Most Marketing managers know the easiest way to get new customers is through referrals. Smart managers have found that promotional products, when used properly are an effective way to boost referrals and build the bottom line.Do you have a strategy that automatically reminds clients, friends, and family members to speak with colleagues about your products or services?

Here are some ways to implement a solid plan that's sure to bring in more business.

Plan Ahead. Create an easy system that pursues referrals and your staff will be more inclined to use it.Instead of each salesperson having to come up with individual ways to ask for referrals, have a package on hand that acts as a referral booster.

Have a Hook. Your referral programme should be memorable and unique, just as your business should be.Clients must want to refer others to you.Come up with a very usable promotional product or a clever tag line.One company that manufactures inverters in New Delhi offers perfumed candles imprinted with the message, "Call us when the lights go out."

Keep in Touch. Form a regular KIT (keep in touch) programme.For example you might send imprinted calendar/calculators in December, specialty box of candies in February, a fresh plant in June with rains calling into Kerala and a logo'd thermometer in November besides silver coins during Divali.

Be Consistent. Referral programmes work only when you and your employees become comfortable with asking for referrals.Make it a part of every business call, during the sale and in the follow up.Give your clients a small token, such as an imprinted letter opener or a desk clock, to keep your name and contact information handy.

In order to get referrals, your product or service has to be outstanding.The right promotional product will make your company unforgettable.

Motivational Magic

Your business is only as good as your employees.Holding on to the best workers and motivating them to do their best is directly tied to profits and growth. While a cash reward for a job well done is certainly appreciated studies show money isn't the most effective incentive.Employees tend to spend the bonus on bills and don't associate it with excellent performance.

A well-planned incentive programme with clear, accomplishable goals can work magic on a workforce.To achieve success, make sure your employees have the training and information they need to excel.Help them find the challenge and excitement to move toward a defined objective.

Why it Pays to Spread Goodwill

Sending holiday gifts to customers as a token of appreciation is not only an example of goodwill, it's good business.You want to select a gift that will be used and appreciated.Delectable edibles fall into this category, especially during the holiday season.Rather than simply sending a box of chocolates or a jar of nuts with a card, use creative packaging embossed with your firm's name.This way, the container will linger long after the goodies have been gobbled, reminding the recipient of you.

The treats themselves can be memorable conversation pieces.CD-molded chocolates imprinted with your logo and message, for example will likely be displayed for days.

Make sure your holiday presentation is different from giveaways used throughout the year.This is the perfect time to say thanks to loyal customers.A more personal or higher-end gift, discreetly imprinted and accompanied by a personalized letter, would strike the right note.The gift doesn't have to be expensive, just thoughtful.

Another idea is to place several small items - a pen, mini tool kit, or flashlight in a stocking.Other seasonal items include imitation jewellery and music CDs.

What to get a Top Executive

If you are wondering what gift your executive-level customers would appreciate, you might want to use these statistics from a recent CEO profiling study:

Most executives spend more time at the office than traveling or working remotely.

(Average time spent -- 59% of their time on career, 29% on family and 12% on social activities). 91% own a home PC, 80% a laptop, 92% a cell phone and 54% a hand held computer. Gifts that bring a little bit of home into the office might be appreciated.You may also try something that relates to the technologies these executives heavily rely on such as a cell phone case, PDA holder, or a laptop bag. Like an interesting software, a new accessory that makes using the gadget much more easier or fun. Like a digital camera.

The ideal gift could change the toughest and most difficult client to "purr" like a domesticated cat for your product or services.