A strategy for promotional items means better choices, better results, and better business all around. From planning for seasonal events, to having a year-round online company store for promotional products, having a solid game plan is the only way to go.
People are always asking me if promotional products actually work to increase awareness, leads and sales. After being in the industry all of my life, I can tell you emphatically that yes, indeed, promotional products can effectively market your brand by reaching your target market, increasing leads and sales…but you have to have a plan.
If you have multiple locations or many departments ordering promotional products, if you exhibit at a lot of trade shows or if you feel like you would like a better plan for your promotional product management, you are not alone.
The things we need to have on our radar when it comes to marketing these days seems endless doesn’t it? Yet today more than ever, just like 25 years ago before digital was even a part of marketing strategy, relationships still matter. Creating a plan to build strong and lasting relationships through your marketing efforts, both online and off, should be a big part of your focus.
Chances are you’re familiar with what a reliable supply chain means to a manufacturing company. It is a dependable mechanism that ensures the timely appearance of raw materials, component parts, sub-assemblies or process supplies necessary to maximize productivity. Those materials are specified, sourced, ordered and delivered seamlessly. It makes obvious sense.
Last week, I shared some results from a survey conducted by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). First, I was proud to report the results showed that promotional products work so well and are the favorite form of advertising by almost all respondents to the survey. Then, I went into a little more detail about which promotional products had the most influence in creating a positive impression of the advertiser providing them.
I also promised to share a little more information this week about which promotional products are the preferred ones among people who live where you live and do business. Well, here’s graphic that tells the story pretty well. Here in Michigan where our corporate office is located, drinkware seems to be the most powerful at influencing opinions about the advertiser. In other states, other items top the list.
In a post earlier this week I wrote about the rather amazing effectiveness of promotional products. The information, from a survey conducted by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), showed that promotional products are the most highly regarded form of advertising, with every adult age group under age 55 saying that they “liked it best” when compared to newspapers, radio, television, Internet and mobile advertising.
Chances are, you won’t have to look very hard at work or at home to find promotional products that various businesses have given you. At work, maybe it’s a pen, or a USB drive, or a portable power unit for your phone or other electronic gear that you use frequently. If you’re reading this at home in the evening or on the weekend, there’s also a pretty good chance you’re wearing a promotional item like a T-shirt from an event or promotion, or a hat you received from some product or store happy to have your business.
Okay, now try to remember an ad or television commercial, billboard or ad on a website you noticed back on the same day you received that promotional item? Good luck with that one.
B.S. from Eastern Michigan University
20+
Bob specializes in OEM / Tier 1 label procurement and Sales and Marketing Enablement initiatives for your corporate culture. He helps you benefit from our long standing supplier relationships that aid in driving your costs down. Let him help you streamline the process in which your company procures these related items.
I am all about easing your workload. Our services and supply chain solutions are geared to reduce cost and risk. As full service commodity managers, strategic partners or preferred vendors our technologies allow client/vendor integration for any industry. I have done it before and I can do it for you.
Graduated from Western Michigan University
19 years of experience.
Tony specializes in financial forms and systems plus industrial labels with an emphasis on special coatings and adhesives.
My focus is on the implementation of a successful program, providing our customers the services they need to be successful and ease their workload.
Davenport University
25 years in the print and promotional industry.
With my many years of experience I have helped my clients with all aspects of this business ranging from printed materials, labels, promotional items, PPE, and logo apparel. My strength is being a single source asset, managing your materials so you can spend your time doing what you do best!
I am here for you 24/7 as a valuable resource and consultant. I will listen and use my years of experience to find the best solution and product that will meet your individual needs. I pride myself in my communication skills and always keeping in touch, updating on relevant topics and important details. This Is my passion and I love what I do and truly enjoy working hard for my clients so that they are happy!
Graduated from Ferris State University
20+ years of experience.
Pat specializes in labels with an emphasis in the Food Services, Automotive & Service Industries.
I find it rewarding to successfully help fulfill a customer’s business needs. I take pride in knowing my customers see me as an asset to them and their company. Striving to be looked upon as a trusted label and print consultant rather than a vendor is what drives me.
