Terry and Aaron are back in host mode, breaking down practical, creative ways the Regulators can reach customers and potential customers without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. From quick wins you can try this week to longer-term visibility plays that compound over time, you will walk away with ideas you can put into action, whether you sell B2B, B2C, or both. Expect real examples, simple frameworks, and a few “why didn’t I think of that?” tactics that help you stay top-of-mind, start better conversations, and create more oppor...
Terry and Aaron are back in host mode, breaking down practical, creative ways the Regulators can reach customers and potential customers without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. From quick wins you can try this week to longer-term visibility plays that compound over time, you will walk away with ideas you can put into action, whether you sell B2B, B2C, or both. Expect real examples, simple frameworks, and a few “why didn’t I think of that?” tactics that help you stay top-of-mind, start better conversations, and create more opportunities for quotes and repeat business.
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News
If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”
https://youtu.be/0JVAI1gJKqM
Dad Joke
Aaron: What do you call a nun who sleepwalks?
A Roaming “Roman” Catholic
How to Reach More Customers
Aaron: On the heels of last week’s Long Beach Impressions Expo show, we were talking about how decorators can reach any new potential buyers and the ones we are already working with. We both have some ideas we would love to share, and we also want to hear from those of you listening in live. We hope to share and uncover creative ways to reach out without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. We have plenty of ideas here, so we will see how many we get through and will save the rest for a future show. Terry, are you ready to dive in with your first idea?
Terry:
- My philosophy with running a production floor and running a business is, keep it simple.
- This is a simple technique that has served me well for a long time.
- Here’s a way for me to “touch” my current customers without sounding salesy
- On all my forms and paperwork, I say, “We hold your screens for 90 days.”
- Whether I do or not is beside the point.
- At about 80 days, rather than calling and saying, “Hey, do you want to buy some more shirts?” I say, “I just wanted to give you a heads-up, we hold your screens for 90 days and that date is coming up.”
- I’m not selling anything. I’m being a friend with a reminder. I’m helping you.
- And surprising how many people would say, “We’ve been talking about getting more of those shirts.”
- They might never have called. Most of our customers are not professional buyers. They’re business owners just like us who get caught up in the day to day.
- So to start us off, I say, Keep it Simple, but Keep in Touch with the customers you have.
- It’s far easier to keep the customers we have than to bring new ones on board.
- A lot of us forget that and take those customers for granted.
- While we’re working to gain customers on this side, some of the ones we have are sliding ot the other
Aaron: Micro-content from real jobs – I get to work with a group of Handmade Sellers who focus on Etsy, and one of the common statements is “everything is content.” Most of us don’t share enough on social media because we don’t know what to share or feel like it is a big production. But that is not true. One finished order could create 5 pieces of content: a quick photo of the finished product you are proud of creating, a short story about the customer, a 1-sentence lesson learned, a process clip or reel going from blank to decorated, and a “support our customer” post tagging them so they can share you too.
Terry: I want to piggyback on this and share a simple Instagram story that any of us can accomplish. Mel Lay’s garage screen printer experience.
Aaron: Can I piggyback again? Not sure how that works but… Customer spotlight pipeline: Feature one customer per week. They get visibility, you get shareable content, and prospects see proof you are active and trusted.
Aaron: The “3-Minute Touch” list. Many times, we don’t follow up because out of sight, out of mind. But your past customers are a goldmine of potential future orders IF you build a relationship. So make a process, set an appointment on your calendar, and pick 10 past customers each week. Send a short check-in, a helpful link, or a quick compliment about their business. No pitch, just build a relationship. Instead of “just checking in,” lead with a real reason: seasonal timing, a new staff hire, upcoming events, a trend you are seeing, or a mistake you can help them avoid. Ask for replies, and ask questions about them and their business. You will see the patterns show up in building that relationship when the time is right to offer your services.
Terry: Live decorating events, if you’re built for that
- On Tuesday, I was talking to a decorator in Pittsburgh about live printing. He’s going back for year two of a cheerleading competition. He’s a DTF decorator who is pre-making transfers and sets up with heat presses at the ready. He sent me a video last year of his live printing at an outdoor ice hockey tournament!
- Festivals, live bands, community gatherings, high school football games
- Printed Threads in Ft Worth
Aaron: Borrowed audiences with tiny collaborations – Pair up with complementary local businesses (photographers, gyms, breweries, schools, nonprofits) for a simple giveaway, bundle, or spotlight swap.
Terry: Reactivation campaigns for the “almost” list
- Prospects who asked for a quote but never bought. Do a quarterly “still need this?”
- Reach-out with a new angle: updated pricing tiers, a new product option, or a deadline-driven event calendar.
- I always watch for changes in pricing, availability, new information as a reason to touch base again with those “almost” customers.
- Sometimes it’s just a new video of the product in action, or especially a happy customer generated video.
Aaron: The “quote magnet” offer. Create a low-lift hook that triggers quote requests: “Send your logo, we’ll mock up 2 options by tomorrow,” or “We’ll build your spirit-wear starter pack in 15 minutes.”
The Secret Sauce
We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.
https://youtu.be/tW2hpN2k4N0
OTHER EVENTS
- Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
- Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.
- Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026
- The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
- Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
- Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.
- DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% Off
- DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with APAS and DTF Superstore
Trade Shows
- DAX Kansas City, MO – February 20-21, 2026
- ASI Show Forth Worth, TX – March 9-11, 2026
- Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, TX – March 12-14, 2026 CANCELLED
- Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026
- DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026
- DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026
- DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026
- DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026
- ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026
- DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026
- Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026
- Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026
- Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026
- Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026
All dates and events are subject to change
