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Category: Sales Tips for Distributors

How Sponsored Social Media Content Builds Brand Awareness: A Chat with PromoCorner

Published March 16, 2022

Do the words “sponsored content” make you shudder? It’s ok if the answer is yes.

But here’s the thing: if you—like us—are a small business, sponsored content can help get your brand visibility that you just can’t get on your own. And that’s not your fault; you wear many hats, you don’t have enough hours in the day. You’re tired.

So let someone else help you get your name out there. BUT… it’s still on you to get that content to your desired audience.

We create a lot of content in-house. It’s authentic, it’s us. But we also invest in sponsored content because we don’t have enough time to do what we want. And it provides us with a fresh take on our product and brand.

Phil Martin and Stacey Gluchman sat down with Brandon Pecharich of PromoCorner to discuss the whys, hows, and whens of sponsored content.

So if you—supplier OR distributor—are thinking about using sponsored content to help grow your business, listen to this Express Training Bites to learn how it can benefit your business.

Express Training Bites: Sponsored Social Media Content – video overview

Watch the whole video above, take notes, or browse through the main points below.

Why does Warwick sponsor social media content?

  • Small team needs help! Sponsored content saves us time and lets us share content we don’t have time to create.
  • Sponsored content (like PromoErrday) provides a fresh voice, a fresh take
  • Short 1-minute videos are easy to share on any social media platform: not too long, not too short
  • So easy to repurpose this content, either as-is or break it apart and share tidbits where they fit

What’s your best practice for engaging with the sponsored content and encouraging engagement with it?

  • Share it when it comes out (Something new! Something exciting!)
  • Collect all the PromoErrday videos at the end of the week and say, “Did you miss it? Here they all are!”
  • Videos are an easy, attractive add-on to any promotion. “Here’s the promotion, now watch the product in action.”
  • Our PromoErrday videos are perfect for when we want people to know about the product without us doing a hard sell

“But social media takes TIME!” some say. How much time does it take?

If the content is already created, it takes very little time to share on any social media platform. Yes, it takes time to create the graphics you might want to go along with it or write a short blurb. But imagine how long it would take you to produce a professional-quality video vs. someone who does it for a living. It’s the age-old time vs. money debate.

Take some advice from Phil: he calls himself a “lunchtime stalker.” He takes a set amount of time each day, at the same time, to interact on social media. Make a habit, make a schedule of when you will spend time sharing and engaging on social media.

How often should you share your sponsored content?

As Brandon said: you paid for the content, you sponsored it, it is YOUR content, go out there and repost it all over the place. Broadcast it everywhere!

Some points to keep in mind:

  • Don’t just post it when it airs; post it repeatedly
  • You will receive new viewers each time you post it
  • You are your own brand ambassador! The more you talk about yourself, the more people will hear you.
  • It will seem redundant to you… but it isn’t to your audience
  • As Kirby Hassman says: “Just because you had 10 people on your last video and you have 10 people on this one doesn’t mean it’s the same 10 people.”

How do you distinguish your voice on social media from the company voice on social media?

  • Use your voice wisely (ie, stay polite and professional!)
  • Whose voice is the brand voice? If you are a small company, make the brand voice align with the people who your brand is known for (ex: sales reps, owners)
  • From Phil: “Your personal voices ends up as part of your company voice.”

So how about you: have you used sponsored content?

If you’ve successfully used sponsored content to boost engagement and generate excitement about your brand, let us know below. Or share it with us on social!

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Get Them The Promo Products They Need: Questions to Ask Your ClientsQuestions for clients

Get Them The Promo Products They Need: Questions to Ask Your Clients

Published November 12, 2019

How well do you really know your clients?

Are you actively working on building relationships with them? If not, it’s time to start.

Are you in tune not only with the cycle of their business, but also their personal life? These types of insights can help you tailor not just the product, but also the experience for your customers.

It’s never too late—or too early—to set some simple relationship-building goals for your promotional products business. Whether it’s the beginning of Q1 or nearing the end of Q3, now’s the time to start.

Below, we’ve collected some tried-and-true questions that distributors often ask their customers. Distributors will ask these questions during the initial meeting, a cold call, or when discussing strategies with promotional products and their business.

These are questions that not only help get the right branded giveaways for your clients; these questions can also help build relationships. After all, your customers will trust you even more if they see you actively trying to get to know them and their business.

Before picking a promo, first ask them “Why?”

Why are they having this event or promotion? Why do they want a branded giveaway?

They seem like such simple questions, but they really are important. The answer to these question could be as varying as “I want to grow my market” or “I want to re-establish client relationship.” And if those are the answers, great!

If their answer is more along the lines of, “Well, Company XYZ did it, so I figured we should,” it’s time to ask more “why”, “how”, and “what” questions. Here are some to get you started:

  • Why do you think Company XYZ’s promotion worked?
  • How does your business relate to Company XYZ?
  • What do you want to get out of this promotion?
  • What’s your expected ROI from a promotion like this?
  • What made you consider using promotional products in your marketing campaign?

