Show your Team Spirit with Promo Items

The practice of companies distributing promo items at sporting events is nothing new; and for as long as I have been attending games, I have been evaluating the giveaways I receive. I have come to the conclusion that the most effective promo items are generally the ones that are useful to me during the game. I seem to grow attached to these products and as a result I just have to take them home with me. In fact, one of my all-time favorite sporting giveaways was a custom cap, imprinted with the Chicago Cubs logo as well as the logo of the credit card company, which was given away on a very sunny day at Wrigley Field.

Life According to Promo Items

Today, Willis Wee at Penn Olson displayed images of what life would be like if Google was in charge. In turn, I started to wonder what our community would be like if promo items took control. And I have to admit: a world run by promo items is definitely a place I would want to live in. Promo items such alarm clocks and calendars would keep everyone organized. Meetings would never run late and no one would ever forget a lunch date again. Meanwhile, speakers would provide a soundtrack for our lives while cameras would capture everything on tape so we would never forget a happy memory!

Make Lessons Come Alive with Promo Items

It seems to me that every adult has one favorite lesson they learned in school that has stuck with them for years. For my sister, this lesson occurred in the third grade when she learned about pioneers. She loved pioneers so much that she decided right then and there she was going to become a third grade teacher so that she could pass on the lesson- and 16 years later, she did! Now, when she teaches about pioneers, she uses promo items that correlate with her lessons. These promo items, such as stress balls in the shape of covered wagons, really make lessons come alive. All teachers can learn a lesson from this story and use promo items to better teach their students.

Creating an Enjoyable Atmosphere with Promo Items

After the quality of the food, nothing is more important than the atmosphere of a restaurant. Most people prefer eating in a place with soft lighting and quiet background music, so they can enjoy the feeling of eating out. One way for restaurants to create a great environment is through the use of promo items. Promo items, including cutlery and napkins, can influence the look and feel of a restaurant and can be tailored to the type of food a restaurant serves. For example, a pizza joint may choose to imprint fun, colored 2-ply napkins while a high-end restaurant may customize promo items such as sophisticated Linen Like® dinner napkins.

Get Rid of Germs with Promo Items

With the peak of the flu season hitting anywhere between early November and late March, it’s important to stay healthy in order to avoid illness. In addition to encouraging clients and employees to eat right, get enough exercise, and take daily vitamins, consider giving away promo items to help them fight germs as well. There are a wide variety of promo items to choose from, including hand sanitizers, tissues and first aid kits, all of which can be customized with your company name and logo. Whichever promo items you choose, recipients will appreciate receiving products that demonstrate how much you worry about their health.

Create a Winter Wonderland with your Promo Items

This morning on my way to work, I listened to a great podcast that was discussing strange festivals across the world. And as I learned about a Rocky Mountain oyster eating competition in Montana and a Spanish festival that honored people who recently had near-death experiences, I realized that despite their quirks, these festivals would be a great place to give away promo items. In general, promo items garner a very positive response at festivals because people at these events almost expect to receive them. When considering what type of promo items to distribute, think about the end-users needs. Consumers will love receiving custom can coolers to keep beverages cold in the summer months and personalized hats to stay cool in the winter.

Promo Items for the Largest Media Conglomerate

In a few short months, Comcast will increase their multi-billion dollar corporation by merging their programming assets into NBC Universal. In a letter to his employees this week, Jeff Zucker, the CEO of NBC Universal, announced that Comcast would hold a 51% share in this new business endeavor, with another large portion belonging to General Electric. This news made headlines, as all three of the companies involved are already very successful. And, they attained their success partly by utilizing promo items. Between their millions of employees who they outfit in promotional apparel and the promo items that they pass out to fans at sponsorship events, the Comcast name is hard to miss. You can learn a lesson from the largest media conglomerate and give away promo items at your next event too!

When Launching a Product, Use Promo Items

To garner a positive reaction for your product launch, it is important to use certain types of promotions such as writing press releases, creating Web sites, and distributing promo items. A well-written press release can raise awareness about your brand, and a Web site will provide more information. It’s important to develop an interactive Web site; if the content changes every day, it will drive new traffic and return customers. By building and promoting the Web site a few weeks before the launch of your new product, you will build anticipation for its release. Just be careful about the timing: too much time lead time will result lost interest or disappointment while not leaving enough time also has a negative impact. Another great way to create anticipation for your brand is to distribute promo items. Promo items will connect customers with the product and leave them wanting more.

