It’s a tough and crowded business world out there, and it is difficult to be noticed in the crowd. Read on to find out how corporate gifting, even in current times, can help distinguish your business from others, and ensure that you make that vital impression.
By the myBusiness techblog team
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Corporate gifting is a good way to make you stand out from the competition. Just as a painting speaks a thousand words, giving a gift can make a lasting mark and make sure that your company exists as more than just a name-card in the recipient’s mind. After all, it is much easier to remember a gift hamper on the table than an email or name in a cardholder.
Corporate gifts can also take on the role of an impressive promotional item that will help increase your business’ exposure. When used in a strategic manner, small and economical corporate gifts tick a number of boxes that help escalate brand awareness, add an element of professionalism to your business, and, most importantly, reminding your clients and customers of their value to your business.
Here are some more reasons for corporate gifting:
- There’s a child in all of us
Everyone loves a gift. It taps into that primal sense of wonder and surprise that every one – since as a child – has in them. From opening that long-awaited birthday present or ripping apart wrappers during Christmas, the thrill of finding out what hidden goods lie beneath the wrapper is quite an experience. After all, clients and partners are humans too.
- Showing appreciation
There’s nothing like a good gift to display your gratitude for that client who has just awarded you a valuable deal, or that partner who went that extra mile for you. Take careful note of the people that have helped you and the clients you value, and be sure to pick an appropriate time and gift to show your gratitude.
- Strengthening existing ties
Doing business can feel like going to war, at times. With tight deadlines, emergencies and other contingencies, it may seem like everything is conspiring against you. If a partner or a client has gone through thick and thin with you, giving a gift is an opportunity to remind each other of the partnership and further deepen it.
How to gift and when to gift
Gifting can be thought of as an art, so in order to master it, here are a few tips and recommendations to point you in the right direction.
- Research, research, research
It is essential to do some research on the recipient’s preferences before you buy a gift. Is he or she a wine connoisseur? Is there a type of cuisine he or she prefers? Whatever the case, it is time to get more personal when it comes to giving in order to touch the heart or the recipient.
- Timing is key
Holidays are the best season for giving corporate gifts. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait for Christmas, Chinese New Year or some other festive date to reach out. Birthdays are a good occasion to delight a client. Promotions are other opportunities to look out for.
- Spice it up
Medium and message are both equally important when giving corporate gifts. Get to know your client or partner and personalise the gift. If he loves Manchester United, then perhaps some memorabilia related to soccer is in order. Is she obsessed with make-up? A voucher from Sephora could be your answer.
Get into the spirit of gifting
The best time to start is now. You don’t have to gift your clients right this minute, but it would be a good time to begin learning about their individual preferences and lifestyles to craft up a list of potential recipients and the presents to give them. Ultimately, corporate gifting isn’t solely about business. It goes beyond that and touches the realm of basic human connection.
Do you still have a practice of giving corporate gifts or have a good experience to share? Let us know in the comment box below.