While not an exhaustive list, these questions are enough to start the conversation and move you to the next step: figuring out what they actually need for a successful promotion or marketing campaign.

Tried-and-true questions to ask your clients to find promo products with the best ROI

Here are some solid questions to ask your clients. These are great to ask your clients face-to-face, but can also be utilized in other marketing channels, like social media or email marketing.

  • I am at the show and can’t wait to share my findings with you. As I am walking the show floor, is there anything you want me to look for?
  • Do you have any new HR, Sales, or Marketing initiatives that you are looking for innovative or creative ways to promote?
  • Do you have any upcoming promotions, contests, or events?
  • Are you exhibiting at any trade shows or conventions?
  • Are you holding any important meetings?
  • What are your business goals for the new year?

Where—and how—to have these conversations

Take them out to lunch. It’s a simple way for you to really get to know your customers. Perhaps it’s the environment, perhaps it’s the food, but taking clients out to lunch—or even just coffee—can be a great way to get to personally know them. This will help you decide how you can help them, what kind of marketing will best reach them (social? email? written note cards?), and also help you learn how passionate they are about their business.

In a regular email or phone call. Whether you do monthly, quarterly, or annual check-ins with your clients, ask these questions in these emails or calls. If you’re regularly contacting them, your customers will expect to hear from you, and won’t be surprised to hear these questions—especially if you’re asking similar ones with each contact.

At local business events. Whether it’s an association meeting or regular chamber of commerce meeting, take a brief moment to talk shop with clients. Even if nothing comes of it, it gets the ball rolling, and you can continue the conversation in a follow-up email or note card.

Cold calling. While not preferred by some, this method does still work. Check out a list of events coming up within the next year. While you can check events happening within a month or two, you’ll have more success if you reach out to event planners who still have at least a few months (or six!) away. When speaking with them on the phone, ask to send them a sample pack. Even if you don’t get their interest immediately, you’ve started the conversation.

How do you get your clients what their business needs?

We’d love to hear your success stories! Share below, or tell us on our Facebook page.

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Paper Explained: Matte vs. Dull vs. UncoatedDifference in paper folder finishes

Paper Explained: Matte vs. Dull vs. Uncoated

Published May 31, 2019

(TLDR: Dull or “matte” papers aren’t exactly what most people think. Dull and matte are both actually coated paper finishes. If you want a truly non-shiny paper, go with an uncoated stock.)

At Warwick, we get a good number of people who ask for a “matte finish” and specify that they want “dull stock.” Really though, in their minds, what they want (in most cases) is an uncoated paper stock that has no finish.

People often think of matte or dull as just a plain paper with no finish or sheen—and we get it. The verbiage used to classify these different paper choices can be extremely confusing and counter-intuitive. So today, we’re clearing up the misconceptions. Here are the differences explained as simply as possible, to help you get exactly what you’re looking for on your next custom pocket folder order.

Pocket folder paper stock finishes explained

Uncoated paper (no gloss, no finish) prints your art with a more muted color. Because there’s no coating, the paper absorbs the ink quickly and there is no reflective finish to brighten the color.

*Matte paper, on the other hand, is a coated stock, with the least vibrant finish. This paper stock has a minimal sheen and will brighten your art one level from the uncoated stock. (*We do not stock this specific paper option at Warwick, but we can custom order it for pocket folder orders that meet our custom minimums.)

Dull stock has a slightly more vibrant coated finish than the matte stock, and prints with brighter colors. The dull finish isn’t as glossy as our standard gloss coated paper, but it’s still coated stock.

Glossy is our standard coated stock that prints the most vibrant colors for your art, and has the shiniest finish of these options. (We also offer a hi-gloss white paper stock in our designer line with a super shiny gloss finish.)

glossy vs matte paper finishes
From top to bottom: Glossy, Dull, and Uncoated.

How to choose the best paper for your project

“My first question to a customer is always: do you want coated or uncoated paper?” explains Sandy Peterman, Purchasing Manager for Warwick Publishing.

“Then, if they want paper with a coating, they have two options: standard gloss (most vibrant), or dull / silk (a less glossy coated finish)

If you want custom pocket folders made with a flat, matte, dull, or muted paper, first decide if you want a coated or uncoated paper. If you’re printing on something and want more vibrant colors, you’ll want to go with a dull or silk finish paper or our standard gloss.

If you truly want a muted result with your printing, then, we recommend the uncoated paper (also known as “smooth stock”) which will absorb more of the color and will have no shiny or reflective finish.

Want to see all the paper stock options from Warwick? Browse our entire line of folder papers.

What to do if you don’t know what paper stock to use

If you’re not sure, ask for a sample of each. We want you and your clients to get exactly what you envision. We can send you paper samples to touch and feel so that you can observe the differences between coated and uncoated papers first hand.