Raise Awareness with Promo Items

While promo items are great ways to increase awareness about your brand and your organization’s mission, promo items can also be used to gain attention for a good cause. December 1, designated as World AIDS Day, is a great time to educate clients and employees about how to prevent this deadly epidemic. According to research by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the disease killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007. In addition to holding education sessions, passing out reading materials about prevention, and even visiting the AIDS quilt, you can distribute promo items such as ribbon pins to help stop the spread of AIDS.

Hut, Hut, Hike! Promo Items for Football Fans

Thanksgiving might be over, but today marks another important day in American history. On this day in 1872, the first international football match took place between Scotland and England. And while this event took place long before the National Football League came into existence, the popularity of football abroad set a precedent for the sport’s extreme popularity in America. Today, football is a multi-million dollar industry in the United States, and one that provides great opportunities for brand exposure. If you watched any of the rivalry games this weekend, you surely noticed all of the promo items in the stands. From custom blankets and hats to cups and koozies, promo items were everywhere. To gain vast visibility for your brand, consider distributing promo items to sports fans around the country.

Make Holiday Memories with Promo Items

As you can probably guess by the fact that my blog topics have revolved around the Thanksgiving holiday for more than the past few days, I love Thanksgiving. I love the cranberry sauce, the sweet potato casserole, the stuffing, the turkey (in case you didn’t know, you can order turkeys as promo items) and of course the pumpkin pie. But even more than all of the delicious food, I love the feeling of fulfillment and gratefulness that comes with this holiday and lasts long after I am hungry again. All of my holiday memories involve spending time with family and friends, and oddly enough, a few special promo items are ingrained in my mind as well. From our custom spatula that my mom always uses when making pies to our high-end salt and pepper set that season the turkey, I’m thankful for the promo items that help make this holiday so special.


Promo Items in the Healthcare Industry

On November 24, 2009, well-known actress Katherine Heigl will be blowing out 31 candles on her birthday cake! Heigl, notorious for her portrayal of Doctor Izzie Stevens on ABC’s network series "Grey’s Anatomy," provides a prime example of how medical professionals can utilize promo items. Izzie Stevens often carries imprinted items, ranging from badge holders to writing utensils, which provides great visibility for companies that can afford to place their products on television. While product placement is an incredibly expensive form of advertisement, promo items can be customized to fit any budget. So if you’re looking for a way to gain exposure for your brand in the healthcare industry, consider distributing practical promo items to doctors and patients alike.

Promo Items for the Cruise Industry

Year after year, the days before and after the Thanksgiving holiday are the most hectic travel days. Airports are notoriously overcrowded with passengers going to stay with family and even people who try to escape the holiday hullabaloo find themselves in vacation spots crowded with tourists. For those in need of a major getaway this year, Royal Caribbean is launching the biggest cruise boat in history. With ice shows, a zip line, and even a wave machine, this ship is making waves. And, from traditional promo items giveaways to interviews on national talk shows, this boat is seemingly everywhere. While cruise lines often utilize promo items, Royal Caribbean has done an exceptional job with these giveaways. So if you’re looking for a way to steer your marketing campaign in the right direction, consider distributing promo items this vacation season.

Promo Items Make any Company as Good as Gold

Just like the old fable of King Midas, everything that Oprah Winfrey touches seemingly turns to gold. From her long-running daily talk show to her branded web site and magazines, and even her political endorsements during the 2008 election, Winfrey has seen no shortage of success. In addition, her show has facilitated the success of many other companies as well. Whether it is a car company or an author, any guest on her show who distributes promo items sees a boost in their sales. And, part of the reason the audience loves “The Oprah Winfrey Show” is that they always receive promo items when they attend a taping. In fact, the holiday episode where audience members receive hundreds of dollars worth of giveaways and promo items consistently ranks the highest in viewers.

Why you should Mass Order Promo Items

Last Thursday I discussed the benefits of promo items, including the fact that they have a higher return on investment than many other forms of traditional advertising. Not only do promo items give you a lot of results for the amount of money they cost, but there ways to lower the costs. For the best return on investment, consider ordering promo items in bulk. Let’s say you have a tradeshow in January and another one in March. Why wait until March to reorder your giveaways? Simply approximate the number of products you expect to give away at both shows combined and place one early order to reduce costs and ensure that you have your products ready in time.

