Bright Ideas … Part 2

Last year was so chock-full of great ideas, we couldn't fit them all into our 2009 Sales Outlook. Below, you'll find the tips we just couldn't squeeze in.

Imprint pens more effectively:
Logos that are tall or multicolored don't work well on the small imprint area of a writing instrument. Either expect variations in the order or simplify branding.
—Larry Sitten, executive vice president, Pencoa

Apply the basics in political campaigns:
Signs, campaign buttons, nail files, pencils and rulers all work well at keeping up regular communication with voters and are budget-friendly.
—Carol Muller, owner of Proforma APC

Establish yourself as an authority:
When pitching your services, become intimately familiar with the issues the client faces and demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
—Jill Konrath, sales strategist and author of Selling to Big Companies

Bring athletics to the office:
Moisture-wicking shirts makes as much sense for a trade-show exhibitor or health-care worker as it does for a coach.
—Les Tandler, executive vice president, Game Sportswear

Reach schools and universities:
Colleges have to be conscious that they are perceived as using financial resources responsibly. Distributors who recognize that will always have the advantage.
—Ilene Wilder, director of marketing and business development, University of Pennsylvania

Amp up trade-show promos:
Business-card CDs are unique trade-show promotions, and offer a functional solution to distributing large amounts of information about products and services.
—Robert Victor, marketing manager, CD Source Direct

Sweeten the deal:
For real-estate agents, chocolate-covered pretzels were a great way to show customer appreciation and generate referrals.
—Sheila Curtis, sales agent and sales manager, Prudential Reddington Realtors

Go vintage:
Pigment-dyed sweatshirts with raw edges or other distressed details are growing in popularity.
—Margaret Crow, marketing director, S&S Activewear

Sell chocolate by season:
Jordan almonds are more widely used in warmer months, and when it's cold, chocolate-covered almonds win the popularity contest.
—Michael Shulkin, president, A La Carte