1. Valentine’s Day in Denmark

Valentine’s Day in Denmark is a celebration of love between friends and sweethearts. Instead of fresh roses, the Danes exchange pressed snowdrops – white flowers that come into season at the end of winter.  There is the gift of “lover’s cards,” which are transparent cards with a picture of the giver presenting a special something to their love.  The term “lover’s cards” has come to be used to refer to all cards exchanged on Valentine’s Day. Young people also exchange love poems, with a twist.  The “gaekkebrev” is given anonymously by an admirer, and the recipient who correctly guesses the author will be gifted with an Easter egg that year.

2. Valentine’s Day in Japan

More like a Valentine’s season, Valentine’s Day kicks off a month-long period dedicated to love.  On the 14th of February, traditionally, women give a special chocolate, “hon-mei,” to the man they love.  Women also give “giri-choco” chocolates to friends, family, colleagues and bosses, but these are considered respectful signs of affection rather than romance. But the celebration does not stop there.  A month later, on March 14th, known as White Day, men return the favor by gifting chocolate as well as flowers and other gifts to the woman who gave them hon-mei.  These chocolates are white to go along with the day.

3. Valentine’s Day in South Korea

Much like Japan, South Korea has more of a Valentine’s “season”.  In addition to Valentine’s Day and White Day, in South Korea, April 14th is known as Black Day – a day for singles to “mourn” the lack of love in their lives by wearing all black.  They also eat noodles with a black sauce, jjajangmyeon, which is also a national dish associated with comfort.

4. Valentine’s Day in the Philippines

In the Philippines, romance is in the air on Valentine’s Day.  The worldwide traditions of exchanging cards, gifts, flowers and chocolate are carried on with gusto.  However, Filipinos take the significance of the day one step further.  Many people in the country participate in mass weddings, where as many as hundreds of couples gather together to exchange vows, for the first time or renewing their loving commitment.  It is even considered a public service, with some events sponsored by the government.

5. Valentine’s Day in South Africa

Did you ever wonder where the term “wear your heart on your sleeve” comes from?  In ancient Rome, on the 15th of February, women would pin the name of their love on their sleeve as part of the larger festival of Lupercalia that some believe was the precursor to Valentine’s Day.  Today, in South Africa, women – and some men – continue the tradition by writing the name of the one they love and pinning it to their sleeve on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day as an Opportunity for Thoughtful Appreciation

Back in the United States, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to make a romantic gesture for that special someone, let your friends and family know you care or consider making a gift as part of a customer appreciation program.  Regardless of the recipient, to have the greatest impact, make the gift unique, memorable and related to the interests and likes of the person.

If you are interested in exploring unique, creative gift ideas, visit VirtuArte or give us a call at (866) 228-3497.  All purchases must be made by 11 February 2020 to guarantee arrival by Valentine’s.

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Planning Ahead for Intentional Gift Giving

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 specially 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 of Valued Relationships

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 to Personalize Every Gift

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 a 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 the gift you pick will be treasured or never seen again.

Create Gift Options That Reflect Personal Preferences

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 interests.  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.

How VirtuArte Supports Strategic Holiday Gifting

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 workout 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 as 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 the year.  Add to this an election year with the increased number of mail-in ballots, and 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.

The post How to Create a Thoughtful Holiday Gift Plan That Builds Lasting Relationships appeared first on VirtuArte.

The Christmas Countdown is down to the minutes instead of hours. The last-minute rush is one of the hardest ways to go about getting holiday gifts taken care of in the midst of all the rest of your holiday activities. We at VirtuArte believe that impactful gifts can happen throughout the year, and may even be more memorable if given well before or after the holidays, so don’t rule out putting your shopping on pause until January to find the perfect, meaningful gifts.

But we understand that you may have committed to gifting during the Holidays. So, we wanted to recommend some beautiful VirtuArte options.

1. Aquamarine Jewelry Set

Designed and handcrafted by one of VirtuArte’s most popular artists. Nilson de Assis lives and creates one-of-a-kind jewelry in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the age of fifteen, Nilson dropped out of school and went to work in a handbag fabrication workshop.  He later apprenticed with an artisan who worked in brass, and it is here he first discovered his creative talents. Nilson began creating exquisite jewelry and handbags using left over materials from the workshop.  Nilson crafts his jewelry from semi-precious stones, brass and alpaca silver, a metal alloy first created in the early 1700s.  Developed in the Far East, alpaca silver quickly became valued throughout Europe and South America. The featured set is made from silver and unpolished aquamarine.

