It has long been standard practice to give people more than they expect in the form of promotional items. The problem, of course, is most people have seen the run of the mill things. This means you need to go beyond the norm to have your items make an impact.

Using promotional knick-knacks is a time-tested strategy that has worked for more companies than you can count. One need only look to infomercials and the humorous “but that’s not all” sales pitch. In more mundane arenas, companies like Sports Illustrated are famous for offering bags and such to increase membership rates. Indeed, the famous Sport Illustrated swimsuit edition was created for this purpose.

When you think of promotional stuff, what comes to mind? Pens. Coffee cups. T-shirts. Calendars. The list is actually fairly large. The problem, of course, is most of the items on the list are fairly mundane and your perspective clients have seen them again and again.

To really gain there attention, you need something new and unique. Where can you find such products? Well, there are a couple different strategies that can work. The first is to look for private label opportunities. There are many companies that put out unique items that would make great promotional material. Although they do not overtly advertise it, many of these companies will actually put your brand on their product to make a great, unique promotional item.

A second strategy involves simply browsing the web until you find that perfect product. Once you do, contact the company and speak with the decision maker. Discuss the idea of a private label order. The decision maker may have never contemplated a private label order before, but the mention of a bulk unit order will often get them excited. If you can entice them, you can obtain that unique promotional item that makes all the difference.

Companies have used promotional widgets of one sort or another with great success through the years. Whether it is cranking up magazine memberships or sales, a truly unique promotional product can generate tremendous results.

Richard A. Chapo writes about promotional products for NomadJournals.com - makers of unique, private label promotional and corporate gifts.