Friday, May 30, 2014

The importance of participating in Social Media

Humans are social beings - Business is no different. Is your business participating in Social Media? In today's fast paced environment, social media is an essential component of every companies marketing strategy.

Like it or not - the net is now the "go-to" source for product and company information. If you're not playing in this field, you are being left behind. Research shows that 48% of purchasers who used a search engine to search for products, are then using social media as the next step in the buying process in order validate their decision.

Everyone is looking for new prospects and new customers - social media is an excellent place to bring your message to a legion of consumers and a great vehicle to deliver your message to your ultimate customer - the consumer. Is there any better way to get new business than by having consumers ask for your product by name?

Your customers are on various social media sites - what is your company doing to actively participate in the following applications?
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Your own Company Blog
  • Google Plus
  • LinkedIn
  • You Tube
American Tombow, a Japanese manufacturer of Art and Office Supplies including: writing instruments, correction supplies, adhesive runners, glues, drawing pencils, coloured pencils, dual-brush markers and erasers has a comprehensive approach for all of these social media sites.


On "You Tube" alone, Tombow has uploaded 68 videos - most which assist the consumer in completing various Art projects with the use of Tombow supplies. Their channel has garnered over 87,000 views. Check their channel out at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TombowUSA/featured


 



  You need a business development plan that includes social media marketing - and not just broadcasting a "commercial" message - your company needs to join the conversation by adding value for your prospect. Tombow's videos are instructing and assisting their consumer - and thus adding value to their product line.

All of this activity is creating new consumers for Tombow and building trust. What is your company doing to create consumers for your products or dealership?

For more information on Tombow, "Like" them at: https://www.facebook.com/tombowusa?fref=ts

Friday, May 23, 2014

Welcome to the Canadian Office and Art Supply Update

So what is this all about? 
 
The purpose of this blog will be to give pertinent information to Office and Art Supply dealers in Canada. Information will include industry statistics, facts and opinions culled from many sources. Plus, I will try to offer interesting sales and marketing ideas that the dealer community can use to increase their business.
 
The author, John Fullerton, has 25+ years of industry experience. Including a long stint as VP Sales for Ko-Rec-Type Canada. Today, he is an Ontario based sales agent - specializing in unique office and art supplies to a varied dealer customer base. This blog will be updated on a weekly basis, so please subscribe today.
 
Current lines include:
 
  • LED Desk Lamps
  • Kleen Keys Keyboards
  • Unique 8GB USB Drives
  • Bamboo Chairmats
  • Hardrive Protective Carrying Cases
  • ipad and Tablet Cases
  • Laptop Stands
  • Ladies Tech Handbags

 
  • Fuzion Brand Replacement Laser Toner Cartridges
  • Fuzion Brand Replacement Inkjet Cartridges
  • Fax Supplies
  • Katun brand of Photo-Copy Toner supplies
  • Printer and Typewriter Ribbons
  • Calculator Ribbons and Ink Rollers
  • Cash Register Ribbons
 
  • Mono Correction Tapes
  • ABT Dual Brush Art Markers
  • Mono Drawing Pencils
  • Irojiten Coloured Pencils
  • Art Erasers
  • Adhesive Runners
  • Glues