Buy Silicone Bracelet

Okay, so you're in charge of a big event. Your boss just came to you and said, "Hey, that corporate marketing event—it's on. And you're in charge." Yes, this is the real deal. You've got to come up with food that pleases everyone; find a location that isn't too big or too expensive, but big enough that the guests feel comfortable; make announcements with a creative slogan; and, of course, you've got to come up with parting gifts—handouts that make your company look good. Problem is, your boss is picky. "Find something unique," he says. "Give 'em something to remember. Oh, and keep us within budget." Of course, you've already got the pens and folders and notebooks with your company logo on it. You've got the traditional tote so that the participants can carry their stuff around. So now you're tossing around ideas for that "unique" thing. Keychains? Too boring. Coffee mugs? Too expensive. Shirt pins? Let's be honest—lame. Who wears those, anyway? Then you come up with an idea: what about buying silicone wristbands?

Hmmm…. You start thinking and the idea begins to sink in. This could work! With a good slogan and the right color, I may just be on to something!You do your research. Sure enough, these are a popular way to send a message. The Lance Armstrong foundation made them popular most recently, but they've been around for a while. In fact, people have been wearing them for decades. They seem to be the one thing that never goes out of style. They will come in just about any color—even that bizzare burnt sienna that your company uses for its logo. And they are comfortable, will fit just about anybody, and…to make your boss happy…they will keep you within the budget. What's not to like? Why not buy a silicone bracelet? It is sounding like a great idea.

So, you run the idea by your boss and he is excited. He seems a little out of the loop, though, and asks a few questions. You begin answerting them with confidence. You give him a brief history lesson, telling him that they date back to the 1980s and are in full force today. People have also called them charity awareness bracelets because they are often used to raise money for good causes. You tell him that they are also called gel bracelets or jelly bracelets or custom wristbands and look a lot like a large o-ring. "And yes, they can do them in the burnt sienna," you say smiling, though you casually suggest that the company ought to consider changing its logo. "They are used for all kinds of events," you continue responding. "People buy silicone bracelets for anything from graduations, concerts, sporting events, and church camps to medical alerts, school spirit, and, of course, corporate marketing events." You tell them that they make companies more visible, and that they are perfect for promotional activities. His face perks up even more and you know you are on to something. "When you buy silicone bracelets," you tell him, "you can also personalize them. We could put anything we want on there."

And, that's all it takes. Your boss starts brainstorming all kinds of great slogans for the event. "We could put that slogan right on there? With our logo in any color?" You nod your head and wait for the pat on the back. "I like it," he says. "Let's run with. Let's buy silicone bracelets!" And with that, you get your pat on the back and get on your way to making a corporate event that is sure to be a success.