According to online recruitment website Zippia, 91% of customers say they won’t willingly do business again with a company that left them unhappy. As a Kaeser & Blair promotional products direct sales business owner, you strive to satisfy your clients and help them achieve their marketing objectives. That’s why understanding your customers’ pain points and addressing them proactively is so important. Many customers won’t vocalize their dissatisfaction, but will simply take their business elsewhere if their needs aren’t met.

Before that happens, let’s identify and discuss each type of customer pain point. Using this insight, you can help your clients select the best promotional products for their business and stay ahead of potential complaints.

Type 1: Functional Pain Points

Functional pain points are customers’ issues with a product’s features or performance. At Kaeser & Blair, we only partner with distributors that provide durable, reliable products that perform as advertised. Still, you should ensure you’re familiar with the products you’re offering and the extent of their quality levels.

Test the products yourself and ensure that the product description and images match the actual product. You can also provide samples of products to your clients to allow them to test and evaluate the product before making a purchase.

Type 2: Financial Pain Points

Financial pain points relate to customers’ issues with a product’s cost. For example, a customer may be interested in purchasing a large quantity of a promotional item but find the cost per unit too high. To help, you can offer a range of products at different price points, including budget-friendly options that are still of high quality.

Offering free samples and trials can also help customers feel that they are getting value from their purchase. Distributors may also give bulk discounts or volume pricing to incentivize customers to make larger purchases.

Type 3: Process Pain Points

Process pain points refer to issues customers have with the process of ordering, receiving, or using a product. For example, a customer may have difficulty navigating your website, finding the product they need, or placing an order. To address these pain points, you can offer a user-friendly website with clear navigation, search functionality, and product descriptions.

You can also offer a customer service team that is readily available to help customers with any issues they may have, such as placing an order, tracking a shipment, or resolving a problem with a product.

Type 4: Emotional Pain Points

Issues that customers have with the emotional or psychological impact of a product are known as emotional pain points. Customers’ relationship with a product, service, or brand can affect the decisions they make while making purchases. For example, a customer may feel that a branded item is not aligned with their brand or values. They may also feel it is not engaging or creative enough to capture their audience’s attention. That’s why it helps if you can offer a range of products that are customizable and reflect what the client’s brand is about.

You can also share creative and innovative products that are designed to stand out and engage their target audience. Additionally, you can provide guidance and recommendations on how to effectively use promotional products to achieve their marketing objectives.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of customer pain points is critical for success in the promotional products industry. By identifying and addressing these pain points, you can help your clients select the best products to solve their problems, and ultimately achieve their marketing objectives. By offering a range of products at different price points, providing a user-friendly website and customer service team, and offering creative and innovative products, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and build a loyal customer base.

With these tips, you can effectively address the four types of customer pain points and succeed in your promotional products direct sales business through Kaeser & Blair. Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter and get insights like this delivered directly to your inbox.

— Liza

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This post is based on a topic covered in one of our Friday Flashback newsletters. Friday Flashback is a weekly newsletter from Kaeser & Blair Director of Sales Liza Sachs. Each edition contains valuable insights and updates for the promotional products industry. 

Whether it’s a pen, mug, t-shirt, or any other item, promotional products help create brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and attract new customers. However, choosing the right promotional product for your clients’ projects can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several questions to consider to ensure that you are helping them source the best items. Here, I’ve outlined the questions you need to ask to ensure you’re aware of what your client needs and can guide them to the best choices.

Who is the audience?

The first question you need to ask is who is the audience how do we target this demographic? Understanding the target audience is crucial in selecting the right promotional product. Think about their age, gender, profession, interests, and lifestyle. For instance, if the majority of people attending the event are college students, encourage your client to contribute products that are fun or useful, trendy, and sustainable.

What is the budget?

Knowing the budget is essential in helping your clients select the right branded items. Ask your client about how much they’re looking to spend, and suggest products that fall within that range. Also, take into account the quantity of the product needed to stay within the budget. Keep in mind that the product’s cost doesn’t always equate to its effectiveness in promoting the brand.

What will be useful to this audience that they would want to keep?