In summary

Despite their descriptions, “dull” and “matte” papers actually both have coatings that add a slight sheen to the paper. Use this guide when talking with your customers about their vision:

  • Gloss = most vibrant finish
  • Dull/silk = medium coated finish, prints vibrant colors
  • Matte finish = least vibrant colors (but still a coated paper)
  • Uncoated = no shiny finish. Prints with muted colors.

Learn more about our custom pocket folders here. Still have some questions? Leave a comment below, or call us at 800-383-7149 to speak with one of our paper-savvy experts.

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Say NO to Boring Promo! Creative Ways to Boost ROI On Your Next OrderHow to create promo products with healthy ROI

Say NO to Boring Promo! Creative Ways to Boost ROI On Your Next Order

Published April 3, 2019

Struggling to get creative with your promo solutions? You’re not the only one who’s in a rut.

We see it all too often—an order comes in with just a logo on a product that has the potential for full-color art or a larger imprint, like our flip pad jotters, padfolios, or pocket folders. Doing our due diligence as a supplier, we follow up to ensure our customers know they have options for more creative promo solutions.

“We just want something basic,” they tell us.

There’s a misconception that more complex design means a more complex—or longer—production process. In most cases, that’s not true at all. If in doubt, ask your supplier about artwork guidelines and production time. They may have some creative ways to improve the design or get more leverage out of the product.

So if you do want a promo product that has more than just a logo slapped on it, how do you create it? We have three simple tips to help boost ROI with creative design.

ROI Boost Tip #1: Your Goals Should Drive the Design

Sure, there’s something to be said for an understated, simple design… but your goals should drive the design elements. The same product being used for a brand awareness campaign might have a drastically different look from one being used as a thank you gift for new member sign-ups, for example.

Talk about their goals for the promotion. Draw a line between how the giveaway can help achieve those goals using a strategic design. Chances are that they don’t have another idea in mind; this allows you to add real value as a promotional consultant. Leverage your expertise as a marketing professional and share a case study showing how much more they stand to gain when they also add:

ROI Boost Tip #2: Don’t Think Just Front and Center

At the core, however, shouldn’t every promotional product you’re giving away also inspire some type of action, or engagement? There are tasteful ways to do this while sticking to your brand standards.

For example, there is a lot of potential ad real estate on the inside pocket of our padfolios or presentation folders. Those pockets can be printed with your contact info, a tagline, motivational quote, or a short mission statement.

Ordering flip pad jotters or journals for a trade show? Add a full-color photo on the cover—AND on the back.

High-quality graphics help your audience connect with your mission and engage with your brand. If your goal is to boost online visibility, include some social media icons, or a branded hashtag to drive social engagement.

[inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”@WarwickPubco” suffix=  “#Design #Marketing #Branding #PromoProducts “]Use your design to inspire emotion or invoke a powerful feeling tied to your brand, and boost your memorability factor.[/inlinetweet]

Custom printed horizontal pocket presentation folder.
The logo and brand elements are on the front cover. On the inside pocket is a branded hashtag, as well as the social media icons indicating where patients can connect with them online. Simple elements like this continue the brand experience beyond the event.

ROI Boost Tip #3: Add The Things That Help Define Your Brand

If your customer is ordering a full-color promo, and they want just their logo on it, it’s okay to politely challenge them, or ask why that’s all they want.

Here’s a list of other brand details customer put on promo products:

  • Website URL (or even a special one for the promotion)
  • List of services
  • Address or location(s)
  • Full-color photos or graphics
  • A slogan or tagline
  • Social media icons, or Instagram handle
  • Branded hashtag
  • A call to action
  • Problems they help solve
  • An inspirational quote
  • Phone number & email
  • Special discount, coupon, or promo code
Custom printed promo picture frames.
Sometimes just the logo works. But then sometimes, adding full-color graphics, slogans, and event info takes the design to the next level. From left: F6637-MINI (Instax Mini Frame), DF5810 (Custom Printed Dual Easel Frame), and F6637-INSTAX (Instax Wide Frame)

ROI Boost Tip #4: Suppliers Are A Wealth of Creative Ideas

We recognize that there’s a time and place for simplicity. But more often than not, you can leverage the imprint area (and you supplier rep’s knowledge) to squeeze just a little bit more ROI  out of your promotional investment. 

Your suppliers see lots of creative uses for the same items. Suppliers are a bountiful, creative resource for ideas when you’re feeling stuck. They’ll have some great recommendations you may not have considered that can help drive engagement and ROI.

Need Help With Your Promo Product Design?

Need help? Ask your supplier! (Refer to tip #4)

At Warwick, we have an in-house art department with a team of dedicated designers. Typesetting work is complimentary, and if you need assistance with custom artwork, we’re happy to help (hourly art charges may apply for custom design work). If you don’t have design experience or software, this is a great resource that adds value for your clients’ branded products.

So don’t allow your clients to buy boring promo. They’ll thank you for having their best interests in mind.

