{"id":5529,"date":"2018-08-08T13:56:08","date_gmt":"2018-08-08T13:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ideaville.net\/?p=5529"},"modified":"2023-12-18T21:33:33","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T21:33:33","slug":"client-gift-giving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ideaville.net\/2018\/08\/client-gift-giving\/","title":{"rendered":"When business meets generosity: 3\u00a0tips for\u00a0client\u00a0gift\u00a0giving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve likely been the recipient of thought<\/span>ful<\/span><\/em> gifts as well as thought<\/span>less<\/span><\/em> gifts. You feel the difference, right? One expresses a giver\u2019s deep sense of understanding, and the other reveals a lack of effort, lumping you into an anonymous group of business acquaintances.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your clients are no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gifting expert John Ruhlin of the <\/span>Ruhlin Group<\/a> believes that \u201cdollar value given doesn\u2019t always equate loyalty gained \u2014 in fact, the more expensive a gift is the lazier and less knowledgeable it can make you look\u201d (<\/span>Forbes, 2016<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t buy people\u2019s loyalty and business.<\/p>\u2014 John Ruhlin<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

While some enjoy a pricey wine and cheese gift basket, many may not feel a personal connection to your business through it. And if it\u2019s not strengthening your client relationship, then what <\/span>is<\/span><\/em> it doing?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 3 strategies for more effective client gift giving:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Listen to your clients<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Our team values the time it takes to grow a client relationship. For us, that means making room for appropriate personal conversations. In addition to asking questions about a client\u2019s culture and workflow, ask about outside-of-work matters.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take note of what they care about and what they like to do. Keep a record of their key interests so you\u2019re prepared when gift-giving season approaches. That list will be crucial in coming up with thoughtful gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Send client gifts at unexpected times<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Many corporations send client gifts during the winter holiday season, and although this is a great time to send warm sentiments, they can easily be lost in the pile of other holiday gifts and greetings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider sending an annual gift around less universal gift-giving occasions, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n