Put your name everywhere, pens, pencils, and notepads, everything a potential customer will use and so keep your name in front of them.

Printing materials does not have to be restricted to newsletters, flyers, white papers, books, etc. You can create any number of promo items. Pens seem to be a common one. When you think about it, people often feel the need to borrow a pen: why not give them one with your company name and information on it. And how often have you lent a pen and it was kept by the borrower, without thinking. You want to encourage this, of course.

My daughter happened to pick up a pen when filling out a form somewhere and ended up inadvertently taking it home. A month later, she was rummaging around for a pen as she needed to look up a place to buy new insurance. It just so happened that the pen she had picked up was found in her junk drawer. Believe it or not, it was for an insurance agency just down the street from where she lived. She called them and ended up being a customer for the insurance company. Even though this may be a rare case, it does happen and pens do act as reminders of what you do.

When you are circulating and networking at events, carry a few extra promo items with you and if you hit a good prospect, offer them one. If the item is a pen, take them everywhere you go, someone is always looking for a pen to write phone numbers, etc. I always hand out a white paper that is relevant to my business when networking and finding a possible client. I want to educate and inform them about what I do without being pushy. Does this work? Yes but in ways that are not obvious at first. These papers often get handed around at work and then I will get a call. Promo items give enough information so that it will make it easy for potential customers to contact you. Your business name, contact information and web address should be printed and easy to read.

The point with a promo item is that you want to be either remembered or you want to be noticed. In either case a good promo item will help you achieve this. You can strive to be different, but you are more likely to be noticed if you strive to be useful in everyday business life. Look for things that are unique, useful and represent you well.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D., has spent 25 years in various technical and business leadership roles. Dr. Daoust brings to the table a successful executive career combining many years working with government, non-profit and for profit organizations in a broad variety of industries. Her positions have included executive, financial, marketing, sales, and service management. She has worked with such companies as Peet?s Coffee & Tea, Mobile BIS, Cisco, Accenture and Avaya in the field of knowledge management.