Why, hello there! It's been a couple of days since you heard from me. Did you miss me? (Don't answer that.) Well, here I am again, but before you read this edition, take a minute to click on my interview in San Diego with Dina Heidger, Advantages Sales Rep of the Year. She has a tip or two for you. Enjoy this edition and send your feedback directly to me at: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

Share Your Story!
Have you overcome a big sales challenge? Have you gotten a sale through your savvy use of social media? Closed the big one on the golf course? Persistently pursued that hard-to-reach decision-maker, with great final results? Fulfilled a seemingly impossible order? I want your story for a new section in Advantages magazine, called "How I Did It." Send me an e-mail and I'll be in touch: khuston@asicentral.com.

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The Joe Show: Fun New Products
In this episode of The Joe Show, Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some new products and shares creative promotional ideas for each one. Looking for a unique item for destinations and conferences? How about an interesting twist on the water bottle? Check out the video.     

Click here to watch this new-products episode of The Joe Show.

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Salt of the Earth
The Pitch: According to my sources (Cnn.com), Bourbon sales are soaring in Kentucky. I've never touched the stuff, but I guess there are a lot of Bourbon fans. I'm also guessing they wouldn't mind taking a bath in it. Specifically, Bath Promotions (asi/38850) offers beverage-scented aromatherapy bath salts in scents ranging from bourbon to beer (Steve-O would like that one) to Kahlua and everything in between – even Chai tea for tea-totalers. The salts come in a 4-oz. stand-up plastic window pouch. These are perfect for spas, yes, but also think of tropical resorts (Pina Colada and Magarita scented), B&Bs (wine-and-roses scented) and more. Pricing starts at: 250; $1.80. See them here: http://bathpromotions.com/.
The Bottom Line: Ah, the smell of it.

What a Pal
The Pitch: These days, everyone's a coupon clipper. There's even a show about it (then again, there's a show about everything now, isn't there?). Magna-Tel Inc. (asi/68480)has a great new product for clippers or even those who just want to display a 4 x 6 photo on the fridge. Pocket Pals are large magnets with clear pockets on front that can hold, as I said, coupons, photos, lottery tickets, appointment cards, etc. Custom shapes are also available. Think: grocery stores, delis, doctors' and dentists' offices, photo studios, resorts and real estate. Pricing starts at: 125; $2.20. Click here: http://www.magna-tel.com/.
The Bottom Line: It sticks.

Tea for Two (or Three)
The Pitch: Here's a nice trade-show giveaway, invitation, thank-you and direct-mail piece. Tea to Go from A La Carte (asi/30350) is a three-pack of assorted teas for all those go-getters who need to unwind from time to time. Pricing starts at: 250; $2.60. Click here: http://www.alacarteline.com/.
The Bottom Line: Brew some bucks.

How Does Your Garden Grow?
The Pitch: The Deluxe Gardener's Journal from Journalbooks (asi/91340) is just right for your Springtime promotions. It's 5 x 7, holds 70 pages and is packed with gardening tips. Think of selling this along with a tool or gardening gloves, or imprinted watering can. Pricing starts at: 100; $9.50. Pitch this to nurseries, gardening clubs, senior developments and more. Check it out: http://www.journalbooks.com/l.
The Bottom Line: The seeds are sown.