ASI is committed to helping you navigate this dynamic market and achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.

Want to unlock even more secrets to promo success? Download our FREE e-book, Why Logoed Products Are a Big Business.

[source]
Forbes

The post The Power of Promo: How To Incorporate Promotional Products Into Your Business Plan appeared first on ASI.

Provide Top-Notch Customer Service
Being responsive is integral to building lasting relationships. You are also a consumer and you’ve probably been on hold for what feels like a 30-minute elevator ride with a bell man asking you to take a survey every 3 minutes. Or maybe you’ve anxiously checked your email for an order update. Make it easy for your customers to do business with you by not only being responsive, but being polite, compassionate and communicative. If you don’t know an answer, tell a customer you’ll find one and get back to them and provide an accurate timeline. And lastly, it’s extremely important to admit when there is an error and do what you can to fix the problem. Even if it means taking the blame for something that isn’t your fault. Often, people don’t care whose fault it is, they just want their problem acknowledged and fixed.

Define Clear Service Expectations
Explain what the product can do and be clear about what it can’t do. You never want to over promise. Also, outline your order process. Customers don’t like surprises, so being honest and upfront about timeframes is more important than saying something that sounds good. Additionally, adjust as your business grows and the marketplace changes. Use order systems and technology that’s easy for customers to access and use. Make it simple to place an order with you.

Provide a Guarantee
Talk with everyone at your business about what you consistently do well and form the guarantee around that. You can even run a contest with customers to see if they can help you name it something fun and memorable. Then, create a logo and put it on all your marketing materials. Make the customer feel like a part of the journey in one way or another.

Survey Customers & Make Changes
Customers often want the companies they do business with to listen to them. Consider surveying your customers to see what you did well and where you could improve. Then look at your processes and technology to see how you can apply their feedback into positive changes. Adapting to the needs of your customers will always keep you ahead of competitors who are too lazy to do it!

Stay on Top of Trends
Don’t be the last one to the party. Read blogs and articles and attend industry webinars so you can stay in the know and adjust your product presentations to fit emerging trends. In the age of podcasting, look for podcasts or episodes that can help you stay on top of trends while you commute to work, take the kids to practice or need entertainment for a flight. It’s also a good idea to talk with your supplier partners about supply chain or inventory issues so you can communicate to customers before there is a problem. The more savvy you are in this area, the more your customers will trust you over other distributors.

Align With a Cause
Volunteering and donations are just some of the ways you can get involved in the community. You can consider adopting sustainability initiatives or just partnering with a local awareness group or charity that you like. Customers (and people in general) get a warm fuzzy feeling when they see anyone doing good things. It will improve your brand’s image, but also make YOU and your employees feel good.

Engage With Customers Virtually
Whether you want to start a blog, YouTube channel or kick things up on your social media platforms, these are all ways to engage with your customers. You can use each medium to educate customers on how they can use swag to market themselves or even just keep them in touch with emerging product trends. Remember to respond to every comment and message. Show appreciation that your prospects and customers took the time to reach out and engage with your business. You can also use social media to offer more “behind the scenes” takes and videos to make your business feel more personable to your audience.

Now you know everything you need to do to separate yourself from competitors. Want to know more? Check out our eBook, Strategies for Growing Your Promotional Products Business or learn more about becoming an ASI member and how we can help get your sales soaring.

The post Play The Long Game: How to Stand Out and Stay Reliable appeared first on ASI.

Ask for Referrals
People like to do business with people they know, like and trust. It’s like a blind date – you’re more likely to go on one if the other person has been referred to you by a trusted friend. One of the best ways to grow your company is to ask happy customers for referrals. The best time to do this is when your customer is on a high from getting the promo order they wanted. You exceeded their expectations, and the experience is fresh in their minds. Call or email them to ask if they can refer more customers to you.