Products that are useful and practical tend to be kept and used by customers, which makes them effective in promoting the brand. Think about products that will be used regularly, such as pens, mugs, water bottles, and tote bags.

What event or location will these items be distributed?

The location where the promotional products will be distributed plays a critical role in selecting the appropriate item. For instance, for an outdoor event, it’s advisable to choose products that are suitable for outdoor use, such as sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses. Conversely, for an indoor event, it’s recommended to opt for products that are more suitable for indoor use, such as keychains or pens. By selecting products based on the event location, you can ensure that they are practical and well-suited for the intended audience.

Is there a specific season that is appropriate to promote for the event or client?

If the promotional products are related to a specific season, it’s crucial to choose a product that is suitable for that season. Winter event? Suggest your clients provide products that are warm and cozy, such as blankets or jackets. Celebrating in spring or summer? Items related to the sun, gardening, or water are sure to be a hit.

What is the best-valued item based on budget?

To maximize your client’s budget, it’s important to prioritize the quality of the promotional product. Look for items that are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. By selecting durable products that offer good value for money, you can ensure that your clients don’t have to compromise on quality to stay within their budget.

How are we using the logo?

The logo is a crucial element in the promotional product. Consider the size, color, and placement of the logo on the product. Is it appropriate to add personalization or maybe a quote to the item to make it memorable? Adding a personal touch can make a common item more special and unique.

Are you aligning with the brands?

By helping your client select a product that accurately reflects their brand’s mission, vision, and values, you can ensure that the promotional item effectively reinforces their message and resonates with their target audience. This approach ensures that the product is aligned with the client’s principles and will have a positive impact on their overall branding efforts.

What supplier are you using?

To uphold our reputation, it’s crucial to rely on trusted sources when selecting supplier partners. By choosing a supplier with a good reputation and an established presence in the industry, we can help ensure the quality and reliability of the products we offer. Additionally, it’s important to take into account factors such as the supplier’s customer service and response time, as these can have a significant impact on our overall customer experience.

Are you planning ahead?

Finally, it’s important to keep timing in mind. Think about the lead time required for the production and delivery of the promotional product, as well as the timing of the event or campaign it will be used for. To avoid any last-minute rush or delays, it’s recommended to obtain your client’s marketing calendar in advance and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right promotional product for your clients requires careful consideration of several factors. By asking the questions above, you can help your client source the best branded items for their project, ensuring the success of their promotional campaign.

At Kaeser & Blair, we offer the resources you need to set your clients (and your promotional products business) up for success. We’re here to help you every step of the way. To stay up-to-date with industry trends and expert advice, subscribe to our newsletter today!

– Liza

Liza Sachs is a 25+ year veteran of the promotional products industry and heads up our Sales and Supplier Relationships for the organization as Director of Sales. During her tenure, Liza has experience on both the distributor and supplier sides, which gives her the unique vision to assist our dealers to expand their sales.

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Are you a small business owner looking for an effective way to drive more sales and expand your client base? One of the most successful tactics that many companies use these days is setting up referral programs. Referral programs put your current customers to work for you by giving them incentives to refer their friends and family members, resulting in increased exposure and new customers for your promotional products business. These incentives could be anything from discounts on future purchases to exclusive products or services. To promote your referral program, consider using social media, email marketing, and other advertising channels to spread the word.

To ensure the success of your referral program, make sure to keep your incentive an item or service that is relevant and attractive to your target audience. Of course, you should also provide excellent customer service to both your existing and new customers to ensure that they have a positive experience with your business. In this blog post, we will discuss how to set up a referral program to catapult your business toward success!

1. Define your goals

Before you launch your referral program, it’s important to take some time to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve with it? Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive more sales, or acquire new customers? Once you’ve defined your goals, you’ll be able to create something that’s better aligned with achieving them.

2. Choose the right platform

There are several different platforms that you can use to launch your program. You’ll need to choose a platform that is easy to use and that offers the features and functionality that you need. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the platform integrates well with your existing website and business systems.

3. Create attractive incentives

If you want people to participate in your referral program, you’ll need to offer attractive incentives. These could include discounts, free products or services, or exclusive access to new products or services. Make sure that your incentives are valuable enough that people will be willing to refer others to your business.

