Top 10 Most Inspiring Women 2016
Vicki Lam
Promo Victory, Inc. | Certified Advertising Specialist / President & Founder | Visit Website
Why We Chose Vicki Lam
“Let me start by saying that I LOVE Vicki. We met at a referral group at the NCCCC. She started her business a year before I did and it’s been awesome to watch her grow. She’s truly a guru at what she does and I learn quite a bit from her. She is also a networking queen and probably one of the most put-together people I have ever met. (Everyone knows her outfits are always on point!! Am I right?!) She is reliable, always professional, and present. Seriously, she is everywhere. Vicki is my go-to resource for new and awesome networking groups and events. I personally use Vicki for all my promotional products because she gives you awesome ideas and the best advice. She understands branding and so she is an awesome partner for me. I am also very proud to call her a friend. Check Vicki out below…”
Jane Clark, Co-Founder of BrandSwan
Vicki Lam
Promo Victory, Inc. | Certified Advertising Specialist / President & Founder | Visit Website

The Story
Tell us how it all started. Why? What’s the story?
I had previously worked for a promotional company where I was the Project Manager for almost 3 years. Unfortunately things went downhill and I felt I was underpaid and underappreciated. The frustration turned to motivation and the motivation turned to determination. That’s when I decided to start my own promotional company.
Biggest Success
What is your biggest success so far?
Growing the business from 0 clients to over 300 clients today. They include small & mid-size businesses in all industries, non-profits, health care facilities, hotels, malls, schools, Fortune 100 companies and government agencies.
Biggest Challenge
What is the biggest challenge in your industry? What are you doing to deal with that?
Biggest challenge is competition. How I deal with it is by differentiating myself and my company from the rest. I’m a Certified Advertising Specialist which only 2% in the promotional industry has this highly recognized credential. This proved commitment and dedication to the higher standard of professionalism, knowledge and experience within the industry. My focus is helping clients get results . Products can be purchased anywhere but true expertise is not something that can easily be found. The best deal in Marketing is really about getting results and not about getting the lowest price. If it doesn’t bring results, the lowest price paid will turned out to be a waste of money.
Advice
What advice would you give to a business owner starting out in your industry that you wish you would have known going in?
It takes a lot of patience, persistence and expertise. It’s certainly not for everyone. The industry is very fast pace. Project management is time sensitive so there is no time to sit on things. In addition, products are constantly evolving. There are about 50,000 new products coming out every year and many are improved versions. Not to mention there are always new product safety and compliance issues. My advice for all business owners is the 4Ps: be professional, be persistent, be patient and always promote your company!
Surprise Tidbit
What don’t most people realize about you or your company?
We are not the typical promotional company. We are not order takers that just sell products like most companies. We are strategic promotional consultants helping clients utilize the right promotional product that is relevant to their business and target audience so they can market their brand and message effectively. Promo Victory, Inc. holds the distinction of being Delaware’s only promotional company certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and also Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS).
See you for day 7!
More 2016 Most Inspiring Women
Day 10: Jennifer McMillan — Inspiring Women 2016
[Jennifer] has made enormous leaps and bounds as a woman business owner. Just last month she was invited to Amazon headquarters in Seattle, WA by senior management. They chose several women-owned companies who have been successful on their site — and Jennifer was one of them. They also wanted to know more about the launch of her new brand, JennyGems. Wow! This girl knows how to market her products and I’m so thrilled and honored to be apart of the journey.
Day 9: Stefanie Roselle — Inspiring Women 2016
From her animal fostering, amazing new office design to the rockin’ women’s organization she co-founded along with Amber Shader, she motivates me to grow on both a personal and professional level. She has a killer team of fellow #ladybosses for her company Social Butterfly. On top of all of this, she’s amazing at what she does. I had the opportunity to sit with her on a social media panel… this girl knows her stuff! I love love love how she supports other local businesses — even competitors. Her collaborative and embracing real life and online persona makes her a joy to interact with.
Day 8: Angela Kovall — Inspiring Women 2016
Angela is a ray of sunshine. Always beaming, she makes it her mission to know and help the people she meets along the way. (Apparently we went to the same high school!) She is is the inspiration for changing how I approach marketing — think not what people can do for you but how you can people. She is an excellent teacher on spreading feelings of goodwill and increasing others self-esteem. Angela genuinely wants to see people succeed and I find that energy to be absolutely contagious. She is wonderful to have in your corner. I can’t say enough positive things about her. Simply, she makes you feel good.
Day 7: Anne Green — Inspiring Women 2016
What impresses me most about Anne is that she moved from Canada to Delaware and totally started what no one else has here in Newark: a very popular, resident-owned news page. With over 7,000 likes on Our Newark Delaware’s super active Facebook page, Anne has quickly become known for knowing what’s going on in our local hood. I first met her at a Wonder Women Tea event at the Blue Hen Bed and Breakfast, so we already had something in common. What I love most about her is that she builds people up. Always supportive of local businesses and meeting new people, she is a genuine joy to be around and I’m proud to know her. As a client, she is absolutely delightful to work with. Read on
Day 5: Nancy Dibert — Inspiring Women 2016
Everyone on #netde knew her and looked to her as an authority in the twitter universe. If you’re an entrepreneur in Delaware, you have most likely seen Nancy’s diligent social media outreach on Google Plus, Twitter and even Facebook. Every post is thoughtful, relevant —and for me, enlightening. Every day I learn something new, which in the marketing industry is basically a necessity… Nancy is a true gem. I was humbled that someone as successful as her was building me up and took notice.
Day 4: Robyn Odegaard — Inspiring Women 2016
Robyn is not only kind and caring, but she wears herself on her sleeve and has no problem sharing her amazing life stories. I highly recommend you get to know this super smart gal who I’ve had honor of meeting. Oh — and she’s really good at what she does.
Day 3: Mona Liza Hamlin — Inspiring Women 2016
[Mona] has a very calming and warm presence. Yet at the same time, she is a gal who knows her stuff. As a mother of 1 bulldog and 2 cats, I’m often in awe of moms who have it all: running their own business and raising their children! Not only is she a lactation consultant, but also a pediatric nurse. That alone makes her an authority in her industry and increases my adoration of her 10 fold. I love that she uses a real, holistic approach with her customers and in her life.
Day 2: Donna Duffy — Inspiring Women 2016
[Donna]’s a bit of a local legend when it comes to marketing. I hear her name on everyone’s lips — and always positive things. I know she’s a marketing guru who offers boutique, personal attention to her clients. She’s a huge resource to Delaware.
Day 1: Jessica Barnak — Inspiring Women 2016
[Jessica] is lovely, bubbly, inviting and always composed. She continued to impress and inspire me as managing director for the networking group Polka Dot Powerhouse. Her positive energy is absolutely contagious. The biggest reason Jessica is on my list — her brand is absolutely on point: the perfect amount of professional, modern, and as creative as her interior designs.