Promo Items for Teens

According to recently released statistics, the youth market spends billions of dollars each year and has more buying power than many other cohorts. While this buying power presents many business opportunities, companies often have hard times marketing to youth. With the advent of TiVo and online television episodes, it’s no secret that traditional advertising is losing effectiveness, especially in the teen market where viewers have limited patience. Distributing promo items to teens is a great alternative because it engages them with your brand. Whether you are in the education industry, the financial sector or anywhere in between, promo items will help you successfully market your business. But please remember to choose promo items that are age-appropriate.

Choose Journals and Jotters as your next Promo Items

Distributing journals and jotters offers many advantages over distributing fun, yet useless promo items. When distributed at tradeshows, journals and jotters facilitate note taking and allow recipients to go back and evaluate the different booths they saw. As recipients look through their journals, personalized with your company name and logo, they will have a constant reminder of your brand. Additionally, the compactness and sturdiness of these promo items increases their functionality. And, in keeping with the growing trend of distributing environmentally friendly promo items, you can even choose from a wide range of jotters and journals made from recycled materials.

Leave your Promo Items to Chance

Promo items generally have the biggest impact when they engage a potential consumer. One great way to do this while sticking to your budget is to distribute scratch-off cards imprinted with your company logo. These promo items cost less than fifty cents apiece and can gain wide exposure for your brand. After all, everyone wants the chance to win something for free, and will remember the company that gave them the opportunity to do so. For increased visibility, consider distributing scratch-off cards at industry tradeshows. This fun, unique giveaway provides a break from standard promo items and will set your company apart from competitors.

Distributing Business Card Cases as Promo Items

Many people do not like to carry business cards because they find the loose papers irritating. Distributing promo items such as business card cases provides recipients with an ideal solution to this problem and helps you to advertise your brand as well. Not only do these promo items eliminate the need for loose paper, they actually have multiple helpful functions. As some business cards are the same size as credit cards, giving business card holders as promo items helps businessmen and women stay organized. And, since the majority of people don’t leave home without their credit card that means that they won’t leave home without their business cards either.

Promo Items to Increase ROI

With many new digital media and social networking sites appearing every day, companies must constantly find innovative ways to set their brand apart from the competition. While Internet campaigns may work for some companies, these operations require a vast amount of resources, including time, money and brainpower. Giving away promo items is a practical alternative to new-age media. In fact, recent studies show businesses that distribute promo items yield a higher return on investment than those who use traditional television advertising. And, if you do have the means to enact a web-based marketing strategy, distributing promo items will drive traffic to your site.

Promo Items in the Real Estate Market

My current search for a new apartment led me to think about the importance of promo items in the real estate industry. I always walk past apartment complexes with signs out in front that display a number I am supposed to call for more information. However, many times I do not have a pen or pencil with me to write it down. Realtors should distribute promo items imprinted with their name and number in order to make the process easier and increase business. Recipients will appreciate getting promo items that are functional at the office and also help to eliminate the stress of moving.

Customizing Meaningful Promo Items

November 9, 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. During a conversation about this momentous occasion, a Pinnacle employee mentioned that her grandparents bought a section of the legendary wall. They display this item in their home, as a reminder of the times. Although pieces of the Berlin Wall are hardly promo items, they both share certain symbolic qualities. Just as her grandparents display the Wall because they find it significant, recipients are more likely to keep meaningful promo items and utilize them on a daily basis. In order to customize meaningful promo items, consider what functions the end-user will value the most.

How Schools can Utilize Promo Items

Year after year, the education industry consistently ranks as the top buyer of promo items. With categories ranging from school supplies and backpacks to apparel and spirit accessories, it’s easy to understand why this industry utilizes promotional products. Promo items are ideal ways to encourage prospective students to matriculate and to allow current students and alumni to demonstrate their pride. You can distribute these products to facilitate spirit at pep rallies and fundraisers or sell them at a campus bookstore to raise money for your institution. Whether you work in elementary education or at a prestigious university, there are promo items for your marketing needs.

Celebrate Swedish Heritage Day with Festive Promo Items

November 6 marks Swedish Heritage Day, a day when inhabitants across Finland take the time to appreciate their culture. At celebrations throughout the country, people wave flags and sing in joy. While you might be wondering why this is relevant to your business, the Swedish holiday provides ideas for how to successfully utilize promo items. Keeping with the tradition of Swedish Heritage Day, you can customize banners and flags with your company name and logo and give them out at tradeshows. These colorful promo items draw attention to your company and help recipients to remember your brand long after the tradeshow ends. So get your promo items ready and wish your employees a happy Swedish Heritage Day!

