For many giving a gift at the end of the year, whether it is a business or personal relationship, is a way to show how much the relationship is valued. I’m not a big proponent of giving gifts to your valued clients at this time of the year. Your gift becomes just another of the many received by your client. I tell our clients to give their gifts before Thanksgiving or in January/February. No one else is giving gifts at this time, and theirs will stand out.
However, no matter when you give your gifts, to be an intentional gift giver, you need to prepare. Waiting until the last minute can lead to buying the first available thing that remotely fits, and often it is received that way. In addition personalized gifts that are either custom-made or special ordered require ample advance planning to assure an on time arrival. This will be even more important this year. Items may take longer to arrive due to the pandemic. Instead of a rushed, less personal approach to demonstrating your appreciation for valued clients, partners, vendors and employees, consider taking some concrete actions, now to prepare for the Holidays. These same actions can also help you with gifts for family and friends.
Start With A List
It may seem obvious that you should have a list of people to whom you want to give gifts this year. But often, we keep that list in our heads where it doesn’t get any action. Instead, write it down. Go through the valued relationships that you have in your business and write down the people who make that relationship happen. Next to each person, write a few things that you know about the person. Jot down hobbies, interests, personal style and other details that can help you come up with a unique gift that will be well received by this valued person.
Do Your Research
If you find that the information is sparse, then start listening and paying attention to details about this person. For example, if she’s a woman, then note her jewelry style — gold or silver? Dainty or statement? In conversation, has this person mentioned a book or DVD that they might enjoy receiving? How about a favorite sports team or love of theater? Does this person prefer beer or wine? Tuck this sort of information into the back of your mind and add it to the list you’re already developing. Knowing what your gift recipient likes and dislikes will go a long way towards making sure that gift you pick will be treasured or never seen again.
Come Up With Options
For each person on the list, write down one or two things you might want to give that person. Try to tie the gift possibilities to that person’s interest. Play around with ideas that fit different gifting budgets. Consider whether there are issues like special orders that make purchasing a little more complex. Now you have a shopping list, well in advance of the gifting season, and you have the time to buy the perfect, unique gift that will truly demonstrate how much you value the relationship.
Get Shopping
It’s not enough to have a great list. You’ve taken some great, concrete steps towards giving memorable gifts. Now it’s time to start searching out and buying the gifts themselves. Instead of waiting until the last minute, set aside time to make your purchases so you aren’t rushing just before you want to give the gift. This year there may be limited quantities of certain items. We’ve all seen what has happened with work out equipment. By being deliberate and intentional in your gift giving efforts, you will find that this important part of your gift giving plan takes less time and results in some great successes.
Hand delivering gifts adds to the gift experience, but if you can’t ship your gifts early as possible. Due to the pandemic UPS, FedEx and especially USPS have been stretched. We’ve all experienced delays in getting our packages during year. Add to this an election year with the increased number of mail-in ballots, end of the year shipping could experience further delays.
Do you need some help with your Holiday gift plans? Contact VirtuArte here to set up a free consultation.
