"From last year's holiday shopping season through the middle of 2012, we have seen consumers starting to shop earlier surrounding major shopping seasons and holidays," said PriceGrabber's general manager, Graham Jones. The retail data collection company recently released a study showing forecasted behaviors for this summer's customer spending patterns. "We expect this trend to continue through the back-to-school season."

Much of the time these school shopping lists include things that businesses can easily give away as promo items, drawing a much bigger share of spent dollars. Attracting more revenue is key right now, especially with consumer confidence somewhat on the decline.

According to the Washington Times, the Consumer Conference Board recently published their findings on spending and sentiments among American shoppers to determine their most likely habits in the coming months. The review found the decline in economic confidence is continuing since February, meaning less aggressive businesses could lose out at the register.

"Consumers were somewhat more positive about current conditions but slightly more pessimistic about the short-term outlook," said the Board's director Lynn Franco in an interview with the Times. "If this trend continues, spending may be restrained in the short-term."

Offering supplies that are likely to already show up as essential to shoppers as promo giveaways will go a long way in pulling more people to your business. Others take the next step in advertising for back-to-school sales, putting their logos and sales offers right on the sides of bags or other items that can find use after the shopping season is over.

Since the Conference Board projects that sales right now are likely to be solid with future prospects less reassuring, owners and marketing managers need to get their heads together now with sound promotional notepad and related giveaways that appeal directly to the clientele most likely to be frequenting stores in the coming weeks.

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Items come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles as well as offering different uses and recognition values depending on what a company selects. Knowing what works for the business could mean boosted revenue and an enhanced customer base.

Picking from a variety

There's no need to offer a dozen different products to customers. Not only are they more expensive to acquire, the volume could confuse or alienate people more than bring them in, as it may communicate your company doesn't have a set direction.

Promotional calendars, notepads and USB drives can raise brand awareness in an office space, but unless that's the target audience, they may not be the best solutions. Similarly, tote bags and T-shirts have a lot of street presence, but an undirected campaign may not have the same effect as in a setting with contained viewers and a modicum of knowledge about the product or industry it's aimed at.

It's also important to be aware of aesthetics when choosing products. A well thought out, visually pleasing product is more likely to be picked up, displayed and kept, which are crucial aspects of a successful promo giveaway campaign. Some people may feel they have a good eye for these things on their own, but checking with customers, partners and staff may show that a certain style or color just doesn't work for the business.

Affecting the market

A recent article regarding promotional items in Australia said that "a product is a product until it is linked with a promotion, and then it becomes an advertisement."

This points to the need for effective marketing, not only to keep the business moving in the right direction, but to get the knowledge of a promotional product out there in the first place. If people aren't aware of a campaign with free promotional keychains, it's less likely these items will be picked up, getting the visibility a company needs to see a return on investment.

Once these have been distributed, though, it's still important to try and affect the mindset of the carrier as well as anyone who views the item later. For instance, instead of just printing a symbol or logo on the side of a custom pen case, include contact information or a slogan as well. The longer your item can hold a person's attention, the more likely it is they will recall something about the brand later.

It also helps to put the idea of activity into a consumer's head, even if it's as simple as including a phrase like "Call today" or "Check us out online." These short sayings will make consumers feel more compelled to actually do research or enquire further about the business.

Try it first

Before ordering one hundred promotional notepads with your logo or company information written on the face, see if you can get a physical sample first. Checking the quality and ensuring it's a product you and the rest of your team are happy with will increase the likelihood that consumers will feel the same way.

Promotional items are an important investment for any corporation, and making sure they are the right fit will help get the most bang for your buck.

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Doing new things

Not only are USB memory sticks a sign your company is aware of current trends for data storage, portability and sharing, they prove that you have a vested interest in giving your clients something they can use for more than just business reasons. The more uses a recipient can find for a promotional item, the more people will see the product and be likely to inquire about your business and services.

Promotional Products Association International conducted a survey to determine how effective giveaways are when it comes to reminding consumers of the company that provided it. The study found nearly 70 percent would only be interested in a product if they could think of common uses for it and weren't willing to bring home an item that didn't seem to have a purpose. Only 5 percent would be interested in taking a promotional product simply because it looked interesting, and barely 1 percent were intrigued by collectibility.

