Search no further! I’ve compiled the ultimate set of guidelines to help you make the most gifted choice for your next corporate occasion. If you don’t know where to start, use this checklist to pinpoint your options and identify the message and tone you want your gift to convey. Any way you slice it, you need to have the proper frame of mind to choose the most appropriate gift, and of course, to best reflect your professional purpose.
Here’s my definite Do’s and Don’ts:
Do
- Market Thyself - Whether it’s a gift for employees or clients, your number one objective should be to reinforce a positive brand image. Branding is an important buzz word in today’s business world, especially for industries with highly saturated competition. With branded promotional products, like unique pens and mugs, you can distinguish your company from the pack to make a visible and lasting impression on the recipient.
- Emphasize Customer Service - Make it a habit to thank consumers and clients for their business with a quality reward. It’s becoming a continually essential business practice to stand out from competitors who offer parity products and services. Really, a great way to differentiate your corporation is through exemplary customer service. Make every transaction memorable with a personalized thank-you card to tangibly express your gratitude and build consumer loyalty.
- Recognize Your Employees - Internally, it’s vital to show appreciation for hardworking staffers. The value of their contributions can be measured by the thought you put into a meaningful reward. In essence, choose a gift that will highlight the attribute you wish to commend, like diligence, strong work ethic, performance or integrity. A classic professional bonus, like an imprinted leather-bound portfolio, signifies a hallmark of accomplishment to an employee because it’s a quality expression of worth to the organization.
- Come Off Cheap - Always, always, always have a discerning eye when sifting through your choices. Eliminate low-quality items and opt for impressive-looking gifts that don’t compromise the budget. That’s the telltale sign of a savvy buyer. For mass purchases, it’s okay to order low-cost products, but you still want the appearance and effect to represent a high-quality keepsake. Don’t mistake the two L’s! Low-cost and Low-quality. Some seemingly upscale suggestions include customized chocolates and engraved glassware, which make a nice presentation for essential cost-effectiveness.
- Lack Consideration - A gift without thought is quite the insult. The last thing you want to express is negligence. To ensure that you give with sincerity, you can personalize the product to communicate the character of your company. The more you tailor the gift to the occasion, the more cherished it will be. Let’s say you’re in the food service industry. You can draw inspiration for gifts with branded kitchen items. Or, if your line of business is informational technology, your contacts would certainly love promotional mouse pads and computer accessories. Even a bland accounting firm can spice up their promotions with creative imprinted calculators. Get the idea?
- Forget the Intent - Are you trying to generate sales? Increase consumer loyalty? Maintain a business relationship? Expand your network? Whichever your goal may be, choose the ideal corporate gift based on relevance and function. You can never fail with promotional desktop items because of their utility. If the recipient can find a practical use for the gift--instead of deeming it a throwaway piece of collateral--he or she will be more likely to remember your name and seek your services in the future.
The old adage, “it’s the thought that counts,” proves to be accurate in defining corporate relations today. Take these bits of advice in high-esteem and you will definitely get noticed for your insightful efforts.
