The Top 6 Secrets for Distributor Success Today

6 Ways the AIM Community Is Unlike Any Other

As major changes shake up the promo industry, including the battle against COVID-19, you might find yourself asking, "How do I stay afloat and level the playing field?" Instead of just leveling it, AIM Smarter tilts it to your advantage. Don't miss these six easy yet often overlooked ways you can reach more prospects, improve your margins and win more orders – all by working with the right distributor organization when it matters most.

#1. Full-Service Business Financing

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From back-office support to extended funding for your purchasing needs, the AIM Capital Solutions suite of services is here to help you to take on orders of any size. This financial freedom means you can worry less about funding and instead focus your efforts on doing what you love most: selling. Remember, as the industry adjusts to the effects of COVID-19, this financial support is crucial – and can easily be yours.

The AIM Advantage:

The AIM Capital Solutions program is their most elite membership level and provides distributors with a full-business, full-cycle, comprehensive finance solution for peace of mind during uncertain times. Take advantage of the wide array of tools included with this full-finance program:

Business Strategy

Plug in to the superpower of a team of highly experienced industry veterans, ready to coach you to the next level and beyond. AIM's strategists are experienced professionals who have worked with distributors of all sizes, and with suppliers and in fields like marketing and sales. Ever feel like stressful daily operations don't allow for much-needed time to assess the big picture? Their team of experts can provide the high-level perspective and insights that can be the key to help you achieve your business goals and set new goals you might not have thought possible. Their aim will be to not only help sustain your business through hard times, but to propel its growth for years to come.

Comprehensive Financing

Available for ANY domestic order.

Business Support

Instead of spending valuable hours on post-sale order follow-up, their team will do it all for you. Everything from vector conversions to order follow-up and tracking, they free you up to do what you do best – grow your business.

Creative Services

Tired of cookie-cutter presentations? Ever wish you could have professional ad agency marketing talent without breaking the bank? Look no further, as AIM's experienced graphic design team can help you create effective custom campaigns, tailored just for you.

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Technology Advantages

Drive efficiency, get your business online and help grow your profits with innovative tech.

Shipping Benefits

Let AIM's fantastic shipping discount provide you with another profit center!

And more.

#2: Innovative Tools & Technology

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When your days are filled with placing orders and managing paperwork, it doesn’t leave much time for you to stay on top of industry trends and helpful innovations. Don’t let lack of time prevent you from capturing sales centered around new products and decoration techniques. Stay in the know and allow the right team to handle your order tracking and other basic business needs.

The AIM Advantage:

Tech is an incredibly effective way to increase sales in promo. The question is, are you harnessing this power? When you join the elite full-financing AIM Capital program, AIM provides the best tools and training around, allowing you to soar beyond your competition. You'll have access to a full suite of technology tools: an order management system, search powered by ESP data, websites and company stores. AIM knows that in this environment, best-in-class technology tools will help you stay in front of your clients, even when face-to-face meetings aren't possible. These tools make the promotional products experience easier and smarter, with:

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A full lineup of technology tools, including a custom-built industry technology platform.

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In-house marketing services to create any custom marketing materials you might need.

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Virtual samples with realistic logoed renderings on a variety of items with different imprint methods.

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E-commerce web solutions with patented online design tools and pre-loaded product databases.

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Unlimited company stores for customized and hyper-targeted digital shopping experiences.

Data information systems for tracking, fulfilling and strengthening the order process.

Built-in margin calculations so you can stop trying to do math in your head, leaving room for human error. AIM's order management platform takes care of it all, including seeing exactly what your AIM price and profit margins are at a glance.

Live inventory for 1,000,000+ supplier products, sortable with filters.

Local tech support for real-time assistance with someone who understands (and is happy to help).

#3: Put Members First

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A good distributor organization isn't in it to promote their own brand – they're there to promote yours. When selecting a distributor organization, look for a professional and well-respected community that's in your corner and is always willing to go above and beyond to make you look good. Even if you're a one-person operation, you'll always feel like you have a team on your side to serve customers to the best of your ability.

The AIM Advantage:

AIM takes your business vision and brings it to life with help from their in-house experts. No matter what you need, they have entire teams ready to support you when it counts, helping your company rise above the competition with benefits like:

In-House Marketing Agency

With a finger on the pulse of graphic design trends and a deep understanding of tried-and-true advertising methods, AIM will bring a fresh approach to your marketing tactics. From social media to websites to videos and beyond, they've got you covered, with performance metrics to back it up.

