10 Tips to Maximize the Success of Your Holiday Business Gift-Giving
More Business Articles
Your next computer crash
WILL the next computer crash put your small business out of business, or are you ready for it? A small business recently lost their hard disk and spent $3,000 in an attempt to restore their business data, inventory, receivables, financials, emails, everything. They were unsuccessful. In the last six months we have heard many similar stories.
Choosing A Franchise Opportunity
Opening your own franchise can be a great idea; however, there are literally thousands of franchise opportunities to choose from. Many people look at a franchise as an opportunity that gives them guidance in opening their own business. When you are affiliated with another company, as a franchise is, you have a much better opportunity to be successful, instead of having to totally start your own business from scratch.
Testing Your Business IQ
This Business IQ Test is very simple. If you answer Yes to any question give your self three points. If you answer No deduct 3 points. If the answer lies somewhere in between then you score zero. Does your business have a 1, 3 & 5 year plan? Do you know the level of turnover that would allow you to break even? Do you know what your fixed and variable costs are? Do you know how many leads you should get daily to reach your goals? Do you have a definite plan for generating new leads? Do you know the percentage of leads you convert into customers? Do your employees have a way of measuring their performance? Do you have a training programme for your employees? Do you have a training programme for new employees? Do you have a rewards programme for the performing members of staff? Do you consult all your employees regularly to discuss your plans & values? Do you have a policy for improving the health and safety of your staff? Are your employees aware of your business goals and targets? Do you have a plan for building customer loyalty? Do you assess your competitors regularly? Can you name your top 5 competitors? Do you know your competitors strengths and weaknesses? Does your business have a mission statement? Have you read any decent business books in the last three months? If you scored over 45 you are on your way to business success.
Choose Colours to Shine
One way to stand out is through colour and the colours you wear say more about your personality, personal brand and mood than you think. How are you feeling? Full of life, creative and confident enough to take on the world? Chances are you are wearing something red. If you are feeling indifferent, or distant, you are probably dressed in black.
Build Your Own Business
After a nice lunch with a close long-time friend of mine, and sitting back with a tall latte in front of me, I was asked one of the most common questions by fascinated employees who are getting bored with their routine nine-to-five jobs, "What does it take to be a successful self-employed business person, and why is it that so many people failed in their attempts to get their businesses running profitably?" Well, there are actually several mini questions in that one question alone.
Flower Delivery London - Brighten Up Someone's Day
We all love flowers. And particularly people in England have a special penchant towards these lovely creations of nature. In fact, Brits are quite famous for their love for flowers and how they handle and care for them. And not just flowers, in UK you would find people caring for various plants as well.
"Logo- The Power To Drive A Brand"
LOGO is a powerful symbolic representation of a company. It's a graphic symbol designed to differentiate companies or products from their competitors in the market. It's the first step towards building an enduring brand. The logo is considered a unique signature belonging to one individual, establishing an initial, prominent corporate presence.
Your business holiday gift, if sent in a thoughtful manner, can be a subtle but effective marketing tool to solidify business relationships and let your clients know they are valued.
Tip #1: Know YOUR company's gift-giving policy as well as your CLIENT'S gift policy before sending a gift.
Many companies have a formal or informal policy of "No Gifts" for a variety of reasons. These clients usually include government agencies, government contactors, and businesses that purchase items through a bidding process.
TIP #2: Plan early in the FALL by updating your business contact mailing list and finding your gift suppliers.
Avoid the holiday rush by giving your (updated) mailing list as early as possible to your supplier, specifying the date you want your gift mailed. Most suppliers will allow some changes to the mailing list up to a week before the mailing date.
TIP #3: Mail your business gift early, preferably immediately after Thanksgiving.
Food or wine gifts will be especially appreciated if mailed early, as they can be used for holiday entertaining.
TIP #4: Personalize your business holiday gift with a note.
Most gift companies will send a personalized note with the gift. Your note should mention a word of appreciation, an accomplishment by the client, or a task you've accomplished together during the year. For example, "Enjoyed working on X project with you this year. Looking forward to working with you again in the future."
TIP #5: Downplay any corporate logo on business holiday gifts.
Corporate logos, while a great way to promote your company, should be discreetly printed or engraved on holiday business gifts, so as not to be construed as over-selling. Remember that beautiful photo frame you very much wanted to display in your home...but it screamed Company X? If it is a thoughtful gift, you client will remember who gave it, long after the holidays.
TIP #6: Give a business gift that reflects the individual's interest ONLY if you are certain it will be appreciated.
If the recipient is a golf enthusiast, a golf-themed gift basket or a personalized golf item will be valued. An expensive bottle of wine makes for a great gift if the recipient is a wine connoisseur. Send a culture-specific gift only if you are very close to the client and know that the gift will be welcome and appreciated.
TIP #7: For a safe bet, stay with the most popular business gifts.
Gifts that can be consumed during the holidays are always welcome - your client can never have "too many" of these. They include: food gifts, snack gifts, wine, fruit gifts, and restaurant gift cards for dinner for two.
With logoed or personalized gift items, desk accessories are usually the most appropriate (calendars, calculators, paperweights, memory cards, pen sets, mugs, photo frames, clocks, etc.).
TIP #8: Avoid extremely high value gift items or any personal gifts that may potentially cause discomfort to the recipient.
A very expensive gift may not be a good idea, as it may be construed as bribery. Keep individual gifts under $200 (group gifts may exceed that amount). If the gift is bulky, consider mailing it to the home.
With personal gifts, visualize the gift being opened in the presence of the entire office. Do not send a gift, which could be a source of embarrassment, ridicule or discomfort to the recipient. Avoid gender-specific gifts, jewelry, personal clothing, and perfume.
TIP #9: Be sure your group gift is one that can be shared by the entire group.
