Last week for three days the imprinted industry got together for training and a trade show.  I get as much out of the training as I do walking the 5 miles it takes to see the show.  My training goal was to review the latest and greatest on marketing and networking.  My show goal was to see what is available now that is made in America and what is recycled, two things that are of special interest with my federal government buyers lately.
  Success was achieved on both goals--more to come on each.
  A couple of quick observations:
  1. Marketing is moving into a new era--just talking about features and benefits is not going to be adequate anymore.  Everyone "bought into it" and now everyone sounds the same, "Our service is #1", "Our people are great!", etc.  I spent a day with two good sources and will be sharing their insights as I implement them.  Two things I need are a marketing kit and referral system.
  2. You are going to hear a lot more from me about "MADE IN AMERICA".  From a discussion I heard, prices from China are not going to be a cheap in the future (mainly due to rising labor costs) as they have been in the past as well as the safety issues we have all heard about.  Look to this site for low cost imprinted items that are made here in the USA.  It may require some creativity but why not give a client an item that gave an American a job?  No double some items will always be made in China, calculators and flash drives come to mind.  You can buy American and I will be "spotlighting" them for you.  
  3. Specials were on everyone's mind and you can expect me to look into them on each item request you make.  Check here often or register to subscribe in order to stay up to date.  
  Have a great day.  Matt D.  (804) 515-0300  

 

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