Giving something away at a trade show or conference is a fantastic way to connect with people. Everyone loves free stuff, so here’s how to use a giveaway to win over the hearts of your contacts.
Use Hunger to Your Advantage
After a long day most people will be diving through their bags for whatever free food has been given through the day. Don’t be boring and expect a free Nutri-Grain to bring back results, give them something unusual and exciting. Nostalgia is always a safe bet with food. I was once given a bag of pick and mix by another company and it beats all of the branded mugs hands down. If you want me to use your company, Palma Violets and White Mice certainly won’t hurt your chances.
Oh another pen? Wonderful!
No one has ever said that. It’s important to get your business details out by something they will use again and again but honestly, I give it 24 hours before the pen you’ve so kindly given me gets lost forever. A fancy bookmark is always a good choice for a well-read clientele. If you’re in a tech business, memory sticks are always handy. The message you want to convey is that your business is personable and helpful.
The Digital Dimension
Giving away something digitally makes it harder to lose. Free eBooks or audiobooks can be fantastic promotion. It also gives you a chance to collect their emails so you can them follow people up personally later.
Be Quirky
After the last business event I went to I reached down into my goodie bag, past the pens, mugs, brochures, and leaflets and discovered a rubber duck. It had the company’s name printed proudly on the front and an expression as confused as mine was. We stared at each other for a few seconds, while I tried to work out where best to put this new addition. Finally I put him on the bookshelf and I have a feeling he’ll be there for a long time.