As the popular saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. These promotional tips will make sure you're always in the know with what's happening in the industry. Be the first to use the latest promotional products in the market:

- Attend trade shows. These industry events are the best place to find upcoming products, so if you want to be the early bird to use a promotional item, get tips from trade show exhibitors and suppliers on what to expect in the succeeding quarters. To make the most of your budget, plan early as exhibitions usually offer discounted early-bird pricing.

- Promotional tips are also available online. Be informed. Read, read, read. Nothing beats reading. Want to know more about an issue? Look it up on the Internet. Subscribe to newsletters and sites relevant to your business and industry. Read anything and everything. You never know how a small piece of information can help you improve your business operations.

- Do your homework. If your company doesn't have the budget for participate in a trade show, get a list of exhibitors and e-mail them. Trade shows often provide their contact information online, so it would be a good way to build rapport with them by getting in touch and asking for new product information. Once you've gotten in contact with these suppliers, ask for samples so you can double-check the quality of the items you like. Only then should you decide whether the promotional item is something you'd like to use for your company.

- Network. It helps to get in contact with suppliers so you get to be the early bird when it comes to promotional tips on what's new and what's hot in the industry.

It always pays to be in the know when it comes to industry updates, so keep yourself wired.