A Marketing Message that Keeps the Bugs Away

I don't know about you, but bugs freak me out. Literally. I'm quite "bugged" by them. Ladybugs and butterflies are okay but spiders, flies, beetles, stinkbugs, and other creepy crawlies make me scream like a woman who is demon-possessed. And when said critters get into my humble abode, well, I take a no holds barred approach because hey, this is my turf. Now, think about what I just told you. Wouldn't this seem like an issue that many people have -- bugs slithering into their homes -- due to a torn screen or a door that doesn't close properly? I gave you the problem. Here's your solution in a 16 Inch Giant Flyswatter. It's a giveaway that anyone could use and any company could utilize as a fun summertime promotion. Sure, you might think exterminators and pest control companies could find great reasons for giving these away, but so could healthcare organizations, banks, gaming institutions, retail outlets, and hospitality companies. Whether you live in an apartment or single family home, use an RV, go camping, or plan any other activities outdoors, you know how valuable this flyswatter is. Now, put a logo on that swatter and you'll be marketing your business to many potential customers in no time flat (no pun intended). 

Give Something Small and Get Something Big in Return

There is always an opportunity to get the name of your business out to the public. It can be when you're on a sales call (think business time) or when you strike up a conversation with someone on the next stair climber at the gym (think spare time). It always is a good time to talk shop or discuss your business with someone. Don't ever lose a potential opportunity! That individual you spoke to in line at the ice cream stand while waiting with your son for sundaes could end up becoming your largest customer or longest lasting partnership. Doesn't it make a lot of sense for you to give something so your latest contact has a tangible gift to remember you?  Here's one suggestion: the Post-it Fat Pad 2-3/4" x 3" x 3/4". Simple to carry around and simple to give to someone new whom you've just met. Handing your potential new lead a promo item makes you memorable, demonstrates your desire to do business with him or her, and shows that you believe a partnership with this person is worthwhile. And all of these things could help you to further grow your business. 

Wishing You Bon Voyage and Many Years of Being a Customer

Now that it's June many of us are planning getaways, vacations, and trips with the family, the significant other, with friends, or even by ourselves. Those in the hospitality industry know that a kitschy product like a sandal luggage tag could turn into something of major significance. By giving these eye-catching luggage tags to customers for free, you're likely to snag the attention of someone who hasn't ever used your service and that could spell out not only a brand new customer but a long lasting one. It also could mean that the client you thought would only be a one-time customer turns out to be a willing one for many years to come. It's like a coupon from a restaurant. Lure a new customer in with that coupon, treat him or her well, provide excellent service, and you've likely kept that customer. That new customer might become someone who uses your service or product for years. If that service is great, he or she may even tell others, which is the result you are hoping for. So, how could you afford not to give promotional items to your customers and potential customers? The answer is you really can't. You just never know when one item -- small or big -- will end up being the hook that grabs a new customer -- or keeps an old one. 

With Just One... Reaching Many

You might see something -- anything  at all -- and tie that particular thing to a past memory of yours. Another person -- your significant other, a coworker, your great uncle -- looks at that item and sees something completely different. Take that personal meaning for an item and transform it into a way that works for your business. The item could be anything at all but for ease and convenience let's use the Kan Kooler.  When you look at it, you might imagine a cold can of beer after mowing the lawn on a Saturday in July. Your wife sees it as a can of diet soda that keeps her going through that mid-afternoon slump. Your boss uses it to make sure that a can of orange juice stays icy before his 9:00 AM meeting. Your uncle finds that his protein shake stays at the right temperature. See, how one small marketing product means so much to so many? You might think that only one or two particular demographics could use a specific promotional item. But the truth is that so many find value in that one product. What's holding you back from choosing something for your next tradeshow or seminar? Pick something and you'll reach the masses. 

A Big Kahuna of a Giveaway

While spending the day at Dover International Speedway yesterday for the Nascar Sprint Cup Series, I realized something quite amazing. Sure there was thousands of race fans wearing apparel for their favorite drivers. But there was something else that really caught my eye. The pre-race carnival atmosphere complete with promoter tents and events was jam-packed with marketing and promotions. Everyone had something to hand to passersby. Race sponsors offered games, literature, coupons for freebies, and giveaways. LOTS of giveaways. What's in a giveaway? Well, you can surely use a toy or device that is closely tied to your product (i.e. a bacon distributor was giving out pig keychains). Or you can simply use something universal (mugs, baseball caps, pens) that you know anyone of any age would use. For summertime promotions, I think the Big Kahuna Bottle Opener is great. It's memorable, colorful, capable of opening any cold bottle, and small enough that a recipient can slip it into a purse or pocket.  The giveaway that you choose really means something when it is plugged with something from your company -- a coupon, business card, corporate literature. It helps your information to stand out and helps to ensure that your material will be read.