Short Story, Big Picture: Diversify your Markets
Diversifying the markets you sell to isn’t just a “nice to have” for Distributors in 2026; it’s becoming a survival strategy with major upside. I know that we are all looking at the trends and thinking that all you have to do is add some print-on-demand and you’ll be a millionaire. Hot take: you’ll see a spike in order numbers, but not in repeat and recurring revenue…what is needed to grow a business, long-term.
Today’s Short Story is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the Big Picture.
By spreading across markets, you create more frequent order cycles and fill the gaps in slow seasons. That means steadier cash flow and the ability to plan ahead instead of reacting month to month.
Here are three strategic actions you can take into next year:
Break into “Micro-Verticals” with Tailored Bundles
Instead of targeting broad industries (healthcare, tech, education), focus on high-intent micro-verticals where competition is lower, and budgets are growing.
Examples for 2026:
Community-based fitness (Pilates studios, boutique gyms, youth sports clubs)
Senior-living communities and assisted-care facilities
Microbreweries and regional beverage brands
Private K–8 schools, homeschool co-ops
How to do it:
Create one-page “turnkey kits” tailored to each micro-vertical. New Member Welcome Kit, Event Volunteer Kit, and Grand Opening Kit. These sell faster because they solve a specific problem rather than offering generic merch.Add Event-Activation Services Instead of Just Products
More companies, especially mid-sized brands, want experiential marketing, not just merch.
In 2026, budgets for:
Pop-ups
Recruiting events
Campus activations
Local sponsorships
How to diversify:
Expand into simple service add-ons like: on-site merch distribution, branded photo-op stations, live personalization (name printing, patches, laser engraving), and “Event-in-a-Box” kits for remote or franchise locations.Break into “Micro-Verticals” with Tailored Bundles
Subscriptions diversify your base by reaching customers who want predictable spend and hands-off ordering.
In 2026, subscription-style recurring logistics is becoming more common in:
SaaS & tech HR teams (employee onboarding kits)
Healthcare networks (patient compliance packs, community outreach)
Multi-location restaurants (monthly promo drops)
Nonprofits (volunteer kits, donor appreciation cycles)
What to offer:
A monthly or quarterly program such as: pre-selected merch drops, seasonal campaigns, automated onboarding/outreach kits, and auto-reorder on consumed items (pens, notepads, uniforms, packaging)
Services open the door to new industries because you’re solving activation needs, not selling products…
This lets you tap industries that otherwise would only buy once or twice a year.
In other words, diversification isn’t just about more revenue now—it increases the long-term value of the business.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…make it so! You got this!