Everywhere you look people are sporting labels. I see it on television royalty and in my neighborhood. Labels and brands are now the attraction themselves. They used to be on the inside of the back of shirts, now they are done up on the front in sparkles and patchwork. It just goes to show that if you show that something has importance long enough other people will go along with it and follow suit.

Other smaller businesses have begun using this method and there is only one reason for this, because it works. Local restaurants offering t-shirts you can buy or bumper stickers that they hand out for free. Stop for your morning coffee and they will offer to sell you a refillable mug with their logo advertised right on it. This not only means that you pay less for your coffee or soft drinks but you are also helping the environment by not discarding your cups.

A promotional campaign is inexpensive. For small companies it works well to reach those close to you. Instead of one of those local TV ads or an equally bad radio spot this is cost effective and popular. People that like your store will be thrilled to wear your t-shirt. They will take other handy items off your hands and use them too.

Now think of some of the other ways that companies convince you to promote their business. Have you ever thought about all those discount key rings for the grocery stores, hardware stores and office supply companies? Did you even realize that by putting all those discount cards on your keys you are promoting business for them?

It's funny when you realize how steeped our society is in promotional advertising. You are working for Starbucks when you walk around doing your shopping with some coffee. I imagine people get thirsty for certain types of beer when I go jogging by the park. Not to mention all those chain discount cards with my car keys.