Making promos work

In some ways the shifting of industry is like the seasons – if you don't adapt, you might die. As technology moves toward smaller sizes and enhanced compatibility, it's important for companies to pursue that trend and make promotional items follow suit.

Offering logo tote bags epitomizes the modern consumer's desire for portability. It also will be something worn and used frequently, meaning visibility will be considerably more enhanced by this practical item as compared to a customized rubber stamp or something of that nature which while directly related to the company and does serve as a marketing tool doesn't encourage practical use.

In an interview with the Northwest Herald, small business owner Pat Gibbs explained that following the market and adapting to change can mean the difference between successful advertising strategies pulling in more business, and failed promotional giveaways costing the company money and failing to assist it in any measurable way.

"I think you always have to march forward with technology," Gibbs told the Herald.

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Giving gifts

It may seem strange to give promotional mugs or other items to staff for doing a good job, but these represent a token of the business itself, and while many recipients may want to leave it in the company kitchen, employees should be encouraged to bring home these items as proof of hard work and success on the job.

That's because your workers are also your best salespeople according to B2B Marketing. When someone asks about the promotional keychain they're carrying or the mug they're drinking out of, an employee can better answer questions about products and services right there for the interested party, rather than relying on the person to remember until they get access to search tools like the internet.

Giving promotional items to employees not only shows them that you value their efforts but helps you recruit outside ambassadors with in-depth, expert knowledge of the business.

Practical over unique

Some promotional items may sound like more fun or seem more interesting to clients, but it's important to figure cost as well as effectiveness into the equation, pointed out an article in MediaPost. Flashlight pens are portable and useful, but what do they have to do with your business? USB flash drives are more expensive compared to business pens, but if your company offers a product or service that's based on computer or data use, these might be a sensible giveaway that directly leads to more sales because industry folks will be more likely to inqurie about your products.

That doesn't mean necessarily that you should give away boring promotional items, just make sure the ones you invest in actually have ties to your company to see the maximum return on investment. If the Hamilton study is correct and such a large chunk of your annual costs are going to these investments, chances are you'll want to see an equitable boost in revenue compared to your overhead.

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One way to accomplish this is to embrace the atmosphere of austerity that develops once January 1 hits. Consumers will understand that they've just come through a period of excess, and will want to start the new year right. Consequently, resolutions and commitments to be healthier are frequently on people's minds. Offer promotional products that help people stick to their guns and remain strong, at least for a little while. Here are some of the best options and the accompanying promotional messages that can be shared along with them.

Sports bottles
If the new year came in middle of the summer, it might be easier for people to stay true to their weight loss and exercise resolutions. Unfortunately, the cold weather and short days make this very difficult. Encourage them nonetheless with products such as promotional sports bottles. They'll be excited that businesses are willing to help them stay committed, and will appreciate the help making themselves healthier.

Promotional wall calendars
Another popular new year's resolution is to stay in touch with acquaintances and avoid missing important opportunities. Most consumers find themselves so harried with work and other obligations that they might not be able to keep track of every event and contact. That's why personalized wall calendars and planners are excellent promotional products. Recommend that people make better efforts to mind their appointments and obligations through the use of free promotional materials.

Shopping totes
Many people like the idea of going green and preserving the environment, but few are actually able to do so. Going grocery shopping, for instance, would be a lot more ecologically sound if one was able to remember the bags he purchased to avoid wasting paper and plastic. Unfortunately, a lot of consumers forget to plan ahead, and don't grab their carriers before heading out to pick up essentials. Provide customers with free promotional shopping totes to help remind them that it doesn't take much to be ecological. In fact, branded totes can be made from biodegradable materials that are even better for the environment and will hopefully make even more of an impact on customers.  

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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.

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Unfortunately, many workplaces make it difficult to give away promotional products. In particular, desktop work stations must often be free of extraneous decorations or clutter. The only way around this is to provide marketing items that are also very useful for work-related tasks. Consider the following promotional products as giveaways for office workers – their utility and marketing power will be a boon for any organization.

