10 Tips to Make 2013 Your Best Year Ever

By Dale Limes and Mas

4. Review your Selling Proposition - Your U.S.P. (unique selling proposition) everyone has one, and you should clearly define yours in writing. Next, ask your best clients if you can take a photo of a job you have done for them and write a brief case history about the projects. Then, build a "Brag Book" featuring these "Success Stories" showing your creative advantage. Put these stories with your U.S.P. and you are ready for any new appointment.

5. Organize your Office for Efficiency - Take time to organize and set up your computer and office for efficiency. Place recurring reminders in Outlook (or whatever you use) to remind you to order spec samples. Schedule other productive activities the same way, and have contact lists by your phone for easy access.

6. Find a Success Partner - To keep you on track, find someone in our business that has the same lofty goals for growth as you. It needs to be someone in sales, not management. Spend time weekly reviewing prior weekly commitments and new weekly goals. The idea is to hold each other accountable.

7. Join a Networking Group - Develop a center of influence. Find a local organization that can help your business thrive. Also, look for opportunities to give a talk about the power of promotional products. Get out of your comfort zone. Have fun!

8. Decorate More Than They Order - As a new policy, ask suppliers if they can decorate a couple of other items to complement jobs you sell. If the printing process is similar, many suppliers would gladly do this. Never miss this opportunity with apparel jobs. Even if you have to pay a little, it is worth it. It's 2013 money in the bank!

9. Make up a "Grab & Go Kit" - You drive by businesses every day that you plan to call on, but don’t, because you are not prepared. We all do. Have a "Grab & Go Kit" with you at all times with your contact materials so you will be prepared to make a new a call at any time.