Running a business is tough, and marketing it – and yourself – well is even tougher. This article is aimed at helping you to think outside the box when you’re networking, and how best to get people talking to each other.
Hosting corporate events is a great way to get your staff and customers talking and provides a perfect networking opportunity for all involved. Any good host company will create an atmosphere in which guests feel comfortable to talk to each other with ease and you might want to consider adding in a few unique touches to get the conversation flowing. Funny or thought provoking stands and information boards can be a good way to advertise your brand whilst giving people a conversation point.
Corporate promotional gifts are also a great ice breaker, particularly if they are unusual or funny. Items which require interaction such as puzzles are a good gift idea, and you might be able to find items such as paperweights which are shaped unusually. Awards can also be a great conversation starter – you may want to hold a short ceremony with comical award titles which can provoke a great atmosphere and give nominees and recipients alike something to talk about! Gifts that require guest interaction are good, such as small games or desk toys. You could even run a competition at your event and provide attendees with an object that they need to participate. To keep guests hydrated you could offer free hot drinks and hand out collapsible cups to guests as gifts; you could also hand out sweets, chocolates, biscuits or cakes – these items are always appreciated by people passing your stall who have been on their feet all day (you’ll probably enjoy some too!).
The internet has the best choice of fun and original corporate gift ideas and you might like to talk to your staff to give you a few ideas. Look for gift companies that also offer personalisation services, so that you can put your own company name or logo onto the items that you choose.
The best corporate promotional gifts are ones that are linked to your company in some way. If you can find items that appeal to your guests and staff yet still retain a corporate message or brand image, you will be able to effectively advertise your company and simultaneously create a point of interest to stimulate networking.
Author Bio: Kevin Ross is the founder of The Corporate Gifts Company, who specialise in promotional items, offering high quality silver plated executive corporate gifts. Our range includes a wide selection of business card holders, cufflinks, sterling silver gifts and desk items, making us the number one suppliers of corporate gifts in the UK and globally.
Great food for thoughts. It has given some ideas regarding how I might promote my blog. I LOVE the silver plate gift ideas. Thanks for that.
In Finland they also do corporate event like that which is have same aim,i seen a lot of good things here and i am very thankful that i learn so much about corporate events.
I have hosted a number of corporate events and very much agree with you. Finding something interesting and engaging is key to the success of the event. Offering swag that everyone likes, finds useful and relevant adds icing on the cake with any quality event. :), Susan
Thanks for the great set of ideas.. Corporate events are a very important part of any company’s annual calendar, as they help promote the business internally and externally, as well as reinforcing brand values and corporate messages.