2 replies to this topic

[jakemandel]

I am very new to the promotional products industry. My company has been doing screenprinting shirts for a long time and we have just opened up to the promotional products sector. This might sound like a stupid question but, What is the best way to find customers. So far, it has been word of mouth and cold calling. We have gotten some sales this way but not many. How did you start out? Thanks everyone.

[DBeavers]

Word of mouth is another person's way of saying networking. The more people you make aware of your expansion into promotional advertising, the greater the possibility for referrals to third parties who need your service, but didn't know about you.

Start expanding your circle of contacts by networking through business associations, your local chamber of commerce, and even non-business organizations. With multiple employees making contact with various groups, including Rotary, Lions Club, a bowling league, etc., you can increase your business exposure to more prospects.

But, beyond passing out business cards, you should be handing out self-promos when the opportunity presents itself.

Get active in your chamber. If possible, have three or more employees join different committees they are interested in, so that each will be in contact with a greater number of different members.

Networking and self-promos go hand in hand, so take advantage of the 800K plus products to spread your name all across NYC, with coffee mugs (or travel mugs), Post-It® Notes (there's a 10 cent special from 3M good through 30 April), calendars, and whatever else works for you.

[paybus]

Best place to start sounds like with your existing screen print customers. If you are already doing business with them, send them a letter announcing the expansion of your products. Better yet, as Dennis suggested with self promos, have the .10 sticky notes printed noting your expansion and take them by to as many of your existing cutomers as possible. You will probably be surprised how many customers you already have that use many other products you now have available. Keeping your name in front of them with self promos is the best way to get the additional business from them.

Pam