The Platform

Welcome to The Platform Group Gallery

Hi -  I'm Allison Gower, one of the founders & President of The Platform Group Gallery (asi 78708 / ppai 216134).  Visit our robust catalog site here.

I and the rest of our team would like to extend a hearty welcome! to you (especially readers of Rosalie Marcus' PromoBiz blog)-- we look forward to introducing you to our line of spectacular promotional packaging and our stupendous distributor support tools.

Before I forget -- did you know that our packaging is environmentally friendly? Always has been - always will be!  We love EARTH. 

Many of you have already requested branded catalogs, branded web-sites, samples, joined the referral program or mailing list, or inquired about our free self-promotion program.  And if you have - you've started receiving emails / phone calls from me & the Customer Service team. 

For those of you though who'd like an overview of who we are and what we offer -- this post is for you!

First things first...we are an exclusive advertising specialty supplier and have been listed with ASI and PPAI since 1998.  We advertise to YOU in industry publications like Corporate Logo, PPAI's Navigator and New Product directories, PPB and many others.  We advertiser for YOU in google and other search engines so that we can generate leads of qualified (wanting to buy now) endusers (the banner above is an example of what you might see on google's ad network).  Here's the important part -- whenever (and this means always) we receive an enduser inquiry, we pass that lead onto participating referral distributor.  This means free leads (and qualified ones too).  If you want to be on our referral list -- join it - it's free and we'd love to have you.  [if you wonder how well it works - ask Joe Spano of Red Letter, or Sandra Kaip of Brand Image or Andi Vopalensky of Theresa Roberts or read these testimonials]

We make a full-line of promotional packaging - what's that you ask?  Think gift boxes, media kits, mailers, binders and disc storage.  Why do you or your customers need promotional packaging? Well, lots of reasons -- think of those gorgeous corporate gifts you sourced for them -- shouldn't they go to the recipient in a beautiful gift box complete with their logo & perhaps a nice custom-foam insert to hold and display the items?  Or should it go in the OEM corrugate box?  Easy choice.  Browse some of our case histories and you'll get the idea. By the way - we tend to show the 'big guys' in the case studies - but little guys like looking good too.  Lots and lots of our packaging goes to local / regional professionals; the same ones that you service everyday for promotional items.

Our full-line fits into three main price categories - I named them SoHo, TriBeCa and Manattan (b/c I think those are catchier names than small / med / large & because although I live in Houston, TX now, I hail from Philadelphia and miss the days when I could pop into NYC for a show and a good shop).  To find pricing (and all on the site is P-coded) - you find the item you like, then add printing.  Click on the item to get a large photo with pricing and color availability information. Here, try it on one of our best sellers - the 40-21 Snap folder.

We offer four types of decoration -

1. Screen Print (we use Pantone or matched colors; no CMYK and we try to limit half-tones)
2. Offset Print (your choice of Pantone / matched or CMYK and go to town on half-tones)
3. Blind Deboss (an indentation of a graphic right into the package; no color)
4. VIGNETTE (this is new - it's a way to get high-resolution CMYK at low quantities, no setups and on some items absolutely no minimums)

We do lots of cool stuff like always give you a firm freight quote (so there are no surprises when you get the invoice), provide firm ship dates (and lots of times beat them) and give you trk no's immediately...stuff that makes it easier for you to keep your client happy.

AND - we offer some great tools.  Here are the highlights.  Read through them - or just email CustomerService@theplatformgroupgallery.com with a request or question or ring us at 888-880-4790

• Referral program
• Submit a Lead program [you tell us who your clients are & we code them in our database so that if we hear from any of them, we get that information to you pronto]
• Branded Catalogs
• Branded Web sites
• Free Self promotion
• Virtual Samples  [you tell us about your project & we prepare a PDF full of ideas; showing your clients' logos / graphics on items along w/ accessories]
• Free Actual Samples
• 24 Hour Challenge [just need something and need it fast - use this!]

