| What do you consider most when buying promotional | | | | Originality is still the best approach. Interest-grabbing |
| products? Is it the price? The general look of the | | | | items will standout especially in big events (such as |
| item? How good your logo would look on it? There | | | | trade shows and conventions) where everyone else |
| are a million things you can ask yourself before you | | | | has something to offer the potential client. |
| purchase the giveaway that could make or break | | | | A fair note of warning though, choose something |
| your marketing plan. | | | | that won't end up in the trash bin or in a dark corner |
| One important consideration would be whether you | | | | collecting dust. To avoid such horrible ends to your |
| should go with the classic promotional items or try | | | | giveaway, consider a promotional item that draws |
| something unconventional. When everyone else is | | | | attention to itself yet has some degree of use for |
| opting for a shirt with a logo or a mug emblazoned | | | | the recipient. Oddly shaped pens or custom-cut |
| with the company name, should you go with the | | | | notepads are good examples. It is important at this |
| flow? | | | | point to ask yourself if you would like to receive |
| While the classic promotional products have certainly | | | | such an item. |
| passed the test of time, novelty has its points. David | | | | In choosing your promotional product, you should also |
| Ogilvy of advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather, puts | | | | try to find something that complements your |
| a strong emphasis on the BIG IDEA in his book | | | | company's branding. Say you were in the |
| Confessions of an Advertising Man. Known as one of | | | | construction business, a pocket screwdriver or a tape |
| the most influential figures in the field of marketing, | | | | measure would be great gifts to give away. |
| Ogilvy believes that "it takes a big idea to attract the | | | | In short, think out of the box, but don't forget to |
| attention of consumers and get them to buy your | | | | use your common sense. Unique items which are |
| product. Unless your advertising contains a big idea, it | | | | usable and represent your company well are great |
| will pass like a ship in the night." | | | | alternatives to classic promotional products. |
| In promotional marketing, the same precepts follow. | | | | |