The Art of Business:
The Wrap on Client Gifts
It's that time of year again... time to fret over what gifts to give clients, co-workers, vendors, and employees. Here's how to ensure your gifts are well received and truly appreciated.
Mark Twain, paraphrased, once said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." The same can be said for the holiday gift.
But, as you're probably aware, giving gifts to business associates has become trickier recently due to numerous cultural, gender, religious, and business considerations, and more recently to an economic atmosphere in which luxury and frivolity may not be appreciated. Nonetheless, it's worth the effort because it's a nice thing to do and because gift giving is a great personal relations tool. Here are a few tips.
Rules-Of-Thumb
Corporate gift giving should be done in a professional manner. Keep in mind that when your company makes the decision to incorporate a corporate gift giving policy, there are some things to keep in mind:
* Corporate gift giving should never be used to compensate clients or employees for less than expected wages or services.
* Corporate gift giving should not be a personal gift, as this tends to offend some clients or employees.
* Corporate gift giving should comply with your company's budget. Do not go overboard and buy gifts that you cannot afford or try and save money by purchasing gifts that are "cheap" like ink pens or toys that last about one hour.
* Corporate gift giving should make recipients feel good about their accomplishments. Give gifts that cost about the same price across the board.
* If your company uses corporate gift giving as a holiday gift, make sure to check the recipient's religious or cultural
background. Non-Holiday specific winter gifting is wonderful for those with religious or cultural differences.
* If you prefer to give corporate gifts in person, you should always check the recipients schedule to ensure that you are coming at a good time for them.
Before giving a gift to someone in a large corporation, ask the company about its gift policy. Some corporations have "no-gift policies." others have restrictions on the gift's cost. If it's a small company, ask around informally about the type of gift usually exchanged within the office and stay within these parameters of cost and taste.
When giving gifts to staff or people in the same office, it's best to give, if not the same gift then a gift of equal perceived value, if for no other reason than to avoid sowing the seeds of envy among those you work with regularly. But there's always a caveat, which is why business gift giving is so difficult. You may, for example, want .. and should have every right -- to give a nicer gift to a long-time colleague than to someone who's new on the job.
That said, if possible make each gift unique, so that when the office or e-mail chatter finally gets around to you, people will concur that you're a truly remarkable person in addition to a gifted creative professional.
Finding the Right Gift
Perhaps the best type of gift is best described as a reward gift -- something recipients wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves, but would be happy to own. In this category you'll find gifts like quality pens, gourmet or custom gift baskets, CDs, DVDs, a bottle of fine wine (if they drink), a gift certificate to the movies or theater, a nice desk clock, letter opener, paperweight, or cool gadget.
Something of enduring worth is better, because it will serve as an enduring reminder of you.
Finally, the presentation is just as important as the gift. Take the time (or spend the money) to have the gift wrapped nicely. Include a handwritten note with a personal sentiment, and, if possible, hand deliver the package. Unless everyone is swapping gifts at a party situation, give gifts discreetly.
Order Early
Make sure you order early especially if you have a large volume order or are giving personalized and or custom presentations. At special gift-giving occasions such as Christmas most popular gift shops and stores are extremely busy and backed up with orders so make sure you plan in advance and order early to avoid disappointment at those special times.
Just remember, your next corporate gift-giving occasion doesn't have to be a major chore or pain. Simply relax, take a deep breath, and call us! We will coach you through the process for those special gifts that will delight and please your boss, employees or clients. Just keep some of these corporate gift buying tips in mind as you get ready to play corporate Santa
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