Paperweights
Even though a rock or heavy item can serve the same purpose, a paperweight is an important tool for any desk. While the digital revolution is proceeding as planned, it is nevertheless common to see large stacks of disorganized paper at any given workstation. Consequently, few supervisors could take issue with the use of a decorative item that makes sorting through the reams and sheets just a little bit easier.

Business card holder
Like paperweights, the prevalence of computers and smartphones might lead one to believe that business card holders are fading in popularity. However, perhaps they've endured for precisely that reason. A business card is an important networking tool that, unlike an email or social media message, can be held in one's hand. A promotional business card holder is a great way to decorate one's desktop while simultaneously maintaining connections with important business contacts.

Stress reliever
This sort of item may be disputed by managers, but it certainly serves an important purpose for some personnel. Sitting at a desk all day can lead to poor posture, bottled-up energy and boredom. A promotional stress reliever is a great way to take care of those problems with just a few quick squeezes. Additionally, visitors to a desk can make use of a worker's stress reliever when necessary and may find meetings with its owner much more enjoyable in the future.

Memo pads
A piece of paper that has been stuck on one's computer screen or at a co-worker's desk has much more of an impact than a hastily-typed digital reminder that can be easily shunted off into a dark and oft-unused folder. The power of physical paper to capture one's attention is unlikely to go anywhere in the near future, so office workers will be well-suited to promotional memo pads at their desks.  

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In particular, promotional products that are useful in offices and stores can improve the image and name recognition of a company. When deployed in large numbers to a setting that already has companies on the mind, these devices will pay large dividends for a company that needs to get its name into the public sphere as quickly and efficiently as possible. Consider the following examples of office-themed promotional products at their best.

Calculators
There was a time when complex mathematical computing required an expensive device. These gadgets were status symbols that bespoke the wealth and intelligence of the user. Today, calculators are available on smartphones and PCs, rendering much of the impact that they once had insignificant. However, that doesn't meant that a calculator won't be a valued asset to an office worker. Indeed, many companies that employ accountants, scientists and other mathematically inclined workers will appreciate low-cost, affordable machines that can make their calculations easy to perform.

Memo pads
There's nary the office that won't make great use of a memo pad. Emails, text messages and instant chats may be great for electronic communication, but these ways of sharing information can be easily ignored or forgotten. Not so for a reminder on a memo pad, which can be affixed to a computer screen or on one's keyboard. This type of interaction will trump a digital one any time, which is besides the fact that many staff members may simply prefer the old-fashioned way of doing things.

Magnetic clip dispensers
Paper may be used far less than it once was in offices, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't require organization. In fact, the ease with which people keep folders and files in their correct places on computers will make dealing with messy reams of notes seem like a difficult trial. A magnetic clip dispenser can be personalized for a company and keeps important organizational tools at the ready.

Magnets
The many metal surfaces that surround office workers are the perfect place for more reminders that can't be ignored. Desks, filing cabinets and doors are all excellent places for subtle messages about keeping work areas clean, attending meetings, dress codes and other crucial information that employees are likely to forget. Additionally, refrigerators in offices are sacred places that often need cleaning and care, so the communiques that need to be made on their surfaces are best placed with promotional magnets.

Highlighters
The digital age has caused even the most diligent of workers to want to skim text and pick out the most important keywords. This is an efficient tendency, but can make reading physical pages of text seem tedious. Offices that have a healthy supply of highlighters on hand will be able to keep personnel focused on the important parts and indicate the portions that can't afford to be ignored. Promotional highlighters are excellent tools for this, and unlike promotional pens, which are great products in their own right, they'll stand out in a drawer or on a desk.

Rulers
Despite the numerous benefits that they provide, there's one thing computers aren't very good at doing – measuring things. Having a ruler on hand is a blessing, because there are many times when a measurement is required but no tool to perform it is at hand. The desperate worker who finds a promotional ruler on hand will be unlikely to forget the name of the company that provided it.  

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