You say you are not ready for Ho Ho Ho. It is September. The holidays are three months away. There is no rush you say, plenty of time. I say, if you are not thinking about what you and your company is going to do for the holidays right now to say thank you to customers and employees, you are already late. Let me share some thoughts to prove I am right.... 1. You have to come up with a budget. Do you have one right now? 2. Who are you going to give gifts and other recognitions to. How many? Do you have all their names and addresses? 3. What type of gift are you going to give out this year. Have you thought about what you want to say. The impression you want to give. 4. What is the timeline for all this to happen. 5. When will you find the time to do all of this. The last week of November? With all of the other work you have to do, finding time at the last minute will find you stressed and not being able to make the impression you want. Let's step back for a moment.... Why should you consider gift giving this season. First, you many want to express appreciation to everyone (customers, employees) who made you successful this past year. You want to continue developing those relationships with your customers in the coming year. Then there is simply generating goodwill for future business. Finally, Keeping your relationship in front of your clients. Very important. Don't send gifts if you are expecting something in return. A quid pro quo. People will see right through you. This could make them uncomfortable as if by accepting the gift they have to close the deal with you. Here are three things you need to avoid this gift giving season. 1. Logo overload. Yes, you can be subtle and put your brand or logo on an item but it should not be blaring like a brass band. We are not advertising during this season. 2. Don't go cheap. People will understand if the gift is not the top of the line but you will not build goodwill if the item is perceived as cheap. Think about name brand items versus knock offs. The plastic mug versus the metal insulated tumbler which would keep drinks hot or cold for long periods of time. You may save money sending the knock off but your goodwill may suffer. 3. Don't procrastinate. Like I mentioned above, all those issues can take time. All of a sudden it is December. The item you want is out of stock or the color you want is not available. Production time is longer due to the holidays and your holiday gift is delivered in January 2020. I would like to mention here.... your best customers are your competitors best prospects. If you have a lot of competitors, your clients have a number of alternatives to choose from. Putting your best face forward cannot hurt. Here are three ways to make your holiday gift memorable. 1. Put some thought into it. This can take some time. Finding out what is available and fits into your budget. What is new this year. Is the item relevant, useful, thought provoking or even life changing. 2. Think about something off beat or funny. How will the item be packaged to make it appear more like a thoughtful gift. Will it be wrapped in cellophane or nothing at all. Preferably it is packaged like a gift, maybe in a box with a ribbon around it. What is the message you want to send. 3. Follow retail trends and name brand products. People appreciate receiving these and they know their value. Today, electronic items are very popular. How do you know if your gift giving program performed to your benefit is a question or concern I hear all the time. Listen to your clients. They may email you, send a thank you note, mention your gift in a sales call. In the coming year businesses and people continue to work with you and at the very least allow you to quote on projects. Don't forget retention. You have kept employees and customers even with all the options they may have to go somewhere else. Finally, working with a professional will make all of this easier. We can help you establish a budget. Share what is new and gift ideas you may not have considered. Discuss packaging options. We can insure your gifts arrive on time and have the look you were searching for. The ultimate goal is to make you look good and your clients appreciative. That all takes time and that is why you should be thinking about your holiday gifts right now, today. Here is wishing you a stress free holiday season.
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