Request a Review
You’ll get a lot of use out of a review. You can post it on your website or use it on marketing materials. If your client is inclined, they can review on social media sites or Google. These are all places where prospects can find you, and it will help grow your brand. A fun option is to run contests where writing an honest but helpful review is a part of the contest entry.

Post Pics & Vids on Social
Ask your client if you can get pictures or videos of the products in use to post on social. Offer to tag them and ask if they’ll also share your post to expand its reach. Make sure to engage with anyone who comments and always answer any questions. Include relevant hashtags to attract more prospects to your post. If it’s a nonprofit, ask if they’d like you to arrange a small fundraiser on Facebook or Instagram as a thank you for their business. On a more advanced level, you can partner with small or large influencers in specific industries using the products.

Create a Repeat Order Plan
Obviously, if an item was for something extremely specific, like rally towels for homecoming, you won’t want to contact that school quickly for a reorder. However, if it’s something more generic like pens at a bank branch, you’ll want to follow up semi-frequently to see if they need a restock. The best way to do this is call a few weeks after the order to see how much stock they have left and use that information to set reminders to call a recheck at certain intervals. Also keep in mind that if you see a supplier is offering a special sale or discount on a certain type of product (like those bank pens) or a complementary product (like notepads), you should call your customer and see if they want to stock up while the price is low. Your customer will appreciate these conversations, and the extra touchpoints can help secure more orders. Also, think outside of the box. If there is a “new and improved” version of a product a customer previously bought, pitch the idea with the take that “it made you think of them.” People love to feel special and that their wants/needs have been listened to and remembered – it makes it personal.

Follow Up After Events
The event may be over, but more sales could be around the corner. Call your client to see how the event went and what people thought of the promotional products. Then use this opportunity to ask about future events. If it’s a business or school, they likely have a calendar of events. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy and offer your services. If it’s someone like an event planner, ask if you can help with promo for the next event. For anything you know that’s annual, like charity races and community parades, be sure to plan well in advance to reach out and get next year’s order. Don’t allow another distributor to step in just because they called at the right time.

Be Accessible
One of the most important things to do from a customer service standpoint is to be accessible and responsive. Communication is crucial. Anytime a previous customer reaches out, always respond. They will remember that, and you’ll be the first person they think of when it’s time to order promo again.

Want to know more? Check out our eBook, Strategies for Growing Your Promotional Products Business or learn more about becoming an ASI member and how we can help get your sales soaring.

The post Grow Into a Lasting Business Relationship appeared first on ASI.

The strategically planned dates – March 4-6, 2024, at the Fort Worth Convention Center – are designed to maximize your spring and summer sales success and will help your brand reach new heights in 2024 and beyond.

Here’s just a taste of what’s in store at ASI Show Forth Worth:

Insightful Education Sessions
Kick-start your trade show experience with Education Day on Monday, March 4. Our curated collection of classes and sessions from the most trusted voices in the industry will sharpen your business skills, marketing strategies, sales techniques and much more. As a business owner, it’s essential to always take advantage of new opportunities to learn and grow, so get inspired with us!

Trend-Driven Discovery
The promotional products industry is a $26.1 billion marketplace and growing every year. ASI Show Fort Worth is the place to stay informed and up to date on the latest offerings and trends, from cutting-edge technology to eco-friendly solutions. Starting with the New Product Preview Reception at the end of Education Day, you’ll get a sneak peak of the newest product innovations. Then walk the show floor during both Exhibit Days to gain even more inspiration.

Inspiring Keynotes
You can’t afford to miss these essential keynote sessions from high-profile sales and marketing experts:

• Keynote With Mimi Brown
  Skyrocket Your Sales: The Keys To Unlock Your Earning Potential
  Tuesday, March 5 | 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
  Sales and communications expert Mimi Brown will show you how to level up your skills and unleash your potential.
  
• Keynote With Bruce Himelstein
  Discover the Secrets to Gaining Lifelong Clients
  Wednesday, March 6 | 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
  Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for The Ritz-Carlton, Bruce Himelstein, will share insider tips for turning your buyers into diehard fans, along with expert strategies to stay top of mind with clients and prospects.

