Gifts traditionally say, "congratulations,"
"thank you" and "we're looking forward to bigger
and better things tomorrow." Historically companies have
spent tremendous sums entertaining customers and prospects, purchasing
exquisite gifts, and throwing the annual holiday party for all
employees. With downsizing, right sizing and outsourcing customs
have changed. So what is the etiquette of gift giving in 1999?
According to a recent survey by Incentive Magazine, 43% of businesses
plan to spend $50 or less per gift. A sample of local businesses
indicates they will use the old 20 - 80 rule. Gifts for the top
20% of customers and cards for the rest. Some small businesses
will do nothing.
Not everyone celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah. It is wise to
chose gifts that do not have a religious theme and are not red
and green. If you are giving gifts to people with strong ethnic
ties, checking out their gift-giving customs is a good idea.
For instance, the Chinese believe clocks are a symbol of bad
luck. Scissors or knives represent the severing of relationships
to people from Latin America or Asia (letter openers and desk
accessories are okay). Giving flowers becomes tricky as many
cultures have designated specific flowers and colors for funerals.
The number of flowers is also significant. Red roses are universally
reserved for romance.
Some companies are giving gifts in November with a fall theme.
Others are scheduling their gifts for January. These gifts may
focus on the millennium or just say they are looking forward to
continuing the profitable relationship in the New Year.
If Fortune 1000 companies, public utilities, or government agencies
populate your client list, be sure to ask their personnel departments
about gift receiving policies. Many prohibit receipt of more
than $25 in a twelve-month period from one company by an individual.
This may include lunches.
Thoughtfulness, practicality and personalization are the keys
to gift selection. Having fun and being creative will make you
memorable. Some words of caution--make sure it pertains to your
business, is not offensive, and will come across as intended.
Here is where your contact database may pay for itself. If contact
preferences have been entered, you may be able to quickly determine
a perfect gift.
Popular gifts are gift certificates; watches and clocks; tickets
to a performance or sporting event; calendars and diaries; electronics;
books, music or videos; gourmet food baskets; sporting goods;
wine and spirits; and cameras. Using a theme from your advertising
program or including logo gifts makes the package more memorable.
You may deal with only the purchasing agent at a company but
there are many people who contribute to your company's continued
sales. Choosing a gift for everyone to enjoy will create greater
good will. This also helps to say thank you when individual gifts
are not acceptable. Some favorite suggestions are gourmet popcorn,
fresh fruit baskets, nuts and specialty cookies.
Many organizations and individuals are championing people who
are in crisis or environmental causes. A donation in their name
to a favorite charity may be more appreciated than a gift. Some
non-profits offer distinctive gifts during the holidays. Entertainment
books, calendars and poinsettias are possibilities.
Because your gift is meant to acknowledge your relationship,
a thoughtfully written note to accompany it is a must. This personal
touch recognizing the relationship creates additional good will.
Presentation and packaging says you and our relationship are
important. A few dollars spent on a basket, crate or other unusual
container puts the present in a special category.
Incentive Magazine's survey found that company representatives
hand deliver 81% of all gifts. This is the perfect time to personally
say, "It's a pleasure working with you and we look forward
to the new year."
There's one other group of people that need a thank you. They
are your employees. It is no longer necessary to throw an extravagant
dinner party but a catered lunch during the holidays is appreciated.
Some companies hand out bonuses based on profits and others wait
until in January or February. More companies are giving high-quality
logo embroidered clothing.
Some employee groups are electing to help others instead of exchanging
gifts and a party. The United Way of Sacramento offers their
Gifts of Love program. The list contains a wide variety of groups
and needs from which to choose.
This is a hectic time of the year and all too frequently we forget
to just say, "Thank You. It has been nice doing business
with you. How can we help you tomorrow?"
Back
to "Features" Menu
By Jan
Smith
(916) 332-7247
email: JSmith@Bennington-
Group.com
Visit Jan
Smith's web site for more ideas to successfully manage your business.
Jan coaches business owners and managers how to balance working
on their business with solving day-to-day issues.
Back
to "Features" Menu
|
