Most small businesses conceive of promotional products as tools to be deployed during normal working hours. Not taking into account all the fairs, community events and other special outings that go on throughout the year, this point of view overlooks one very lucrative setting for handing out branded gifts – the company party.
Whether treating fellow coworkers to a lavish Holiday soiree or organizing a less formal summer barbecue for employees and their family members, it's unwise to dismiss the effect that a few branded beach balls or stress buttons could have on the people who already count as a company's biggest fan base. People tend to hold on to free gifts, especially when they come in the very useful and practical form of logo tote bags and personalized pens. Add the memory of unfettered fun into the mix, and this results in the perfect storm for boosting employee morale and enhancing the longevity of a small business brand.
Here are a few types of giveaways that lend themselves to a company's inner circle:
Custom coffee mugs
No one knows the importance of a morning cup of joe like the people who show up faithfully at your office every morning. Mugs often become a permanent fixture on desks and in cubicles, reminding fellow workers of the artsy person who owns that ceramic handcrafted piece or the proud sports fan with the athletic mug. There's no affiliation that workers share in common more than their place of employment, however, and it's essential for everyone to own at least one mug that proudly totes this fact.
Personalized notepads
Most workers are familiar with the cardinal rule of "thou shalt never attend a meeting without a notepad in thy hand." Even if it's a meeting that isn't likely to warrant any note-taking, it's considered proper business etiquette to show up looking prepared. With such a never-ending source of demand for these products, companies would be wise to step up and provide the supply. Take it one step further by personalizing a notepad with an employee's name and a company logo. Workers will be glad to have a handy tool that speaks directly to them, and it wouldn't hurt for their friends and family to use this branded item when making their next grocery list.
Branded tote and duffel bags
Few things are ever as universally appreciated as handy tote and duffel bags. Whether used at the beach or to pack for a ski trip, these items make their usefulness known at any given point throughout the year. What's more, many workers often need these bags to transport their gym clothes with them for a quick jog either before or after work. Besides, it's a sure bet that lots of people will be doing overtime at the gym around this time of year to balance out their holiday excesses.
Promotional wine and beer gifts
Lest a party atmosphere be riddled with free handouts that only serve to remind one of Monday morning, stay in line with the spirit of the event and give fellow coworkers gifts that they're likely to use right there on the spot. Promotional bottle openers are a much-needed commodity both at a function and throughout day-to-day life, and most people never cease to appreciate the source of these important tools when they come in handy. A two-bottle jute wine tote is perfect for carrying home any extra bottles of pinot noir leftover from the company bash, and, when branded with a company logo, will continue to serve as a reminder to everyone around that the small business can well be associated with a good time.
