Running a service-based B2B business requires a different approach than marketing a product, even though people are always looking for reputable and reliable services. Connecting with clients and staying top-of-mind are crucial to continued success as a business services provider. (1)
So, what exactly are business services? According to D&B Hoovers, (2) companies in this sector provide support services to businesses such as:
- Information Technology Firms
- Shipping & Logistics Services
- Document Storage Companies
- Accounting Firms
- Hiring & Placing of Personnel
- Office Administration
- Security Services
- Janitorial & Waste Disposal
- Volunteering
The U.S. business services sector includes over 400,000 companies with a combined annual sales of over $750 billion, but providers of business support services face unique competitive challenges. (3) Promotional products are an integral part of helping these companies market their services and abilities. That’s why the Business Services sector is the top industry purchasing promotional products. (4)
Here are our tips for boosting your sales to this potentially lucrative vertical market while helping clients set themselves apart from their competitors.
Brand Recognition & Exposure
Customizing useful items that people are inclined to hold onto helps your client remain top-of-mind. Writing instruments, bags, drinkware and office accessories are some of the most popular promo items and are used with the most frequency. (5) Suggest items from these categories to help your clients increase brand impressions without breaking the bank.
#55947 Souvenir® Path Pen – This update on a classic pen style has a sleek clip design and the Souvenir® icon laser-engraved atop the plunger.
#15405 City Trolley – This carry-on sized wheeled briefcase keeps everything you need appointments, business and travel organized. Features a collapsible handle and padded interior sleeve that fits up to a 17” laptop.
#45970 Spectra Bottle – 25 oz. – With a sleek design and useful features, this bottle is ready to go anywhere. Available in on-trend metallic colors with a handy rubber loop for easy carrying and flip top lid.
#31944 Memo Tape Dispenser – Be sure to have the right size sticky memo every time with this handy dispenser. Just pull to the desired length, rip and stick – the perfect accessory for any desk!
Building Relationships
Connecting with other businesses in the community that embrace cooperative interaction can lead to new clients for business service providers. Attending/sponsoring networking events and providing giveaway or door prizes can get your client’s business info in front of a lot of new eyes and generate new prospective customers.
#RS BIC® Round Stic® – A classic pen recognized around the world, with over 600 barrel/trim color combinations to match your client’s branding.
AP8400 Atchison® TranSport It Tote – A great bag for keeping professionals organized on the go. Complete with a front slip pocket, pen & business card pockets, mesh water bottle pocket and a side cell phone pocket.
#MGBC20 BIC® 20-mil 4-Color Process Business Card Magnet – Help a business stick in clients’ minds by making a business card magnetic! Includes durable 20 Mil material and vivid 4-color process imprint.
Be Memorable
Promoting business services with items from recognizable brands leaves the impression that a company is reputable and focused on quality. Branding helps define what makes a product or service more desirable than what is offered by competitors. (6) Helping clients create truly memorable promotions using retail branded products can set them apart in a highly competitive industry.
#32319 myCharge® RAZORMAX 8000 mAh – The 18W output and quick charge outputs on this power bank provide optimal performance for compatible gadgets. Two USB ports allow for charging two devices simultaneously and the four-light LED battery displays the power status.
#16016 Incase® Path Backpack – Incase® bags are designed to protect, organize and carry technology for today’s modern lifestyles. This Path Backpack is made of abrasion-resistant nylon and includes a padded, dedicated laptop sleeve with protective faux fur lining. Adjustable shoulder straps feature breathable mesh padding for enhanced comfort.
#46178 KOOZIE® Hartwell Vacuum Tumbler – 21 oz. – This award-winning, stainless steel double wall tumbler with copper lining keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. The sleek design includes a trendy matte black finish and leak-proof lid with slider opening. 20 oz. capacity when filled to the rim.
A Business Services Case Study | Souvenir® Writing Instruments
A business services provider implemented a touch screen inventory management/billing system for on-route sales representatives. The company ordered #55942 Souvenir® Sol Stylus Pens to distribute to employees during the new system launch to help with ease of use in the field. The pens were imprinted with the website and phone number of the technology help desk for the new system.
The employees like the pens because they could easily transition from paperwork to their hand-held device. The contact information for tech support being imprinted on the pen alleviated phone calls to the wrong department and minimized the amount of time systems were down. This convenience allowed employees to better serve customers effectively and efficiently.
Visit bicgraphic.com for even more promotional items suited perfectly to the Business Services vertical market and to check out the all new 2019 Vertical Markets Guide.
