Feb 13
Last month, I attended the big, annual trade show for the promotional products industry. It's an amazing show where I not only see an array of new, "new," and classic promotional products; I also h...
Continue ReadingDec 12, 2023
The question I'm asked most often at trade shows and in conversation, especially by new clients and prospects is, "What's hot?" You easily can substitute trendy, cool, popular, or another similar a...
Continue ReadingJul 13, 2023
We often get asked about how to pick the "best" of whatever product our client is looking for. While the "best" can differ based on the situation, we also know that our knowledge of over 600,000 ...
Continue ReadingMay 11, 2023
There's a huge problem in the world of graphic design in terms of how those designers are being taught or, at least, where their focus is in the design process. What many of us on the production...
Continue ReadingFeb 21, 2023
I've been asked to teach a class on how to handle a promotional products order from beginning to end to ensure the best possible outcome several times over the years. Who is my audience for this ...
Continue ReadingDec 27, 2022
I'm heading off to my big industry trade show in a couple of weeks to find out what's new and exciting in the world of promotional products, I'm also inundated with clients needs for trade show g...
Continue ReadingNov 29, 2022
When Lev Promotions was a member at our local regional Chamber of Commerce, we would display at the quarterly morning mixers. I found the event to be a good networking opportunity and had gotten ...
Continue ReadingOct 18, 2022
Here I am setting myself up for controversy on my opinions, so read this at my own risk! I've been hearing for years now how the Millennial generation is so different – they want instant g...
Continue ReadingJul 26, 2022
I was at a networking event the other evening and we had a guest speaker come in. He was billed as a motivational speaker, but I would call him a sales strategy speaker. He was dynamic. He had som...
Continue ReadingMay 3, 2022
Clients often ask me, “What is the number one most effective marketing tool?” My answer is, “Delivering consistent customer service at or above the level that is consistent with...
Continue ReadingApr 19, 2022
One of the challenges I face on a regular basis is getting clients and prospects to understand that their marketing should be a reflection of them without being all about them. It's a difficult c...
Continue ReadingApr 5, 2022
So, I'm on the freeway when I see a van with signage for a plumbing company I know. Traffic is moving a bit slowly, so I'm able to peek in the window to see if the driver is one of the employees ...
Continue ReadingDec 14, 2021
While this may read as a gripe session, it's really not - it's not meant to complain; simply to illustrate a point about life. I am pretty much at the end of trying to connect with someone who w...
Continue ReadingNov 30, 2021
I recently read an article that said that even the most memorable TV ads didn't cause any type of significant, sustained uptick in business for the company advertising! Those super-expensive ads ...
Continue ReadingNov 16, 2021
For years, I used to belong to those one-industry-rep-only “exclusive” networking groups. They were Chamber affiliated or independent groups, but built on the same basic model as BNI ...
Continue ReadingOct 5, 2021
Although customer service representatives are generally the experience of the brand, people may be willing to give some leeway for a poor experience knowing that, in a larger company, the rep the...
Continue ReadingSep 21, 2021
I attended an event featuring a LinkedIn expert who spoke on how to leverage LinkedIn to grow a business. I must admit that I was impressed by what he had to say – his strategies made sense...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2021
While COVID has changed some of our behaviors, I suspect that many of those networking-related actions will return once in-person events resume in full-swing again; if they haven't already in you...
Continue ReadingJul 1, 2021
Challenge: An insurance company needed to share the agenda of a conference and wanted to include a snack treat to keep attendees energized and not wandering off to find a snack. Soluti...
Continue ReadingJun 15, 2021
One of the things I love doing most is helping my clients make their trade show/tabletop show exhibits more successful. It's been a quiet year in regards to those live shows, but they're baaaaack! ...
Continue ReadingJun 1, 2021
It's been a while since I offered my “Developing a Strategic Marketing Plan” seminar, but I remember how I would get a lot of requests at the end of December wanting to know when the ne...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2021
I was reminded today of a discussion I had some time back about our local Chamber where I mentioned that our Chamber knows how to sell, but not how to market. Not sure what that means? Think tha...
Continue ReadingMay 4, 2021
One of my pet peeves is the outgoing message on a seemingly friendly and helpful voicemail that ends with, “I'll call you back at my earliest convenience.” Your earliest convenience?...
Continue ReadingMar 23, 2021
I was having a conversation with someone the other day about the definition of marketing. She believes that advertising is not a part of marketing. In my opinion, that is incorrect. The way I se...