4. Promote your program

Once you have your referral program up and running, it’s time to get the word out! Spread the news about this awesome opportunity using all of your favorite channels—from social media buzz on Instagram or Twitter to reaching out through emails. The more people who know about this great chance for rewards and discounts will make sure that everyone takes advantage of what is offered.

5. Make it easy to share

If you want people to share your program with their friends and family, you’ll need to make it easy for them to do so. Include social sharing buttons on all of your marketing materials and make sure that your referral URL is short and easy to remember. You should also consider offering a discount or incentive for people who share it with others.

6. Track results

It is also important to track the results of your referral program so that you can determine whether or not it is successful. Track the number of referrals that you receive and the number of conversions that result from those referrals. This will help you to determine whether or not your referral program is achieving its goals.

7. Make adjustments

If necessary, make adjustments to your program based on the results that you are seeing. For example, if you are not receiving as many referrals as you would like, you may need to change the structure of your program or offer better incentives for people to refer others. Make sure to keep getting the word out and create a buzz!

A referral program can be an effective marketing tool for small businesses. It involves incentivizing existing customers to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to the business, in exchange for rewards or discounts. This is a cost-effective way for businesses to expand their reach, generate new leads, and increase sales without spending a lot on traditional advertising.

Whether you’re looking to expand your existing promotional product business or just get started, Kaeser & Blair has the tools and resources for success. These tools can help businesses track referrals, monitor progress, and reward customers who participate in the program. Additionally, small business owners can take control of their marketing efforts by maximizing their return on investment. Overall, implementing a referral program can be an excellent way for small businesses to build their customer base and reach a wider audience. Alongside Kaeser & Blair, promotional product business owners can leverage their expertise and resources to create successful referral programs and drive growth.

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This post is based on a topic covered in one of our Friday Flashback newsletters. Friday Flashback is a weekly newsletter from Kaeser & Blair Director of Sales Liza Sachs. Each edition contains valuable insights and updates for the promotional products industry. 

Times are always changing and it’s important to stay in tune with your customer base and on top of their needs. Offering value that is consistent and relevant for them each week can be difficult—but with some careful planning, you can create lasting impressions with both current and prospective customers.

Think of it like providing a running commentary on your expertise. Whether it’s keeping up with new products or services, offering helpful tips via social media posts, or expanding into other markets—staying proactive and engaged will position you ahead of the curve.

Let’s explore how promotional product business owners can remain relevant and add value to their clients. Here are some examples to consider:

1. Are you creating relevant content on social?

Keeping up with customers is easy when you use social media to stay relevant. Today’s consumer is tech-savvy and interested in what your brand has to offer. Sharing great content can be key to meeting their needs. While social media makes it easy to keep up with customers, don’t just regurgitate the same old posts everyone else is sharing, step out of the box! Go live at a tradeshow or review a new product line with a video update. Engaging followers with visuals plus friendly, informative writing builds trust and gives them a reason to come back. Put effort into creating quality content that gets people involved and wanting more!

2. Keep your customers informed on what is trending, new or top selling in each category.

Keeping your customers up to date on what’s new is a great way to help you stay relevant in today’s market. It can be as simple as sharing a weekly blog post or newsletter about trending products, services, or industry news.

It can also mean filling your website with helpful content that encourages customers to explore and get creative with their purchases. Another idea is to share video tutorials that show customers how to use new products. With trends happening constantly, staying informed and responsive to customer desires will keep them coming back again and again. Use the tools we have or create your own!

• Jennifer Sander created and shared an Ideas Under $7 slideshow on top choices in a lower price range and also created one on top choices from PPAI.
• Amy Clyne took notes all through PPAI and created her own Trend Report to share with her clients.
• The K&B marketing team put together a New Product Look Book for those who didn’t make the show to see what suppliers share that are new and trending.

3. How are you prospecting?

Prospecting is an essential tool for staying relevant to customers and continuing to build relationships with them. It’s a great way to show existing customers that you care about them and understand their needs, while also introducing yourself to potential new customers. With the right strategies and tactics in place, you can find the perfect balance between maintaining contact with your regulars while growing your customer base.

