Please let us know if you’d like some writing instrument ideas for your next promotion or tradeshow.  We look forward to hearing from you!!  317.445.5180 / susan@wolfrunmarketing.com

Tips for Choosing Commemorative Products:  Whether your company has been facing time or budget restraints, a well-researched product can still become a perfect anniversary gift.  Personal items with pictures make great company anniversary-related items, including personalization is always the best first step in creating an appropriate gift whenever possible.  Anniversary celebrations using promotional products have great value to employees because they are connected to a large part of someone’s life.  Die-cast replicas, custom medallions, ornaments, functional desktop collectibles that can be displayed tend to work very well.  It’s important to remember the milestone celebration so the perceived quality of the product should match the value and honor of the accomplishment.

GET THE WORD OUT:  Before the show, tell people you are going to be at the show and you’d like to see them, make sure they have your booth # and if possible schedule a time for them to stop by for a visit.  About 2 weeks before the next tradeshow ask all employees to include a “Come see us at the show” message with the dates and a link for more information at the bottom of all email communications.

SHOW SPECIAL:  Always always offer a show special; it is expected.  You might continue the show special for a week or two after the end of the show.  Be aware of what specials your competitor is offering and be flexible.

GIVEAWAYS:  When the right product is used properly, a giveaway can be an effective tool for getting someone to your booth.  The same isn’t generally true with refreshments.  Choose products that allow a good size imprint area for the company logo and message.  These items become idea generators for customers as well as reminders about your company.

POST SHOW EVALUATION:  Measure the number of leads you collected and how many of these turned into sales.  Evaluate how effective your pre-show and post-show e-communication performed.  The more planning you put into preparing for an event, the greater your return. Tradeshows offer a unique opportunity for reaching new customers and educating existing ones about your products.

I hope some of these tips and ideas inspire you to improve on what you are currently doing and help your company reap even more profits from your next tradeshow.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!  To all involved in making this dream come true

“Get in touch with me when you need me” is a weak attempt to get someone interested in our product or service. Although most people will politely accept the card, they will seldom, if ever, call.  But that doesn’t mean you should leave everything to chance.

•  First of all, strive to become a person that attracts others. That’s very simple. It begins putting other people in the spotlight instead of ourselves.
• Another necessary skill is active listening. Like it or not, people are much more interested in their own lives than in ours. And they love others who are genuinely interested in their plans, desires, headaches and values. If you encourage them to talk, you will be amazed at how quickly they will reciprocate and ask: “And what do you do?”   Isn’t this a nice prompt for handing them your business card?  
• My favorite is asking for their card first. You simply say “Gee, this really sounds very interesting– let’s make sure we stay in touch. May I have your business card?” Usually this prompts them to say “Sure, and may I have one of yours?” It is that simple. And what if they don’t ask? I do not offer mine. 
• Now, when I have their business cards, I also have permission to contact them. And that allows me to take the initiative, so most of the time I immediately follow-up with a personal note and this time my card will be enclosed in the same envelope. Of course, that doesn’t mean that person is going to call me. It doesn’t mean that she will want to do business with me right away–quite the contrary. Most of the time it will take a lot more follow-up than that one note. But it is a pretty good way to begin a relationship, don’t you agree?

Source: Wanda Loskot / professional speaker and business coach for small business owners and self-employed professionals.

These students were so focused on their individual competitions that included public speaking , critical thinking, and writing skills just to name a few.  During the morning and before the opening session the students came to our tables to introduce themselves and share some information about what they hoped to accomplish, not only at competition but in their future.

I was blown away by the maturity of this entire group.  I consider myself to be a successful business woman but still struggle with a lack of confidence for public speaking to a large group, I could take some lessons from these kids, they were terrific.  The 1st place winners from this competition are headed to the national competition and we want to say CONGRATULATIONS  and best of luck in your next competition.  You are ALL already winners in our book.

But, come on it’s Basketball…who in Indiana doesn’t relate to basketball?!!  I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the players and working with Nick Reich, their coach.  What a great group of young men!!!  Now they are heading to the Class A state basketball championship game on Saturday March 26th and we’ll be among their loudest fans.

  This team and their coach have so very much to be proud of no matter the outcome of this final game.  Of course the overwhelming desire is to win state and that’s understandable but this team and this school are already WINNERS by realizing their goals and accomplishments in such a short period of time.  So, we say… CONGRATULATIONS ~ best of luck in the game and most importantly best of luck as you head into your future!!!  We are all so very PROUD of the team and the entire school.

 This has been an eventful year for a lot of reasons but most importantly I’ve found confidence in myself that I didn’t know I had.  I’ve reconnected with family that brings comfort to my heart.  I’ve experienced personal and professional challenges but I’ve found it to be extremely rewarding year and I’m excited about the business growth and relationships developed.  I’ve obtained my WBE city and state certification which I only hope to grow in ’11. 

Recently, I had a client ask me how many overall customers I had and I, of course, told him that I could always use more business, not sure where the conversation was going.  He then offered me the most wonderful compliment by  explaining that he asked because my dedication and level of service made him feel like he was my only client.  WOW!  I can’t begin to tell him how proud that makes me.  This is what I strive for, to make sure each and every customer as well as potential customer feels special.  To make sure they have confidence that I will always strive to make sure they are kept abreast of new ideas and upcoming sales as well as progress of their order no matter what the value. 

When I worked in the corporate world I learned that this was giving Raving Fan service and offering 110% effort to each and every customer both internal and external.  It’s served me well and I thank Don Ginder, Retired HR Vice President from Delta Faucet for his years of training!!

So… Thank You to all my wonderful customers and friends for a great 2010 and I’m looking forward to working with you again in 2011.  Let me know how I can be of service and I’ll talk to you soon.  Be safe and have a very  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

“The pen-sized dispenser now gives the consumer the freedom to use WD-40 anywhere, anytime,” says Tim Lesmeister, Vice President of Marketing for WD-40.   “The marker-like tip allows for easy, controlled application in thousands of places and uses.  It’s a fantastic dispensing method for a product everyone loves, and we believe it will be a tremendous success in the promotional industry.”

The WD-40® No-Mess Pen® will be available with custom imprint for delivery by mid MARCH