What is the best promotional product you ever received? Why did you like it? How long ago did you get it? Do you still have it today? Is it a functional product, or is it static, something to look at and remember when it was given to you? Does the company, representative and circumstances surrounding your receipt of the promotional product come easily to mind?
In my role as a product marketing communications professional, I received many promotional products from partners and vendors, usually at industry trade shows. They ran the gamut of what you typically see: business card holders, coasters, pens, Post-It Note pads, portfolios, mouse pads, thumb drives, screen savers (back in
So often, I walked away from a company booth scratching my head thinking: “Why are they giving that promotional item away? What the heck does that have to do with their company or their product? What is the message? The prospect is going to take the item back to the office and give it to the admin (coffee mug) or home and give it to their kid (Beanie Baby). It’s nice, but I doubt it’s going to build customer or brand loyalty, or result in a sale.”
Yes, I actually did have this thought quite often; after all, I’m a marketing communications professional, it’s how I’m wired.
The best promotional product you ever received drove you to take an action that helped you in your role with your employer and ultimately helped your company. Or, it was recognition bestowed upon you for achieving a goal or simply excelling and making your team and company better.
That’s a win for everyone and an item you probably will keep forever and look at occasionally with fond memories.
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