   

Kudos to Customer Service Team

Our customer service team has always been our best asset. 

Yes we have a spectacular line of ecologically friendly packaging, and

yes we ship on-time (with guaranteed ship-dates and freight-costs), and

of course our quality is A+ -- but we have always known that our number one job is to service YOU and make you look good.  Everyone in our company, no matter the job title, is in customer service. 

Here is the result of that effort....

Thanks for the follow-up. We received the box samples and have presented them to the client. I will be contacting June soon to place the order.

June has always been great to work with and has always made our projects huge successes. She is definitely a valuable asset of yours.

Thanks for helping us look good.

Scott Humphries - Design Pulse

Ecologically Friendly is a Hit!

Hi!

I just wanted you to know that the client was ecstatic with the boxes we ordered from you.

I'm sure we'll have many more opportunities to order your products again.

Thank you for all that you did to meet our crazy deadline!

Maureen

Maureen Olm
Sr. Graphic Designer
Creative Group, Inc.

This is item 40-22 R-10 Press Kit - shown in Tecno Black (made in the USA from 100% recycled content).

Maureen - thank you for your business!  To learn more about ecologically friendly GalleryBoard Packaging - visit our catalog site which features Press Kits, Gift Boxes, Custom Boxes, Binders, Mailers and Accessories -- all made from 100% Recycled Content Fiberboard and colored with chlorine-free dyes.

What Rosalie Marcus says about The Platform Group Gallery

Rosalie Marcus has been a successful promotional products distributor for years and is also a much sought-after speaker at ASI and PPAI events.  She runs two mentor sites for professional promotional agencies - PromoBiz Coach and PromoBiz Woman (new in April 2008).

She offers many spectacular tools for distributors - including "How to Make More Money", the Distributor Fast Track program, the Woman Working Smarter program and the PromoBIz Learning Kit.

The Platform Group Gallery has been a sponsor of Rosalie Marcus' programs since 2006 and we have seen a huge gain in customers due to her referrals.

Here is what Rosalie Marcus has to say about The Platform Group Gallery -

....As a business coach who specializes in helping promotional products sales professionals boost their sales, I am frequently asked to recommend suppliers. I have found the Platform Group Gallery to be an outstanding supplier...

The Platform Group Gallery offers state of the industry distributor support tools - making it easy for any professional promotional agency to learn about the environmentally friendly line and successfully present it to clients.  The tools include a remarkable self-promotion offer, a referral program that generates end-user leads immediately, branded web-sites and catalogs and 24/7 virtual sample services......

Rosalie Marcus

The PromoBizCoach(tm)

http:///www.promobizcoach.com

http://www.promobizwoman.com

First Impressions

Thank you to Promotion Commotion for such a kind endorsement.

I've mentioned these products before but I think it's worth mentioning again.  I just received my order from The Platform Gallery and I am TOTALLY impressed and extremely pleased by the quality

First of all, they have an excellent customer service staff (thanks, Mencily).  CEO Allison Gower has a great business model.  I think any distributor who reads this should definitely check out their product, and every person looking for professional looking, high quality, exceptional impression-generating press kits, media kits or packaging should check out the link above.  You just can't go wrong with these 100% recycled fiberboard products.  I can't wait to visit clients and present them with my package containing my information and a few catalogs.

Here are some CASE STUDIES you must check out. Both sides of the material is printable.

They did this press kit for the Dallas Mavericks.

If you'd like a free sample for your upcoming project, just email  PROMO and we will be happy to set you up.  We have experts who can help you with your design.

Ideas are limited only by your imagination!

Thanks, Allison and crew!!

I've mentioned these products before but I think it's worth mentioning again.  I just received my order from The Platform Gallery and I am TOTALLY impressed and extremely pleased by the quality

First of all, they have an excellent customer service staff (thanks, Mencily).  CEO Allison Gower has a great business model.  I think any distributor who reads this should definitely check out their product, and every person looking for professional looking, high quality, exceptional impression-generating press kits, media kits or packaging should check out the link above.  You just can't go wrong with these 100% recycled fiberboard products.  I can't wait to visit clients and present them with my package containing my information and a few catalogs.

