When it comes to the holidays, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of handing over a gift that you know someone will love. When you run a business though, corporate gifting isn’t just a nice thing that you do for the season. It could make a difference to your business and it can decide how loyal your clients are to you. That’s not to say that your biggest clients are going to leave you because you get the wrong Merlot this year, but it is important that you give gifts that have a lot of thought behind them as well as advertising your business.
For example, if your client has their own company, it could be a clever idea to brand some chocolate boxes for their staff and keep the wine and more expensive gifts for the management team. If you’ve had the foresight to think of more than just the leaders of the company, you’re going to resonate. Successful client relationships can include so much more than a timely delivery of work. Thank you cards and gifts show that you haven’t forgotten that they mean something to you.
Of course, corporate gifting isn’t without its rules. Those small holiday-related gestures that you give to your clients can make or break your relationship, so sticking to the rules is very important. Let’s take a look at a few of those.
- Stick To Budget.
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- Your gift choices will be an investment from your company to your client. Whether you decide to check this company out for some amazing gadgets and thoughtful gifts, or you decide to buy your client a new car, it’s up to you. However, you cannot just blow the budget you set yourself, otherwise you could have some tax issues to contend with. Always plan corporate gifting into your yearly budget.
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- Send A Message
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- Gifts don’t only show gratitude to clients; they show the them that you value their business and the relationship that you’ve spent time building. If you go too expensive, it could look very much like you’re trying to buy their loyalty. This is where it’s important that you understand your clients.
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- Be Thoughtful
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- It’s a smart idea to put more thought into a gift than cash. If your client is a sports client, then branded bottles or bags could be a great gift to them. On a more personal level, learn their favourite brand of wine and make your own labels for it – it can make a big difference!
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- Pick The Right Moment
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- It’s the holiday season, which means there really isn’t a wrong time right now to get some gifting done. It’s not a good idea to send random gifts at a random time of year, because your clients are likely to assume that you want something, and they wouldn’t be wrong to assume that. Gifting can be the best thing you do when they are not expecting it, and not every client expects a gift during the holiday season.
With all the rules in mind, it’s so important to know the reasons why client gifting is such a good idea. Other than the fact that you can show your clients your appreciation, here are some of the best reasons that you should be investing a little – or a lot – of your business budget on some holiday cheer.
It’s Important
Believe it or not, giving client gifts is part of having a good relationship and corporate gifting is on the rise. How you give to your clients says a lot about you as a professional company and choosing the right gift and method of giving is going to say more about you than anything else. Actively figuring out what your clients like and making a friendly connection with them is going to help your business to move forward with a stronger relationship. In marketing, there is something that is well known called a “drip campaign”. This involves being involved with your clients and encouraging future business and corporate gift giving is a part of that.
Gifts Bridge Divides. It doesn’t matter where you are around the world, a gift will link you to your client in an instant. The internet has made it possible for you to send gifts to clients with the touch of a button, letting them know that you are thinking of them and bringing you together.
Gifts Reinforce Your Company. Some clients have a lot of businesses working for them, including your own. If you send a branded gift, you remind them of who you are and what you mean to them. Valuing your brand and showing those who choose to do business with you that you stand for loyalty and trust is going to serve you very well in the future.
Gifts Keep Relationships Open. Christmas is the time for giving, but you need to know your client to know whether your relationship is close enough to ensure you aren’t just sending a generic gift. Your client may not have the same festive beliefs, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot send a gift. Sending one opens lines of contact and it’s important to keep those communicative ways open.
Gifts Set You Apart. The chances are that you’re not going to be the only business that your client works side by side with. If you can send along a gift in the festive period, you’re going to stand out. It’s thoughtful and it puts you at the forefront of your client’s mind.
Everyone loves to receive a nice gift, and when it’s done right, it could prove to be the best thing that you do this year. Your small gesture could make a big difference in your client relationship going forward. It’s a great way to reach out and you get to make a name for yourself as a business. Get your thinking cap on, because you’ve got some cracking Christmas gifts to plan for this holiday season.
