PPB August 2021

Q A Distributor Asks: I’m reserving a small exhibitor table at a women’s event this summer, and I am looking for suggestions regarding items that are appealing, usable and trending for this demographic. How do I make the most of this opportunity to promote my business? [This question, shared on the Promotional Products Professionals Facebook page, generated many responses that included product suggestions, such as nail files, lip balms and web cam covers. The responses featured below were among the most thought-provoking in relation to business strategy.] Most of the time, these shows are grab and go, but I figured out how to get [attendees] to stop and talk. Give out a small flashlight; they are colorful and pretty. Don’t insert the batteries though; instead have them available and say to the attendee, “Let me put the batteries in for you.” In the time it takes for you to put batteries in the flashlight, you will learn if they are interested [in your business] or not. This worked really well for a fashion event I attended. And, most importantly, give something away. I have contacted huge companies that I believe in and have asked if I could donate an award to the hard workers. This is getting me in the door. I would love to help with their promotional products. PENNY FLEMING Owner and Founder Awardpro Newport Beach, California Would it make sense to buy one or a few larger products—say, a nice bag or cooler, with a cute saying on it and your logo somewhere small—and then collect information from everyone and raffle it off, rather than letting people walk by and take products without learning anything about them, and not having a way to follow up? It might create more of a buzz than a nail file, etc., because everyone will have that stuff. This idea is definitely better for standing out and getting noticed, especially with the right message and the right product. CHARITY GIBSON National Account Coordinator Peerless Umbrella Co. Newark, New Jersey PPAI 112666, S10 Here’s the thing with trade shows or tabletop shows: if everyone here is recommending a particular item, then how many other exhibitors will be giving out that item? Don’t you want to stand out, especially given the fact that promotional products is what you do, and you want to show them what you can do for them? Rather than thinking of them as just “women” attendees, you need to understand who they are as businesspeople. Are they decision-makers? What type of companies do they work for or own/manage? What industries will be heavily represented, if any? What is your call to action? Can you tie into the event's theme in a way that makes sense? And don’t forget to give as much thought to what your exhibit looks like. It may just be a table, but you need to make sure that table looks interesting and inviting, and makes people want to stop and speak with you. RAMA BEERFAS, MAS, CTSM Owner and Chief Solutions Officer Lev Promotions San Diego, California PPAI 218331, D1 Do You Have An Answer? A Distributor Asks: Are there other distributors who have a business Facebook page that is not attached to their business website? I have a page, but no website, and I am looking to improve my Facebook posts. I’m curious as to what other distributors are doing in this department. Email your response(s) to Question@ppai.org for the chance to be featured in a future issue of PPB . Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. | AUGUST 2021 | 11 INNOVATE