Ways to beat financial woes

MANILA, Philippines - Here’s a solution to a problem that many companies and businesses now face because of the enormous cuts in their marketing and advertising budgets resulting from the effects of the global financial crunch.

“Try corporate giveaways, a very innovative yet effective and affordable marketing solution, regardless of the size and scope of your business,” said general manager Raquel Z. Romero of events organizer Worldexco Inc.

“Indeed, corporate giveaways make a smart marketing solution in today’s global financial crisis since these can get your corporate identity, brand names and key messages across to your target markets at a more affordable rate,” Romero said.

Romero was referring to the many items that companies give away to their clients and customers on various occasions year-round. 

“These items, which include garments, bags, mugs, caps, umbrellas, pens, organizers, calendars, key chains, desktop accessories and many other innovative, useful and interesting products, always remind the recipients about the company’s goodwill at a more personal and intimate level, even up to the privacy of their own homes or offices. Thus, corporate giveaways have a longer shelf life than a TV commercial and a more interactive relationship between a company and its clients than an advertising billboard,” Romero explained.

“What’s more, corporate giveaways can be more accurately targeted at your prospective market because you choose who to give these to,” Romero added.

These business realities have actually given birth to an annual event of the same title — “Corporate Giveaways” – now on its 21st year.

Corporate Giveaways is the Philippines’ premier annual show for business gifts, premiums, promotional ideas and merchandise incentives. These include even personalized scents, stoneware, toys, wines and spirits, advertising specialties, awards and trophies, CEO gifts, Christmas presents, houseware, and even election campaign materials.

The show, slated at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on July 16 to 18, also features Corporate Solutions, F&B Gifts Lane, and Corporate Lifestyle Showcase.

Corporate Giveaways 2009 is supported by Chase Technologies and Sign Media as event partners, and by the 88DB.com, BusinessWorld, Philstar.com, Media G8way, Enterprise and Computerworld as media partners, with Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT and Max FM as official radio partners. More information can be obtained from Worldexco (tel. 8558341 to 44, fax 8558346, or email [email protected]).