Using Promotional Products to Market Your Small Business

In today's world, it's hard for any business to attract potential customers. Promotional products offer an opportunity to get your company's name in front of potential clients in a cost effective manner.

Promotional products can range from coffee mugs, calendars, baseball caps, first aid kits, household accessories, and food items such as candy and nuts.

First and foremost, think about what you want these products to do for your business. Have a clear goal in mind. Are you opening up a new satellite store? Is it a grand opening? Or are you just trying to stay visible with your current clients.

Next, set a budget. Avoid overspending. You can still get your point across with a small budget. On the same note, recognize limited shelf life. Don't overstock! New and trendy products are always available. Talk to your promotional rep about this.

Seek out partnerships to share the cost. For instance, a title company and mortgage consultant can share space on an item (they are compatible) and in turn share the costs.

At the beginning of each year, set up a budget for your advertising and promotional items and then discuss with your promotional rep who can advise you on the most cost effective way to keep your name in front of your clients all year long. Items can be small, cost effective and targeted to get the most bang for your buck. Sometimes a postcard is enough.

Patricia Desiderio, owner and founder of Patty's Promotions (div. of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC).http://www.pattyspromotions.com

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Promotions (div. of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC). Patty's Promotions is a full service promotional distributor. Patricia writes articles for various organizations and small businesses.
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Press Release

The Harford Business Ledger

Press Release in the Papers

The Aegis
May 27, 2009

Baltimore Business Journal
May 22-28, 2009

Press Release - Connecticut office

Patricia Desiderio, Founder and President of Patty’s Promotions, (a Maryland based WBE company) announced the expansion in the northeast market with sales support in Connecticut. The firm currently has clients in the metro New York market. The expansion into this market will focus on servicing our current clients and providing support to future clients.

Patty’s Promotions (div. of Patty’s Gifts and Baskets LLC) is a full service promotional distributor. The company also has a separate gift basket division.

The company’s focus is B to B, assisting clients in helping them grow their business with marketing advice and products.
Kelly Doppke has joined the firm in Connecticut as a sales consultant to head the northeast expansion. Kelly has previous experience as a General Manager for a heating and air conditioning company. She was responsible for human resources and day to day operations. She has experience with inside and outside sales.

The company has two e commerce sites. The promotional products site has over 800,000 products at: www.pattyspromotions.com and the gift basket site has over 400 products (and ships international to over 40 countries) at: www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com. The company also has a blog where clients can access articles on networking, marketing, and press release about the company at: http://pattyspromotions.blogspot.com.
Contact info:
Corporate office E Mail: pattyspromotions@comcast.net
Connecticut office E Mail: kdoppke@yahoo.com

Press Release - New Hires

FOREST HILL, MARYLAND ….. Patricia Desiderio and her Forest Hill based promotional products and gift company (Patty’s Promotions, div. of Patty’s Gifts and Baskets LLC-a WBE certified company) announces the following staff additions.

Emmalyn, has been hired as a part time summer intern. She has just completed her first year at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah studying chemistry. Emma is a graduate of Aberdeen Science and Math Academy in Aberdeen. She will handle all office administrative functions to include assisting sales staff with order processing and follow-up. She will assist in organizing administrative systems.

Karen, has been hired as full charge bookkeeper and will be responsible for setting up our business accounting systems and collections. She has over 20 years experience working with small and medium sized companies in collections and aging reports, AP, financial statements, payroll and cash application. She is familiar with Quicken, Quick Books and Peachtree knowledge.

Susie, recently joined the firm as sales consultant covering Harford and Baltimore counties. Susie has experience in print sales and for the past seven years has worked tirelessly in the community volunteering for various non-profits and as committee organizer for conferences and fundraising.

Kelly, has joined the firm in Connecticut as a sales consultant to open up the northeast market. Kelly has previous experience as a General Manager for a heating and air conditioning company. She was responsible for human resources and day to day operations. She also has inside and outside sales experience.

2007 Holiday Gift Giving Tips, Advice, And More!

Gift giving to your loyal customers, valued clients, trusted partners, supporting agencies, etc. is a tradition during the holidays. You may know them quite well, or you may be hoping to get to know them better. Whether it's a person you work with exclusively or more of a company-to-company relationship, your gift is a chance to express your gratitude and good will. Because this is still a business transaction of sorts, it's also an opportunity to make a lasting impression that says something distinctive about you and your company.

Gifts keep a business relationship alive! Here are some tips when considering gift giving:

1. Don't send gifts wrapped in gold and black. Traditionally, these are colors of mourning. Gifts or wrapping in purple are considered a symbol of bad luck.

2. Do be conscious of cultural and health restrictions. Hindus, for example, don't eat meat. Traditional Chinese believe a gift of a timepiece means death. Diabetics need to watch their sugar intake. People with food allergies ned to see ingredient information.

3. Do keep your gift in a price appropriate area. Sending elaborate gifts sends the wrong message. If you have a small budget and cannot afford to send gifts this year, a Holiday card is an option. Sending a gift from your normal stash of give-a-ways sends the wrong message. It is better not to send than send a gift of this nature.

4. Don't send personal items to clients or staff. It could be misinterpreted. Some no-no items are: perfume, cologne, personal clothing.

5. Do check company policy for dollar limits on gifts. If a corporate policy prohibits gifts, ask if you can still send a gourmet gift basket, fruit basket, or tower gift with chocolates for everyone to share.

Gifts for Co-Workers: when it comes to gifts for the people you work with ... I am sure we've heard it all from the embarrassing Tupperware to the extravagant weekend get-a-way. Your co-workers and staff are your company's greatest asset, so choose gifts that reflect that fact. If asked to participate in a Secret Santa keep your gift neutral. Everyone has different tastes. For Secret Santa gifts, avoid personal items and opt for a box of upscale cookies or chocolates. Food gift items are the #1 gift during the holidays.

Gifts for the Boss are inappropriate .... ask yourself would the person be comfortable displaying this gift in the office? Remember .... when in doubt ... ask your gift professional to meet with you and offer advice on appropriate gift giving.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Basket LLC, a coprorate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations, newspapers on business matters such as strategic planning, networking, etc. Contact info: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

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