Build Long-Lasting Relationships
Did you know that 96% of ASI Show attendees say that this show is critical to their product and supplier sourcing? You’ve got to be there to rub shoulders with these top suppliers, distributors and industry decision-makers on the show floor, and we’re offering plenty of networking opportunities to extend your growth opportunities:

• ASI Gala at River Ranch Stockyards: This fun-filled evening features an open bar, buffet, live music and even a mechanical bull!
• Lunch & Learn: Enjoy lunch and conversation with your peers and learn how to pitch the latest products to your clients.
• ASI Happy Hour: Wind down at the end of Exhibit Day 1 with a drink and conversations that could lead to exciting new opportunities.
• Closing Celebration: End your experience with one last chance to collect business cards and leave a great impression with those you connected with.

Connections you’ll make at ASI Show are one of a kind thanks to its unique audience. In fact, 90% of attendees will only attend this one event all year. No matter if you’re an industry veteran or an eager newcomer, there are plenty of chances to make connections that’ll propel your business to the next level.

Experience the Energy of Fort Worth
Fort Worth is an ideal destination because there’s something for everyone. Not only are all ASI-affiliated hotels within walking distance of the Fort Worth Convention Center but there are world-class dining options around every corner and plenty of sights to see, including Sundance Square, the Stockyards National Historic District, and the Fort Worth Zoo.

There’s truly something for everyone at ASI Show Fort Worth! Visit asishow.com for more information and to register today.

The post Come Say “Howdy!” at ASI Show Fort Worth appeared first on ASI.

1. Fresh Perspectives:

When you hire a summer intern, you bring a fresh set of eyes and a unique perspective to your workplace. They are often equipped with the latest knowledge and trends from their academic studies, providing valuable insights that can help your business stay current and innovative. Embracing new ideas is key to staying competitive.

2. Increased Productivity:

With the right guidance, summer interns can significantly boost your team’s productivity. They’re eager to learn, motivated to make an impact and can take on tasks that free up your experienced staff to focus on more strategic initiatives. Their energy and enthusiasm can create a positive ripple effect throughout the office.

3. Talent Pipeline:

Consider a summer internship program as an extended job interview. It’s an opportunity to evaluate potential future employees in a real-world setting. By investing in talented interns, you’re essentially building a pipeline of skilled individuals who already understand your company culture and operations, making the hiring process smoother when full-time positions become available.

4. Diverse Skill Sets:

Interns often come from diverse academic backgrounds, bringing a variety of skills and expertise. Whether it’s digital marketing, graphic design or data analysis, integrating interns with different skill sets can enhance the overall capabilities of your team and foster a collaborative work environment.

5. Social Media Boost:

Millennials and Gen Z, who often fill internship roles, are well-versed in the art of social media. Encourage them to share experiences on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X. This promotes your company as an attractive workplace but also extends your reach to a younger audience.

6. Cost-Effective Solution:

Internships are a cost-effective way to get tasks done without committing to a long-term employment contract. It’s an investment in potential talent without the immediate financial commitment associated with hiring a full-time employee. This flexibility is especially advantageous for smaller businesses looking to maximize resources.

In business, change is the only constant, and embracing new opportunities is the key to growth. Hiring a summer intern isn’t just a seasonal decision—it’s a strategic investment in the future of your company. That’s why ASI® developed the Summer Internship Program. The process is simple: you hire a summer intern and ASI helps them get started with:

• Free ESP® access for the summer
• Webinars that provide an industry overview
• Invitation for your intern to attend ASI Show® Chicago
• Certificate of completion
• A chance for one intern to win a $1,000 scholarship!

So, as the temperatures rise, consider welcoming a summer intern into your team. Let ASI help and watch your business thrive.

Already have a summer intern? Sign them up!

The post Unlock Potential: The Benefits of Hiring a Summer Intern for Your Business appeared first on ASI.