Hey, now…when I asked you all on Monday to email me if you were up before 5 a.m., I didn’t know you were such an energetic and motivated bunch. Here are some of your responses: Rick goes walking every day around 5 a.m. Gwen was getting ready for an early-morning networking meeting. Lyn was emailing a client at 4:15. Another Lynn (2 n’s) was at the gym. Mary was sorting through stuff to donate to charity. Allan was running four miles. And Diane was doing laundry and dishes and making a crock-pot dinner. Sounds like we all need some Ambien. I'm kidding! Here's another issue to wake up your sales (or at least get you thinking). Enjoy! Send your feedback directly to:khuston@asicentral.com. It may be published in a future issue of Advantages magazine. For free information on products featured in Advantages, click here: www.advantagesinfo.com.

– Kathy Huston, editor 

The Joe Show: It's In The Bag
In this episode of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some hot, new bags that are perfect for schools and many other audiences. Looking for items to penetrate the education market with? Check out these products.   

Click here to see this bags-and-totes edition of The Joe Show.

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Pink Ladies
The Pitch: Matt Olivolo over at Mobile Edge (asi/71854) informs me that they've created a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Collection, a group of pink-themed laptop cases and totesthat are seriously stylish and functional. They donate 10% of the retail sales price back to the Komen fund and to date have donated nearly $300,000. All can be decorated and customized and make excellent business gifts. Another important fact, in my opinion: When I went to their website it said that some of their products are going to be seen on "Glee" this season! How cool! Why don't you go ahead and check it all out at: http://www.mobileedge.com.
The Bottom Line: The case for a cause.

A Jerky Idea
The Pitch: Here's something that's appealing and delicious for any number of markets including sports events, campgrounds, golf tournaments, trade shows and much more: custom-logoed beef jerky in 2-oz  packages from  Minimus (asi/71357). It's sourced from a leading manufacturer under an exclusive arrangement and is a high-protein, low-fat snack. It comes in four flavors: Teriyaki, Hot, Sweet & Spicy and Old Fashion (sounds like a new incarnation of The Spice Girls, doesn't it?). For more details and pricing, go to http://www.minimus.biz.
The Bottom Line: Pack your snack.

It's Witchcraft
The Pitch: I have never dabbled in witchcraft (although I knew a girl in college named Margo, who said she was a witch). But this product from Clik Clak Company (asi/98289) has put a spell on me because I've never seen or heard of such a thing. Item #2010HB11 is called Sand Witch Powder and it's a tin full of all-natural sand repellent that takes sand off and keeps the sand off your body at the beach. It's a patented blend made almost exclusively from food products and has a fresh coconut fragrance. What a cool idea for travel agents and resorts. Pricing starts at: 250; $4.37-R. Click here: http://clikclak.com/index.php.
The Bottom Line: It doesn't stick.

A Clear Favorite
The Pitch: So my favorite so far on "Dancing with the Stars" is Kyle Massey, the chubby kid nobody knows (except me, because I actually sometimes watch "That's So Raven" on Saturday mornings; I am a 12-year-old girl at heart). Another clear favorite of mine is the new Cater Plate from American Accents (asi/98289). It's just what you need for picnics, parties and other special events. Item CCPWC is a plastic party tray with detachable and re-attachable utensils, dipping compartments and a drink holder. Pricing starts at: 50; $3.77-R. Click here: http://www.americanaccents.com.
The Bottom Line: Cater to everyone.