Quick Tip: Use Branded Stationery

Not specifically a networking tip. However, it can be a great tip to increase your visibility at networking events. Having branded stationery is a must have. As well as being a great gift in the right circumstances, branded stationery (pen and paper) can be a discrete way to raise your visibility at a networking event. Even though we rely on technology – there will always be someone who needs a pen or paper. Not everyone will bring a pen with them. So having a branded pen can be a simple-easy way to raise awareness at a networking event, and potentially kick-start a conversation.

Hosting an event

If you are hosting an event or seminar at your office – it is likely that attendees will be your target audience. Therefore have a pot of branded pens within easy reach for them to use and potentially take with them (they will be reminded of your name/brand) every time they use the pen. If you are giving out feedback forms or it is the type of event they will be taking notes – leave pens with the feedback forms and/or notes – ready for them to use.

If you have a pen that fees good and writes well – people will continue to use the pen long after the event – spreading the word about your brand. The same works for notebooks.

Use your own stationery out and about at networking events

Don’t overdo it, but if you use branded stationery discreetly at networking events, it creates another touchpoint for attendees. For example, I will often use one of my corporate branded pens (which helps create a bit of visibility) but I will also use a non-branded professional but fun notebook.

If you can’t use your own branded stationery, an alternative might be to pick a client and use and showcase their stationery instead particularly if you know they will be in attendance at the event – it can be a great talking point.

Be the person with a spare pen

If you are attending an event (which hasn’t made pens available) you could also be the person who has a spare pen on them for giving to another attendee who does not have a pen on them. I often attend events where there are no pens available to use.

I have also recently attended an event, where the organisers didn’t have a pen for the sign in sheet. I volunteered my branded pen and this was the pen that got passed around with the sign in sheet (even though we had nothing to do with the event itself). This was a simple reinforcement of my branding – and I got a massive thank you from the host for providing the pen in the first place.