Have you thought of how to get your brand into the hands of both your customers and employees beyond basic business cards, envelopes, etc? How about giving prospects something they can USE. Branded business cards and marketing collateral are a basic starting point and necessity for most any company, but providing usable, branded products is a creative way to remind your customers of your company’s value.

There are thousands of promotional products available from writing utensils, cups, and apparel, to flash lights, USB’s, and umbrellas. These products are used to promote companies, services, and products, but they’re also used for employee recognition and customer appreciation. Try this little experiment: Look around your office and count how many promotional items you see. In my office, I found a promotional calendar, several pens, four writing pads, a tote bag, a business card holder, a ball cap, and a lunch bag. As TKO Marketing Solutions account manager Jack Woodlock says, “Everybody uses promotional products, whether they know it or not.”