Additionally, when used correctly, prospecting can provide insights into what type of messaging works best with different audiences and help brands develop their long-term marketing and branding efforts.

4. Marketing touches for your clients

Do you have a marketing plan to reach out to customers regularly? Staying on top of current customer trends and preferences increases engagement and loyalty, helping you stay in touch with the people who matter most. To ensure all customers feel seen, try a few marketing touches designed to strengthen relationships. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Do you create a deck of products on a consistent basis to keep ideas fresh?
• Are you working with suppliers on virtual samples?
• Create a quarterly sample box with random samples for your top customers.
• Instead of just a holiday gift, make them think of you all year round.

Ultimately, adding value to your customers is about experimentation and finding creative ways to help them. We all have our own unique approach to business that differentiates us from the competition. Investing in yourself and being open to ideas is the perfect way to stay on top of the ever-changing world of business. Always be on the lookout for new trends, as well as industry-specific resources that can offer insight into what it takes to stay relevant. With these tips, you’ll be well ahead of the game and find yourself tackling customer needs with ease – no matter how quickly they evolve!

And don’t forget about Kaeser & Blair’s newsletter—we cover some incredible topics that can help you remain competitive. Sign up today and never miss out on exclusive tips and insights. Let’s keep coming up with new ideas to stay relevant and inspire our customers!

–Liza

Liza Sachs is a 25+ year veteran of the promotional products industry and heads up our Sales and Supplier Relationships for the organization as Director of Sales. During her tenure, Liza has experience on both the distributor and supplier sides, which gives her the unique vision to assist our dealers to expand their sales.

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Attending the ASI Show is a great way to stay up-to-date on promotional product trends, meet and network with others in the industry, and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. But what should you do when it’s over? Here are some tips to help you make the most of this important industry conference.

Follow Up with Contacts and Connections

Attending the ASI Show can be a great way to make connections and find new opportunities. Be sure to follow up with anyone you connected with while there, thank them for their time, and exchange contact information. Sometimes taking the time to show your appreciation can open more doors than you think! Make sure to nurture the relationships you established. After all, you never know what type of great leads they could turn into in the future.

Share What You Learned

Attending the ASI Show will give you great insight into the promotional products industry and could help your business expand. Taking proper notes at each session allows you to keep track of all the information you gather.

Once you’ve done that, why not go the extra mile and share what you’ve learned via social media or in a blog post on your website? This is great for prospective clients because they can gain valuable knowledge and insights into what’s currently going on in the industry. Plus, it proves that you are knowledgeable about trends, committed to innovation, and dedicated to providing excellent services.

Make Use of Resources

Attending the ASI Show is also an invaluable opportunity to discover new resources. The collective knowledge of everyone present at the show gives attendees access to a wealth of information and valuable tips from experienced professionals. Even better, many of these resources can be used long after the conference wraps up.

Did you hear about a particularly helpful website or book? Don’t hesitate to use it—it could be just what you need to stay ahead of the competition in this ever-changing industry. Attendees who take advantage of all the available resources before, during, and after will come away with a well-rounded understanding of the promotional products marketplace.

Write a Conference Summary

Taking the time to process everything you learned is essential. Writing up a summary of the event can be really helpful for everyone involved. Not only will it help you remember all of the key points discussed during the event and identify any action items that may have come up, but it will also benefit other team members who missed out on the conference. Sharing your insights and reflections with them will help ensure they’re in the know going forward.

Create A Follow-up Plan

With this wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips, there’s no reason to let all that hard work go to waste. Instead, take action and make sure you’re putting it all to good use. A great plan of attack is to create a follow-up strategy that includes measurable goals and a timeline for completing them.

This should include things like reaching out to your ASI Show contacts, implementing strategies discussed at the event, or even attending webinars on topics that were covered during the event. Don’t forget to keep an eye on this plan and adjust as needed. With such a valuable event and follow-up plan under your belt, success is right around the corner!

Implement What You Learned

Getting the most out of the first ASI Show of the year has never been more important. With competition increasing, it’s vital that your business stay ahead of the curve by implementing new strategies and ideas. Once you’ve written your plan, it’s time to put it into action!

