Let's Talk About Ads

I AM

As I sit here tacking stickers with our company's logo on promotional bottles of hair gel, I really have to wonder just how effective these small items are. What does a software company and hair gel, mints, and some of these other nicknacks have in common?

My dad used to bring back all sorts of little toys from software trade shows. I've played with fuzzy little monitor creatures, temporary tattoos, and all sorts of wacky pencils. I have no idea what company those things were trying to promote, nor did I really care. Of course, I was not the target market, but I can almost say for certain that my dad didn't care either. He just tossed the free stuff my way and never gave them a second glance.

Now that I have become the target market for these products that I'm labeling, I still don't understand why companies give them out. I'm not saying it's a nice gesture, but I think some people could use a little creativity with the things they give out. Maybe go for things that people would actually use.... like CBS's new egg marketing idea. I don't really like the though of things stamped onto my eggs, but at least people will see them every time they go reach for an egg.

posted by Sarah @ 1:09 PM