Follow up with connections that have gone quiet: Use award announcements as a reason to follow up with prospects you’ve previously engaged with. Congratulate them on their achievements without asking for something. If they really did just forget about you or got too busy, they’ll take the opportunity to re-engage with you. Create content: Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing insights and analysis of recognition lists within your industry and the people and companies they celebrate. It’s a great way to attract attention from those seeking expertise and guidance in their decisionmaking process – and it will draw new business your way. Gain new industry insights: Award lists are a great resource to scrutinize for new insights into emerging trends, areas of innovation and segments that may be in decline. Are the winners doing something different? Are they moving toward similar business models or following similar trends? Are they moving away from others? Award lists also give you something to benchmark your own performance against. Last month saw the launch of the 2024 PPAI 100, our industry’s most audacious and insightful recognition program. Whether your company made the list or not, it represents an opportunity that you can leverage for your own business. It contains data points you won’t find anywhere else in promo – like three-year growth rates instead of just sales – and it shows you what companies care about and invest in – sustainability, innovation, their employees, etc. PPAI 100 is a valuable resource for those of us in the promo business. It brings together numerous industry trends and data points we can use to align our efforts. This year, PPAI 100 recognized 200 promotional merchandise businesses, but everyone in our industry benefits. Davis is PPAI’s director of sales and professional development. PPAI • JUNE 2024 • 31 Your Business | Voices Waiting for a Feather Flag Sale? ...Lucky You! Below EQP Feather Flag Sale! Free PMS Color Matches as low as $111(C) PPAI/582106 SAGE/50398 NEW LOWER PRICES! Ground Stake Carbon Fiber Pole FREE PMS Matches No Minimum Full Color, Full Coverage Imprint Sale Prices Include: No Set Up Charges Angled Blade Rectangle Concave Convex Teardrop Sizes: 9, 12, 15 & 17ft high choose from 6 Shapes
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