Think about ways the ideas discussed at the conference can help boost marketing efforts, increase sales for your business, and engage clients in new ways. Leveraging the latest tactics can set your business on a path away from competitors who might be stuck in their old routines.

The ASI Show is a wealth of knowledge and is the perfect place to make contacts and learn new strategies. Use the time at the conference to build relationships, grow professionally, and—most importantly—have fun! By reflecting on what you’ve learned when it’s still fresh in your mind, following up with contacts you made at the show, writing a summary of what happened, and implementing any new observations into practice, you can fully capitalize on every minute.

Don’t miss any notifications about upcoming ASI Shows or related promotional products industry news. Sign up for the Kaeser & Blair newsletters today!

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Are you looking for new ways to reach customers and increase sales? The answer may lie in understanding your client’s needs and the needs of their customers. With the right information, you can help your clients see what effective marketing tools promotional products can be—from spreading awareness to driving personal interactions and conversions. Here are nine tips that will help you identify what your clients need so that you can make smart promotional product recommendations.

1. Listening

The first step in identifying client needs is to simply listen to what they have to say. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as surveys or one-on-one interviews. It’s important to ask open-ended questions that allow clients to freely share their thoughts and feelings.

2. Identifying Their Customer Pain Points

Pain points are areas where your clients’ customers are having trouble or experiencing frustration. Identifying these pain points can help your client understand their target audience’s needs and how specific promotional products can help alleviate them.

3. Understanding Their Customer Demographics

Demographics is another important factor to consider when trying to identify client needs for their customers. Things like age, gender, location, and income level can all affect what needs they have and how they expect those needs to be met. Who is their target audience?

4. Observing Their Customers’ Behavior

Another way to identify needs is to observe consumer behavior. This can be done either in person or online. Pay attention to what their customers do and how they interact with your clients’ products and services. Try to look for patterns and trends in their behavior.

5. Offering Customized Solutions

One way to meet the needs of your clients is by offering customized solutions. This involves tailoring your promotional products services to meet the specific needs of your individual customers. Customized solutions can be used to address a wide range of needs, such as those related to budget, preferences, or usage patterns.

6. Identifying Gaps in the Market

Another way to identify customer needs is to look for gaps in the market. Try conducting market research and looking for areas where there is unmet demand. By identifying these gaps, you can develop a sales strategy to meet the needs of these clients.

7. Analyzing Their Customer Feedback

Your clients’ customer feedback is another valuable source of information when it comes to identifying customer needs. This can include things like online reviews, social media comments, and survey responses. Look for common themes and patterns in the feedback you receive.

8. Keeping Up With Industry Trends

It’s also important to stay up to date on industry trends. New products in the marketplace can create new opportunities that your clients may not be aware of otherwise. By keeping up with promotional products trends, you can ensure that you’re bringing the latest and greatest to your clients.

9. Asking For Help From Experts

If you’re having trouble identifying customer needs on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from another promotional products expert. There are many consultants and research firms that specialize in helping businesses understand their customers better.

No matter what business they’re in, understanding the needs of your clients and their customers is essential to your success. When it comes to promotional products, this means having a firm grasp not only on what product categories are popular, but also which items will resonate with your clients and their target markets.

By keeping these things in mind and being strategic about the products you offer, you can set your promotional products business up for long-term success. For more tips on how to grow your business and achieve sales goals, be sure to subscribe to the Kaeser & Blair newsletter today—it’s packed full of expert advice from the promo pros!

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As a small business owner, it’s essential to understand your target market. After all, you can’t sell to everyone. So, how do you figure out who your target market is? One way is to create buyer personas. By creating one, you’ll be able to better understand your target market and craft content that appeals to them. So, what is a buyer persona? In this post, we’ll discuss what buyer personas are and how to create one.

What Is a Buyer Persona?

You may have heard the term “buyer persona” before, but what exactly is it? A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer. This means that while you may not know their exact age, job, or location, you have a general idea of who they are and what they’re looking for. Developing a buyer persona can be helpful for businesses in a number of ways.

Why Should I Develop a Buyer Persona?