Continue ReadingFeb 23, 2021
Sometime ago, I wrote about developing a 30-second commercial and five of the key points that go into making a successful elevator pitch. Part of that pitch can be your unique selling proposition, ...
Continue ReadingFeb 9, 2021
Determining what is a successful marketing technique for any business can be challenging. Most businesses don't have good tracking methods in place to measure ROI/ROO. Those that do, tend not to ...
Continue ReadingJan 12, 2021
I was rereading some old blog posts from 9 years ago and came across this one. While it is not applicable to this moment in time, with a vaccine here and events probably starting up again in th...
Continue ReadingDec 29, 2020
Although most of what I write about has some sort of tie-in to marketing, I'm taking this opportunity to write about something that has personal meaning to me. Hopefully, this will inspire someon...
Continue ReadingDec 15, 2020
Having been a startup once and having worked with several over the years, I've learned some critical lessons. One of them is that startup owners' goals are usually lofty and they have the willing...
Continue ReadingDec 1, 2020
While we may not be sharing elevators too much right now, we are still attending networking events - virtual or otherwise - and that pesky "elevator pitch" is still important to your introduction...
Continue ReadingNov 17, 2020
I recently read a post on LinkedIn talking about trade show someone had attended in the past month. There was a comment that the best thing in the show bag was a COVID-19 rapid test. I have to admi...
Continue ReadingNov 10, 2020
They say there's no such thing as bad PR. Well, that may depend on your point of view, but product placement can create a buzz that equates to an ad or PR spend. When you're ...
Continue ReadingSep 25, 2020
Challenge: A major television station was about to begin producing a new morning talk show. They wanted to do something special for the studio audience for the first month of the show's airings to ...
Continue ReadingAug 25, 2020
I don't know about you, but I don't believe that having that little sentence at the end of an e-mail advertising the fact that it was sent that e-mail from your phone excuses anyone from good spe...
Continue ReadingAug 11, 2020
I've been in the promotional products business for about 20 years now and I can tell you that I honestly believe that they are 99% worthless as marketing tools. OK, pick your jaw up off the floor ...
Continue ReadingJul 28, 2020
Every month, I update the Lev Promotions website with a list of upcoming commemorative dates, holidays, and events that can be used as wonderful marketing tools. Many of them are fun, silly littl...
Continue ReadingJul 14, 2020
Good marketing is all about making you stand out from the others – building a brand that is recognizable, unique and compelling. Why then do so many business owners insist on doing what som...
Continue ReadingJun 30, 2020
I was on the phone the other day with a prospect. I asked him who his target market is and he told me, “Every church in town.” When I told him that, although in theory “every ch...
Continue ReadingJun 16, 2020
I am often asked if food gifts are good for marketing purposes. The answer is, “They can be.” If you choose something that doesn't taste good, or that arrives spoiled or broken, then...
Continue ReadingJun 2, 2020
Ever notice that, once you've put your mind to something, things kind of fall into place to make it happen. I was reviewing my strategic marketing plan to see where I was on track and what needs...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2020
With businesses opening back up and bringing along better access to our clients and prospects I am fielding a lot of questions about choosing and using promotional products effectively; especiall...
Continue ReadingMay 5, 2020
As businesses begin to open up again, it's time to make sure that we've done everything we can to polish our image and make some changes to the way we present ourselves to our customers and clients...
Continue ReadingApr 21, 2020
For three years, my older daughter participated in the annual Lion's Club speech contest for high schoolers. She didn't win, but she gave two really great performances out of her three speeches. Pu...
Continue ReadingApr 7, 2020
A while back, I received an invitation via Facebook to join a new networking group that is being organized by someone local to me who owns a marketing company (yes, that technically makes her a c...
Continue ReadingMar 25, 2020
It's a challenging time we're in now. Between trying to stay healthy and keeping our finances healthy with lost jobs and/or lost work for those of us that are self-employed, some days just feel lik...
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2020
First of all, let me say that this article is not in response to what's happening with the Covid-19 virus. It's just a general observation of the challenges of being sick when you're a solopreneu...
Continue ReadingJan 28, 2020
So 2020 is officially here. Have you taken the time to review 2019's business successes, challenges and (dare I say it?) failures. If we want to make a difference to the growth opportunities we h...
