Corporate Gifting 101
It seems like only yesterday that it was New Year’s Eve, and we were raising a glass to a prosperous year ahead. And yet, in the blink of an eye the year has flown by, and we’re back to thinking about corporate gifting, scurrying to find the perfect gift to send to clients as a thank you for a great year.
There’s nothing worse than that horrible feeling of giving a loved one a gift and seeing their face drop in disappointment as they’re clearly underwhelmed and unimpressed with what they’ve just received.
This same risk exists for corporate gifting too. A new study from Knack, a Seattle-based gifting company found that 57 per cent of people agree that gifts can affect their opinion of a business partner both positively and negatively. The study also found that 94 per cent of office executives are impacted by a gift that tells a story and facilitates a deeper personal connection, adding that gifts humanise business. Therefore, it’s suggested that business gift givers should aim to choose a gift that is both memorable and thoughtful.
What Makes a Corporate Gift Memorable?
So, what is it exactly that makes a gift memorable? The study puts it down to three qualities: a gift chosen just for the recipient; one that’s personalised with one’s name or initials; and a gift that has a personal message accompanying it.
While it may seem tedious to some, the presentation of the gift in question is an essential part of the gifting process; a beautifully wrapped and packaged gift will be sure to excite the recipient and send a strong message about the value of the item within, this is particularly important for corporate gifting as the presentation of a gift is representing not just you, but your entire business.
Still Need Help?
If you’ve made it this far and you’re still no closer to deciding what on earth you’re going to buy, here are some fail-proof specifics that are sure to impress your valued clients:
- Gift an item that is useful, practical and that everyone can use
- Everyone likes food, so, why not send sharable gourmet food? You could even create a consistent theme; for example, pair a bottle of wine with a cheeseboard, a coffee grinder with delicious coffee beans, or perhaps a nice backpack with nuts and dried fruit
- You don’t need to break the bank to make your intended recipient feel appreciated, but spend appropriately based on their seniority level and the importance of your relationship
- It should be a no-brainer, but writing a personally-addressed note to your client is both the cheapest and single most powerful thing you can to strengthen your connection with your client and leave a lasting impression
