3 Biggest Challenges Facing Distributors Today

The view at Power Meetings - San Diego in August 2016.

Working with clients every day has its difficulties. And, of course, issues are going to arise on a case-by-case, promotion-by-promotion basis. But there are certain aspects of the industry that remain long-standing challenges for distributors. These are challenges that force distributors to keep learning, keep growing and keep pushing to do even better.

Promo Marketing’s Power Meetings provide a unique avenue to tackle those challenges.

1. Fostering Relationships with Suppliers

With near-constant news of product recalls, trust is a must in the promotional products industry. You want to know that your supplier partner cares as much about your client and its end-users as you do. To have that reassurance, you need to put your trust in your supplier.

And a quick exchange of business cards at a trade show just doesn’t grow a relationship as much as sitting one-on-one with suppliers for 20 minutes at a time will. Hint: That’s exactly what you’ll do at a Power Meeting. Add in the additional networking events and dinners during Power Meetings, and you have a solid foundation to determine whether a supplier seems like someone you’d be comfortable doing business with.

Even if you already have go-to suppliers for specific items, items go out of stock and sometimes deadlines can’t be met, so it’s a good idea to have a strong back-up plan rather than a last-minute risk.

2. Bolstering Sales

Whether it’s turning one-time sales into repeat orders, improving current promotions or acquiring new clients, you always are trying to grow the business, right?

Power Meetings provide a unique ability to meet that need. The one-on-one meetings are geared toward your target markets. Suppliers know your needs in advance, and come prepared with marketing and selling strategies with you in mind. And, these are strategies and ideas that you can put to work as soon as you get back to the office.

But suppliers aren’t the only ones who can help. You also will be surrounded by dozens of your fellow distributors. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find people with plenty of expertise who are able to share ideas and best practices. (Just be ready to do the same in return!)

3. Entering New Markets

Competition out there is tough. We know you have a handle on the products you’re familiar with and the clients you already have. And, you’re probably a master of your markets. But when it comes to what’s new, everyone could use a leg up.

The suppliers you’ll meet with at Power Meetings cover a wide swath of promotional products—promotional products you might not have previously considered selling before. Now, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close with them and have suppliers provide you with strategies and how to market and sell them.

Armed with this new knowledge, you’ll be able to return to work ready to increase your client base and offer even more creative promotions.

For more information on Promo Marketing’s Power Meetings, visit us at www.pmpowermeetings.com.

Want to attend a Power Meeting? Sign up for Power Meeting - Atlanta, October 5-8. Spaces are limited so sign up today! Email us at powermeetings@promomarketing.com for more info.