Small Business Holiday Gifts to Give - and Those to Avoid

Reno, NV (PRWEB) December 8, 2005

Small business holiday gifts can be tricky. The perfect gift, given in the ideal way, can strengthen a company’s connection with their clients, help win more sales, and generate more referrals. The wrong gift, or one given in a clumsy way, can destroy all the time, money and energy that a company has invested in their selling efforts.

Unfortunately, there is no universal perfect gift. It differs for each situation, but the criteria are the same: what the gifts says about the giver personally, the company in general, and the value of their relationship with their customers. This puts boring coffee mugs and tins of stale popcorn in a whole new – and very unflattering - light.

The most common corporate holiday gift is something with a company’s name or logo on it. This includes the usual trinkets -- coffee cups, pens, hats, and shirts. The challenge is that gifts with logos naturally blur the line between advertising tools and genuine gifts. The secret is to keep a corporate logo small so the recipients actually put the gift to use. If a logo is too obvious or downright garish, the clients will just stick the item in a drawer -- or throw it out.

BE CREATIVE BUT PRACTICAL

For outfits in the travel business, a beautiful scenic calendar might be a good idea. Travel mugs, umbrellas, picture frames, and unique computer accessories can also be a big hit. Having a practical application is key.

Another common gift idea is food, like chocolates, wine, and even cheesecake. Companies should be aware if their clients have religious or dietary restrictions before they give food and liquor. If a company is associated with a particular region, perhaps a special food from their local culture would be appreciated. I am a professional sales speaker and when l give my clients a box of my hometown’s mouth-watering Texas Chocolate Pecan Toffee, their eyes really light up.

Flowers can also be great. Roses aren't advised, but a mixed bouquet or even a poinsettia can work -- unless, of course, a client is allergic. A lush garland or wreath is also a nice present for a customer's office or home. And though they're temporary, if the flowers are delivered in a beautiful vase with a company’s logo discretely engraved on it, the client will have something to remember the company by for years to come.

DONATE DOLLARS

One gift idea that's growing in popularity is donating to a charity in honor of all a company’s customers. Perhaps a medical-research fund would be appropriate if a key employee or customer has battled a disease recently, or a community collection if a client’s town plans to build a new museum or sports arena. It is important to choose a charity that will please, and certainly not offend, even one client.

The giver can also consider sharing a bit of themselves. If they are a shutterbug, they could have 12 great photos they snapped made into a calendar. Alternatively, they could intersperse them with inspirational quotes and have them made into a book or printed alongside their favorite recipes to create a cookbook. I recorded one of my live sales presentations and had it made into a CD as a thank-you gift for my clients one year. It was very well-received – and helped me sell more too.

Sometimes, a beautiful, quality holiday card with a handwritten note of appreciation and good wishes can be a great gift. One of my vendors sends me a handmade card with an inspirational quote every year; I hang it up until it's replaced 12 months later.

PAY ATTENTION TO PACKAGING

As with all business correspondence, it is critical to double-check the spelling of each client’s name, title, and address. Little details can ruin an otherwise great holiday gift or card.

It is important to remember that people still judge a book by its cover, so companies should pay attention to the way a gift is packaged and presented. Perhaps a company might want to have custom-printed gift bags or use the company's colors for the tissue paper or gift wrap.

Another consideration is whether to mail the gifts or have them personally delivered. Great holiday parties act as gifts in and of themselves and provide a terrific time to hand-deliver a nice gift. Several years ago, a company sent a tuxedo-clad delivery person to my door bearing a bottle of good wine with a party invitation tied to it. Wow!

OBEY THE RULES

Before a company makes their final gift decision, they should find out if their customers have corporate policies on receiving gifts. No matter how long or how well they know their clients, when it comes to gifts, the rules must be respected. It would be foolish to put a cherished client in the awkward position of having to refuse a gift.

If a company is in contention for a major contract or order, depending on the client's culture, lavish gifts can be interpreted as bribes. There are no hard-and-fast rules in this area, but use good sense.

Bestowing holiday-related business gifts requires careful planning, but it can pay off handsomely down the road. When 2006 rolls around, the rewards of all that time, effort, and money can be plentiful -- and companies will be in a stronger position to close more sales.

For free articles and additional information on sales, contact Michelle Nichols or visit http://www.savvyselling.com. Ms. Nichols is available to speak at your organization's next conference or event.

About Savvy Selling International:

Savvy Selling International is a privately-owned company founded by Michelle Nichols. She has extensive experience in successful sales and entrepreneurship. Ms. Nichols works with organizations to develop creative new strategies that dramatically increase their sales.

Contact:

Michelle Nichols, principal

Savvy Selling International

877-352-9684

http://www.savvyselling.com

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