2. Pearl Jewelry Set

The artist of this set, Jan Van Schiek, hails from the Netherlands, but he took a trip to Bali and fell in love with the local materials. He has stayed in Bali, living in the world-famous Indonesian artist colony in Ubud. Also known as “Jan the Rubber Man,” he works with talented Balinese and Javanese silversmiths. Together, they create styles that are classic, Art Deco, art-nouveau and Scandinavian inspired. Jan’s designs are truly unique, original and unusual works of art.  The pieces reflect his belief in keeping jewelry in its “simple, natural and honest form.” This set is typical of his style, made of rubber and silver, featuring pearls as the centerpiece 

3. Peruvian Box

In San Juan de Lurigancho, a town outside of Lima, a group of artists has embraced a blend of European and traditional art using the technique of reverse-painted glass. The process was brought to Peru by the Spaniards and adopted and adapted by the indigenous people to create unique, lovely pieces. The technique involves taking glass, painting over the back and setting it into wood. This box would be great as a jewelry box or a terrific receptacle to store tv remotes on the living room table.

How VirtuArte Helps With Holiday Gifting

If these possibilities seem like a good match for a client, please contact us about making a purchase. If you are inspired but want to see more options and you live in the DC area, please consider joining us at a special holiday shopping event on December 21 and 22: https://bit.ly/2PYo1HX

The post Last Minute Holiday Gifting Ideas That Still Feel Thoughtful appeared first on VirtuArte.

With all of the Holiday themes rolling out at coffee shops and stores, the pressure is rising to identify your holiday gift recipients and decide what to give. Before rushing to buy a gift, start by asking why you are giving a gift. Is it because everyone else is giving gifts at this time of year, or is it because you want to show your clients how much you appreciate their business? If you are gifting to show appreciation then here are some additional considerations.

The Best Client Gifts Are Personal

Gifts are about strengthening your relationship with your client. Gifts should be about the client. It’s not about you and it’s not about your business. Christmas is still four weeks away, so there’s time to think about who will be receiving gifts from you and make the effort to find out about the client. The best gifts are personalized and have meaning to the recipient. Bear in mind that the gift doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, expensive gifts aren’t necessarily great gifts.

But here we are, in the countdown, and you want to give a holiday gift. The question is how to go about choosing something personal and meaningful to the client. The easy answer is: pick up the phone and find out how they’re doing. Ask question like, “What are you doing for Thanksgiving,” or “Do you have any winter holiday plans?” In other words, ask questions that will elicit information that will foster ideas for a gift. If you know they like to read or listen to music, ask what they’ve been reading or listening to lately. If you see them in person, pay attention to what they are wearing and doing. Do you notice funky socks, particular colors or a fondness for cigars? These are all major hints at a great gift that will truly fit the recipient.

Choosing a Holiday Card That Feels Meaningful

For a relatively new client, you may not have the established rapport to have learned about them personally. This makes giving a personalized gift harder, but instead of going generic, send a personal note in a holiday card. Then, plan to give an appreciation gift next year at an unexpected time, such as in February or March, once you’ve had a chance to get to know the client a bit better. For a business client, it may not be a great idea to send the holiday card you are sending to your friends and family. Photos of the kids and vacations are meaningful to your intimate circle, but they are ultimately about you, not the client, particularly one who is just getting to know you. Stick to a holiday-themed card, and make an effort with the handwritten note you include. A card with a plain signature is not enough, and it will get lost in the piles of cards from other people.

Start With a Holiday Gifting Plan

If you still want to give a holiday gift, the best approach is to have a plan. Make a list of all the business contacts for whom you want to buy a gift, and then brainstorm, investigate, and compile a list of gift ideas for each person. Figure out your budget and get shopping. If you are feeling panicked and overwhelmed by the whole process, let VirtuArte help! Contact us here or give us a call at (866) 228-3497, and we will be happy to help you put your list together and talk through possible gift options. We can work with your budget and truly make your gifts memorable to your valued clients this year.

The post The Holiday Countdown Is On: How to Give Meaningful Client Gifts appeared first on VirtuArte.

1. Don’t Give Generic Gifts

A generic gift will not be memorable.  For example, when a respected client receives a gift card, it may go into their wallet, but when it comes back out to be used, you can be certain they won’t remember who gave it to them. Gifts that could be given to anyone, like gift cards, a bottle of wine or a fruit basket send the unfortunate message:  “you didn’t spend any time thinking about me.”

