Lots. And at the same time, not much.

While there are all kinds of great promotional product ideas hidden away in catalogues, not many of them are being ordered by organizations eager to give their brands a boost. When companies look for products to place their logo on, the search more often than not leads to coffee cups, water bottles and one-size-fits-all baseball caps; even though there are far more interesting items available.

Lots of factors contribute to same-old, same-old in the company store. One is the make-everyone-happy syndrome. Make the staff happy. Make the client happy. Make the promotional products supplier with too large an inventory of T-Shirts and ballpoint pens happy. Don’t take chances. It’s sad how seldom a brand is reflected well in promo items.

So how do you come up with items that not only bring attention to your brand, but remind your customers of what you’re all about?

First, take your time. Don’t start thinking about souvenirs for the annual company picnic three days before the event.

Second, commit someone in your organization to the project and give them the final say even if what they come up with feels a little “out there.” It should!

Third and most important, choose your promotional products supplier on the basis of value and not just price. Will they work with you to come up with just the right thing and the perfect placement of your logo and message? Do they have the creative resources it will take to really differentiate your company?

Fourth, choose promotional products that are relevant to what you do. Coffee cups may be great for Jenny’s Java but not so much for Bobby’s Bottled Water.

Fifth and finally, with a clear mandate and a proven creative promotional products partner to work with, have fun and above all, go too far.

Don’t let a great item and an awesome graphic treatment of your logo get “toned down.” Follow these tips to avoid a bland brand when it comes to your promotional items.