Online Company Stores

Need help in the digital space to capture new business? At AIM, distributors can build unlimited company stores to create dynamic-focused vertical market sites or carefully curated sites with a vast array of products.

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Interactive Catalogs

Way more than just a list of products, exclusive AIM Catalogs are powerful sales tools, designed with innovative layouts built from a distributor's perspective. In fact, many current members have said these catalogs helped them tap into new departments with current customers just by having clients browse catalogs at their leisure.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Your job doesn't end when you place a product order, and neither does AIM's. Thanks to sourcing updates, live inventory feeds and up-to-date tracking, you'll always be able to deliver products on time and on budget.

Troubleshooting Services

Feel confident knowing you can handle any challenge that may arise with AIM by your side. From supply chain hiccups to vendor relations, their member services team will help you follow up, track down, negotiate or alleviate any issues as they happen so you can focus on your business.

#4: Community & Collaboration

While useful tools and services are nice, what really makes the difference is having a collaborative community for distributors to engage in. Gone are the days of feeling like you're in it alone without anyone to rely on, which is especially beneficial if you're a one-person operation. Learn from your peers and feel like part of a team.

The AIM Advantage:

AIM takes a comprehensive approach to tackling distributor isolation with a host of offerings for connection and community. Enjoy exclusive team-building benefits like:

Social Media Community

Join an active, private community for members where you can connect with each other for support and insights, or just to have some fun. Plug in with other distributors who understand your world and want to share what they know. From Facebook, Instagram and more, there’s an experienced private professional community waiting for you to network with right now.

In-Person Events

Attend innovative business growth events like AIM XP (AIM’s National Sales Meeting) and Peer2Peer, a gathering meant for members to meet with each other, top industry suppliers and more. The sky’s the limit when you get invaluable face time with like-minded professionals.

Customer Service

You'll feel secure knowing you can get a human on the other end of the email or phone call who cares about helping you as a person, not a statistic.

#5: Diverse Business Approach

Did you know, according to Badger Mapping, women make up about half of the U.S. workforce, yet only hold about 19% of leadership roles in sales? This discrepancy doesn't just dissuade women from pursuing careers in sales, it also limits their success when climbing the corporate ladder. If inclusivity is important to you, it's worth looking for an organization that offers equal opportunity to all its members, regardless of how they identify.

The AIM Advantage:

CEO Nichole Stella's creative vision and development strategy have led AIM to become one of the industry's leading forces for inclusivity. But don't take our word for it:

Over 60% of AIM's executives are women, with nearly a century of supplier, distributor and organizational experience among them.

65% of AIM's senior and departmental leadership are women.

72% of all staff with managerial responsibilities are women. That's not just real opportunity, that's real leadership.

Not only will you be surrounded by a diverse group of industry professionals, you'll also benefit from their years of experience. Take a look below at the years of combined experience you'll be able to learn from:

Nichole Stella, CEO: 15 years
Stacey McConnell, VP of Member Services: 25 years
Lara Coggeshall, Director of Strategic Development: 22 years
Cathy Cummings, VP of Supplier Relations: 20 years
Marie Miller, Organizational Development Director: 17 years
Megan Beisser, VP of Marketing: 10 years

#6: Strength in Numbers

Make sure you're in good company when deciding on which distributor organization to join. Don't be afraid to ask for statistics on their success rate to back up your decision, or ask other distributors how joining a group has impacted their business. For example, has the organization helped them reach new heights with sales while allowing them to maintain their independence? If the answer is yes, you're probably talking to a member of AIM.

The AIM Advantage:

The numbers don't lie: With 2,200+ members and counting and over $2.1 billion in aggregate sales volume, AIM is the largest distributor organization in the industry.

But don't let those numbers fool you – AIM grew the old-fashioned way, with a good track record and an even better reputation. Because they're an organization founded by distributors, for distributors, AIM remains committed to helping every distributor who joins their ranks with the same level of attentive care they've brought to the industry from the beginning.

Ready to Join the AIM Community?

Let's get started.

AIM SMARTER LLC, asi/522700

To learn more, visit AIMsmarterllc.com or call (877) 228-5663.