Magento Imagine: The SWAG
The second I confirm my registration for Imagine, I start thinking about the swag (stuff we all get). The freebies, trinkets and promotional materials that once made me purchase a second suitcase just to get everything home. I must admit, there is always a moment at Imagine when I feel like a hoarder. Besides the free pens and sticky notes, Imagine often provides some very unique SWAG, that over the years has made my day. From well-made back packs to adorable stuffed animals (great to take home and give to the kids), Imagine does it right! And, it doesn’t stop there.
Sponsors Marketplace
On April 23rd, when the Sponsors Marketplace doors open, there is plenty of swag to go around. I feel like I should be wearing a costume, because as you travel from booth to booth, it feels like Halloween. The number of give-aways will blow your mind; plus, contests abound to win some pretty cool stuff.
Swag Encourages Networking
One of my favorite parts about the Marketplace swag is that it provides a great way to network with the venders personally. Remember with over 3,000 people in attendance, one-on-one time can be limited. The Marketplace environment provides a way to interact and engage with Magento partners, while also forming a true connection and valuable insight to the future of Magento.
Short Term Benefits of Swag
I know there are some who think swag is nothing more than a useless ploy that does not command respect, but when it comes down to the bottom line, it serves quite a marketing punch above its weight. In case you are wondering how, here are a couple of examples of what swag can do short term.
- Swag puts your brand “out in the wild,” and gives it the potential to be seen by a lot of people.
- Great swag makes its way to social media.
- Swag inspires the questions from those not familiar with your brand.
- Swag can start a conversation that leads to a business connection.
- Swag is the only medium that engages all five senses. Your customers can see, hear, touch, taste and even smell them.
Long Term Benefits of Swag
- Increased brand recognition. Swag is a simple tool that can help increase brand awareness for your business; by customizing an item that a customer can use in his or her everyday life with your logo, for instance, you’re able to keep your small business top of mind.
- Mass outreach at a low cost. With a tight budget, it can be difficult to choose exactly what marketing items make the most sense for your small business, and what items will give you the most “bang for your buck.” With a small price tag but large, lasting impact, promotional products are a great value for your investment. Keep this in mind: A simple giveaway is a great way to increase customer loyalty.
- Alternative business card. While business cards will always be an incredibly valuable business staple, promotional products are a fun, creative way to showcase your contact information.
- Tactile. Providing swag is a way to ensure repeat brand exposure. Providing something your clients can use daily, such as pens, chargers, and mousepads reminds them of the meeting at Imagine. Remember each customer wants to know you appreciate their business, providing a gift to hold in their hands makes them feel important to your success.
Taking it Home
Let Imagine 2018 and the Sponsors Marketplace be the spark to your business. Let it be the catalyst to new growth. In your search for swag, look for relationships, opportunities, and insights that will help you create a stronger business moving forward.
We would love to know about some of the swag you have found the most useful.
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