Corporate Gifts: Dos and Don’ts for Success
Corporate gifting is a practiced art in the business world, used to establish and cement relationships, show appreciation, and position companies favorably in the eyes of corporate clients, partners, and other stakeholders. Australia corporate gifting is particularly important for businesses to show appreciation for employees, capture customers’ attention, and differentiate their brand. In fact, a study from Business.com stated that nearly half of professionals who receive holiday gifts from vendors or companies are influenced to continue working with them. However, navigating the intricacies of corporate gifting can be tricky. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the dos and don’ts of corporate gifting that can help ensure your efforts are both appreciated and successful.
Do: Personalise Your Corporate Gift
Personalisation is key when it comes to custom branded corporate gifts. It shows thoughtfulness and consideration, indicating that you value the recipient and the relationship. Whether it’s a customised pen, a diary with the recipient’s name embossed on it, or personalised corporate gifts with the company logo, branded ribbons, and custom gift cards, personalisation can transform a simple gift into something memorable.
Don’t: Overlook Cultural Sensitivities
Always consider the cultural backgrounds of your gift recipients. What is considered a thoughtful gift in one culture can be a potential faux pas in another. For instance, avoiding alcohol in gifts to clients from countries where alcohol consumption is prohibited due to religious reasons is a respectful and informed choice. Similarly, the colour or the number of items in a gift can have cultural connotations, so a little research can go a long way.
Do: Maintain Professionalism
While personalisation is encouraged, maintaining professionalism is crucial. This means choosing branded corporate gifts that offer a variety of personalization options to impress and show appreciation to clients. Good options include high-quality office supplies, tech gadgets, promotional gifts, or gift cards. These items are useful and suitable for a professional relationship.
Don’t: Compromise on Quality
The quality of your corporate gifts reflects directly on your company’s image. Opting for cheaper, lower-quality items can send a message that your business does not value quality, which might tarnish your brand’s reputation. Therefore, it’s important to choose unique corporate gifts that are sophisticated, thoughtful, and represent your company’s standards, making them the perfect corporate gift.
Do: Include a Handwritten Note for a Thoughtful Gift
Adding a handwritten note with your corporate gifts adds a personal touch that can make your gift stand out. It shows you took the time to add a personal message, which can strengthen your relationship with the recipient.
Don’t: Forget to Check Corporate Gifting Policies
Many organisations have strict policies regarding the receiving of gifts. These policies can include restrictions on the type of gifts or a threshold on the value of gifts. Before sending out a corporate gift, make sure you check the recipient’s company policies to avoid putting them in an uncomfortable position.
Do: Consider Timing
Timing can significantly impact the effectiveness of your corporate gift. For example, sending gifts during a festive season can be more impactful as it coincides with a time of giving. However, sending a well-timed gift after a business deal or a successful collaboration can also serve as a thoughtful acknowledgment of a milestone or achievement for business clients, especially when these are personalised gifts.
Don’t: Make Branded Corporate Gifts Too Promotional
While it’s tempting to use corporate gifts as a direct promotional tool, overly branded items can sometimes feel more like advertisements and less like genuine gifts. Instead, consider offering promotional corporate gifts that are unique and thoughtful, with subtle personalization such as a small company logo or message. This ensures the gift feels personal and strengthens business relationships without being overly promotional.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of corporate gifting can significantly enhance your business relationships and strengthen your brand reputation. By offering memorable and generous business gifts, including some of the most popular corporate gifts, you can build constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with your valued clients. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure your corporate gifts are always on point, appreciated, and effective in conveying your business values and appreciation.
