| With Christmas just around the corner now is | | | | looks like blatant advertising will miss the |
| the time to start thinking about rewarding | | | | mark. |
| your key clients and customers. But how do | | | | |
| you make your gift stand out from the rest of | | | | 5. Avoid sending presents with a religious |
| the crowd? | | | | theme |
| | | | |
| Follow these top 10 tips for marketing | | | | No matter how well you know your client, it |
| success: | | | | is still best to avoid this. Stick to winter |
| | | | themes such as snow and landscapes instead of |
| 1. Don't panic! | | | | anything overly 'Christmassy' - and this |
| | | | applies to Christmas cards. |
| There's still time to put together some great | | | | |
| gift ideas…and if you follow these | | | | 6. Send your gift on different day |
| 'quick tips' you may pick up some inspiration | | | | |
| on the way. | | | | To set your gift apart, why not send it just |
| | | | after the festive period? Think New Year or |
| 2. Go beyond the usual suspects | | | | the first day back in the office for maximum |
| | | | impact. |
| Try a new slant on traditional favourites | | | | |
| such as food and wine, and give your clients | | | | 7. Avoid repeat presents |
| a gift that will extend beyond the festive | | | | |
| period. Wine coolers, bottler openers and bar | | | | This may sound obvious but many businesses |
| tools all make excellent gift alternatives | | | | recycle the same gifts year after year; quite |
| and double up as useful home accessories | | | | often sending the same gift to each client! |
| afterwards. | | | | Try to keep your customers guessing by |
| | | | sending a fresh idea each time. |
| And don't forget - Christmas doesn't have to | | | | |
| mean traditional. A digital camera provides a | | | | 8. Keep within your budget |
| modern twist on a classic gift and ensures | | | | |
| your message will be remembered long after | | | | Pick a spending limit and stick to it. Gifts |
| the festivities have finished. | | | | that appear too 'showy' don't always have the |
| | | | desired effect and can even reflect |
| 3. Know your customer | | | | negatively on your brand. If in doubt, steer |
| | | | towards mid-range quality gifts such as a |
| Golfing fan? Car enthusiast? Keen traveller? | | | | writing instrument or crystal set. |
| Send a gift that reflects the interest of | | | | |
| your client and instantly gain positive brand | | | | 9. Don't fall at the last hurdle |
| recognition. For a really distinctive gift | | | | |
| aimed at premium customers, include a | | | | If you're sending a gift by post make sure |
| hand-written 'thank you' letter and encase | | | | you give yourself time to avoid unexpected |
| your gift in a luxury bag or box. | | | | delays. To ensure safe delivery why not |
| | | | consider hand-delivery? |
| 4. Keep your logo discreet | | | | |
| | | | 10. Make a positive lasting impression |
| A business gift is quite different from a | | | | |
| giveaway handed out at a tradeshow. Its | | | | Whatever gift you decide on, send something |
| purpose is to show appreciation and build | | | | that is both appropriate and thoughtful and |
| positive client relations so anything that | | | | you'll certainly be on the right track. |