| The holidays are fast approaching, and if | | | | purchasing, to wrapping, to delivering. Client |
| you’re like many, you’re still | | | | gifting can get complicated and time-consuming, |
| “thinking” about what to get your clients. | | | | so make sure the designated “Santa” is |
| Well, time is running out, so here are some | | | | detail oriented and well-organized. Assigning |
| suggestions that will make buying holiday gifts for | | | | someone besides you to be in charge will ensure |
| clients a little easier. | | | | you don’t get distracted from the job of |
| 1. Personalize it - Clients are impressed with a | | | | building your business. |
| gift that tells them you’ve taken the time to | | | | 5. On a budget? Think about giving your clients |
| get to know then. | | | | gift certificates for free product or services |
| Is she a wine connoisseur, or does she have a | | | | (whatever you sell). If you’re a consultant |
| favorite liqueur? Try giving a nice bottle of her | | | | or in a service business, give them a free hour of |
| favorite. | | | | your time, or a percentage off on their next |
| Eco-friendly? Think about planting a tree in her | | | | purchase. If you own a restaurant, give them a |
| name. | | | | free dinner for two, or a free dessert or |
| Gourmet cook? A great apron and pot holder | | | | appetizer. Be creative! |
| set, or any number of cool kitchen gadgets or | | | | 6. Host a holiday party - Send out a great |
| gourmet food items would be a great gift! | | | | invitation, have an open bar, heavy hors |
| Sports fan? Some season tickets would I score | | | | d’oeurves, some desserts, and you’re |
| some points, or perhaps some sports memorabilia | | | | done. Your clients get to know you better, and |
| from his favorite team! | | | | can rub shoulders with your other clients who will |
| Does she like to eat out? Try a gift card to her | | | | all be singing your praises. |
| favorite restaurant. | | | | Here are some of my favorite ideas for client |
| Maybe he’s big into charity…make a | | | | holiday gifts: |
| charitable donation in his name. (Note on this: | | | | Gift baskets - From steaks to wine to gourmet |
| Be sure to donate to a charity based on your | | | | delicacies, clients love getting them as much as |
| client’s preferences, not your own.) | | | | you do! You can go online to order them, and |
| Crazy about coffee? How about a grinder and a | | | | have them delivered. What could be easier? |
| great bag of beans? | | | | There are hundreds of gift baskets to choose |
| The point is, personalized gifts tell your clients | | | | from, one for every budget and every taste. |
| they’re not just one of the crowd. | | | | If you want to go more personal, put together a |
| If you don’t have time to think of a | | | | basket filled with some of their favorite things. |
| personalized gift for each client, think of one gift | | | | Books or Subscriptions - Have you read a great |
| that you could engrave with each client’s | | | | motivational book lately? How about fiction? |
| name. For instance, a nice travel alarm clock, or | | | | Your client might like it as well. And if you can get |
| a brass wreath hanger, or a magnifying glass. | | | | a signed copy, so much the better! Or if you |
| Brookstone is one of my favorite places for | | | | know your clients’ hobbies, consider giving |
| these types of gifts. | | | | them a 12-month gift subscription to a hobby |
| 2. Don’t forget the card - Be sure to attach | | | | magazine or journal. What I’ve done is buy |
| a card or letter with each gift, personalized to the | | | | a copy of the current issue, wrap it, and deliver it |
| client, and signed by you. Also, be sure to wrap | | | | to my client with a hand-written note. You could |
| the gifts nicely. First impressions do count. | | | | also mail it if your client lives out of town. |
| 3. Avoid “trash and trinkets” - Don’t | | | | Massage or Spa Day - One of my all-time |
| send trinkety type things with your logo on | | | | favorite gifts was one I received from my |
| them. While you may consider it | | | | creative department one year. They all pooled |
| “branding,” your client will most likely toss | | | | their money to get me a day of de-stressing |
| it. There are exceptions to this, but generally | | | | massage and pampering at a spa. Your clients |
| speaking, avoid anything plastic that’s less | | | | will love this idea, believe me. |
| than $10 each. | | | | Delivering a thoughtful gift to your clients during |
| 4. Designate a gift coordinator - If you’re a | | | | the holidays goes a long way toward letting them |
| really small business, this may be you. But if you | | | | know how much you appreciate their business. |
| have a staff, consider assigning one person to | | | | (c) Copyright 2008, All rights reserved. |
| coordinate all the gift details – from | | | | |