Web 2.0 or any of its myriad definitions illustrate the challenge a promotional products company faces today marketing its merchandise to an ever more wired customer.
Which path will lead to rejuvenated sales activity and success? Is it a web site with virtual catalogs, integrated product renderings and customer chat? Is it a concerted viral web presence with tweets, YouTube videos and Facebook fans? Is it something simpler? Great products? Lowest price? Best customer service? Relationships?
A traditional marketing approach is no longer viable to drive sales in this quagmire or is it quicksand of an economy. Yes, everything works in cycles, but this one seems indefinable.
Lawmakers in an effort to protect patients are curtailing pharmaceutical promotions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is wrestling with specifics of the CPSIA causing enough confusion for some to postpone product-based promotions. Corporate budgetary constraints seem to have done away with the remaining opportunities for promotional marketing campaigns.
Where does one find viable customers? More important, how do they find me when they are ready to buy?
The promotional products industry is not alone. Everywhere you turn once reliable business models are crashing. Banks, autos and even government entities all feel the urgency to find some answers.
My quest begins today.