Continue ReadingDec 17, 2019
I've noticed over the many years I've been in business helping others market theirs is that there is often lack of clarity with the terms “target market” and “referral source.&r...
Continue ReadingDec 3, 2019
Anyone who's known me for more than 2 minutes knows that I am an avid Disney fan. Not only do I enjoy just about everything Disney on a personal level, but I find many things about their busine...
Continue ReadingNov 5, 2019
Does your business have a change coming up that you'd like to publicize? A custom branded product that has a changing image component to them are the perfect item to get people excited about the ...
Continue ReadingAug 27, 2019
It's not unusual to find me at a trade show – either walking the aisles of one of my industries trade shows or exhibiting or helping a client with their exhibit. A couple of weeks ago, I atte...
Continue ReadingAug 13, 2019
I remember when I enlisted my then 0-year old daughter to stuff and label envelopes for me for a Lev Promotions' mailing. Each envelope required seven steps in order for it to be ready to mail. S...
Continue ReadingJul 30, 2019
So you're a micro – to mid-size business owner and you just don't/can't find the time to be away from the office long enough for a vacation? I'm in the same boat, but I know that vacations ar...
Continue ReadingJul 16, 2019
At the risk of creating a great LinkedIn controversy and alienating my photographer friends, clients and prospects, here is my view of using your photograph as a marketing tool. I know the most po...
Continue ReadingJul 2, 2019
Although most of my blogs have some sort of a tie-in to marketing, I'm taking this opportunity to write about something that has personal meaning to me. Hopefully, this will inspire someone readi...
Continue ReadingJun 18, 2019
I've been working with several start-ups recently who are looking to put together a marketing plan. Their goals are lofty, but they have the willingness to work to achieve those goals. The proble...
Continue ReadingMay 21, 2019
I often see the question “What's the difference between marketing and advertising?” posted in chat groups and discussion boards. Do you know the difference? Or is there one? Advertis...
Continue ReadingMay 7, 2019
Every business has something that they are promising, along with the product or service itself - a benefit. The item will work better or faster. It will last longer. You will receive it within a ...
Continue ReadingApr 23, 2019
You may have seen that stress or mood card, often used as a business card, which shows your stress level when you put your finger on the test button. It turns a color which you match up with th...
Continue ReadingApr 15, 2019
Challenge: A promotional products company (okay, it was us, Lev Promotions) was exhibiting at our first international trade show/conference (ExhibitorLive) and wanted to ensure some show floor me...
Continue ReadingApr 9, 2019
I often start a seminar/presentation/workshop on marketing by saying, “Your number one marketing tool is great customer service. Without at least good customer service, there's no sense in sp...
Continue ReadingMar 26, 2019
I often see the question “What's the difference between marketing and advertising?” posted on chat groups and discussion boards. Do you know the difference? Or is there one? Advertis...
Continue ReadingMar 23, 2019
A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guest...
Continue ReadingFeb 22, 2019
A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when...
Continue ReadingFeb 12, 2019
I am often asked how do I like being in sales? It's a valid question; after all, part of my job is to sell promotional products. When I am asked this, I always think back to my days as a Front O...
Continue ReadingJan 29, 2019
This may be a repeat topic, but it's worth saying again: Your vendors are your friends - or at least they should be. They are the ones who keep your supply chain moving, who may be able to help y...
Continue ReadingJan 2, 2019
There are those who are of the belief that any publicity is good publicity – even if it's bad. I don't believe that a bad story about you can be "good" publicity, but there may be a way to ...
Continue ReadingDec 22, 2018
You don't have to work in the field of promotional products to notice the impact they can have on any organization's marketing efforts. As the most effective medium of advertising across all genera...
Continue ReadingDec 18, 2018
A great marketing tool for businesses and organizations is holding an event. It can be an open house, a launch party for a new product or service, a grand opening for a new location, an anniversa...
Continue ReadingDec 4, 2018
When it comes to business gifts, what's outside can be at least as important as what is inside the package. By making the packaging and/or presentation of a business gift creative, we can make th...
Continue ReadingNov 22, 2018
Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the...
Continue ReadingNov 20, 2018
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how it's already time to start thinking about holiday business gifts. Well, after the gifts have been chosen, the big question is all about the imprint. Although ...
Continue ReadingNov 11, 2018
Business gifts of food are, without a doubt, popular; maybe even the most popular holiday gift item. The question remains, “As a business gift, do I get the desired marketing results with...