A large gift basket, with a variety of food items, makes an ideal group gift. If you know that the office staff normally goes out to lunch as a group, a restaurant gift card to a nearby restaurant is very appropriate.
TIP #10: Take advantage of other opportunities throughout the year to recognize a client.
Remember, like you, they are human and will remember those who share their happy times, accomplishments, milestones, and low times. While these opportunities can be recognized with a gift, a greeting card with a hand-written note of acknowledgement or encouragement will be equally appreciated. Remember the old saying...it's the thought that counts...and will be remembered!
Recognition Opportunities:
New job/new assignment - Promotion - Retirement - Business anniversary - Launch of new product - Completion of a project - Receipt of a significant award - Birthday - Marriage - Birth/adoption of a child - Family illness - Death of a family member
BONUS TIP: If you are a recipient of a business gift...acknowledge the gift immediately.
Call the sender or send an e-mail as soon as you receive a holiday gift. Many gift senders wonder if the gift is lost in the mail or if the company responsible for sending the gift actually sent it. A sincere "Thank you so much for the X gift. It was very thoughtful of you" is sufficient. However, mention something specific about the gift ("The atmosphere at my home felt a little like Christmas morning when the kids tore open the package and saw all the goodies inside!"), and you may just become the sender's favorite client. If it is a personal gift, which reflects an interest or hobby (or was very expensive), call immediately, but follow with a hand-written note immediately after the holidays to recognize the extra effort of the sender. Any business gift received during the rest of the year should be acknowledged with a phone call as well as a thank you note.
A business gift does NOT have to be reciprocated. Again a gracious "thank you" is all that is required.
If you receive a business gift and your company has a "No-Gift" policy, simply return the gift with a note saying, "Thank you for the gift. Unfortunately, I must return the gift, as our company has a No Gift policy. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
http://www.IncentiveAmerica.com
About the Author
Elizabeth Montgomery writes for IncentiveAmerica, Inc., a marketer of gifts and incentives for employee recognition programs and business recognition programs.
Source: Business Articles on ArticlesTree.com
Recent Business Articles
Why You Need To Quit The Job You Hate Right Now
Why would any sane person spend time getting better at something they hate to do? The concept seems insane, doesn't it? This is something only a crazy person would invest time into. So why is it then that the majority of the workforce in the US does exactly that every time they go to their job? Is the majority of the workforce crazy? In my opinion, yes, they are crazy.
Why should one consider an Indian export import directory?
Indian export import directory! Importers or exporters gain a good insight on the trade market with a comprehensive directory which helps them. Dealers find India, the most targeted market place as it's a highly populated region and find a huge re-export business here.
Why Not Walk A Mile In These Shoes " And More!
With lovely summer upon us, we're surrounded by a variety of outdoor sounds: the sizzling of BBQs, the cries of children for ice cream, delighted squeals of kids making mud pies - and the ringing laughter of those engaged in solo or team play.
Why choose a freight forwarder UK?
The transportation of goods from one country to another is no longer a whim, but a necessity. Countries in one corner of the world bring products from the other part to ensure the satisfaction of the population's needs, because of various factors.
Why be stressed about diversity training - when you can Celebrate Humanity?
The answers to all problems, lie hidden deeply within mankind. As a very fortunate human being, who has traveled amongst many diverse groups of people in the world, it always surprises me when people have challenges with "diversity training.
Why 3d Architectural Rendering Services?
Why to use architectural rendering services? Presenting your project or product in visually appealing form gives you an edge over other artistic mediums. Clients rely on the final product, so why not to present product with a 3D rendering, animation or walkthroughs.
Where to find the perfect Cell phone accessories?
Nowadays, mobile phones mean much more to people than just another electronic device meant for communication. In fact, for most of the people, cell phones are ways to make a style statement. This can be easily exemplified by the fact that you can easily sight any of the Hollywood stars these days with their fancy communicating gadgets and PDAs.
What is Custom Plastic Fabrication?
Custom Plastic Fabrication is the process of machining, forming, bending, cutting, polishing and assembling plastic parts from a custom design.
Westward Air Compressor Product Review
For anyone who wants to purchase air compressors, there are a number of products out there. In case you want really good and reliable quality products for very affordable prices, you should look for Westward air compressor products.
Way to Increase Your Sales with Joint Ventures!
Want to know how to increase your marketing effectiveness 10- fold overnight? Let someone else do it for you. Joint ventures, where another business markets your service or introduces you their clients, can help send your marketing to another level.
Using PLC Articles Effectively
Private Label Content? What is it? PLC is nothing more than articles, e-books and manuals that are free for subscribers to use as they wish. There are generally a few rules you must adhere to, you cannot claim copyright to PLC, or submit it to article sites, unless you change the content significantly.
Use Surveys to Find Out How Your Healthcare Site Is Doing
The best businesses know what their customers want and work hard to supply it to them. Toyota just this past sales quarter became the number one car sales company in the world. In typical fashion, they issued a statement saying they didn’t care if they were number one so long as their customers were happy.
Training for Success with Your Internet Business, Article 4, Deductions for use ...
If you are working from home, you may or may not have an area of your home that you refer to as your office. It may be that you make your phone calls from the bedroom and complete your paperwork at the kitchen table and see customers or clients in the family room.
Training for Success with Your Internet Business, Article 3, Purchase of Goods f...
If your home based business does not purchase goods for resale, then you will not need to know about Inventories and calculating Cost of Sales. If , on the other hand, your home based business requires that you purchase goods on a regular basis for your own consumption or for promotional purposes, this does not constitute inventory.
Touch Screen Technology Reaches A Global Market in Restaurants
Touch screen panels are everywhere. How many times a day do you interact with them? There are countless times a day; at the bank, the grocery store and even at the gas pump.