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07/15/2026
Prospecting for Promo
Source: Bill Farquharson, July 13, 2026
Good morning!
This month's LinkedIn posts have focused on selling promo.
Last week I covered what's different about selling it, its value, the hardest part, and closed by talking about how sales frustration is normal.
Next, let's talk prospecting via a popular medium: Networking. For some reason, many who are new to selling promotional products and branded apparel start here. The mistake they make is to talk about promotional products and branded apparel. They soon find out, that's not what people want to talk about. As Dale Carnegie would tell you, someone's favorite topic is themselves. In a networking environment, that includes talking about their company.
The trick to finding solid opportunities comes down to asking questions about their business; questions which are directly connected to an application.
For example:
- "Tell me, how does your business generate leads?"
- "How do customers typically find you?"
- "What's your differentiator?"
- "How do you create a team environment at your company?"
Believe me, you will get an earful. And the answers to those questions can lead to a promo sale…or two.
Walk in to a networking event with a cache of questions designed to get people talking about their business. Read the list before you enter the room. Add to the list when the event is over.
I'll be talking lead-sources for selling promo and apparel all week. Make sure you look for my additional LinkedIn posts this week and all month.
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Read MoreProspecting for Promo
Networking events can be a goldmine for new business—but only if you approach them the right way. This week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip from Bill Farquharson explains why talking less about promotional products and more about your prospect's business can uncover opportunities you never knew existed.
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