Sending unique corporate holiday gifts to clients in their Rolodex is not only a smart way to further a business relationship, it’s also an effective marketing tactic based on common business sense.
Here are 8 simple tips that will increase your average ROI for the corporate holiday gifting season.
Tip #1: Practice the art of relationship building.
Everyone knows that smart marketing and salesmanship go hand in hand. Once you’ve established a relationship with a buyer, it’s in your best interest to think about all the different products and services you can offer. From time to time it is important to acknowledge your relationship and “thank” that person for their continued support. What better time than the holidays than to show your appreciation?
Go out of your way to send a personalized corporate gift. Think utility when adding your logo to this giveaway, but do it tastefully. A time-tested example would be a full-grain calfskin writing tablet with the recipient’s logo embossed on the front leather flap.
TIP #2: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your unique corporate gifts.
Specialized advertising companies have thousands and thousands of promotional products that you can choose from. Wait until the last moment and all those options can be a bit overwhelming. It is advisable to do your research in August or September and build an updated mailing list at the same time. Mail your gift in late November or early December to avoid the holiday rush.
TIP #3: Personalize your company gifts.
Don’t just put your brand name on the gift; be sure to put their name on it too! The recipient who sees their name on a fancy pen or beautiful organizer will never forget who gave them this item. Go the extra mile by sending a personalized message with your corporate gift. Whether it’s on recyclable paper or a custom piece of chocolate, your message needs to resonate. Executives appreciate personalized corporate gifts, such as a slim cowhide wallet with pockets for cash, credit cards and business cards or a sleek leather business portfolio.
TIP #4: Don’t go overboard with your corporate giveaways.
Use good judgment when applying your corporate logo to holiday business gifts. Used correctly, it can convey a warm sense of appreciation without shouting the fact that you’re trying to keep your brand front and center in your mind. If done incorrectly, your nice gesture can backfire. A simple but tasteful approach would be an overnight bag containing personal items or a luggage tag for the executive on the run.
TIP #5: Stay in tune with your client’s personal interests.
Does one of your biggest and most important clients like to take ski trips in the winter? Perhaps this person is a boating enthusiast? Whatever the case, sending a personalized business gift with inherent value to the recipient will solidify your relationship in their mind. Any product, large or small, expensive or not, can include the person’s name or logo. If you know what sports team you (or their alma mater) support, you can personalize a money clip, a luggage tag, or give them a calendar with the team’s schedule.
TIP #6: You can’t go wrong with desk accessories or gift baskets.
Put your logo on that branded gift basket. Place it on top of delicious chocolates or imported cheeses. From wine bottles to calendars and Mont Blanc pen sets, corporate gifts that can be consumed in the comfort of home or used daily at the office won’t go unnoticed.
TIP #7: Your unique business gift shouldn’t cause a hassle.
No one wants to open a gift around the holidays and feel rushed to return the favor. It doesn’t seem genuine and no one wants to be in this kind of situation. To avoid recipient discomfort, don’t send a customer a business-oriented holiday gift that screams excess. Sometimes simple gifts can go a long way, and those with a high price tag can have an adverse effect.
TIP #8: Send a holiday gift related to your business.
If you have a restaurant send a gift card. If you have a pool cleaning business send in a name brand raft. If you run a car wash business, have custom-made mats with the person’s name engraved on them. If you run a landscape service business, send your valued customers a potted orchid with a little note. If you are a dentist, send your patients a toothbrush with their name on it. The options are endless, regardless of the business you are in.
Finding, creating and shopping for brand name executive holiday gifts can be a daunting task. Use your marketing muscles and put some effort into your corporate promotional gifts. Tastefully done, your customers and employees will always remember your generosity. In the end, you will also be remembered.