Question: A Distributor Asks: I am a part of a business networking group in my area. In my group, we have a financial planner, Realtor, personal insurance rep, a Mary Kay rep, a digital marketing agent, a hotel manager and other local business owners. Since I know most of you have been in the business longer than I have, what topic would you do a presentation on, to a group of business owners and salespeople?

Have you considered showing how promo items are great connectors and relationship builders while everyone is remote? Discuss the power of using promo items in a dimensional mailer or campaign. Staying in touch with employees and customers right now can be key to keeping customers.
ABIGAIL TIEFENTHALER
President
Sweetspot Strategies, Inc.
Aiken, South Carolina
PPAI 184315, D1

I found that interaction with the group keeps them focused. When we were meeting in person, I played promotional products bingo. I would ask questions about our industry with the answers on the bingo card. Then when someone got a bingo, I had a bag of random sample items they could choose a gift from. Make sure everyone wins. It’s a huge success every time I’ve done it. You create the bingo cards on myfreebingocards.com.
KIMBERLY KRAMER
Owner
YourLookLogos.com
Lincoln Park, Michigan
PPAI 599833, D1

I just did my presentation last week, probably my fifth or sixth over the past several years. I concentrated on how COVID-19 has changed the products I am currently selling. I also reviewed current case studies of recent orders, what kind of customer and how we were able to provide a solution for their needs. I think people/members can relate to actual case studies.
Remember, “facts tell but stories sell.” You will likely want to focus on the type of customers you are looking for. Meanwhile, if this is your first presentation in the group, I would highly recommend you give a brief background of your experience and why your fellow members will want to refer business to you. You need to build up the “know, like and trust” before members will feel comfortable referring business your way. Good luck!
JEFFERY WASSERSTROM
Owner
JAW Enterprises
Dublin, Ohio
PPAI 255304, D2

I’ve been in a [networking] group for about five years and have presented about 15 times. Two of my favorites were about employee recognition/retention and travel relating to different travel scenarios like day, family or weekend trips.

I try to make my presentations interactive and give advance notice of what I would like from them. For example, I’ll ask five things about their own travel experience that are easy to respond to within one minute. I also try to incorporate as many members/categories in my presentation as possible to show how great we can partner up.
HOLLY SCHOTZ
Brand Consultant
All Wrapped Up
Columbia, Maryland
PPAI 762024, D1

Question: A Distributor Asks: I just got an order in, and on every one of the whistles, the supplier’s website is screenprinted on it. I haven’t had this happen before, except on samples. Usually, there’s just an item number. What do y’all think about this?

Any product that is classified as a child’s product or anything that can be seen as a child’s product is required to have tracking numbers. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules regarding selling products for children. Even if your client is not giving the product out to children, if it is something that looks like a toy, i.e. your whistle, the labeling regulations apply.
SUSAN HYSEN
Client Success Executive
Summit Group, LLC
Silver Spring, Maryland
PPAI 364377, D10

I think it’s part of child safety compliance. The numbers below it are probably the manufacturing lot. They’re required to test the materials of each lot and provide tracking info on certain items.

ALLISON STIVERS
Owner
Stellar Customs, LLC
Houston, Texas
PPAI 762024, D1

Do You Have An Answer?

A Distributor Asks: How would you react to a notice from a client that they acquired a product sourcing account and will do their purchasing internally?

A Distributor Asks: I’d love to hear your experience of joining/belonging to your local chamber of commerce. Has it been helpful for meeting new clients? Any other thoughts on the experience?

Email your response(s) to Question@ppai.org for the chance to be featured in a future issue of PPB.