| Sending unique corporate gifts during the holidays | | | | may backfire. A simple yet tasteful approach |
| to clients in your Rolodex is not only a smart way | | | | would be a travel pouch that holds personal items |
| to further a business relationship, but it is an | | | | or a luggage tag for the exec on the run. |
| effective marketing tactic based on common | | | | TIP #5: Stay in-tune with your client's personal |
| business sense. | | | | interests. |
| Here are 8 simple tips that will boost your ROI | | | | Does one of your biggest and most important |
| average for the corporate holiday gift-giving | | | | clients like to take ski trips in the winter? Perhaps |
| season. | | | | this person is a boating enthusiast? Whatever the |
| Tip #1: Practice the art of relationship-building. | | | | case may be, sending a personalized business gift |
| Everyone knows that savvy marketing and | | | | with inherent value to the recipient will solidify |
| salesmanship go hand-in-hand. Once you have | | | | your relationship in their mind. Any product - large |
| established a relationship with a buyer it is in your | | | | or small, expensive or not - can entertain the |
| best interest to think of all the different products | | | | person's name or logo on it. If you know which |
| and services you can offer them. Every now and | | | | sports team they root for (or their alma mater) |
| then it is important to recognize your relationship | | | | you can personalize a money clip, luggage tag or |
| and "thank" that person for their continued | | | | give them a calendar with the team's schedule on |
| support. What better time than the holidays than | | | | it. |
| to show your appreciation? | | | | TIP #6: You can't go wrong with desk |
| Go out of your way to send a personalized | | | | accessories or gift baskets. |
| corporate gift. Think utility when adding your logo | | | | Put your logo on that brand name gift basket. |
| to this promotional gift, but do it in a tasteful way. | | | | Place it on mouth-watering chocolates or imported |
| A time-tested example would be a full-grain | | | | cheeses. From bottles of wine to calendars to |
| calfskin writing tablet with the recipient's logo | | | | Mont Blanc pen sets, corporate gifts that can |
| embossed on the front leather flap. | | | | either be consumed in the comfort of one's home |
| TIP #2: Don't wait to the last minute to purchase | | | | or used on a daily basis in the office will not go |
| your unique corporate gifts. | | | | overlooked. |
| Ad specialty companies have thousands upon | | | | TIP #7: Your unique business gift should not cause |
| thousands of promotional products for you to | | | | discomfort. |
| choose from. Wait until the last moment and all | | | | No one wants to open a gift during the holidays |
| those choices can be a little daunting. It is wise to | | | | and feel rushed to return the favor. It doesn't |
| do your research in August or September and | | | | seem genuine and no one wants to be put in this |
| put together an updated mailing list at the same | | | | kind of situation. To avoid uneasiness on the |
| time. Mail your gift at the end of November or | | | | recipients end, don't send a client a |
| beginning of December to avoid the holiday rush. | | | | business-oriented holiday gift that shouts excess. |
| TIP #3: Personalize your corporate gifts. | | | | Sometimes simple gifts can go a long way - and |
| Don't just put your brand name on the gift; make | | | | those with a hefty price tag can have an adverse |
| sure you put their name on it too! The recipient | | | | effect. |
| who sees his name on an elegant pen or | | | | TIP #8: Send a holiday gift related to your |
| handsome organizer will never forget who gave | | | | business. |
| them this item. Go the extra mile by sending a | | | | If you run a restaurant send a gift card. If you |
| personalized message with your corporate gift. | | | | own a pool cleaning business send a branded raft. |
| Whether it is on recyclable paper or on a custom | | | | If you have a car wash business have custom |
| piece of chocolate, your message should have | | | | floor mats made with the person's name etched |
| resonance. Executives appreciate personalized | | | | in them. If you run a lawn service business send |
| corporate gifts like a slim cowhide wallet with | | | | your valued customers a potted orchid with a little |
| pockets for cash, credit cards and business cards | | | | note. If you are a dentist send your patients a |
| or an elegant leather business portfoloio. | | | | tooth brush with their name on it. The options are |
| TIP #4: Don't go overboard with your corporate | | | | endless no matter what business you engage in. |
| promotional gifts. | | | | Finding, creating and purchasing branded executive |
| Use good judgment when applying your corporate | | | | holiday gifts can be a daunting task. Use your |
| logo to holiday business gifts. Used properly, you | | | | marketing muscles and put some effort into your |
| can convey a warm sense of appreciation without | | | | corporate promotional gifts. Done in a tasteful |
| shouting the fact that you are attempting to | | | | manner, your clients and employees will always |
| keep your brand front and center in their mind. | | | | remember your generosity. In the end, you will be |
| Done in the wrong manner, your good gesture | | | | remembered as well. |