We Want To Hear Your Success Stories

Do you have a success story converting a “blah” art concept into a home-run? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below, or share your story on the Warwick Facebook page.

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PPAI Expo: 7 Tips for a Successful Week in VegasPPAI expo tips for success

PPAI Expo: 7 Tips for a Successful Week in Vegas

Published January 10, 2019

Heading to Vegas for PPAI as a first-timer this year? It can be overwhelming with so much to see and do – but fear not! We surveyed the promotional products pro’s and got some great tips for having a successful PPAI Expo. Even if you’re a promo veteran, we hope you’ll take advantage of this list to have the best expo ever!

1. Prepare:

Let your clients know NOW that you’re heading to PPAI to research the latest and greatest products, and meet with suppliers to gather ideas to help grow business.

Prior to heading out to Vegas, send out an email blast, make some phone calls and post on social media. Let everyone know that you’re investing in this event, why you’re going, and how it can help them. Ask your clients and prospects if they have any events coming up, or better yet, suggest a few events for them (here’s a monthly event list we put together). This will help you stand out and it’s a great touch point to contact your prospects and clients if you haven’t chatted in a while.

2. Pack:

A few essentials you won’t want to forget:

  • Your written goals for the show
  • A list of suppliers or peers you want to meet up with
  • Itinerary for meetings and classes
  • Comfy shoes for walking
  • Lots of business cards
  • Healthy snacks
  • Re-fillable water bottle
  • Power banks and portable phone charger
  • Notebook + a reliable pen
  • Hand sanitizer, gum, chapstick
  • Layers! Temperatures can fluctuate in the casino and expo center

3. Take Advantage of Education Day!

PPAI has a host of amazing classes and keynote presentations from some of the best marketing and sales minds in the industry. Be sure to check out all of the classes and seminars available at the show, and schedule some time in your itinerary to attend these sessions.

Be a sponge, and keep an open mind.  You’ll get lots of ideas for new ways to grow business, be more efficient, create value, and get better at marketing and sales.  Soak up as much knowledge as you can, and don’t forget to implement what you learn and follow up with the new contacts you make!

4. Utilize Tech & Apps for Efficiency 

SAGE has a great mobile app that helps you organize your entire PPAI Expo itinerary. Make a walk- list of the show floor in advance, upload photos and take notes right in the app, share with your team members, view all of the education classes, search for exhibitors and products, connect with other attendees, and more!

Instagram is a great app to find out what’s hot at the expo. Follow hashtags like #PPAI #PPAIExpo and get a look at everyone’s highlights from the show. Suppliers usually post their show specials and giveaways, here too – this can be a great way to find out about awesome deals and freebies!

Traveling with friends or colleagues? Divide and conquer! Split up the show floor, and make a shared Google Drive folder or iCloud album so you can have an easy place to find everyone’s photos and notes.

5. Email Clients from the Show Floor

See an awesome idea for a client as you’re walking around? Snap a picture and write a short email or text while it’s fresh in your mind, and send it off. This makes less post-show follow-up work for you—and shows your client that they are top-of-mind.

6. Eat Healthy & Hydrate

We can’t promise you’ll win big on the slots, but we can promise there are lots of germs floating around.

Between all of the handshakes and product samples being exchanged, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Also, stay hydrated to avoid catching a bug! Look for the water hydration stations.

There aren’t always a lot of healthy, quick food options at Mandalay Bay, but there’s a Whole Foods Market just 10 minutes away. Why not grab an Uber and get some groceries for your whole team? Staying nourished and hydrated keeps your brain working at full capacity, and will help you get the most out of the show.

7. Network & Socialize

There are lots of great mixers and networking events to take advantage of at PPAI. Ask around and you’ll be sure to find some great meetups to make new connections and grow your network.

The networking opportunities are one of the best parts of Expo. You get to meet new people from all over the country and share ideas, and find new opportunities to collaborate or get involved in the industry.

We hope these tips help you organize your plan for PPAI Expo this year. Have another tip to get the most out of Expo? We’d love to know. Share with us in the comments! Visit the Warwick team at booth 3450 to see our new products and enter our drawing for a free 250-piece self-promo!

Want some more tips for rocking it at PPAI Expo? Check out these great resources, too:

Sage World: Surviving the PPAI Expo

Before, During, and After: How to Get the Most Out of PPAI Expo

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A Full Year of Event Ideas for Promotional Products Distributorsnational great outdoors month

A Full Year of Event Ideas for Promotional Products Distributors

Published January 4, 2019

2019 is here, and whether you’re diving in or still drafting your own written marketing plans, be sure to take a big-picture look at the full year ahead. We put together this list of selling ideas and seasonal events to help you and your clients plan out their 2019 promotional marketing initiatives.

Distributors – you know it’s ideal to get your clients thinking about upcoming events with as much lead time as possible. We recommend planning for your seasonal promotions and events at least 2-3 months in advance, if not sooner. We know it doesn’t always happen that way…but starting to discuss a yearly plan with your clients now can help you mitigate rush fees and reduce stress up against tight deadlines later in the year.

