Promotional Gifts - Why aren’t they used in every industry?
Check your pen supply. Chances are many of them have logos on them, promote a business, and were given to you free, perhaps as a thank you for your business. So, why doesn’t everyone use them?
I come from the commercial banking industry. We routinely gave out promotional type items, all always below around a $20 price tag. Pens, key chains, golf towels, golf balls, mugs, tumblers, the list doesn’t stop there. Recipients always appreciated them. There is something nice about receiving a free “gift”. Even though they were not high price points, they were always received well.
I have continued that approach and strategy with my consulting business. Promotional items have been distributed, such as blankets, pens, journals, mouse pads, tumblers, buttons, and bags. Illuminate and, either its logo of a lantern or our women executive logo for the IWON (Illuminate Women Owners Network) Program, are out in circulation. They are my form of advertising and prospecting. An IWON member recently commented how she loves the program and all the “goodies” she receives. That made me smile. Promotional Items can be well under $100 and the value received for them can be much higher. I really do not understand why more industries do not use them.
My suite partner is an Architect. Not only do they not appear to use any promotional items but the partners/consultants who receives a lot of money from her on multiple jobs not only never send thank you notes but never even send cookies or chocolates or even flowers. They are receiving tens to thousands of dollars in work annually and not even a thank you? I find it a very disturbing aspect of that industry. And, rarely, if ever, do any of said consultants ever provide prospect projects for the firm. There have been but a few I can count on one hand.
If you are a vendor or a consultant and have Architects as clients who send you business, take a moment and think what you can do for them. A pen, a t-shirt, a box of chocolates? NOT doing anything is not a good trend. You have the power to change the traditions in any industry. Take advantage of your power and be kind, say thank you, send a nominal gift, make sure that client understands you appreciate them continuing to send you business. If you stay with a status quo, you are choosing to be unkind. Think about that on the next job someone gives you.
Remember that many larger firms, publicly traded, or government, cannot accept gifts usually over $20, some not at all. But the small entrepreneur, the Architect, the Interior Designer, the Retail Shop Owner, the Photographer who always goes out of their way for you, rest assured, they can likely accept the flowers, the pen, the blanket, that cookie tower. Change your habits, your industry traditions, and help small businesses along the way. It’s that time of year, check under the tree, and give out some thank you gifts!
Be well.
