At dinner this past Monday night in Orlando, Stephen O'Grady and I talked about a number of topics. One of the subjects was the giveaways that companies have at conferences. Stephen talked about how way too many firms say, "Hey, let's give away an iPod!" Collective response, "Wow, an iPod, that's original, people have been doing that for years."
That brought up the question of what would be a cool idea for a giveaway that people would really use/want?
My idea? A free year of Netflix. How sweet would that be, free DVD rentals for a year. If you really took advantage of that you would get a ton of movies. From the companies perspective it would only cost $215.88 for a year. Just about the same as an iPod Nano (remember that 'Hot' gift).
To take it a step farther, Netflix could offer 'sponsor companies' custom DVD mailer packaging. Each time you receive that free DVD in the mail, you would remember that Company X hooked you up.
What would be a giveaway that you would really want/use? Remember to keep the budget under $300.
Visitor Comments
Ten year's worth of blog hosting, but I'm biased :-)
While not original, Amazon gift certs. are always nice to get. Even if you don't use them yourself, you can always use them to buy someone else a gift.
I like the Netflix idea. Any other subscription services that have a broad market would be good--I just can't think of any right now...
Posted by: Chris Scott | January 25, 2006 10:35 AM
Netflix idea is great. But while you're right that the iPod giveaway is no longer original, are you saying people don't want them anymore? I'd still be pretty stoked if I won an iPod. That's like saying nobody wants to win the lottery anymore because the idea's been around for too long to be cool.
Posted by: Laura | January 25, 2006 12:30 PM
I laughed when I read this post... I'm so early 2005! I just purchased an iPod nano as a door prize for our Chamber of Commerce's annual membership meeting. They were estatic.
The Netflix concept is good, but I think it would be cumbersome for the recipient if it wasn't already part of an established program.
Posted by: Chris Gent | January 26, 2006 6:02 AM
If they're gonna give away iPods, they could at least load it up with podcasts, pitches, or some sort of audio related to the conference.
Posted by: Cote' | January 28, 2006 10:31 AM