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We’ve come a long way from logo’d pens when it comes to promotional gifts. Take a look at some of the items available at Body Billboards and you’ll see how easy it is to target your marketing dollars and boost your company’s profile. The beauty of company gifts is that everyone gets on the promotional field. If you have a small budget, then by all means, start with pens bearing your company name and contact information, but make a point of visiting with Maureen Esch and discover a cornucopia of “takeaways” your clients will use and enjoy.
And of course, as they nibble on that delicious cookie, or smoked salmon, or putter away in their garden, they’ll be thinking good thoughts about you and remembering who to call the next time they need your service. You don’t have to have Oscar-worthy swag in order to make an impression, you just need to know what will work for your business and your targeted market. That’s where a great salesperson with a background in psychology and sociology can come in very handy.
Maureen came into sales through social work – which is really quite logical when you think of it. That career was her first answer to the age-old question, “how can I help others to succeed?” Social work has a high burnout rate though, and Maureen decided to move on while she still had some energy.
A business course at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) confirmed what she already knew: self-employment was the way to go. A series of contracts in advertising and research eventually led to a stint in Europe selling high-end merchandise – Rolexes watches anyone? Maureen enjoyed the work, but as with social work, it demanded a lot of her time.
Maureen travelled so much that a flight attendant quipped that she put in more air miles than she did. According to Maureen the comment wasn’t that far off the mark. Nevertheless, she was able to take enough time here and there to enjoy the many beautiful cities that Rolex watches took her. She just can’t tell you when she saw the Louvre unless she refers to her day timer.
After a year Maureen decided it was time to return to Canada where she could apply her sales experience to her own promotional company, 4exposure. After a couple of years and a strong track record, Maureen agreed to work under contract with Body Billboards. The Alberta-based company specializes in customized promotional items, employee incentive awards, golf apparel and accessories, fundraisers, conventions and special events.
“This is a cash-hungry business,” Maureen points out. “Suppliers want payment right away and that can be tough when placing large orders as a sole proprietor. But even more important, the administrative support at Body Billboards means that I can put my energy into serving my clients by tracking down the best merchandise and negotiating prices that keep everyone happy. Having the large showroom is a huge advantage too. There is a lot of ‘on-hand’ product for those last-minute requests. It all makes a big difference to my work day. And for those items that aren’t just hanging around – such as shot puts with a company logo – I delve into my list of suppliers and contacts.”
Maureen is happy to report that this is a constantly changing business with a lot of challenges and that it’s the variety that keeps her going. No order is too small or too large and the ‘just rights’? Why that would be any order that left a smile on the customer’s face.
So now you know, there really is a career in shopping and there really is someone who puts together those fabulous gift bags that you are happy to take home with you and use. Take advantage of this professional shopper and let your company be memorable.
Written by: Gabriole Wilson
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