Here are some CASE STUDIES you must check out. Both sides of the material is printable.

They did this press kit for the Dallas Mavericks.

If you'd like a free sample for your upcoming project, just email  PROMO and we will be happy to set you up.  We have experts who can help you with your design.

Ideas are limited only by your imagination!

Thanks, Allison and crew!!

Virtual Samples - Custom Designs: a How-To

Take advantage of GalleryBoard (ecologically friendly) Packaging's spectacular design services.  Here is a How-To Guide:

Virtual Samples:

Create your own virtual sample with any GalleryBoard Packaging item, 24/7 using our on-demand service.  You choose the item on our web-site, choose the base color & upload art.

cost & timing:
No-charge. Immediate.  For extra assistance, please e: Artwork@ThePlatformGroupGallery(dot)com

Custom Structural Designs:

Choose an item that you like, and ask us to make some adjustments to the structure so that it fits your collateral / program exactly.  Our Customer Service team will gather information from you, (for example; we may ask for the items that will go inside, or any illustrations that your artist has done) and then we will re-design the best base item to create a NEW item for you. 

We provide a die-line (for future artwork placement) and a table-cut sample for your review and approval. 

cost & timing:
$350 (includes table sample and die-line; P). Charge is 100% applied to a future order of this same new item (credited). Allow 2-3 business days.

Renderings:

For when you need a more full-service design, we offer 3D Renderings of an item (blank or with graphics if available). Renderings will be done prior to a structural design.

cost & timing:
Renderings are quoted per project, with a minimum charge of $200 P, and minimum 2-3 business day turn-time.  The charge will not be credited to a production order.

Lead through Listening - Promotional Consultant Today

The Platform Group Gallery - featuring ecologically friendly GalleryBoard Packaging is a proud sponsor of PPAI's Promotional Consultant newsletter. 

Today's issue  - Lead through Listening - outlines how to be more effective in your business dealings by truly listening to your customers, suppliers and employees.

Dad was waiting in the parking lot at the usual time. As the basketball players left the gym, he noticed his 10-year-old's head hanging low. When his son jumped in the car, and slammed the door, the father asked, "How was practice?" The boy replied, "I hate my coach."

This kind of response did not sit well with Dad. Three thoughts rushed to his head, all fighting to be delivered in a correcting tone. First, "I've taught you not to speak so disrespectfully about any coach or adult."  Second, "Are you kidding? This guy is a great coach -- one of the best."  Third, "Do you have any idea how hard I worked to make sure you were placed on this guy's team?" 
     For some reason, Dad chose not to speak any of those condemning thoughts, and instead three words came out of his mouth, perhaps three of the best words he'd ever accidentally said: "Tell me more." 
     His son went on to explain the events that took place during practice. Dad knew he wasn't getting the whole story yet, so he added, "What else happened?" Eventually -- and it took a little while -- the son admitted getting side-tracked during practice, and getting caught goofing off during one of the drills and was reprimanded for it.
     In the final analysis, his young son was so embarrassed by the coach's reprimand in front of the other players that it led him to declare, "I hate my coach."

Missing The Mark
    Dad's first, second and third thoughts -- if delivered immediately -- would have missed the mark by a mile. They were totally irrelevant in view of the facts, which would never have been revealed if he'd blurted out his all-knowing speech.
     He had been guilty more than once of jumping the gun with a quick response, but he learned so much more on this occasion with just three little words: "Tell me more." 
     The complete story gave him much more insight into his son, how he thinks and how he reacts.
    As a business leader, you have the same responsibility a dad has to his son -- listen, get the facts, determine the problem, and help resolve the situation.
     Today and tomorrow Promotional Consultant Today will look at the art of listening. When it comes to sharing thoughts, feelings and advice about an event or business problem, there are two very different types of personalities. Today we'll explore how to deal with the Fast-Twitch Responder. 

