Imagine this: a lot of keychains rattling in a fishbowl at your bank. Who really needs another next page keychain? But 10 minutes later, you\'re twirling one in your fingers and noticing how surprisingly satisfying the rubber grip is. There is something subtly clever about promotional products. Sometimes they last far beyond than the memory of the networking mixer where you got them in the first place. 
At a career fair, I got so many branded pens that my kitchen miscellaneous drawer turned into a pen adoption agency. Most of them weren't good enough to write novels with, but every now and again one was just right—smooth ink and a comfortable grip. It's like finding a golden ticket to a chocolate factory, but it writes in blue instead of brown. Some businesses think outside the box. I got a branded bagel slicer when I left an insurance conference. This isn't a standard giveaway, but my Sunday brunches have changed for the better. The name of the brand? Right on the handle. Good choice. Every time I cut a bagel, I think about their mascot, who was a little odd but highly memorable. Consistently, useful defeats showy. Shopping lists cling to the fridge, sticky notes stay on computer screens, and chip clips end up in every kitchen. Not many people post pictures of lanyards on social media, but if you give someone a thermal coffee mug, they'll post pictures of it in the gym and on the road. Getting something for free is a simple pleasure. You hold something in your hand, look at the logo, and maybe even laugh at a punny slogan. You put the stuff in your luggage anyway, even if you don't think much of it at the moment. It can take months for it to show up again, and then it's exactly what you need. Of course, choosing a standout piece is an art. People throw away useless junk. But the goodies become a part of everyday life. Think about little umbrellas for city dwellers, power banks for long Zoom calls, or supermarket bags that can be used repeatedly in eye-catching colors that make your eyes wet. If you can get your brand on someone's daily commute, you've won the marketing lottery. But things can get wild out there. At a convention once, I saw grownups elbowing each other to get little screwdrivers, and stress chickens (real squishy chickens that squeal) almost caused a stampede. People are consistently drawn to the novel. And don't forget how powerful it is to grin. Some of my favorite takes were the ones that had horrible jokes or cartoon expressions on them. One cup that says "Espresso Yourself" still makes me laugh at 7 a.m. That's the magic trick: choose things that people like or at least don't mind having around. Add a little humor or usefulness, and all of a sudden your brand is more than simply a name. It's a reminder, a little bit of help, or maybe a giggle on a gloomy Tuesday.
At a career fair, I got so many branded pens that my kitchen miscellaneous drawer turned into a pen adoption agency. Most of them weren't good enough to write novels with, but every now and again one was just right—smooth ink and a comfortable grip. It's like finding a golden ticket to a chocolate factory, but it writes in blue instead of brown. Some businesses think outside the box. I got a branded bagel slicer when I left an insurance conference. This isn't a standard giveaway, but my Sunday brunches have changed for the better. The name of the brand? Right on the handle. Good choice. Every time I cut a bagel, I think about their mascot, who was a little odd but highly memorable. Consistently, useful defeats showy. Shopping lists cling to the fridge, sticky notes stay on computer screens, and chip clips end up in every kitchen. Not many people post pictures of lanyards on social media, but if you give someone a thermal coffee mug, they'll post pictures of it in the gym and on the road. Getting something for free is a simple pleasure. You hold something in your hand, look at the logo, and maybe even laugh at a punny slogan. You put the stuff in your luggage anyway, even if you don't think much of it at the moment. It can take months for it to show up again, and then it's exactly what you need. Of course, choosing a standout piece is an art. People throw away useless junk. But the goodies become a part of everyday life. Think about little umbrellas for city dwellers, power banks for long Zoom calls, or supermarket bags that can be used repeatedly in eye-catching colors that make your eyes wet. If you can get your brand on someone's daily commute, you've won the marketing lottery. But things can get wild out there. At a convention once, I saw grownups elbowing each other to get little screwdrivers, and stress chickens (real squishy chickens that squeal) almost caused a stampede. People are consistently drawn to the novel. And don't forget how powerful it is to grin. Some of my favorite takes were the ones that had horrible jokes or cartoon expressions on them. One cup that says "Espresso Yourself" still makes me laugh at 7 a.m. That's the magic trick: choose things that people like or at least don't mind having around. Add a little humor or usefulness, and all of a sudden your brand is more than simply a name. It's a reminder, a little bit of help, or maybe a giggle on a gloomy Tuesday.