Select the best – Give gifts with thought and creativity

Successful companies may not put their promotional product policy at the top of their priority list. However, emphasizing the importance of personalized gifts helps solidify an organization’s relationship with members, sponsors, and prospective customers.

From logo pens and tote bags, from employee appreciation awards to trade show giveaways, from website deals to free giveaways; promotional items demonstrate professionalism and commitment to others. Studies show that quality products can increase direct mail response rates, the likelihood of returning first-time customers, and trade show traffic. Experts have shown that recipients who received a gift both before and during a trade show were much more likely to visit the trade show space and were more likely to report goodwill associations of customers with the company.

However, the key is to carefully plan your gift memorabilia. A business shouldn’t just print a random item to donate. Creativity, planning, and marketing are crucial to ensuring that the item you select makes an impact. The promotional item should symbolize the thought and care you put into the effort.

Importantly, you don’t have to break the bank to impress your constituents. A promotional product can be effective without being too expensive. When a team channels its creativity and focuses on the intended outcome of a message and the importance of the overall meaning of a product, sometimes the simplest merchandise can fill the role.

Of course, simply choosing any old product because of cost will likely backfire. Know that it is better for your company’s image and reputation to choose not to give a gift at all rather than give an item to which little care or attention has been given. A company that focuses on cutting costs by delivering a poorly planned product with no thematic purpose or meaning will send a negative message to the public that they can remember for some time.

On the other hand, selecting just the right item is not always enough. For example, during trade show events, consider incorporating before and after effects into a product.
Use your chosen products to help you promote. Send guests a gift beforehand, along with an invitation, and let them know why they should plan to visit during the show. Chances are if you give them a reason they will show up. Time-sensitive offers, additional free products, and prize draws are all ways to attract visitors.

You can choose to be flashy or high-end, if that’s the route that best complements your marketing. It could offer technology such as jump drives, carrying cases, or even premium golf balls. On the other hand, with the right message, even a simple item like a water bottle or travel mug can have the same effect.

For conferences and workshops, take advantage of all the possibilities to customize the necessary materials and supplies. Items such as lanyards, tote bags, writing folders, pens and highlighters are all products that can be imprinted with an association’s name. Let attendees know these items are meant for their use and to keep. Their experience at the meeting will feel a little more appreciated or welcoming, and they will surely use the gifts. And taking them home means logo supplies will travel back to their original homes, offices and other gatherings. These promotional gifts do not cost the sponsor much, yet they continue to market and work for the company long after the workshop is complete.

Another idea is to order quality thank you gifts for presenters and speakers at a conference. The host of the event has the opportunity to show appreciation and integrity for their organization. Impress your key contributors and offer them something personalized to use. You can really surprise a recipient by learning a bit about them. Contact your assistant, your staff or your association, to make the gift that surprises them and that they appreciate.

There may be some unavoidable situations with companies that are in the market for choosing gifts where a gift needs to suit a variety of speakers. This leaves little room for customization and uniqueness. In this situation, experts say it’s best to choose something with an element of humor or lightheartedness.

Lastly, be careful when selecting your promotional products. Impress, show your creative side and let people see the thought and effort you put into even the smallest of ideas.