The Fast-Twitch Responder
    Some people tend to think their thoughts out loud for everyone to hear -- often in a very blunt fashion -- then they do the editing in public, too. They may say, "Here's what I really mean", or, "Let me rephrase that."  They might revise their initial version of the facts several times.
     Typically, the fast-twitch responder quickly offers the information you're seeking so it may seem as though very little patience is required on your part.
     They don't make you wait very long, yet if you immediately jump in with your assumptions drawn and conclusions blazing, you will be making a mistake. This conversation is a work-in-progress for this quick responder, and it's far more prudent for you to deliver a well-timed, "Tell me more" or "---and then what?" 
     The additional information you receive next will be worth the wait, as feelings and thoughts become clearer in the mind of this type of personality.
     Tomorrow we'll look at the Slow-Twitch Responder.

     Source: David Benzel is an author and speaker in leadership and creating peak performance. As the founder of Winning Ways, he has worked with organizations including Allstate Insurance, Sprint/Nextel and The Villages. He is the author of the upcoming, Chump to Champ: How Individuals Go From Good to Great.

On-Demand Virtual Samples on ThePlatformGroupGallery.com

Announcing -- 24/7, On-Demand Virtual Samples -- available at ThePlatformGroupGallery.com

1. Choose the item
2. Click the item detail page by clicking on the thumbnail image
3. Choose the green virtual sample rectangle button

A new window will open and you will be prompted to choose colors & upload art.  You can save jpg's to forward. 

Let me know what you think! 

                                           

 

A word about Rosalie Marcus and The Promo Biz Coach

Those who know me know that I became a word-of-mouth marketing evangelist a couple of years ago when my company became one of the leading member of the then brand-new WOMMA organization. At the very first WOMMA conference I attended, Seth Godin was a keynote speaker and he said something that rocked my world.  He said --

To be successful, you must become 'remarkable' - and that means making your product (service....self...) worth REMARKING UPON....

Common sense right?  Yes - - but how powerful if you can actually do it.  Make your product, yourself, your site, your line, your service so great that someone (a customer perhaps?) goes out of his or her way to talk about you to someone else - to make a remark about you.

Rosalie Marcus and her Promo Biz Coach service network is remarkable. She provides a network of support and advice and just plain common-sense to a host of professionals who are looking to take it to the next level.  She works honestly with suppliers and associations throughout the industry guiding them to provide better services for her client-base and beyond and she helps us all take it up a notch.   

As an industry supplier [The Platform Group Gallery 78708 / 216134 / platform] I have found my relationship with Rosalie Marcus, the Promo Biz Coach network and her other ventures to be remarkable.

After participating in Rosalie's workshop and her marketing programs my company received DOZENS of inquiries and many orders from promotional products distributors who did not previously know of The Platform Group Gallery.  And those folks told others & they told more!  We continually hear 'I heard of you from Rosalie!".

Rosalie Marcus delivers a spectacular, interested and motivated audience and provides insight, knowledge and advise that has grown my business in 2007 and will continue to contribute to its success in 2008 and beyond. 

Get to know her.

Rosalie Marcus The Promo Biz Coach(tm)
The better, faster and easier way
to boost your promotional products business!
Get a free special report: How To Attract
Promotional Products Business in 30 Seconds or Less at...
http://www.promobizcoach.com
Rosalie@promobizcoach.com
215-572-6766/877-570-6766

All About The Platform Group Gallery

The Platform Group Gallery makes spectacular, environmentally-friendly packaging specifically designed for advertising and promotional programs. Our line, GalleryBoard Packaging features over 300 Press Kits, Binders, Folders, Mailers, Gift Boxes and Desk Accessories. 

Every item in the GalleryBoard Packaging line is GREEN; made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and chlorine-free top-sheets.

We manufacture GalleryBoard Packaging in our own facility in Houston, source the majority of our raw material inputs from the U.S., have our own employees and provide better than market benefits and wages.