There are several reasons why you should take the time to develop a buyer persona for your business. First, it can help you better understand your target market and potential customers. When you know who your ideal customer is, you can create marketing campaigns and sales strategies that are specifically tailored to them. This will help you attract more customers and close more sales.

Another reason to develop a buyer persona is that it can help you save time and money. If you know who your target market is, you can focus your time and resources on reaching them instead of wasting time on marketing efforts that don’t reach your target audience.

There are a few steps you’ll need to follow in order to create an effective buyer persona:

1. Define your target market

The first step in creating a buyer persona is to define your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your product or service? Consider factors such as age, gender, location, income level, and interests when defining your target audience.

2. Conduct market research

Once you’ve defined your target market, it’s time to do some research. Talk to people in your target market and try to find out as much as you can about their needs, wants, and pain points. You can use surveys, interviews with existing customers, social media analytics, and online research to gather this information.

3. Give your persona a name and a face

When you’re creating a buyer persona, it’s essential to make them feel real. That means giving them a name, an age, and a backstory. But it doesn’t stop there. You also need to think about their motivations, their values, and their goals. What drives them? What do they care about? What are they trying to achieve? Also include detailed information about who they are, what they want, and what their pain points are. (And yes—you can and should create one for each target audience if you have more than one.)

Once you have a clear understanding of who your buyer persona is, you can start crafting messages that will resonate with them. You’ll know what kind of language to use, what topics to address, and what concerns to address. As a result, your buyer persona will feel more like a real person—and your marketing strategies will be more effective as a result. If you need some help getting started, use one of these handy buyer persona templates.

4. Use your persona in your marketing efforts

Once you have created your buyer persona, put them to use in your marketing messages! Use the information you gathered about their needs, wants, and pain points to create targeted content that will speak directly to them. When it comes to promotional products for your clients, think about the end user.

For example, you’ll want to use different language and images for clients wanting to sponsor a school fundraiser than someone looking for employee Christmas gifts. By understanding your customer’s needs and pain points, you can create marketing materials that are more likely to resonate with them.

5. Test and refine your persona

After you’ve created your customer personas, put them to the test. See if they help you better understand your target market and if they’re effective in helping you create marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience. If not, make adjustments until you find a persona that works for you.

When you take the time to create well-rounded buyer personas for your promotional products business, you set yourself up for success. By taking the time to define your target market and conduct market research, you can create a semi-fictional representation of your ideal target customer. With this information in hand, you can make informed decisions about how to market your promotional products business and sell to clients.

If you need help getting started or want some expert guidance along the way, reach out to Kaeser & Blair. We love helping our Business Owners succeed in the promotional product industry. Let us put our experience to work for you so that you can make the most of your marketing efforts and reach your sales goals.

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Customers are the core of every business and should always be your top priority. Happy customers can help you build credibility and bring in more business. Loyal customers are five times more likely to purchase again and four times more likely to refer a friend to the company. There’s no doubt that good, old-fashioned customer service is the key to keeping customers for life. But what does that look like for your business? And how can you make sure you are providing it? In this blog post, we’ll look at five customer service best practices that will not only please your customers but will keep them coming back to you again and again.

1. Always be polite and friendly.

It’s important to use your manners and be nice to your customers—even when you don’t want to. Are you friendly to customers? Do you go out of your way to make them feel appreciated? If not, you may be missing out on some key opportunities to turn one-time buyers into lifelong fans.

2. Be accommodating.

If you want to keep customers for life, start by developing customer service habits that accommodate their needs. If they want something changed or customized, try to make it happen. Whether it’s promotional products or other services, make sure you’re always thinking about how you can better serve your customers. By doing so, you’ll create long-lasting relationships that are built on trust and mutual respect.

3. Be responsive.

When it comes to customer service, it’s important to be responsive to your customers’ needs. If they have questions or concerns, address them promptly. By doing so, you’ll build customer loyalty and keep them coming back for more.

4. Keep your promises.

Don’t make promises to your customers that you can’t keep. If you say you will do something, make sure you will follow through. Your customers would rather hear you politely say no than hear you apologize later for not failing to make something happen.

