Print and Apparel Convergences – How Can an Apparel Decorator Sell Printing?

The lines between commercial printing and apparel decoration are disappearing. More customers want one trusted partner who can provide everything from business cards and brochures to branded apparel, signage, and promotional products. So where does that leave today’s apparel decorator? This week, Aaron and Terry welcome print industry veteran Mark Pomerantz, founder of SalesWisdom, to explore what apparel decorators can learn from the world of print sales. With more than 40 years of experience helping print professionals grow their businesses, Mark shares practical sales strategies, relationship-building techniques, and ideas for expanding your offerings without losing focus. We’ll also discuss why print and apparel are converging, what that means heading into PRINTING United Expo, and how decorators can position themselves as complete branding partners. If you’ve ever wondered whether adding print could grow your business, this episode is for you. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder 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/VdEFkePk2ts Dad Joke Aaron: What do you call a chicken staring at some lettuce? A chicken sees a salad. (Chicken Caesar Salad) Selling Printing Terry: Welcome Mark! We gave up reading carefully crafted bios a while ago and just like to learn directly from our guests about who they are. Tell us about your journey in the print industry. Aaron: Mark, you’ve spent more than 40 years in the print industry. What changes have surprised you the most, and what fundamentals of selling have stayed exactly the same? Terry: Many apparel decorators are excellent craftspeople but reluctant salespeople. What’s the biggest mindset shift they need to make to become better at sales? Aaron: In one of your blogs, I believe it is where I read this, you said: ” We should bet on ourselves.” What does that actually look like for a small shop owner who’s trying to grow? Terry: A lot of decorators wait for customers to tell them what they want. How can they become trusted advisors instead of order takers?  Aaron: We’re seeing commercial print and apparel decoration overlap more than ever. Why do you think those industries are converging? Terry: If an apparel decorator wanted to start offering print products, where would you recommend they begin without becoming overwhelmed? Aaron: What questions should decorators ask every customer that they’re probably not asking today? Terry: You’ve worked with countless sales professionals. What’s one habit that consistently separates top performers from average salespeople? Aaron: Many decorators worry they’ll come across as “pushy.” How do you help people become more confident about asking for additional business? Terry: What are some opportunities decorators miss because they’re focused only on the shirt instead of the customer’s overall brand? Aaron: With PRINTING United Expo bringing together every segment of our industry, what should apparel decorators be looking for beyond the latest equipment? Terry: As we wrap up, if every listener could make just one change to their sales process this month, what would you tell them to do? Terry: Thanks for your time. Where can people learn more about what you do and where should they connect with you?  Our website https://saleswisdom.net/   Our YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@WiseOwlMark  My Blog on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpomerantz/recent-activity/articles/  My LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpomerantz/ And be sure to find me at Printing United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas NV, Sept 23-25 so we can meet IRL! 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/ItbNPpMj1qQ 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 SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026 DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026 Friday, Aug 07, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – The Myth of ‘Everyone is My Customer’ Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at noon – 1:15 p.m. – Bye-Bye Burnout Saturday, Aug 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – DTF 101: From File to Finished Print (What Actually Matters). Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026 – CANCELLED Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change