Advertising Specialties Look around you. You can probably count on two hands number of items in your office or home that are etched, engraved or printed with someone's name- magnets, key chains, coffee mugs, calendars, rulers and note cubes. Oh, and how could we forget pen or stress ball? These items were most likely given to you at no cost at a business you frequent, or perhaps were even sent to you. These are often given out at trade shows, seminars and other events open to public. Even businesses that have booths at county fair have these types of giveaways. And, some businesses just have them out in their reception area. Others, like schools, may hand out pens, folders and lanyards at orientations and open houses. This marketing tool not only builds recognition but also is a way to gain your repeat business.

Business Gifts Many of above type of items are also used as business/corporate gifts. Items under this category sometimes also fall under higher price ranges too such as insulated travel mugs, clocks, messenger bags, polo shirts, fleece blankets, paper weights and more. These are generally sent to clients and vendors of a business to show their appreciation. They can be sent around holidays, given out at receptions or just sent around an event specific to company sending them. According to a Baylor University study, over half of companies in America take part in this practice, and 68% of them find them to be very effective in helping achieve their business objectives. Some more reasons for business gifts: thanking customers, developing business and recognizing employees.

Think of a podcast as a way to deliver audio content to a very large worldwide audience. The easiest analogy is to think of this technology as giving you power to create your own online radio program.

First, name is a little misleading. It comes from 'iPod' and "broadcasting". It doesn't mean you need an iPod to get involved. You can listen right on your computer.

Podcasting is made possible by RSS (a type of XML computer code). But have no fear! You don't need to know programming at all. RSS is simply a delivery system that allows people to subscribe and stay up to date any time you add a new podcast show.

Having an iPod or similar digital MP3 Audio player is not required. You can download audio files to your device and take audio shows with you. Or you can simply stream audio and listen to podcast show on your computer.

There is a lot of free podcast audio for you to listen to online. Do a search for "podcast" or "MP3" and you'll see what I mean.

What's out there? Music, interviews, seminars, educational shows, technology shows, news, sports...the list of topics is amazing. Some people say that podcasting it's going to replace radio and TV.

Not True. However, podcasting is changing face of online audio and traditional radio. Podcasters already number in thousands. The number of businesses and individuals making podcasts is growing at a rapid pace.

So where can you find these podcasts? Check out any of these sites:

www.podblaze.com www.podcastalley.com www.podcastbunker.com