Continue ReadingOct 25, 2018
If you haven't already started thinking about your holiday business gifts, then now is the time. While most people believe that the best time to give holiday business gifts is the week or two le...
Continue ReadingOct 22, 2018
What generates over 95 million photos and videos each day, 4.2 billion likes daily and has 700 million active users? You guessed it – Instagram. This photo and video sharing social platform h...
Continue ReadingOct 9, 2018
Now I may have addressed this topic before – I may even have an entry under the same name; nevertheless, here I go again. Why, you ask? Because I am currently on hold to speak with a custom...
Continue ReadingSep 25, 2018
I was planning to write about branding today, when I came across an article in one of my trade magazines about how too much growth too fast can be as detrimental to a company as a decline in busi...
Continue ReadingSep 22, 2018
Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2018
I know a few business owners and sales people out there who seem to be addicted to the “expert” marketing or sales guru. They have made almost a religion out of following several differ...
Continue ReadingAug 28, 2018
It seems to be a constant refrain from the many business owners and managers: “We just don't have the money to market the business.” My question to them is, “How do you expect ...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2018
Without revealing my own political beliefs, I can honestly say that politics embodies one of the worst examples of marketing that I have ever seen. Really doesn't matter if it's for a person or for...
Continue ReadingJul 31, 2018
'Tis almost the season for developing marketing plans for 2019. But, really it's never too early to start planning. When a developing a marketing plan is on your to-do list, it's important to kno...
Continue ReadingJul 22, 2018
Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a bra...
Continue ReadingJul 17, 2018
While you may think the photo above is just a map, in fact, it is a microfiber cleaning cloth. Or, in better terms, it is a great pre-show mailer invitation for your target market attending a tra...
Continue ReadingJul 3, 2018
I make it a point to attend the trade shows in my industry on a regular basis. I've been to my favorite ones often enough to notice when a regular exhibitor isn't in their "usual" spot. Not only...
Continue ReadingJun 21, 2018
Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their...
Continue ReadingJun 19, 2018
I believe the most overlooked, and yet very important, part of a marketing plan is evaluating the components to see what is working and how effectively it is working. That means examining the resu...
Continue ReadingJun 5, 2018
You've probably heard the phrase “viral marketing.” If you're unsure what it means, it is word of mouth taken to the nth degree by having people spread the word quickly and effectivel...
Continue ReadingMay 29, 2018
I firmly believe that customer testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools available to any business. Nothing says “success” like a customer willing to put into words ho...
Continue ReadingMay 21, 2018
Substantial research shows why color matters in branding and how it plays an important role in how we experience marketing. These 16 facts give you a glimpse into how you can use color to your adva...
Continue ReadingMay 8, 2018
We've all heard the phrase "under-promise and over-deliver." I am a personal fan of that saying. I heartily believe that you should deliver at least to the level you promised. When possible, prom...
Continue ReadingApr 26, 2018
I am already preparing to head to a regional trade show for promotional product consultants in August. It is one of two large trade shows for the promotional products industry that I attend each ...
Continue ReadingApr 21, 2018
In a world of ever-changing advertisement trends, there is one marketing solution that never grows old – promotional products. Studies show promotional products were ranked as the highest adv...
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2018
It seems that the biggest argument for decreasing marketing budgets is that the results are seemingly "impossible to measure." Without hardcore proof of ROI or ROO, how do you justify spending th...
Continue ReadingMar 27, 2018
I recently saw an old networking group cohort of mine who told me that the group is considering changing its name because they feel their branding is non-existent. Although I don't disagree with ...
Continue ReadingMar 14, 2018
I have too often heard sales people and business owners say that their target market is “everyone.” No matter how useful, ubiquitous, inexpensive, or absolutely necessary a product or...
Continue ReadingFeb 21, 2018
A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this ...
Continue ReadingFeb 14, 2018
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a bit about who appealing to as many senses as possible reinforces your brand. Here's a great example of one company that does it amazingly well: Anyone who has kn...
Continue ReadingFeb 13, 2018
Social media is one of the fastest growing and ever-changing media platforms in existence. What began as an online community for the younger generations, now encompasses billions of people across t...
Continue ReadingJan 30, 2018
A while back, I wrote about how valuable a good relationship with your vendors can be. I recently had living proof of that, yet again. Over the past month, I've been dealing with one of those or...