ProTip: Bring this event list to PPAI next week to help you brainstorm some specific, strategic campaigns as you walk the show floor!

January 

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in November / December or sooner)

View January Monthly Observations Here

  • Fitness + Nutrition
  • Productivity / New Year’s Resolutions (calendars, planners, organizational tools, office items)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1/16)
  • National Chocolate Cake Day (1/27)
  • Tax preparation (Pocket folders, document pouches, financial / bookkeeping tools)
  • Travel / Vacation planning / Cruises / Resorts (calendars, photo frames, document pouches)
  • Weddings / Wedding Expos (calendars, planners
  • Employee recognition (awards, certificate folders, branded gifts, apparel)
  • National Blood Donor Month

February

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in December / January or sooner)

View February Monthly Observations Here

Browse more February holidays here.

March

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in January / February or sooner)

View March Monthly Observations Here

April

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in February / March or sooner)

View April Monthly Observations Here

May

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in March / April or sooner)

View May Monthly Observations Here

June

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in April / May or sooner)

View June Monthly Observations Here

July

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in May / June or sooner)

View July Monthly Observations Here

August

(Plan + pitch these themes and products in June / July or sooner)

View August Monthly Observations Here

September

( **Busy season starts this month for many suppliers** plan + pitch these themes and products in July / August or sooner)

View September Monthly Observations Here

October

( **Busy season for many suppliers** plan + pitch these themes and products in August / September or sooner)

View October Monthly Observations Here

November 

( **Busy season for many suppliers** plan + pitch these themes and products starting August, September, October or sooner)

View November Monthly Observations Here

December

( **Busy season for many suppliers** plan + pitch these themes and products starting July, August, September, October or sooner)

View December Monthly Observations Here

 

Want to do something different? National Day Calendar is a great online resource to use when looking for creative new campaign ideas. Beyond the widely recognized holidays and mainstream seasonal events, there are also some more fun and obscure ones, like these…

Campaign ideas for all year round:

Ask your clients if they host or sponsor any of the following types of events – and when! Check in to see if they have been satisfied with the results they’ve gotten in past years, or if they’d like to get more brand exposure, capture more leads, drive more web traffic or social media engagement, then plan a smart promotion around their goal.

  • Self-promos (Plan at least 2 per year – send out in June / July and again in November / December)
  • Corporate anniversaries
  • Employee Appreciation Celebrations
  • Fundraisers, banquets and Galas
  • Birthdays and retirement events
  • Bar/ bat mitzvahs
  • Quinceaneras
  • Award ceremonies + recognition
  • Trade shows & conventions
  • Sales meetings
  • Class reunions
  • Annual town festivals
  • Local chamber business events
  • Small business association meetings
  • Networking events

We hope these event ideas help you generate some creative, timely proposals for your clients! Don’t try to tackle them all – prepare a list of 3-5 events that will resonate best with each client based on their values, their customer base, and their sales cycle. You can also use this list to help them part ways with stale, old, overdone promotions, and replace them with fresh, innovative promotions.

Take action now: Make some calls, draft some emails, and get some meeting dates on the calendar with your clients and prospects. Be sure to leave plenty of time to choose the right promotional products, get your orders in, proofs approved, products made and delivered for all of your 2019 promotional campaigns!

Have another idea that we missed? Please leave us a comment below, or drop us a note on Facebook! 

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5 Ways to Leverage Thanksgiving as a Great Promo Opportunity

5 Ways to Leverage Thanksgiving as a Great Promo Opportunity

Published November 6, 2018

There are lots of ways to show gratitude for your clientele. What better time than Thanksgiving to express your genuine appreciation for those who’ve supported your business?

If you’ve never tried a gratitude promotion, here are five reasons Thanksgiving is the perfect time to ramp up your promotional marketing strategy.

1. You can capitalize on the Black Friday Hype.

Now is the time to prime your customers for holiday shopping by touching base with them. Stay top of mind with a special offer, coupon, or freebie that they can redeem on Black Friday.

If you don’t want to be part of the “Buy! Buy! Buy!” hype of Black Friday, you can take a different route on Black Friday. Here are some easy ideas:

  • Host an open house with coffee and simple snacks.
  • Coordinate a charitable event. If it seems too much for you to manage, ask for local chamber of commerce members to help.
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter. Invite a group of clients to volunteer with you.
  • Be like REI and close up shop for the day. This is a balancing act and, let’s face it, a gamble. But what you might lose in sales, you could make up for in customer appreciation and loyalty for giving your employees a hard-earned day off.

2. Also, Cyber Monday.

While not as highly publicized as Black Friday, Cyber Monday is worth investing in if you have an e-commerce website or even if you sign-up forms on your website.

Planning a Cyber Monday promotion can help drive traffic to your website. Where can you advertise your Cyber Monday promo products special?

