Screen Printing - February/March 2020 - 7

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN NEW MARKETS
By Jeremy Picker, creative director and
CEO at AMB3R Creative (amb3r.com).

Breaking into new markets is easier than you think, but
being successful in that new market is difficult. When I
look at breaking into new markets, there's a regimented
way to set myself up for success.
1. D
EEP MARKET RESEARCH

This is the most important step in looking like a pro from
the beginning. First, go to the webstore of some of the
larger companies or brands in that space. Seek out their
accessories tab. This is typically the first place that will say
if their line is curated or if they're just picking from a static
catalog. T-shirts, outerwear, and headwear are a given, but
what else will resonate or be useful in that market?
Create a list of products you're seeing among the
different webstores and then fill the gaps with in-demand
products. What are the price points, colors, and styles that
seem to be common?
2. CREDIBLE SALES AND MARKETING PRESENTATION

It's vital to be able to talk the talk when it comes to the new
markets. Products are one thing, but do you sound like an
insider? Do your due diligence and figure out what that
market needs and what their clients want. Are you speaking in
terminology they understand or are you being too technical?
They don't need a catalog; they need solutions to extend
their brand and increase revenue. Be the expert they need to
grow their reach!
3. CONNECT WITH INFLUENCERS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Find people in that industry who you can co-promote with
who would give you instant credibility. Starting a podcast or
being a guest on a podcast in that industry will bring value.
You can share this content with potential customers to create
a sense of legitimacy before you pitch them.
Also, connect with an influencer in that space to either
help them with a merch line at no risk to them or do a giveaway to offer something cool to their audience. Make sure
they reference, link, and/or tag your social accounts in return.
Remember, don't just chase the money because the
industry is hot. Set yourself up as the go-to, long term
company in the market. Price and product offerings won't
be enough to be a differentiator.

M&R DEDICATES PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
AND TRAINING CENTER IN MEMORY OF
JOE CLARKE
On January 21, M&R dedicated its 10,000-square-foot Printing
Technology and Training Center in Roselle, Illinois, in honor of
the late Joe Clarke, a former president of M&R and industry
innovator and educator, who passed away in September 2019.
"It is the hope and purpose of the new training center that
the memory of Joe Clarke and his contributions will inspire
and motivate the thousands of future visitors and students
who will learn about screen printing here," says Danny Sweem,
M&R's CEO, in a release.
Friends, family, and colleagues were invited to join together
in remembering and honoring Joe Clarke's contributions to
the industry in the dedication ceremony. The Center opened
with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and, "in true
Joe Clarke fashion," according to the release, a ceremonial red
squeegee was cut, instead of the traditional ribbon.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1951, Clarke began his career
in the early '70's as the owner-operator of a garment and sign
printing business. He went on to be National Equipment
Service Manager for Advance Process Supply, VP of Wilflex,
and US marketing manager for Sun Chemical. He served as
president of M&R Printing Equipment from 1989 to 1990.
"One of the reoccurring topics my dad and I would talk
about is the idea of legacy and what it means to leave a
positive and lasting impression on the world," says Joe
Clarke, Jr. "I know how proud Joe would have been at the
legacy he left behind, as evidenced by the dedication of this
Training Center. Speaking for the whole family, I can't tell you
how much we appreciate this gesture."
The Joe Clarke Printing Technology and Training Center will
host training sessions, seminars, and the SM&RT Academy
classes, including digital, hybrid, and screen printing lessons.
Upcoming events and classes in the Joe Clarke Printing Technology and Training Center will be announced on the M&R website
(mrprint.com) and through M&R's social media accounts.
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020

http://www.amb3r.com http://www.mrprint.com

Screen Printing - February/March 2020

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