2. Don’t Give The Same Gift Every Year

Some professionals and businesses make a point to give the same gift every year.  Even if the gift is somewhat unique, it does nothing to further your connection with the client on the receiving end.  A yearly, repeated gift takes no thought, and even if you think people will like or expect it, it has no personal meaning for the recipient.

3. Don’t Give VIP Clients The Same Thing You Give Everyone Else

Your best clients, the anchors who drive your business, deserve appreciation for the important role they play.  If you are giving the same gift to all of your clients, then nothing pulls the VIPs out of the crowd to highlight how much they are appreciated.  An out of the ordinary client deserves a gift that is also out of the ordinary.

4. Don’t Give Food

This is a tough recommendation, but food and beverages are not a good idea.  Around the Holidays, everyone is eating and sharing meals, snacks and treats.  A gift of a fruit basket or an assortment of edible goodies will be shared with the entire office along with all the other “food” gifts received.  No one will remember who gave the gift while it is being eaten, and once finished, it will be forgotten.  In other words, this kind of gift has no impact on your customer.  Another problem with food and drink is the limitations you may not know about your client.  Do they have food allergies, do they drink, are they on a diet?  You don’t want your gift to be memorable solely for running up against these issues.

5. Don’t Ignore Presentation

A gift in brown paper and twine won’t cut it when you are trying to have a positive impact.  A great gift can be diminished by being poorly wrapped.  If you are not a skilled gift wrapper, have someone else do it, including the ribbon.  Add to the effect of the presentation with a hand-written, personal card.  If your handwriting isn’t the best, then ask someone else to do it, or, at the very least, make sure to print out your note and sign with a different color pen, so it is clear that you personally attended to the gift.

6. Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

Lastly, and certainly not least, get your gifting done early.  Shopping at the last minute, without a plan, is always stressful particularly during the Holidays.  Rushed purchases will show as less thoughtful and more “whatever was left on the shelf.”  A well planned gift will be well received, and the opposite is true too.  Also, mistakes can happen in the last minute gifting, like wrapping the wrong gift or leaving on the price tag.  These mistakes may be forgivable, but they are the wrong kind of unforgettable.

If your customer appreciation program includes Holiday gifting, make sure to do it right.  The reason you are giving a gift is to show the customer how much you appreciate them, and the best way to do that is to be thoughtful and intentional in your gifting process.

Want to know more about a successful Holiday gift giving program?  Click here to set up a consultation about how you can strengthen your client relationships.

The post Common Holiday Gifting Mistakes for Clients appeared first on VirtuArte.

I’m not a big proponent of giving gifts to your valued clients at the end 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.  No one else is giving gifts at this time, and yours will stand out.

However, no matter when you give your gifts, to be a thoughtful gift giver, you need to prepare.  Waiting until the last minute leads 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 orders require ample advance planning to assure an on time arrival.  Instead of a rushed, less personal approach to demonstrating your appreciation for valued clients, partners and vendors, consider taking some concrete actions now to prepare for the Holidays.

Start With a List of Valued Relationships

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 Before Choosing Gifts

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 bulky?  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 the gift you pick will be treasured and not trashed.

Create Thoughtful Gift Options

For your next step, 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 interests.  Play around with ideas that fit different gifting budgets, and 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 your appreciation.

Shop Early for a Seamless Gifting Experience

It’s not enough to have a great list.  You’ve take 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 that you aren’t rushing just before you want to give the gift.  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.

Do you need some help with your Holiday gift plans?  Contact us here to set up a free consultation.

The post September Is the Best Time to Plan Your Holiday Client Gifting appeared first on VirtuArte.

The Statistics That Support Client Appreciation

An oft-repeated refrain, particularly when times are tight, is “I don’t have the money for client appreciation.”  Most businesses focus resources on new client acquisition and not on cultivating the relationships they already have with their current clients.  This allocation of time and money overlooks some critical statistics.

• It costs 5 times more to acquire a new client than to retain a current client.
• 68% of current clients who stop working with a business say they did not feel appreciated
• Experts vary in their estimates, but the gathered wisdom is that it takes anywhere from 7 to 16 contacts with a potential client to close a sale.
• The success rate for selling to a new client varies from 5-20%
• The success rate for selling to a current client varies from 60-70%

The cost in time, money and effort to obtain new clients can be explained by the fact that a new client needs to get to know, like and trust a business before it proceeds with a sale.  You have already crossed these hurdles with current clients, so it takes far less to cultivate current clients and encourage them to make further purchases.  When considering the statistics, it’s important to remember that the competition will be marketing to your clients, and clients who do not feel appreciated will be more receptive to exploring alternatives to your business.

