Print distributors have the unique task of simultaneously building their own professional portfolio, championing the company they work for, separating themselves and their brands from those of other competitors, and maintaining a focus on sustainable practices to keep new prospects coming in through the pipeline. In many ways, this is becoming a bit more difficult amid the surging economic recovery the United States is currently experiencing. There are simply more resellers and, subsequently, a greater level of competition.
As such, each distributor needs to get creative in the ways he or she approaches their responsibilities, especially should they hope to make a good impression with prospects and their employers all in one fell swoop. Without the right approaches to marketing and sales collateral in their pockets, suffice it to say that this will be a challenging objective to achieve.
While all the others are putting all of their chips on digital assets, progressive companies will likely begin to bridge the gap between physical and online marketing and other customer-facing collateral.
Here are five quick ideas to help creative-minded resellers separate themselves from the competition with unique print items:
1. Custom calendars
These do not have to be the proper 12-month calendar, but instead resellers might want to work with their designer to create one-page hanging calendars that touch upon the specific preferences of their prospects. For example, if one client or prospect is in love with German Shepherd puppies, printing out a long, one-page calendar that has pictures of these little fellows can be a perfect in during meetings.
2. Clean Case Studies
All too often, reseller will rely upon tablets or other gadgets to show their prospects case studies in an initial or intermediate meeting, which is leaving quite a bit to chance. Perhaps networks are down or the device is simply malfunctioning, what happens then? Consider bringing printed copies—as a back up at the very least—to ensure the message is delivered in the originally intended fashion.
3. Swanky Posters
Whether you choose to create a small poster that reflects your brand’s image and missions, or want to customize the picture per your client’s preferences, this can be a great way to personalize sales and marketing meetings with customers. Making these posters visually appealing, yet not all that loud, will be important, as the end goal should be to get your clients to hang them up in the office, acting as a constant reminder of your presence.
4. Brochures
To be effective, brochures must be properly crafted and creatively designed. Forward-thinking resellers should certainly put in the effort to get these assets in motion. In many situations, the best plan of action will be to work with a professional designer who has been in the business-to-business space for a while, seeking out their guidance on everything from the content on the page to the end design and how best to distribute it to prospects.
5. Handbooks
Depending upon which types of products and services you are selling, the contents of these handbooks will need to be adjusted somewhat. However, getting involved the development and printing processes associated with making informative handbooks can simultaneously boost your personal brand and drive your company’s position as a thought leader in the eyes of prospects and current clientele. The end product, either way, is more opportunity to sell at higher levels.
6. Personalized Writing Ledgers
Few types of print collateral can compare to the functionality of these simple items, as everyone in the business world will always need something to write on. By making sure your creative spirit siphons into the creation of these writing ledgers, and also clearly reflects your company’s image, your logo will essentially be placed on the desk of your prospect to remind them of the meetings you have had, which is always a major driver of successful and profitable relationships.
These measures have appeared to go out of style of late, but you can turn the tables on the competition by making them your own.
