With portfolios, unlike many other promotional products, the point is not to increase brand awareness. Rather, these are high-end gifts that you're giving to people who already know about your company. Portfolios are given as a sign of appreciation.

The right portfolio can also say a lot about your company. Portfolios are the kind of sophisticated promotional items that present you as a well-established company.

Portfolios are a good way to get the attention of ultra-busy corporate execs. Phone messages get buried under stacks of paper. Key chains will be tossed aside without much thought. A portfolio, though, can't be ignored, and it's certainly not a "throw away" item. To grab the attention of those much sought after clients, a portfolio is the way to go.

In these situations, you want to give the potential client a portfolio that's as high-quality and stylish as the products they buy for themselves. A mahogany-colored, flap closure portfolio like the Cutter & Buck American Classic Tri-Fold Padfolio is an attractive product and one that the recipient will be proud to carry.

To send the "you're important and highly valued" message, it's good to have a promotional product that you give out sparingly. It makes the recipient feel particularly special. The Cutter & Buck American Classic Tri-Fold Padfolio will serve as a symbol of the recipient's status within the company.

For some recipients, a portfolio that's a bit more casual might be in order. A canvas portfolio is good for clients who travel around a lot, especially if you know the portfolio is sure to take a beating. The Canvas Zippered Padfolio is that type of portfolio. The high-quality canvas can stand up to lots of use. Plus, it's got a look that's right for clients who dress business casual rather than in suits.

Don't forget about your employees. You can go the extra mile by giving them portfolios along with a certificate of appreciation when they receive an award. They can display the certificate in their cubicle, but the portfolio is a token of appreciation they'll carry with them all day.

In fact, they'll have ample opportunities to tell friends and acquaintances about how they got the portfolio. It's always good to spread the word that you're a company that cares about its employees.

A particularly well-crafted portfolio is an excellent retirement gift. Let a retiring employee know how much you value their service with a gift that's both classy and useful.

No matter how you use them, portfolios are promotional products with an air of exclusivity. They're sure to make the recipient feel particularly important and give your working relationship an extra lift.