Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

What products are you selling? From many medical /doctor's offices I've seen - the front desk doesn't have room for anything more, or is the other side of not wanting anything on their desks especially branded give-aways.

I would say think from the heart - the things that make people feel welcome, feel better, feel a little better about their situation, etc. - not some "thing".

I don't want to sound like a copy-cat, however I'm thinking in the mindset of Oprah's Big Give or Extreme Home Makeover. People are touched by sincere generosity when they need a little help.

So - how about a flower of the month club. They deliver fresh flowers monthly (hence the name). Who doesn't like a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on their waiting room table? (OK - it's not good during allergy season)

With minimal budget constraints - how about a waiting room makeover by a professional designer? Or similar for the common room in an assisted living facilities. Make them more like home.

Many other "of the month" gifts that keep giving over and over - something they would look forward to:
- premium catered meal events
- top entertainment
- hand out simple digital cameras and have volunteer help people use them and take pictures of their friends / staff. Print them out online and distribute. Have a picture contest with "many" winners of good prizes.

For the assisted living facility - ask the staff what they would love to have for their residents or make their job easier
- more televisions with full movie channel access
- special equipment they want but can't afford in the budget, or replace existing equipment
- a new electric cart transport vehicle or hybrid SUV to take people shopping or to the park
- computers and classes / set times / volunteer assistance so residents can get and send email from family, search the web
- patient monitoring, emergency or safety equipment
- adopt a person / family where "everyone" joins in supporting them through rough times - maybe a relief fund for residents in need

Bob

My favorite giveaway are cookie baskets. I have them personalized with my company name-- why should I give advertising for someone else? Then you can deliver multiple ones different visits. They don't stay forever on the desk-- but for several days-- either on the desk or the break room. Its like pavlow's dog when I come into an office-- they crowd around for a peek. I vary my cookies/treats by season.

If money really isn't an object and you want something on the desk-- do an Ipod shuffle so they can play their own music thru the computer.

I know this is simple, and used commonly, but I happen to love post-it notes with your logo on them. I'm always looking for places to jot down notes, and so i love it when i get those. You want to brand your name, but it's also a gift, and something that will accomplish both things.

With the doctor offices...another idea is to think of the kids. Parents are always looking for ways to entertain their children in a doctors office. How about creating a 3 or 4 page book with a crossword puzzle, maze, a color page - all relating to doctors, with some crayons included. You can easily get them shrink wrapped for easy distribution. Don't forget to add your logo in it!

Heidi Bisbee
Bizzybee Marketing
Bowling Green, OH