  • Email
  • Social media (posting in your feed and creating ads)
  • PPC – Google and Bing
  • Being in the promotional products industry, check marketing, advertising, or small business-focused websites for listing of Cyber Monday specials.
  • If you’re a member of your chamber of commerce, see if they offer advertising opportunities.

Create a special landing page on your website for this campaign, generate a UTM code, and use Google Analytics to measure and track ROI driven from your promotion.

3. Express gratitude and people will remember you.

Sometimes, a simple heartfelt “thank you” means more than that $100 gift.

This year, give thanks with a thoughtful sentiment. Include a personal gift, card, or offer—or just keep it to the simple sentiment and message. Don’t forget to hand-sign your note—this small detail makes your efforts more thoughtful and genuine.

4. Beat the holiday rush.

As the holiday season ramps up, customers will be inundated with offers, emails, mailers, and long to-do lists.

It might be hard to capture your customers’ attention in December, so stay ahead of the curve and touch base with them in November instead.

If you’re sending Thanksgiving cards to customers, plan to send them to arrive a week or two before Thanksgiving so as to stand out from the Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions.

5. Spread the gratitude.

Your customers, your community, the world can always use more positivity.

Let your social media followers share their positive stories as part of your promotion. Host a contest or giveaway asking your customers to share what they’re thankful for. Those who participate can be entered to win a gift card, complimentary service, or another meaningful prize. Select several winners to send promotional gifts as a thank you for participating.

As an added bonus, you can create a blog post from the content generated by your customers (get their permission first).

Bonus: Give back.

Sponsor a food drive or a “Giving Tuesday” fundraiser for a local non-profit or a charitable cause that is special to you. Invite employees and clients to contribute, and post your progress on your website and social media. This is a great way to give back to those in need, spread awareness, and have fun!

Whether you decide to send out greeting cards, calendars, or another custom promotional gift to your customers, don’t miss the chance to leverage this oft-overlooked holiday as a promo opportunity.

Have another great Thanksgiving promo idea? Share with us in the comments, or let us know on the Warwick Facebook page.

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Trade Show Guide – 16 Tips to Succeed at ASI Orlando and PPAI ExpoTrade Show plan 2018

Trade Show Guide – 16 Tips to Succeed at ASI Orlando and PPAI Expo

Published January 3, 2018

2018 is here, and that means it’s tradeshow season! Heading to ASI Orlando, or PPAI in Vegas? Planning ahead with this trade show guide can save you a lot of headaches, and will help you make the most of your trip. The tradeshow pilgrimage is a big investment of your time and your money, so make the most of it! Here are a few tips to help you prepare — doing so will give you a much better return, and you’ll be able to pass the value along to your clients, too!

Before the Show:

  1. Create a “shopping list” from your clients. This helps you stay on track with what to look for and to avoid time-wasting distractions.
  2. Contact your clients and prospects before you leave. Send them a short note that you’ll be attending a large industry expo, and let them know you’ll be on the lookout for new products and campaign ideas for the coming year. Ask them about any future projects they’ve got in the pipeline. Ask about their goals for 2018, and any new challenges they want to overcome. Make a list to carry with you so you can look for samples and product ideas that could fulfill their needs.
  3. Review the education classes and make a daily itinerary of the classes you want to attend. See the ASI Orlando Education schedule and the PPAI Expo Education schedule
  4. Make a list of your top suppliers and their booth numbers – take a look at the floor plan, or better yet, download the mobile app for each trade show to help you organize your time.
    • For ASI: download the EventMobi Experience app, then enter the event code: ASIShowOrlando18 – this app allows you to search for exhibitors, review the show schedule, look up course descriptions and speaker bios, find booth locations, create your own agenda, see live coverage on social media, and receive important alerts.
    • Browse the ASI Orlando Floor Plan
    • For PPAI: Browse the PPAI Expo Floor Plan
    • Download the SAGE mobile app for PPAI which lets you:
      • Search for exhibitors by company name and quickly find their booth number
      • Create a walk list and share it with your co-workers
      • View an interactive show floor plan
      • Search products from the exhibitors in attendance
      • Add notes, pictures, video and audio recordings on products and suppliers that interest you for easy reference after the show
      • View the education schedule to plan out your day, then take notes during the sessions and email them to yourself or your colleagues
      • Connect with fellow attendees on all things Expo in the newly added Discussion Area

       

Don’t forget to pack:

  • A power bank (or two) to keep your phone charged (make sure you have enough space cleared off on your phone for pictures, too!)
  • Notebook and pen for education notes, product notes, contact info, and post-show reminders
  • Comfy walking shoes and good socks
  • lip balm & lotion
  • refillable water bottle – it’s very easy to get dehydrated! Free water stations at PPAI – every time you refill your bottle you save $5. Drinking lots of water helps prevent illness, soreness, and fatigue.
  • Healthy snacks and energy bars – save money and time by eating on the go!
  • Hand sanitizer & wipes
  • Vitamins / Tylenol
  • Comfy, professional clothes
  • Nightwear for mixers and social meetings
  • FitBit – you’ll be amazed at how many steps you’ll take on the show floor!
  • A written plan of specific vendors and products you want to see
  • A sense of humor and an open mind
  • Optional: a second rolling bag to pack catalogs and samples from the show- shipping services are offered on-site, but can be pricey

