How hot is it?

Greetings from the state of “100 hundreds.” Basically, this means one 100 days of one 100 degree days. The upside is 265 days of “perfect” and they are on their way. Many ask, “How do you deal with the heat.” Simple. You adapt by modifying your schedule. To me Summer here is like Winter in the Northern Climes. Windows are closed, curtains drawn. Not a lot of people spending time outside during the day – we all come out at night! The point is changing with the times is good and sometimes crucial to survival. The same applies to your promotional products business. Are you aware of your customer’s marketing plans? Are you sensitive to their budget constraints? Do you know what their “big picture” includes? It’s knowing the answers to these questions that put you miles above the “discount”, online/catalog distributors who only offer the trendiest items at the cheapest price. It’s this knowing that makes you important enough to keep around. And as far as the “100 hundreds?” You don’t have to shovel sunshine.

The "Hi" verses the "Timely" Mailing

You ordered your personalized calendars in October with all good intentions of mailing them out to your loyal customers by December. Then that funny little thing called "Life" happened.
December turned into March and those timely promotional products, that you agonized over when choosing them from the multitude, are still sitting there collecting dust.
What to do?
Take it as a lesson learned.

In fact, if you really want to send a calendar, order NOW for next year!
Suppliers will offer "Early Bird Specials," usually up till June.
NOW, is the time to clean up your database so you can start with a clean mailing list.
NOW, is the time to budget the postage you will need.
NOW, is the time to get a jump on your competition so that your calendar arrives by December 1st.

On to "Hi" mailings. While they aren't timely, they are important.
When I say "Hi," I mean the information is not time sensitive.
1. They are typically a less expensive campaign and will provide you - in a timely manner - if your mailing list is as clean as you think it is. Think of it as a test.
2. They are a good way to let your customer know you are still in business.
3. They can contain a "promo that fits in an envelope," such as a 6" ruler, bookmark or even a pen if the budget allows.

So, if you haven't done a mailing in awhile, do it in the right order by saying "Hi" now and then schedule the "Timely" mailing in a timely manner.