Lots of companies give away something...a freebee with their name and logo on it.
I was wondering how many organizers do this?
What do you give away?
Does it work for you?

In the past I've given away custom made note pads, pens and canvas bags. I am researching some more options now and they are endless!

I should have also made a note that although a new client never told me they called because of a promo item, they were able to locate my name and number again before the item was in the house.

Boy Bonnie, that sure is a two-sided topic. We spend a lot of time weeding "freebies" out of our clients homes. I tell them that no item is free because it costs them space and time.

On the other hand, we are also business people and if we don't work to get clients, we soon won't be in business.

It will be interesting to hear what organizer- and just plain readers of this site- say.

As a consumer, I nearly always say "no thanks" when being handed free items at booths. I can't imagine what they could give me that I don't already have. A coffee mug? A ruler? An ink pen? A jar opener? Got them already. I looked around and about the only thing I can think of that I have on hand, given by a business, are key chains or tags, which I find handy to repurpose for organizing and labeling.

As an organizer and business person, I have given my business card on a magnet in hopes that they could find it when needed. At the holidays, I have gifted consumable items such as popcorn or a notepad.

Probably the thing I've given away the most are doorprizes. I always seem to be heading somewhere to talk or to teach a class and I give a doorprize.

I've mixed feelings over promo products. Love to hear what others think.

I also have mixed feelings over promo items. I recently participated in a bridal market for my small business group, and I struggled with what to put in the brides' swag bags to promote my business. I usually loathe receiving small trinkets such as the ones Lea listed, and since I'm promoting organizing services, I didn't want to give out something that would likely just be tossed when the client gets home.

I finally decided to give out some really cute bookmarks (trendy looking but inexpensive at Hobby Lobby) with a sticker label on the back that said something like "put me in your planner as a reminder to call [my business name here] for all your organizing needs!" as well as an offer for 20% off for mentioning the bookmark. I'm not 100% sure that was the best thing to give, but that's the best I could come up with at the time. I'm also curious to see what others think. The business card on a magnet is a great idea and one I have also considered.

I too have had mixed feelings about promotional items. I encourage my clients to get rid of this type of stuff, so there's an irony about using them to promote my business.

IF I decided to purchase promotional items, a consumable item would seem to make sense, to avoid contributing to people's clutter. But then they will definitely get used up and thrown away, nullifying the promotional value. Or, perhaps I could go with some sort of organizing tool or office supply item. But then you're getting into more expensive items, and I just don't have it in the budget.

The magnet idea seems to make the most sense. People with clutter often have a lot of stuff stuck to the fridge with promotional magnets. I picture a busy mom scrambling for a take-out menu because her kitchen is a mess and she doesn't have time to clean it before dinner. She sees my magnet holding up a menu. She doesn't call me right then, but at least my name catches her attention while she's in the midst of her clutter problem.

Magnets are cheap. They are also quick and easy to order. They seem like the perfect promo tool for an organizer on a budget.

Thanks for all the thoughts everyone! I agree about the clutter debate-which is why I've used the tote bags that make it to the grocery store.
I am thinking of using chocolate soon!

Bonnie Joy - LOVE the tote bag idea.

The tote bag sounds great! That's a useful item especially with the "green campaign"

Not only would the recipient see your business name and information, but so would other people when the bags get used.

Tote bags ARE a great idea! These are also something that would be perfect at trade shows. Everyone is always looking for a nice bag to carry all their stuff around in at shows. And if they're good quality, they get used for a long time afterward.

I love the tote bag idea!!!! It's useful and recyclable. I also like the magnet idea as well. For those who use a coarkboark/magnet board at their desk, the magnet will remind them to stay organized and if the start to lose control they know who to call. hehehehe

~ Michele ~