Executive Gadgets

This month we feature executive gadgets. Some people just must have the latest techno gizmo … but as I discovered, some people are also delighted by something very simple but useful, or even something to amuse them and lift their spirits on a manic day.

When researching features I usually go to the suppliers and ask them to tell me what's the latest and greatest, but the other day someone asked me (as a consumer) what I thought was the best desktop gadget … and that set me thinking, should these features be all about what the suppliers want to sell… or about what the consumers want to receive? So this month, we have a bit of both. I've spoken to suppliers (well, two anyway – actually I e-mailed loads, but only two responded) and I've also canvassed the great and good of the industry … and some outsiders too, in the interests of getting a balanced view.

Let's start with the suppliers' offerings. On top of a lot of people's wish list is an mp3, or even another mp3 if they already have one (a small one for the gym, a medium one for the car and a big one for the house). And Apple has an iPod for just about every place, person and budget, whether it's a corporate gift, promotional incentive, training tool or rewards for a job well done. With Apple's custom content loading service, training talks, product overviews, CEO speeches or promotional videos can be pre-loaded (minimum order and loading fees apply). The iPod can also be laser engraved with logo or message.

For those looking for something less technical and less expensive, but still guaranteed to get a message across, Inspire Promotions has a variety of Magic Cubes that can be folded, twisted and turned to reveal multiple images. Once you start you'll never stop! www.inspirepromotions.co.uk

Now, on to what the industry at large considers a great gadget. David Lebond, Chairman, BPMA and executive director, P&MM favours the practical element, with a twist of ornate and cites the Parker 51 pen.

He commented, "From its launch back in the early 40s, the Parker 51's success is largely down to its clever design features, which really haven't changed that much since it was first developed over 65 years ago. What other consumer product from the World War II era can claim similar longevity? Aesthetically too, the Parker 51 is a classic design with hints of art deco-like features, reminding us of the manufacturing era from which it was born."

From Mark Spicer, General Manager of Grass Roots Dubai, we get the techno view. "My favourite gadget has to be my Blackberry – as I only communicate with my mother via email – and she knows I have one, she doesn't call me and only emails me instead!!!! That makes me very happy!!"

Ian Allchild, Chairman, Promotional Marketing Exhibition, thinks a Sat Nav is his most useful gadget. He says, "Living in Brighton, anywhere north of Gatwick and I'm lost!" (Well, you can't go south, can you Ian? Ed)

I think in Fred Parker, MD of Fragrance for You, I have an ally. He said "On my wish list would be a mobile phone that does not take pictures, sit up and beg, etc., and has big buttons on the key pad." (Here, here, Fred, I agree! Ed)

Mind you, technology can be a girl's best friend when that girl is as busy as Claire Irvin, Editor of Company magazine. Her one desire is …" …one of those mini lap tops – think it's called a Nanobook – an all-in-one portable workstation. Which would combine all the convenience of a Blackberry and a lap top, but eradicate all the inconvenience of lugging multiple gadgets around!"

And another girl with technology in mind is Anne Hancock, Business Development Consultant, who is well known in the promotional industry. "My current USB memory stick is the best one I've had so far. Suits my needs as I work in various locations for various clients in the industry, but I've always got my files with me!"

Simon Tilley, Managing Director of Volume Exhibitions Limited, has simple needs. He says, "What I would really like is a speaker system for my iPod so I can simply slide the iPod into the speaker and enjoy the sound."

Mark Ludmon, who has recently joined the Institute of Sales Promotion (ISP) as Head of Communications, thinks his calculator is his most prized gadget. "My calculator (which is branded with Fruit of the Loom) sits on my desk at all times. This one has a particularly pleasing feature. It has a cover over the display which, when unclipped, slowly and smoothly swivels round to become a stand to prop the calculator up at an angle." (Sounds like poetry in motion, Mark. Ed)

As you can image the ISP is very au fait with promotional products and gadgets and the favourite of Chris Bestley, ISP's Education Consultant … is a pen and a laser pointer and a USB stick – all in one! How cool is that! He said, "You'd think I'd have grown out of the child-like enthusiasm for widgets by now, but things like this can still get me excited. I was given this 'pen' on a recent visit to Achievement Awards in South Africa, as a thank you for speaking at a conference and it will come in jolly useful. USB sticks always come in handy (and my kids are always "borrowing" mine) and I look forward to using the pointer in seminars in the future. Oh and of course you can't have too many pens. The only trouble is I have no idea what to call it – maybe it's my pen/pointer/stick thing!"

And now for the unsual … and the prize goes to Nick Booker, Director of Attract Marketing Ltd. His favourite desktop gadget is a 20 yrs old piece of machined brass, which was once part of a beer barrel tap. It has a moveable part, so acts as a stress reliever, it's also a paperweight and a great talking point." I think Nick's gadget also gets points for multi tasking!

For me, I wish someone would buy me a digital DVD camcorder thingy. It's not that I can't afford to buy one myself, I just can't bear the thought of walking into a shop and being confronted by an enthusiastic techno type who will ask me lots of questions that I can't understand, let alone answer. He or she will also no doubt want me to make decisions about pixels, megabytes and more terrifying things. But if someone gave me one of these, all those difficult decisions would have been made and I could just sit down with a very large cup of tea and read the book and learn how to use it. (Sorry, that last sentence won't compute with many men, who, in my house anyway, take something new out of the box use it and break it 'cos they don't read the instructions, then ask me to take it back and say it doesn't work!)

But, I think I've saved the best and most amusing two items for last. Richard Allsop, Partner, Strategic Marketing Partnership, who is a very clever man and a Chartered Marketer, confesses to having a soft spot for ….."….an alligator on a chopper motorbike, which sings 'Burn, Baby Burn'. When the world of commerce is getting me down, I hit the start button, and am instantly reminded that insanity is normal." (I trust it's not full size motorbike, or you must have a heck of a big desk, Richard - Ed)

So, we've covered amusing, memorable, practical, ornate, outrageous, essential, fashionable and complex items. I think this suggestion from Rod Duncan, MD of Prodir and Chairman of Promota is the most simple. "The executive gift I would be eternally grateful to receive would be a crystal ball about four inches in diameter. I would use it extensively for sales forecasting and budgeting. The reason for the specific diameter is that any smaller and I wouldn't be able to read what was revealed in it."

But back to serious business; take note buyers, sellers and givers of promotional gadgets. To be successful, a gift doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't have to be big or beautiful or complicated (but it can be!). The gifts that seem to have scored the most points here are practical items that feature in everyday business life and there are scores of them listed on this site.

And I'm sure there will be a host of useful, imaginative and inspired promotional products featured at the National Incentive Show at the NEC, Birmingham, 25 – 27 September and you can get a sneak preview in next month's feature when we will focus on the show.

Carole Bull
Editor.

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