During the Expo:

  1. Walk the floor with a buddy, co-worker, regional pal or neighbor. Multiple sets of eyes and ears are always good. Some companies actually split up the floor and meet during lunches or to share their best finds.
  2. Visit the new products pavilion early on if possible. Take pictures of items that you like, then put them on your planned route.
  3. Plan out the top suppliers you want to see first – visit them early in the morning before the floor is crowded, then visit the rest.
  4. Get plenty of rest, and take breaks when you need them
  5. Take product pictures with business cards in them, or a short demo video
  6. Ask specific questions: Get a little deeper with your suppliers than just asking, “what’s new?” Instead, get specific. Try asking, “Do you have a suggestion for something to help my client target millennials at a college campus event?” Or, “My banking client is looking for a unique, memorable gift under $20 to give new accounts this year. What do you recommend?” Ask questions that will help them partner with you to provide the most value to you and your customer.  Chat with the multi-line reps and suppliers about what you’re working on, who your clients are, what challenges you face. Let them show you how their products will work for you. Ask each company the best seller for the best price, too – for those clients with tight budgets.
  7. Keep your phone charged – use it to take pictures of products AND SUPPLIER INFO that interests you. Make sure you get the vendor sign, or business card with contact info in the photo also, for easier follow up. This helps you stay organized digitally
  8. Go to as many education sessions as you can! Ask questions. Introduce yourself to the speakers afterward. Get to know the key players that can help you get connected into the community.
  9. Lastly, by getting connected to the right people, get yourself invited to the right parties! Take some time to let loose and have fun.  The Promo Kitchen Mixer is a great one — RSVP on the promo kitchen website.

After the Expo:

  1. Review your notes from the show floor and from education sessions. Highlight the most important items for follow up (start with 10). Send emails to your clients or start putting your proposals together while you wait at the airport to fly home.
  2. Connect with your new friends on Commonsku, LinkedIn or Facebook – grow your network, and stay in touch with other distributors and suppliers!
  3. Write a blog post. Share your new wealth of knowledge with your clients. Write at least one blog post, or a small series of posts with the best business tips you learned from the show. This makes great content for your social media pages, your website, and your email blasts. It also makes you look like more of an expert on marketing and promotional solutions, and can help you grow your business, too.

Whether you’re new to the promotional products industry, or an ol’ seasoned pro, we hope this list helps you get the most out of your 2018 trade show visits. See you in Orlando and Vegas! Did we miss something? Leave us a comment below with your best tips for this Trade Show Guide to success!

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Case Studies: Custom Promo Products for Schools and UniversitiesCustom Card for University Homecoming

Case Studies: Custom Promo Products for Schools and Universities

Published August 8, 2017

Schools, colleges, and universities are always looking to increase awareness about enrollment, campus events, school clubs and programs, fundraisers, alumni support and community involvement. Whether your goal is recruiting more students for your university, or your boosting attendance at athletic events, custom giveaways help schools get the word out. Here are a few fun ideas to help schools reach their goals using promotional products.

Objective: Promote School Athletics

A school’s athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The school wanted to increase game attendance to boost ticket revenue, concession stand sales, and encourage alumni donations.

School Athletics Case Study by Warwick Publishing

Product

#1820 | Custom Wave Calendar

Personalization

Calendar with highlighted home and away games printed on pop-out waves. Men’s schedule was printed on one side of the calendar, women’s schedule was printed on the other. The full schedule, including opponents and locations, were printed behind the pop-out wave calendars.

Method of Distribution

Every athlete was given one to take home to parents. Calendars were available at the ticket table and concession stands at every game. Calendars were also mailed out to alumni and local business owners with a letter from the coach, as well as notes from the team captains, thanking them for past support, and encouraging them to attend some games. There were calendars placed on tables in the cafeteria and library to inspire school pride.

Marketing Outcome

Game attendance went up by 33% for both the men’s and women’s teams. More students and alumni were present. Due to increased attendance, the program could make necessary investments, like better training equipment and new uniforms.

Objective: Unify University Re-branding

A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had previously been using different pocket folders for various events and functions.

University Case Study by Warwick Publishing

Product

#STANDARD-INK1 | Standard 1-Color Printed Pocket Folder, Style V1

Personalization

For the front cover, the school simply used their logo. The slogan and social media info was printed on the pockets.

Method of Distribution

Staff handed out these custom branded folders out to prospective students and their parents, alumni, faculty, and board members.

Marketing Outcome

Since the design was basic branding and folders are a supply item for the college, the university was able to buy their folders in bulk, saving money on an otherwise recurring expense. They unified their look for a consistent image across all departments.

