Believe it or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching and your company is probably beginning to consider what you will be sending to clients this year to show your appreciation.

Everyone wants to make the best impression and show clients that you really care. What says that more than a custom pen, business card holder or, better yet, a desk accessory? Who doesn’t want something that features your company’s logo, or better yet something totally impractical emblazoned with their logo?

The same gift for all no longer works. Horror stories like these abound:

• Sending nuts to a client who has a peanut allergy and has to be taken to the hospital just from opening the package.
• Sending steaks to the client who is a known vegetarian.
• Sending a gift basket to an entire team only to have one person horde it and refuse to share.
• Sending a wine basket to a person who abhors alcohol.

All of these examples, and believe me they are true, point to taking the quick way out and going the extra mile to personalize the gift.

As quickly as you can enhance a client relationship, you can also put a relationship in jeopardy, by your choice of a gift. But don’t despair. Finding the right gift isn’t that hard to do, but it does take time. And you shouldn’t buy in multiples. Consider each client and what you know about them: what hobby have they mentioned; what is their favorite restaurant; how do they spend their free time? Answering these questions will point out the perfect gift that will clearly indicate your level of appreciation for their business.

And the best advice I can give you…start now!

Posted: Monday, October 15th, 2007 | Promotional Marketing
Leave a response | trackback | RSS 2.0 |