It's a good idea to question all aspects of our business expenses to determine if and why we need these expenses. Promos are one of the first things that get cut in a crummy economy. People lose sight of the reason they ordered them in the first place. It's easy to want some ego swag - feel good items for the employees or customers; but don't forget the real reasons you included them in your marketing and human resource mix:

They are tangible - they last beyond the latest tweet

They have value - most are functional

They reinforce your message - get the point? knife? anyone?

They are targeted - you give them directly to your intended audience versus mass unkown people

They create goodwill - tough to measure until you get a negative review

They are inexpensive - you can find a promo to fit almost any budget

They support your health and safety programs - proof to your insurance company that you are trying to improve

They create conversation and action - sign up today for your free promo or wow, what's that?

Remember: targeted, tangible and lasting!