Scary Stuff: Innovate or Die

What are you going to do in 2016 that is going to make you even more relevant in 2017? What are you going to do to create the customer experience needed to ensure that you can compete and flourish long term? Are you going to curse the online challengers who are driving you crazy? Or,…

Read More

When I Say ‘Swag,’ People Smile

I just attended a conference (outside the promotional products industry) where I had the chance to speak to business leaders from information technology, sales and marketing. In several roundtables, and of course over cocktails, people would ask what my company does. With some I said, “We sell promotional products, items with logos, such as the…

Read More

Can I Run a Report on Amount of Sales from Customer Groups in QuickBooks?

Question: Is there some way in QuickBooks to run a report showing the amount of sales from a particular group of customers? Answer: Yes. QuickBooks allows you to define “Types of Customers.” When you open a customer in the Customer Center, click on “Additional Info” on the left side of the screen. There you can…

Read More

How Well Do You Know Your Customer’s Business?

Your job is to solve your customers’ problems. Period. That’s all. You need to become a part of their organizations. This is vital if you want to earn the right to charge a little more and be compensated for your expertise. Think of your job as earning a job at your target prospects’ companies. This…

Read More

5 Lessons to Be Learned from ’80s Love Songs

Is there something more to ’80s love songs beyond the standard “can’t-live-without-you” creep factor? Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are 5 ways the lyrics can help you fall in love with your job. 

Read More

Duck Dynasty: The Dangers of Tying Your Brand to Celebrities

For years companies and brands have been in love with the notion of associating their brands with celebrities. But, before you decide to partner with a celebrity, be they musician, actor, reality show star or athlete, it’s a good idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Read More