Objective: Increase Alumni Engagement and Donor Support

A university wanted to increase alumni engagement and attendance at their Homecoming week events. They also wanted to increase donor support and raise funds for campus programs. By engaging alumni and past donors by inviting them to Homecoming week, the university hoped to increase donations by 15% over the previous year.

Custom Card for University Homecoming

Product

8000-DP-57 | 5 x 7 Flat Printed Card

Personalization

University campus photo showing students on the grass studying with a red banner overlay designed with a simple university logo and Homecoming dates.

Method of Distribution

These custom cards were mailed to all alumni as invitations to the Homecoming week events, paired with a letter asking for a donation to support campus program development.

Marketing Outcome

The university saw an increase in RSVPs for Homecoming events and got a great response from donors. The alumni association saw an 18% increase in monetary gifts received in the month following the Homecoming celebrations, allowing them to give back to campus programs and support student clubs and organizations.

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Compliments: A Powerful Gift in the WorkplaceCompliments in the Workplace

Compliments: A Powerful Gift in the Workplace

Published July 25, 2017

The power of a compliment

You’d be amazed at the positive psychological impact a compliment can make in the workplace

Just like a thoughtful promotional gift, a compliment motivates people to keep up the same great behaviors that bring praise and recognition from others. Your employees and coworkers will stay encouraged to perform at a high level when they’re recognized for their success. Studies show that participants who received a compliment after completing an exercise perform better even a full day afterward, compared to those who completed the same exercise without being complimented on their performance.

The scientific reason for this? A compliment given in a genuine, professional, and appropriate way triggers the reward center in the brain, releasing dopamine. This neurotransmitter sends feel-good signals to our mind and body. When a compliment is well received, the exchange actually boosts the self-esteem of both the recipient and the giver of the praise.

Compliments release dopamines, which sends feel-good signals to your mind and body. Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash.

How can a compliment improve your work life?

Need another good reason to compliment someone for a job well done? You just might learn something! Here’s an example from one of our Warwick customer service representatives, Melanie:

“Yesterday, I  had to do some quick research on a PO. The first place I looked, there were detailed notes from another account manager. It directed me to an email thread with exactly what I needed. Because of how well she does her job, I was able to quickly resolve my question. I took the time to send her a quick email complimenting her thoroughness, and let her know how much she brings to the table. Then something amazing happened! She showed me a coding trick within our email system to remind her of any special pricing agreed to. It was an amazing time-saving hack and I started doing the same!”

When recognition is due, take the time to verbally compliment your co-workers, fellow distributors, your sales team, and even your suppliers.  What do you admire about them? Is their work ethic off the charts? Did they meet or surpass a big goal recently? Give them kudos. Doing so creates a positive energy in the office and boosts morale.

How to praise clients and prospects the right way

It’s fine to compliment your customers and your prospects, too. But as with any compliment, be sure to keep it sincere and reserve it for noteworthy occasions.

“Compliments can be subject to the laws of economics, meaning that the more often you give them out, the less they mean,” warns Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., and Professor of Psychology UMass Amherst.

With a new prospect, you don’t want to give off the appearance that you’re trying too hard to make the sale. “If it’s clear that you stand to gain from your compliment, your compliment may seem insincere,” says Whitbourne.

When researching a new prospect, take note of their background. Are you truly inspired by how they built up their business? Do they have a knockout website or slogan? A sincere compliment is a great way to start a conversation out, build rapport, and warm up your prospects.

Why is this valuable in the sales process, you ask? It just so happens that the dopamine-producing part of the brain (the ventral medial prefrontal cortex) also handles social decision-making. In the world of selling, this is important because many buying decisions are emotionally based. Know how to work the compliments, and you could be on your way to a better bottom line.

When it comes to complimenting clients, keep it sincere and reserve it for noteworthy occasions. Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash.

Keep compliments genuine and work-related

A word of caution on complimenting, though: if you don’t have anything genuinely positive to say, don’t force it. 

A compliment should be natural and sincere.  False flattery is easy to detect. If delivered inappropriately or disingenuously, a well-meaning compliment can completely backfire. Instead of creating a feel-good self-esteem boost, an inappropriate compliment can create an awkward relationship or uncomfortable situation.

With that said, make sure to keep your compliments business or work related.  While it may be flattering, complimenting someone’s outfit or physical appearance may cross a personal boundary.

Compliments motivate, improve communication, and build trust

You don’t need to be an expert or even a social butterfly to master this skill. You only need to be sincere. People always give more when they feel appreciated, and often, they’ll become more relaxed, more trusting, and more communicative as a result. Start a culture of awareness for the positive developments around you. Co-workers, vendors, and clients all benefit from knowing that we notice and value them. We challenge you to send at least one person some much-needed kudos for a job well done today. You might get back more than you expect!

Did you compliment someone today? How did it impact you? We’d love to hear your stories. Leave a comment below or share with us on the Warwick Facebook page. 

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