How Current Clients Become a Source of Business Growth

Clients who have a positive experience offer many positive opportunities for your business. Obviously, repeat business is the start.  A client’s loyalty can inspire them to try additional goods or services offered by your business.  In addition, a happy client will offer quality testimonials and reviews, which are increasingly important factors in attracting new clients.  Finally, your current clients serve as your brand ambassadors.  They will make referrals and advocate for your business.

Staying Top of Mind Through Appreciation

A client appreciation program keeps you in touch with your current clients.  Regular contact should include requests for feedback, which provides you with information vital to improving your business.  These conversations are also an opportunity for you to talk to them about how they can help you.  This can be broached by simply inquiring whether they have any other needs you can attend to, requesting a review or asking if they can make a referral.  None of these asks can be made without follow-up and focus on your current clients, and if you do them in the context of appreciation, you will find the client more receptive to helping you out.

Making Client Appreciation Part of Your Overall Marketing Strategy

To continue to develop and expand your relationship with your clients, you want to help them focus on the value that you bring.  A well-conceived client appreciation strategy is an excellent way to stay top of mind.  As part of an overall marketing strategy, it takes some thought to make sure your program is authentic and effective.  VirtuArte offers a variety of client appreciation advice and services that you can use to maintain your most valuable resource.  We would love to connect with you for a complimentary strategy session to make the most of your client appreciation efforts.  Contact us here to set up your session today.

The post Why Client Appreciation Belongs in Your Marketing Strategy appeared first on VirtuArte.

Use Video Chat to Maintain Personal Connection

It seems like overnight, everyone discovered zoom and the many other video conferencing solutions out there. While the reason for the dramatic increase in video communications is that it is the next best thing to an in-person meeting. Video chats allow you to see facial expressions and other nonverbal behaviors. Consider scheduling a check-in with your clients via video chat. This should not be a sales call. Rather, it is an opportunity to find out how they are doing and if there is anything you can do for them. Don’t forget to maintain professionalism in your appearance and decorum during the call. If you truly don’t like video chats, then pick up the phone and call your clients.

The Impact of a Handwritten Note

At VirtuArte, we consistently get the feed-back that handwritten notes are among the most impactful ways to communicate appreciation. The personal touch and the effort that goes into the note are both apparent and welcome. The key right now is to give thanks to you clients for being a valued part of your business. You want to let them know you are thinking about them, and you are there if they need anything. If you don’t have a mailing address, send an e-card, but be sure to include a personal note that shows you have taken the time to truly consider each customer.

Strengthening Relationships With Virtual Gifts

There’s no reason to interrupt your client gifting strategy right now. In fact, you should consider the impact a thoughtful gesture can have during a time of crisis. Some recommendations include:

• An audiobook
• An e-Book
• Online Subscription to a magazine or newspaper
• An online course
• Podcast

Take the information you have been gathering about your clients and use it to personalize each gift. Send something that reflects the client’s interests.

Creating Shared Experiences With Virtual Meals

Friends and families are gathering online to have virtual meals together. You can offer the same opportunity to touch base to your clients. However, take this gesture a step further with a client, and make it a business lunch that’s your treat. How? Buy lunch from a restaurant that is local to your client and have it delivered. Order your own lunch, and then log onto and enjoy a meal together. If you want to meet up for a drink, instead of doing a run of the mill happy hour, consider doing a virtual wine tasting. Again, you can order a delivery to your client and then have a wine steward join online for the experience.

Why Personalized Communication Matters More Than Email Blasts

Just like any other gesture, it is more meaningful if you personalize your email communications. Sending out an email blast to clients will get your communication lost in the noise of the clients’ inbox. Be thoughtful about your Subject line, and make sure to lead with a highly personalized sentence that makes it clear you are making a genuine effort to connect.

If you need assistance in implementing any of these ideas or want to brainstorm further, contact me at dmyers@virtuarte.com or at 202.297.9524

The post How to Stay Connected With Your Clients During Uncertain Times appeared first on VirtuArte.