5. Go the extra mile.

A little extra effort can go a long way in making a customer feel valued. Always show your customer appreciation and let them know you care. One way to show customer appreciation is through follow-up. After a customer makes a purchase, follow up with them to ensure they’re happy with their purchase. This follow-up can be as simple as an email or phone call. Checking in shows that you care about your customer’s experience and want to make sure they’re satisfied.

Another very important customer service best practice that shows you will go the extra mile is to always be available. If a customer has a question or concern, they should be able to reach you easily. This means having multiple channels of customer support, such as phone, email, and social media. By being available, you’re showing your customer that you’re there for them and that you care about their experience.

By considering these simple customer service best practices, you’ll be sure to keep your customers returning for more. And isn’t that what we all want? To create experiences and relationships with our customers that are built on trust, respect, and appreciation. If you can do that, you’re well on your way to creating a loyal customer base that will stick with you through thick and thin. If your current customer service practices aren’t doing the job, try changing things up—you won’t regret it.

Click here to learn more sales and marketing tips to increase your business.

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When summer ends, the perfect time to recommend branded holiday gifts begins! It may surprise you to learn that planning this early is a great way to help your clients. It’s the best way to ensure they get what they want on budget and on time. Companies often provide corporate gifts for their employees and their own clients around the holidays. That’s why it’s important to have a good conversation with them as soon as you can.

How to Reach Out to Clients About Business Gift Ideas

For current holiday gift clients, reach out to them to get the discussion started. To prep for your meeting, have notes on what they ordered the last two years, the quantity and cost, and the in-hand date ready. Be prepared with suggestions, but also ask if they have ideas already planned. Ask any questions to be sure you understand their vision and needs so your proposed gift ideas will be thoughtful and helpful.

For current clients that do not work with you for their business gift giving, now’s the time to gain their business! Let them know you would love the opportunity to partner with them on finding the perfect gifts for their clients and/or employees.
Sample letter

Below is a sample email or letter for your existing clients to get the ball rolling. Once they receive your letter, follow up with a call within three days to see if they are interested in moving forward.

Dear [CLIENT NAME],

I take pride in knowing that [CLIENT COMPANY] trusts [YOUR PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT COMPANY] to represent your brand and effectively promote your company. I value your business and am honored to be continuing our partnership.

Now that the holidays are coming up, I’d love to help you find holiday gift ideas that will make your clients and employees happy. From travel accessories and beverage coolers to cozy blankets and gift sets, [YOUR PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT COMPANY] has something for everyone on your list.

As a promotional products expert, I can help you select the perfect gifts for your clients and employees. I’ll work with you to create a custom design that reflects your brand identity, and we’ll make sure your gift is delivered on time and within budget. So if you’re looking for a way to stand out this holiday season, let’s chat!

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

K&B ZoomCatalog: Create a Custom Holiday Catalog

The K&B ZoomCatalog tool is a beneficial selling tool that you can utilize right now to get more holiday sales. We are a Distributor Partner with ZoomCatalog and offer their wonderful marketing tools to Kaeser & Blair dealers for free. ZoomCatalog is a source for catalogs, flyers, holiday collections and ideas, and online marketing tools that can help you market your dealership and increase sales.

ZoomCatalog gives you access to search for items, ideas, suppliers, keywords, and brand names. You can create a customized holiday catalog or flyer by adding your logo and contact information. Even the Best Buys is included. It’s easy to send your customers custom digital flyers and catalogs of specific products and ideas—all branded with your business name.

22 Promotional Business Gift Ideas for 2022

Do your clients need ideas to help show their appreciation to clients and employees? Of course, promotional products make great gifts so there are plenty of options to choose from for every budget. Here are 22 promotional product business gift ideas for 2022, sorted by price range:

Under $25

• Faux leather sicky notes holder
• Lunch cooler
• Insulated wine tumbler
• Moleskine® notebook
• Accessories travel bag
• Travel pillow
• Cooler bag

$25-$50

• Games Kit
• Roll-up picnic blanket
• Faux leather journal
• Universal can cooler
• Bento box
• Multi-tool
• Cabin throw

Over $50

• Camper blanket with tote bag
• Alarm clock with USB port and charger
• Backpack/tote bag
• Backpack cooler chair
• Speaker and earbuds kit
• Highland knit blanket
• Backpack cooler with ice pack
• Wine gift set

2022 Supplier Holiday Sales Catalogs

Below are links to holiday sales catalogs that you can and should share with your customers. We are seeing a good number of suppliers offering their holiday sales catalogs and flyers online rather than printed.

