Networking is a fundamental tool to gain some extra business and create potentially important relationships in the future.  Even if you’re a business that’s been around for a while, making those connections can be incredibly advantageous in both the long and short run.  However, with a slew of competition out there, having effective networking is key. Handouts are a time-tested approach to networking but nowadays you have to go beyond the business card to get noticed.

Here are a few handouts for effective networking to make your business memorable:

Make It Stick

Stickers may seem like a bit of an obvious choice, but with new printing technologies, creating high-quality custom die-cut stickers of logos or mascots has never been easier.  Vinyl stickers are printed with bold colors, then cut to the exact shape of your design to make a lasting impression.  Plus, stickers can be seen on laptops and notebooks in cafes all over the country, which can make for some easy free advertising.

Make It Gleam

Everyone around you probably has a smartphone, a tablet, or even both on them at all times.  When using a smart device all day fingerprints and smudges on screens are inevitable. Carrying around a microfiber cloth to clean your screens on the go is a smart idea, carrying (and handing out) a custom branded one is an even smarter idea.  Microfiber cloths offer great brand recognition anytime someone needs to wipe down their smart devices or glasses.

Make It Portable

It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re on your feet all day or constantly at tradeshows.  An easy way to remember to get your daily dose of H2O is to never leave home without a reusable water bottle. Reusable water bottles are an excellent choice of an effective handout because it not only suggests to others that you value being eco-friendly, but they are also used constantly, which means great brand awareness for you.  Reusable water bottles these days can be made from metal or shatterproof plastic, which makes them incredibly easy (and affordable) to customize.

Make It Magnetize

An unusually popular handout trend that’s being seen more at tradeshows is the humble fridge magnet.  Not just for fridges anymore, magnets are popping up on motorcycles, cars, and industrial shelving because of their removability and customization.  Custom magnets are a uniquely cool handout because they can be cut into any shape and can have tons of information on them.  Maybe your hours of operation are changing or your contact info has updated; magnets are an effective way to relay important information to potential clients.

Make It Smooth

There’s nothing more satisfying than quenching dry or chapped lips on the coldest or dryest of days.  Branded lip balm is a useful handout because it’s easy to customize, carry, and is so incredibly useful.  One of the most appreciated handouts, lip balm is quickly becoming an essential handout because it’s a staple of many purses and backpacks. Additionally, since chapstick is used so often throughout the day, your brand info will be noticed just as often.  Plus, being the brand that is concerned about an individual’s health and well-being is a savvy bonus for your image.