Promo Items for Internal Use

As previously discussed, promo items make great tradeshow giveaways because they are small, cost-efficient ways to promote your brand. However, you should also consider the benefit they offer when used internally. Distributing wearable promo items to employees who stand at your tradeshow booth keeps them looking tidy, reinforcing the fact that they are knowledgeable about your company. Select shirts from the many options and embroider them with your company name and logo for a fashion-forward and functional product. After all, employees are the face of any company. If your budget allows, you can even customize promo items for each specific event and include the name and date of the tradeshow.

Promo Items in the Political Sphere and Beyond

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Election Day 2008, when Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States. During all of the speeches and public appearances he made while campaigning, Obama distributed promo items to increase visibility for his platform. These promo items, including T-shirts, stickers and pins personalized with Obama’s name and sometimes even an image of his face, engaged voters with his campaign and encouraged them to show their support. While promo items are ideal on the campaign trail, they also make great giveaways for companies in other industries. For example, colleges can distribute backpacks at high school information sessions to persuade students to apply to their university.

Professionalizing your Tradeshow Stall with Promo Items

In addition to distributing promo items as mass giveaways at tradeshows, consider using them to make your stall look professional. Not only will promo items increase the traffic at your booth, they will leave a lasting impression on everyone who stops by, long after the show ends. Personalize a banner or custom tablecloth in colors that correspond with your company’s logo, and choose a large, easy-to-read font for maximum exposure. Another way use promo items to make your company distinctive is to display a tall banner that will stand above the competition and draw attention to your booth, no matter where it is located.

Branding Your Company with Promo Items

Marie Antoinette was born on this day in 1755. Although few people will probably celebrate her life today, this might be a much different story if she had used promo items to salvage her reputation. The French Queen tarnished her image by arrogantly telling her people that they could "eat cake" during a terrible famine. One way for her to regain popularity would have been to distribute practical promo items, instead of mocking the situation. And, while this example might be a little far-fetched, companies today can see the benefits of using functional promo items to gain visibility and create brand loyalty.

Promo Items for Halloween

Once again Halloween is upon us and in addition to telling spooky stories and wearing clever costumes, it is a great time to incorporate promo items into your marketing campaign. In general, consumers hold on to products that they view as useful and applicable to their lives. For example, imprint a company name and logo onto candy wrappers for a delicious office treat and increased brand visibility. Another great idea for seasonal promo items is to create banners that can be hung up for office Halloween parties, along with streamers, cobwebs and other festive decorations. And, as the season is just beginning, you can continue to distribute fall-themed promo items long after Halloween passes.

Using Promo Items to Survive the Recession

Today, exactly 80 years after the Dow Jones plummeted over 38 points, is the perfect opportunity to learn a lesson about surviving financial downturns. Distributing promo items is an ideal way to maintain exposure and even gain more business when the economy turns around. Promo items are cost-efficient, allowing companies to stick to strict marketing budgets, and also serve as practical gifts. Recipients will appreciate receiving promo items that they can use at home or at the office, saving them the agony of buying these products with their own means. And, they will remember the name and logo of the company who helped them out when times were tough.

Choosing Promo Items for Your Next Tradeshow

Everyone knows that tradeshows are where you dole out promo items like candy to greedy attendees, but how can you pick promo items that make you stand out from all the other booths competing for attention?

One idea is to use cinch packs as your promo items. Cinch packs are those little nylon backpacks that can fold into a pocket size when empty and close with drawstrings. Their compact size makes them easy to transport to events, and tradeshow attendees will be glad to receive bags that help them carry all their other promo items. Your brand will benefit from riding around on the backs of the tradeshow visitors all day.

Drinkware is a category of promo items that people seem to think they can never have too much of. Everyone can find a use for a travel mug, water bottle, can koozie, or even a simple plastic cup. Giving away promo items that people value enough to take home and use every day is the vital way to imprint your brand upon the minds of your potential customers.

Consider raffling off bigger promo items like golf bags and electronics. If people have to win something they consider it more valuable than a giveaway. Holding a contest is a good way to attract attention to your booth and get people to look closer at your products and services as they wait around to find out who the lucky winner is.

These are just a few ideas for your next tradeshow. The important thing is that you stock up on promo items, engage the visitors at your booth, and follow up with personal contact as soon as possible. Good luck obtaining valuable leads at your next tradeshow.