• Snugz
• Starline
• Illini
• Hit
• Alpha/Prime
• PCNA
• Peerless
• Goldbond
• EMT
• NC Custom
• Stormtech
• KTI 
• Koozie Group 
• Warwick
• Sanmar

Don’t wait! Get started working with your clients on their business gift ideas for the holidays today!

The post Business Gift Ideas for the Holidays appeared first on Kaeser & Blair.

As a small business owner, you know that it’s important to build rapport with your clients. But how do you go about doing that? And what are the best ways to keep them happy? In this article, we’ll explore some tips for how to build rapport with clients and create strong relationships.

Before diving into specific tactics, let’s start with some basic rapport-building tips:

• Remember to always be professional. Act with integrity and be honest with your clients at all times.
• Work hard to exceed their expectations. Go above and beyond to deliver superior results.
• Stay in touch and communicate on a regular basis! Keep them updated on your progress and let them know you’re available.

Following these basic steps is a great start to nurturing your client relationships the right way from the start.

Establish common ground

An important step to building rapport with a client is finding commonalities you share between you. That way, the relationship becomes about more than buying and selling. Showing them you truly want to find solutions to their goals will lay the groundwork for a solid working relationship. Be observant. Listen for clues that indicate what they value or are passionate about, and find sincere ways to connect.

If this is a client you are not familiar with, do your homework in advance. Search social media outlets and explore their website. Find the theme of what is important and work from there. Be authentic!

Mirror your client’s body language

As the old saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Copying facial expressions, body language, and speech is a non-verbal way to show empathy. Mirroring your client’s body language will help establish trust. Most people do this without even realizing what a powerful communication tool it is. If you are aware of how significant this technique can be, you are on the right path to building rapport with a client.

Use the client’s name often

What a simple concept to add to your process for building rapport with clients. You are more likely to be heard if you use a client’s name while having a conversation. A person’s name is their favorite word in the world. By saying a person’s name in conversation, it shows them that you respect and value them. Let’s be clear—you must use their name correctly. Otherwise, you risk offending them and creating a barrier that will be difficult to break down.

Not only does using a person’s name show them that you are paying attention to them, but it is an easy way to build rapport faster. Remembering the name of a client you have met previously is just as important as saying their name correctly.

If they have to continue to remind you of their name and it shows you do not respect them enough to remember. Struggle with remembering names? Here are some easy ways to help you remember.

Ask questions and listen actively

Ask what their interests and goals are and show genuine interest. Be curious about what a client has to say and what they value especially in their business. As with all techniques of building rapport, it is crucial to show interest with authenticity.

If you can get a client talking about ideas they have to further their goals and plans, you will find helpful information for building your professional relationship. The art of active listening is invaluable, but understanding it takes mindful practice. Make a conscious effort to not only hear what your client is saying, but what message they are trying to send you.

Respond with empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings with another. It is important to have empathy because it helps us understand how a person feels. That way, we can respond appropriately to a situation. When building rapport with a client, show them you care by demonstrating you hear what they are saying. Use it to gather the true message of their statements.

For example, if they cancel a meeting due to illness, demonstrate your concern by asking about their recovery. It is easy to say you care, but taking the time to show it makes an authentic relationship grow.

Show interest in the client’s life and work

When talking with a client, show interest if they offer personal information about their life (if appropriate). For example, if a client has several photos and/or objects in their office relating to a particular interest or hobby, ask about it.

Discovering as much as you can about what your client cares about can lead to a more productive working relationship. Be aware of context clues, however. Some people are uncomfortable discussing their personal lives. Learn when to stop and when to keep going.

Learning how to build rapport with clients is essential to growing your business. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you for all their promotional product needs, and the only way to do that is by developing trust. Kaeser & Blair can help! We offer a number of support tools for our Business Owners. Plus, our team of experts is always here to lend a helping hand when you need it. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!

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