I don’t know about you, but every here and there I get a package in the mail from a company trying to sell me promo items for my business. Usually they include a sample pen.

Promotional items can be very helpful if done right. But do your customers really need another pen.

Well, pens are at least easy to give away. Heck, you know how often pens disappear. But there are more interesting products to use to promote your business.

I’m checking out the Leader Promos site. While I don’t know about the colors, I do like the products. The sheer range is a delight. You can probably find something appropriate to market your business.

As I see it (and I could be flat wrong about this), there are at least two challenges to marketing with promo items. The first is choosing the right item, something that is appropriate to your business. The second is that it should be something that people will keep around and think of your business when they see it.

Pens may be the classic precisely because they are small and useful. They meet the criteria very well. But a little more creativity might catch more people’s attention.

That’s where it looks like Leader Promos might do really well. They have such a range… apparel,calendars, bags, candy, tools and many more, in addition to the standard pens.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has actually placed an order. What is your opinion?