Grand Valley State University
18 years in sales
Jack of all trades.
Knowledge is power, so I try and learn something new every day!
B.S. Western Michigan University
I specialize in sales and marketing initiatives to help your company get more done faster for less.
Automation of processes
If it has ink on it, I will help you spend less time and money on it.
Graduated from Michigan State University
19 years of experience.
Steve’s specialties include Labels, Commodity, and Inventory Management.
Focuses on driving down total product and inventory costs while striving to focus on improving the total procurement process for his clients.
I consider myself a value added partner to my clients saving them both time and money through our commodity and inventory management programs.
Graduated from Ball State University
34 years of experience
Dave specializes in Account Management and Labels.
Service industries, manufacturing, and not-for-profits.
I try to exceed absolute expectations by providing client ideas, value, and service, and offer myself as an extension of their business.
Graduated from Michigan State University
Over 20 years of experience.
Jon specializes in Manufacturing and Corporate accounts.
I help clients employ print supply chain solutions, marketing enablement and sales enablement technologies that increase efficiencies to save money and accelerate sales, while keeping within their corporate branding policies.
Graduated from Vincennes University
18 years of experience
I have sales experience in: Commercial / Digital Printing, Checks, Forms & Labels, Packaging, In-Store Marketing, Promotional / Apparel Products and Turnkey Solutions
What drives me are the smiles on my customers’ faces when they realize there’s no stone I’ll leave unturned to deliver exactly what they want and need. I’m proud to be a part of Superior Business Solutions because we bring the best print supply chain solutions, promotional marketing products and innovative ideas to market that are proven to save time and money. Contact me today for a FREE print supply chain audit and promotional product review.
Graduated from Hope College
I strive to be a single source asset for clients for all of their print, promo, label and apparel needs. Superior’s long standing supplier relationships provide a wide variety of options and experts so I can provide the best solution that’s cost effective.
Listening to our clients to understand their needs and challenges throughout the supply chain and consulting to solve those problems efficiently.
I treat others the way I’d like to be treated. I pride myself on building strong, successful partnerships with my clients through communication, respect and hard work.
Western Michigan University, B.S. Graphic Arts
27 years of experience.
Account Management, Manufactures, Higher Education, Financial, Statement Processing, Labels.
Focused, service-orientated professional striving to be trusted strategic partner to my customers.
BS from Ball State University
27 Years Marketing Experience
Manufacturing and Labels
Customer service and consistent pricing
I have been with SBS for 27 years and have seen the climate of printing change. As an account manager I have a great understanding of print and promotional products. Along with my team we can provide you the right products to run your business and promote your name.
Graduated from Northern Illinois University
29 years of experience.
Bill specializes in marketing literature, direct mail pieces, financial forms and promotional products.
I enjoy the challenge of working with clients to produce attractive print and mail literature as well as useful promotional items for companies and organizations that enhances their image and increases their sales and profits, as well as repeat business.
Graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
30 years of experience.
John’s industry and product specialties are in labels and labeling solutions.
Manufacturing.
I work to understand my customers’ needs and then choose the appropriate solutions from our robust product and solution offerings to most effectively meet their needs.
25 years
I have have experience working with direct mail, commercial print, rigid box, folding cartons, retail packaging/POS, display, signage, corrugated, and more. Knowledgeable about Litho, Flexo and Digital print.
I love what I do! Nothing is more fulfilling than watching my customers grow their business’ through projects we have collaborated on. My knowledge and network allow me to consider budget, timeline and brand standards to make their ideas come to life.
Graduated from University of Rhode Island
35 years of experience
Marshall’s specialties include Full Color Print, Packaging, Labels, Promotional Products, Fulfillment, Print On Demand, and Marketing Services.
I strive to hear my customers, understand their need, and consult with them. And then I work very hard to source the best product or service solution worldwide that meets their unique requirement.
BS from Ball State University
34 Years in the Print Industry
I focus on customer needs, no matter the industry, by providing the best product or service possible.
I’m all about giving our customers the best experience possible. From the start of a project to its completion, I want a customer that is amazed by what we can do.