How many objects do you have on your desk right now that are promo items with your company’s or another company’s brand? Within sight, I have a Post-it^® holder, pen, calendar, notebook, calculator and foam finger (don’t ask).

My conclusion is that promo items actually get used and they perform as daily reminders of your company, product or service—but only if they’re useful to the recipient. So here are four ways to get your item in front of your customers daily:

1. Choose something that relates to what you do. Put simply; if you’re a CPA, give a calculator—but try to find one that is unique.
2. Select an item that they’ll use, even if it costs a little more—ditch the stress ball in favor of Post-it notes.
3. Keep in mind that “brand” matters. Don’t give a fake Leatherman^® because it costs less. You’re a first-class company, so go first class with your promotional gifts.
4. Try to find an item that’s new and different and be the first to give your customers one. Example: This WD-40 pen. It’s bound to get you the right kind of attention and you’ll be remembered each time it’s used (which will be often).

What items have you given customers that were especially well-received? What items have you received that you use on a daily basis?

Today, I discovered Pro PR Tips, a blog written by CNET’s WebWare writer Rafe Needleman. The blog sparked his book published a few months ago called Pro PR Tips: Public Relations Advice from a Jaded Journalist that I’ll be getting a copy of this week.

Needleman posted 100 tips in 100 days and now updates when events warrant them (translation: when a PR pro does something stupid, Needleman will post about it).

Today’s “Tip #138: If I want trapeze artists, I’ll go to the circus” served as a great reminder and made me chuckle a bit. I mean, who hasn’t been in a planning meeting when something ridiculous that has nothing to do with what the media really want is forced into fruition.

My takeaway: you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fanfare to garner media interest in your announcement. More b2b PR folks need to keep this in mind when you’re planning your next press conference. In today’s economy, your PR budget is better spent somewhere other than the flying circus.

So, I’m hooked on Pro PR Tips. I was sucked into reading about half of the tips Needleman posted. Some of the tips are kind of elementary, if you’ve been in the PR biz for a while, but they’re still worthwhile reminders. If you have a few minutes, an interest in PR and want to laugh, check it out.

I receive a lot of direct mail. And, it takes a lot to get my attention when it comes to direct mail. So, I will hold on to and remember anything that sparks my interest. Just recently, I received a great dimensional mailer from 3dpapergraphics.com that I want to share.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend mailing it in an a window envelope the way I received it but, I was tickled when I opened the piece and out “popped” three more pieces. I admit, I was startled at first but then I realized how fun, creative and attention grabbing this direct mailer is. It’s definitely a great idea to keep something like this in mind if you’re struggling with the same lackluster mailers.

Have you received any creative or fun direct mailers lately?

I’ve always been of the opinion that blogging helps keep writing skills sharp. And, working in PR, I’ve learned that writing is, no doubt, one of the most important skills I can possess—and a skill that I can never stop improving.

In addition to keeping writing skills sharp, there are other benefits to blogging. For instance, with social media on the rise, if you want to start a blog, and you want your agency to help launch your blog, your agency better have some experience in it so they can develop your strategy and then help you have a successful launch.

More than that, blogging allows you to develop relationships with your followers, connect with other like-minded bloggers and professionals, appear higher in search engine rankings and increase Web site traffic.

Beyond the benefits, however, blogging is enjoyable. For me, it allows me to take my love for writing and combine it with endless creativity. Plus, it’s an outlet for me to write about topics, such as Peyton Manning, football, mustaches or Tiger Woods, that I don’t get the opportunity to write about in my daily job.

Do you have a blog? What are some benefits you’ve discovered through blogging?