Wrap up 2010 with thoughtful presents to build your presence
Christmas is known as a time of giving and showing goodwill. A fantastic way to show you care about the people you have worked with all year is by sending them a simple Christmas present or a Thank You card. In today’s world of cyberspace it’s rare we send a card or a gift to someone through traditional mail. E-cards, Facebook messages and even Christmas texts are sadly all too common.
Sending traditional ‘snail mail’ presents or cards are often overlooked as relationship builders, yet if used wisely they can help retain clients and show your suppliers you care. Relationships go a long way in this business and while some will argue a client will never stay just because you sent them a gift, a client that feels valued, knows the agency cares and who has a personal relationship with the team will find it much harder to sever the ties.
Before you send anything you should conduct a little bit of research – notice what your clients or suppliers eat and drink at functions, listen to comments about interests outside the office and pay attention to how they react to criticism or compliments.
Our top presents for suppliers or clients:
Fruit can make a refreshing change
1) Chocolates (you’ll know their favourites from your preliminary research)
2) Well packaged alcohol (as above)
3) Quality gourmet hampers or fruit baskets
4) Gift vouchers
5) Flowers (if they aren’t allergic – again find out their favourites before hand)
Stay away from:
1) Heavily perfumed products
2) Foul smelling food items such as blue cheese or items with garlic
3) Anything that could smash or leak in the delivery process
4) ‘Joke’ presents – any item that could be misconstrued and taken offensively
5) Cheesy photos of your team
Think class not crass
As for choosing cards, our general rule is to stay away from comedy, flirtatious words or the cards with music or voiceovers inside.
Select cards that look professional but still have an element of style that matches your business personality.
You can also get creative with gifts and provide something memorable and different. We give boxes of cherries to clients because they are not typical and it is something they can share with their team or take home for the family.
Merry Christmas!