21 replies to this topic

[LOGO emPower]

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on Me by Bill Withers


Many times I read how thankful members have been to have DT accessible to them to solve problems or complete a difficult project.

I opened this Thread for anyone who wants to share their story and publicly thank the person or persons that provided the "hand".

[cmroma]

Well...there are so many on this site that I could thank for help, but I am sure I would miss a few.
I will just offer out a heartfealt "Thank You!!!" to all that have posted on DT. I feel that every opinion has helped open my eyes to new points of view or new ideas.

I would like to offer a special "Thank You" to Isa.
Her ideas continue to amaze me with incredible creativity and thought she puts into each recommendation.
(She has also offered a voice of reason on several "hot" topics).


Craig

[jacquez]

DT has made me aware that I am not alone in the world of Promotional Products. Often I have thought that I am the only distributor facing certain issues not only with suppliers but with clients, staff and the community in general. Through DT I see that suppliers face many of the same issues that distributors face.
DT has offered me "electronic" friendships with many professionals in this industry. In the past regional associations were established to offer this support system and they do a great job. However, DT offers a 24/7 support system.
Thanks to all those who have posted over the years and thanks to those with whom I have formed friendships.

[EagleMountain]

When I migrated into PP's from the marketing and PR world, DT helped shave at least a few years off the learning curve for me. The consistently high volume of supportive and instructional discussions from distributors, suppliers, decorators, and others provided a rich and robust menu of experiences and conclusions to choose from.

Like many others here, I will continue to offer reciprocal support and ideas when I can, even as I post specific questions on some subjects -- and quietly lap up the great ideas and marketing gems offered on others.

Ultimately, DT provides a great place for friendly, informative and non-competitive shop talk. This is especially important to a one-man shop with nobody else nearby that understands that "$2.58 on a B" doesn't actually involve currency on an insect, etc.

[benbaker]

Where to begin. . .:rolleyes:

DT has been many things to me at different times. It has been the assurance to know that I am not the only one going through "X", it has allowed me to see other perspectives and see that there are more ways to look at the same situation. It has been a source of creativity, friendship, sounding board and a way to laugh when all you want to do at the end of the day is keep banging your head against the wall.

To all who have offered differing opinions, reason, laughter, suggestions, kicks in the pants and sourcing information. . . I say THANK YOU.

Ben

By the way, I second the vote to give ISA a GRAND HAZZA:-)

You have been a source of reason, creativity and laughter as long as I have been on this board. . . Thank you.

[bdail]

Because of DT I have met some amazing folks in the industry. And I have learned so much from many of them - which totally disapproves the old dog and new tricks theory.

I have honestly tried to give back some of which I've taken and will continue to do so.

BTW -Isa is at the top of my list too, but then she knows that.

Barbara

[royster13]

Because of DT I have met many great new suppliers.....Evans and Dooley are among the best there are.....And there are lots of other ones here that because of my business model I have not had the chance to use.....But when the need arises they will be high on my list....

[Promotions Division]

Wealth of knowledge & expertise that we have learned from. So many great folks willing to lend a hand when needed. Ditto on the comments about not being alone! Thanks all.

[BarbC]

Hi All,

First off....Thanks Scott for the new look and feel of DT. It is a great place to share, get great information on suppliers and gain friendships in the industry.

Supplier Check has been a big asset to my business. I hope more people continue to post feedback there.

Thank you to all that have posted messages and shared your great knowledge with us. I honor each and everyone of you.

Take Care.

Barbara

[bjrmki]

Such a wealth of knowledge in such a small space. I give kudos to someone here who recommended a playing card company and as a result became a big order and the customer was delighted. I thank DT over
and over again. There were many other great ideas but this is the one
that comes to my thoughts presently. You guys are great! Especially when you are not arguing about stuff.

[Dan]

This is an incredible knowledge based resource. It has been eye opening in many respects. I understand suppliers better and marvel at the willingness of distributors to share their experiences, insights, recommendations and frustrations. DT has become a community itself for me, reminding me that this is a great profession with a lot of professional people on both sides of the distribution highway willing to contribute for the good of another. Wishing each and every one of you a joyous holiday season and prosperous new year.

[3Koi Maui]

Hey, gee whiz, it's a love fest in this thread! Thanks for the kind comments!

Exactly what I needed after spending 5 hours with a newly purchased heat gun, fixing some imprinted acrylic photo frames that wouldn't stand up. That's another story.

I feel like I have a whole band of coworkers and mentors, and I thank DT for bringing us together. I appreciate all of you who continue to be of help to everyone who posts a question. I doubly appreciate the suppliers who courageously state their views in a forum slanted heavily towards distributors.

Just reading about your experiences validates mine. Having someone ou there gives me an ear, a shoulder, a pat on the back.

Plus I get to be of service, which is a great blessing and gives me incredible satisfaction.

[plantia]

DT made me look good to my customer. She wanted one of the wheel of fortune, carnival wheels. I knew the info was here, and was lucky enough to find it in about 5 mins. (then it took me 5 mins. to find this thread).
This is not the only reason how DT has helped me, but the latest reason how.
Sue

[EagleMountain]

Good to see this thread revived. I hope it continues.

After having worked in a variety of capacities in marketing, publicity, graphics, association management and -- oh yeah, 26 years as a firefighter thrown in there somewhere -- I've had my share of learning new tricks, trades and vocations.

DT has been the single-most productive resource I've tapped into in the area of starting-up in a new business. It's been a valuable surrogate "24/7" mentoring resource both from a business standpoint and by helping me to become a better "consultant" in the area of PP's, etc. Coupled with my own business experience, ALL of the input I've harvested -- both good and bad, wise and dopey, friendly and challenging, have been extremely helpful.

Oh, and a lot of fun too.:D

[goblue]

Keep this thread going. This forum has a wealth of information and some really good people. I try to take a look at it at least 2 or 3 times a day, as part of my daily routine. It is so funny how some distributors think it is taboo to talk to "the competition", but those are the people who miss out.

Thank you to everyone who participates.

[bdail]

Someone alot smarter than I said once, "In order to keep it you have to give it away" and that sure has served me well in this industry.

I checked and within a 25 mile radius of our office there are 168 distributors!! So I have run in to them with local clients. And never once have any of them presented a problem.

But you're right - the paranoia drives me crazy too!!

[goblue]

aapromotions said:

Hey GoBlue, sorry for the wooping at the Rose Bowl a year ago.

But you bring up a good point about talking to competition. I do it all the time and would never consider it taboo. In fact, if someone comes up to me at a meeting chamber or otherwise and I see they use product, I normally ask if we can be of service or might even ask if they use anyone in particular. If I know who that person is I usually, say hey good guy and don't pursue.

But your comment draws me to the one thing that has always driven me crazy about how paranoid this business really amongst distributors.

Alan,

Thankfully Michigan will not be playing SC for a few years. See you in September for the OSU Game. I do not like either team, but it too good of a matchup to pass up.

I think those that are paranoid must have something to worry about. I always tell my clients that competetion is good, as it is the only way for them to measure my service.

Take Care and Go Blue!