The Platform Group Gallery markets GalleryBoard Packaging to promotional product professionals. We  aggressively protect and support our Resellers with spectacular sales tools.  The tools include -

• Referral Program which matches ALL end-user and agency leads to a participating professional products distributor
• End-user advertising via Google AdWords and other programs to generate end-user / agency interest and grow revenue for referral resellers
• Self Promotion programs for accredited resellers
• Distributor Branded GalleryBoard Packaging printed catalogs for accredited resellers
• Distributor Branded GalleryBoard Packaging web-site catalog for accredited resellers
• ON-Demand no charge virtual sample service -- online, 24/7 ability to choose an item, upload art and save a jpg for your client's review  [NEW in March 2008!) **

You can find information about The Platform Group Gallery in trade publications for promotional products professionals, (including ASI Central, SAGE, PPB and Promotional Consultant magazines and newsletters), at industry service provider forums (like Rosalie Marcus' PromoBiz coach blog), at promotional products trade-shows (including the PPAI Expo and New Product Resource Directories), in industry networking groups like ASI Social Networking and in popular networking forums like FaceBook and Linked In.

The Platform Group Gallery was founded in 1997 as 101 Products LLC and was initially intended to supply stylish home-office organization products to retailers across the U.S.  The co-founders, Allison Gower (President) and Jeremy Konko (Vice President) saw an opportunity to build a line that paired 'European style' with U.S. functionality and cost-effectiveness and had spent months researching home-office storage across England, France, Italy, Germany and beyond. In the 1997 Back-To-School Season Allison and Jeremy launched the d1mensions line (featuring Hanging File Boxes, Magazine Files, CD Storage and more office accessories) at retail trade-shows.  Within months the d1mensions line was being shipped to College Bookstores, Art & Specialty stores, and most amazingly had won full-door distributor from Target.  The founders built inventory and warehouse space to support the Target orders that averaged upwards of $1,500,000 annually and the line performed well in that retailer for most than two years.  Unfortunately after four successful seasons and after proving the revenue potential of a stylish home-office line, Target decided to source like products from Asia and dropped the U.S. made d1mensions line.  Not only were the founders left with hundreds of thousands of dollars of inventory made specifically for Target, but they also faced a space lease way beyond what they would need to service the remaining customer base.

Allison and Jeremy quickly redesigned their manufacturing, design and marketing operations to join the quickly growing promotional products industry.  They re-purposed d1mensions into GalleryBoard Packaging and created items to support corporate and agency marketing and promotional programs.  The Platform Group Gallery became accredited by both ASI and PPAI in 1999.  Allison lived on the promotional road, exhibiting at (almost) every national and regional ASI and PPAI shows as well as traveling mini-regional shows.  Jeremy burned the midnight oil configuring operational processes to meet and exceed the timeline demands of the promotional industry.

Today, The Platform Group Gallery is a trusted supplier, renowned for customer service and spectacular support programs.  The company offers over 300 items that are specifically designed for Advertising programs, offers (4) different imprint methods, drop-ships to clients across the U.S. and the World and is 100% configured to aggressively support professional products resellers and their corporate clients.

In 2007, The Platform Group Gallery was named to the Houston Fast 100.  We work everyday to provide better service to our resellers and their clients, to expand our line to reflect new marketing approaches and to integrate state of the art technology into our service, marketing and support systems.

Our team of employes loves working with you and thanks you for your business & support.

Promotion Commotion

I cannot say enough about how helpful a blog can be for your business.  It is a great way to talk to your clients & their clients, providing up-to-the minute ideas and resources.  It is like having your own radio show and getting to choose the topics and guests.

Webbmar, a specialist in the promotional products industry, has a blog called Promotion Commotion. The blog links to their corporate promotional products site and also provides insightful information on industry trends and suppliers.  This is a super example of how to use a blog to provide resources and info!

Look for information about The Platform Group Gallery on their blog -- and more from other trusted industry suppliers.