When I worked at an agency, we would always get gift baskets during the holidays from vendors and partners; and despite already having an office full of every baked good and wrapped chocolate known to man, we would get unbelievably excited by these gifts! So while some companies are cutting back these days on corporate gifts, I firmly believe that holiday gifts still hold significance in a business setting. Why? Simply put, these gifts express appreciation. Telling someone that you appreciate them as a client, partner, or lead goes a long way in establishing goodwill and a positive brand image.
It’s undeniable – people love free things! Even if the thing someone gets is something they would have gotten themselves, how much better does it feel when someone gives it to you for free?! Your office manager may buy K-cups for the break-room every month and you don’t think twice about it. But the second a decorative basket comes with those same K-cups and a big bow, you get excited about drinking coffee. We can’t help it. We’re hard wired to love free things.
Take the fact that a gift is free and combine it with the fact that it’s delivered unexpectedly, and you have an irresistible combination. Remember when you were a kid and getting the mail was fun? You might have actually fought with your siblings over who would get the privilege of going to the mailbox to retrieve it. This was back in the days when the only mail you’d receive was a card from your grandmother with some money in it. Now that you’re an adult going to get the mail usually involves sifting through bills, credit card offers, coupons, and local advertisements. This is why having a gift unexpectedly delivered to your office brings us such joy – it makes us nostalgic and excited!
Unlike personal gifts from family and friends, gifts in a business setting don’t necessarily have to be personalized, but highly personalized gifts convey an added layer of thought and consideration. Including a hand-written card or a client’s favorite food is a good way to tell that person or business that you actually care about who they are and appreciate their business.
People and businesses that feel appreciated are more likely to become loyal customers and have higher satisfaction levels. They are also more inclined to speak positively of your company, improving your brand image and generating additional leads. So this holiday season, don’t skip the gifts – your bottom line will thank you! And if you need some ideas, here some fail-proof options: flavored ground coffees, gourmet cheeses, assorted salsas/spreads with crackers, and seasonal sweets. I’m partial to the cheeses myself… hint hint.
Kate Pierce is the owner of LionShark Digital Marketing LLC, a West Michigan internet marketing company. Her areas of expertise include Paid Search, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Web Consulting for small businesses, Copywriting and Local Online Marketing. She lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband and enjoys cooking, watching sports and spending time outdoors. Like a true digital marketing expert (i.e. geek), she loves talking about marketing theory and SEM trends… so don’t say you weren’t warned!
Take the fact that a gift is free and combine it with the fact that it’s delivered unexpectedly, and you have an irresistible combination. Remember when you were a kid and getting the mail was fun? You might have actually fought with your siblings over who would get the privilege of going to the mailbox to retrieve it. This was back in the days when the only mail you’d receive was a card from your grandmother with some money in it. Now that you’re an adult going to get the mail usually involves sifting through bills, credit card offers, coupons, and local advertisements. This is why having a gift unexpectedly delivered to your office brings us such joy – it makes us nostalgic and excited!
Unlike personal gifts from family and friends, gifts in a business setting don’t necessarily have to be personalized, but highly personalized gifts convey an added layer of thought and consideration. Including a hand-written card or a client’s favorite food is a good way to tell that person or business that you actually care about who they are and appreciate their business.
People and businesses that feel appreciated are more likely to become loyal customers and have higher satisfaction levels. They are also more inclined to speak positively of your company, improving your brand image and generating additional leads. So this holiday season, don’t skip the gifts – your bottom line will thank you! And if you need some ideas, here some fail-proof options: flavored ground coffees, gourmet cheeses, assorted salsas/spreads with crackers, and seasonal sweets. I’m partial to the cheeses myself… hint hint.
Kate Pierce is the owner of LionShark Digital Marketing LLC, a West Michigan internet marketing company. Her areas of expertise include Paid Search, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Web Consulting for small businesses, Copywriting and Local Online Marketing. She lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband and enjoys cooking, watching sports and spending time outdoors. Like a true digital marketing expert (i.e. geek), she loves talking about marketing theory and SEM trends… so don’t say you weren’t warned!
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