Everyone likes to get "something" for free, right? One of the ways I've seen small- and home-based business owners get the attention of potential clients is by participating in gatherings that market to their clientele (and potential clients) or colleagues. Whether you set up shop in a booth or participate simply as a sponsor, it's important to reach out and grab your future customers' eye...and to get your company's name in front of them.
One way savvy marketers do this is through goodie bags. Now, I'm not talking about the goodie bags worth thousands and thousands of dollars that are handed out to the stars at red carpet premieres (although several success stories have come from lucky entrepreneurs who were "discovered" just that way!). I'm talking about the simple things and places, like professional development seminars, industry gatherings, and the gobs of conferences and conventions we discuss here at SmallBizMentor all the time.
Most of us have used a pen handed out at the local bank or jotted notes on a "to-do" list conveniently thrown in with our subscription renewals to magazines, right? What about those magnets your Realtor keeps sending years after you bought your house, with his business card on the front? Okay, so some of them can feel a little cheesy at times, but they work. After all, your name is getting in front of potential customers for a low initial investment cost.
You're not limited to pens and magnets though. I recently received a catalog from a company called Professional Marketing Services, Inc. I was surprised to see all of the goodies one can order. We're talking about everything from badge holders and lanyards (handy for that convention; make sure everyone that works your booth has one if you allow casual Friday attire!) to pages and pages of messenger and tote bags that you can design yourself.
I see this being a fun way to make frequent buyers or preferred customers feel special, too. Web designers might want to invest in computer briefcases for their favorite clients (and then they are advertising for you). Emergency preparedness companies or field guides can hand out themed first aid kits (beach, golf, or outdoors...they all look fun). There are tons of pens and folders, of course, but you can also order paper cups, coasters...even bottled water wrapped with your company's label. How's that for an idea? Sponsor a seminar for local business people and offer them fresh fruit and bagels or croissants, along with your bottled water and napkins?
Oh, the places we can go! There are even things like CD cases, headphones, MP3 players, the works. There are other companies out there that offer marketing goodies and gadgets too, so start with PMSI and then search until you find someone who can offer up quality items at a price you're willing to invest at.
Comment Preview