One of the things that it seems people are most excited about right now is the end of winter. For sure, if you live in one of the colder parts of the country you’re hearing your neighbors complain about more cold and more snow. They want the warmer weather . . . now!

Besides longer days, budding flowers and warmer temperatures, the spring and the summer present a lot of excellent opportunities for specialty advertising distributors to capitalize on people’s desire to be social and get outside.

Tee Time?

This month, ASI signaled spring by talking about golf. In the February issue of Advantages, marketers cited golf as more than just swinging sticks, but as big business. With golfers supposedly logging 490 million rounds of golf in 2012, according to the National Golf Foundation (the first sizable jump since 2000), the game provides no shortage of opportunities for promo products distributors. And if you have ever been to a golf event, you have come home with some sort of promo product.

Every year, companies across the U.S. host golf outings either for the purpose of promoting the social aspects of business, or fundraising to benefit causes within their communities. Along with an afternoon on the links, these events typically come with gift bags, auction items, contest prizes and more.

SMBs and relationship-oriented businesses like financial advisers, real estate firms and staffing firms also capitalize on Americans’ love of golf and golf swag, such as carry bags, tees and golf balls to get their name out there. Plus non-golf classics like pens and embroidered wearables like hats, shirts, windbreakers and jackets are favorites among businesses trying to promote themselves and their brand names.

Advantages also notes that more companies are integrating golf into their business marketing plans. This presents an enormous opportunity to distributors and suppliers who start prospecting early.

It’s Always Election Season

One of the more famous stories from the 20th Century came on Election Day, 1948. “Dewey Defeats Truman” read a copy of the November 3rd issue of the Chicago Daily Tribune held by a newly re-elected President Harry S. Truman.

According to the conventional wisdom in America of the day, Truman had no chance to beat popular New York Governor Thomas Dewey in 1948. Yet, Truman won the election outright.

Historians who have written about that election state that Truman won as a result of his famed Whistle Stop campaign across America by locomotive. It was the old fashion face-to-face approach that won.

Think about the market for political buttons, placards, stickers, mugs and printed materials that turn up at events. Swag and promotional items of all kinds are handed out. You might also come home to printed materials stuffed into your door.

As an entrepreneur engaged in a business-to-business service, your instincts might tell you to focus your sales efforts on only businesses. However, opportunities exist in serving out-of-the ordinary needs such as those of local political parties and campaign groups, as well as other entities.

Non-profits, colleges and universities, and civic groups all dabble in marketing just like businesses, so it only makes sense to pursue and approach people about what you have to offer. Their need to market is not going away.

Whatever vertical markets or organizations you serve as the snow finally melts and the weather heats up, Idea Custom Solutions will help you customize giveaways and wearables, as well as design printed materials including invitations, signage and materials that will impress your customers. Fore!