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