Continue ReadingJan 23, 2018
A networking organization asked me to speak on branding to four of their chapters a while back. Since I wrote about an aspect of how our brand is really built last time, maybe another installment...
Continue ReadingJan 2, 2018
Looking back at a previous post, I noticed that I kind-of-sort-of-almost talked about creating an experience around a promotional product as part of the branding process. What I didn't do, howeve...
Continue ReadingDec 19, 2017
One promotional product I discovered at a trade show quickly became a favorite of mine because it immediately awakened the punster in me. I realized that this item was perfect for drunk driving a...
Continue ReadingDec 6, 2017
This may seem like a strange question. After all, if we've already defined them as “your clients,” doesn't that mean that they've already done business with you? And, if that is the c...
Continue ReadingNov 21, 2017
Using video can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. Since I understand this, but concede that this is not my area of expertise, I defer to my friend and client, Shawn Dennison, owner of...
Continue ReadingNov 7, 2017
So we all know the importance of marketing to our customers and prospects. Without their patronage, we can't have a successful business. But what about your internal customers? Are you marketing...
Continue ReadingOct 25, 2017
Getting your name out there can be tricky, especially for the smaller business which may have the challenge of a big-name competitor whose name everyone recognizes. One way to combat this is to ...
Continue ReadingSep 26, 2017
Most of us take our vendors for granted. We choose them based on some combination of price, quality and service. If one part of that equation falters, then we may look for a replacement, or we ma...
Continue ReadingSep 14, 2017
Social media is such a hot topic in the marketing world. People are spending several hours per week (or day) updating their profiles, looking for connections, posting, and more in the hopes of bu...
Continue ReadingAug 29, 2017
Lately, I've run into several business owners who don't understand why their business is not more successful than it is. After all, their current customers seem happy, they just don't have enough o...
Continue ReadingAug 15, 2017
A few years ago, I spent the better part of late December through February sick with a cold that turned to bronchitis that turned to pneumonia. Within a few weeks of being completely well, it was P...
Continue ReadingAug 1, 2017
Whatever your job or profession, to be successful and stay relevant in your industry, professional development is critical. Although regular certification is not required of marketing professional...
Continue ReadingJul 19, 2017
I was recently approached by someone who had gotten my contact information from a local printer. This person publishes e-books and had decided, on his own, that license plate frames and "maybe pens...
Continue ReadingJul 7, 2017
There is an old cliché in the marketing industry: “Half of my marketing is effective. The problem is, I don't know which half.” The fact is, most people don't really know if the...
Continue ReadingJun 20, 2017
This is a tough one for me. I have a client whose whole business is developing contingency plans for businesses. (You know, those plans every business – and family, for that matter – is...
Continue ReadingJun 6, 2017
Today, I'm bringing you the thoughts of Candy Adams, The Booth Mom(r). Candy is the owner of Trade Show Consulting and an expert in all things trade show related. I'm thrilled to be able to learn f...
Continue ReadingMay 24, 2017
As I was looking at some samples I'd recently received from one of my suppliers for a client's needs, it dawned on me all the amazing opportunities there are to utilize these to make a variety of e...
Continue ReadingApr 25, 2017
What better promotional marketing campaign to brag about your growing business than a plant? We found a few variations on plant products at a recent trade show we attended and knew that it was a ...
Continue ReadingApr 25, 2017
So you're all excited about using a promotional product as a marketing tool! You've found the “perfect” pen/mug/t-shirt/key chain/whatever and can't wait to give it away to all those pe...
Continue ReadingMar 29, 2017
This was taken from an e-newsletter that I write where we feature case studies of promotional product and trade show marketing successes. I wanted to share this promotional product case study her...
Continue ReadingFeb 28, 2017
The winter trade show season hit the ground running back in January. If you're booked to exhibit at a trade show anytime in 2017 and haven't put together and/or started to implement your pre-show...
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2018
A few years back, Jeff Toister, owner of Toister Performance Solutions, decided to put a different spin on things for Customer Service Week. Toister, a nationally acclaimed consultant, speaker ...
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2018
The Bank of Newport is a small bank branch that serves the southeastern area of New England. They were established in 1819 and have only 12 bank locations, mostly in Rhode Island. Their challen...
Continue ReadingFeb 15, 2018
One of the largest international hot sauce suppliers sells its products through a network of major distributors. The company attends approximately fifteen trade shows annually, focusing on meet...
Continue Reading