The Sales department at the economist laid out a well-done presentation on why marketers should be increasing their budgets during a recession.

I just filled up my gas tank for a little over $15 bucks yesterday.  Great for me but experts say its a sign of how bad the economy is right now.  Oil is selling at 43 dollars a barrel!  Nobody is spending money.

Here are a few tips for your business to help increase awareness and sales:

-Emphasize the value of your product or service to your customers. With budgets being tight, people want to know how a product or service will benefit them.

-Offer coupons and sales. Everyone is looking for a good bargain right now.  Show you care by giving them one.

-Studies have shown that companies that keep or increase their spending on marketing during a recession end up in better shape at the end of a recession. The average cost-per-impression of a promotional product is $.0004, according to a recent ASI study.  Of the surveyed respondents, 84% remembered the advertisers of the promotional product they received.

Calendars are creeping toward April 15, which means federal and state tax returns are due very soon. We know filing a tax return can sometimes be a daunting task. That’s why tax preparers are always encouraging workers to file early before the deadline catches anyone by surprise. Whether you are a tax preparer or employer, it is important to remind workers to file their taxes before April 15. Promotional products and corporate gifts can serve as great reminder tools.

Tax preparers looking to attract customers can hand out Patriotic Stress Balls with an imprinted brand logo and message. Stress balls shaped as the Statue of Liberty or painted like the American flag are fun, reusable items. They remind workers that tax preparation can be a lot less stressful with a little help.

Employers can hand out Calculators to remind employees about the April 15 deadline. It’s a practical item that everyone will need to prepare taxes.

A Coffee Mug is also an effective year-round reminder. Full color mugs are highly noticeable and are versatile items than can be used in the office and at home.