With the arrival of the new year, many businesses breathe a sigh of relief that they have finished with the year-end rush to get holiday cards and client gifts out the door.  With the big push completed, now may be a great time to consider your client gifting strategy and explore business gifting approaches that increase the impact of each gift and make a lasting impression on your clients.

Unique Gifts Have The Biggest Impact

I think a unique gift will have a greater return on your investment.  A few years ago, a client came to me because he said he wanted to give a gift to a customer who was also somewhat of a mentor.  He presented me with some ideas about the customer’s likes and interests, gave me a price point, and, after some research, I was able to make a few suggestions, including a mask from an area that my client knew his customer was interested in.  The result was even better than expected.  The customer almost became emotional and specifically expressed appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the gift.  The gift had a huge impact on my client because he took the time to make the gift unique and spontaneous.  He gave some thought to the customer’s tastes, and he hand-delivered a gift selected with the intention of being meaningful.  I don’t think a unique gift has to be expensive.  Taking the time and effort to come up with a customized gift for your customer will have an impact that far exceeds the cost.

Put Your Budget Into Spontaneous Gifting

My client’s gift had an additional impact because the client gave it to his customer in February — it wasn’t competing with any other holiday gifts, and it clearly showed that a specific thought went into the gift.  Even the best of client gifts can get lost in the shuffle at the end of the year when packages are arriving from all sorts of partners, vendors, and other business associates.  While there is no reason to forgo the holiday gift altogether, consider a more spontaneous gesture.  This will show that you have the client specifically in mind rather than checking a name off a list.  A gift that doesn’t relate to an event or a holiday conveys the message that you keep your clients top of mind at all times.

A Generic Gift Can Backfire

The problem with a lot of end-of-year gifts is that they are purchased in bulk, and it shows.  A bottle of wine or a food basket won’t be as effective as a personalized, unique gift for several reasons.  First, everyone is doing it.  Going the predictable route with your gifting will result in the gift being added to a pile of gifts from other businesses and possibly getting regifted.  Second, the recipient may perceive that, for all the business they’ve given you, this generic gift doesn’t reflect much in the way of appreciation.  Third, while unintended, a generic gift can convey the impression that you don’t know or care enough about the client to give a gift that you know they will like, particularly if the client doesn’t actually like the gift you gave.

Knowing The Etiquette of Gifting

A promotional gift is different from a “thank you ” or appreciation gift.  For promotional gifts, the intention is to create additional customer awareness, so it is appropriate to increase brand visibility with a logo on the gift.  However, if giving a gift to an existing client to express gratitude or appreciation, then it should not be a promotional item — it should be a gift demonstrating that you put some thought into the client’s interest and needs and came up with something that wasn’t sitting in your storeroom.

Gifts are an important marketing tool.  The investment in a gesture towards a customer or client will help that client feel valued and understood.  To achieve this outcome, approach your client gifting strategy thoughtfully and intentionally.  A unique gift, timed to be noticed and given with care, will have a lasting impact in building customer loyalty.

Want to find that perfect, unique gift for a valued client?  Contact us here for more information about working with VirtuArte.

The post Maximize the Impact of Your Client Gifting Strategy appeared first on VirtuArte.

I was at a networking event and one of my vendors came up to me and gave me a gift.  It was a box of chocolate covered Oreo cookies with the VirtuArte logo on some of the cookies and her company logo on others.  The gift was not wrapped and it had a pre-printed card.  I thanked her for the gift.  As she walked away I thought to myself this person doesn’t know me.  If she did she would have known I don’t eat desserts or candy very often.  I also figured I was one of many clients to whom she had given the same gift.

Here are a couple of tips for giving a business gift:

Don’t give a gift just to give a gift. If you are going to give a client, colleague or employee a gift, give them something that has meaning to them and will be appreciated.

Get to know the person. Building on point #1.  In my post dated 14 November 2017 I give a list of questions to answer.  If you take the time to answer these questions for each of your gift recipients you will know what kind of gift to give each person.

This is a “thank you” gift, not a promotional gift. Don’t put your logo on the gift.  When was the last time you received a birthday gift with the name of the person who gave it to you engraved on it.  If you must have something on the gift that ties it to your company do something subtle, such as using ribbon in your company colors.

Wrap to “Wow.” In last week’s blog post I wrote about creating a gift giving experience.  Part of that experience is in the presentation of the gift.  Spend time wrapping the gift.  People receive gifts with their eyes.

Hand write a card. The reason for giving a gift is to express your appreciation for the business relationship you have with that person.  A pre-printed card doesn’t have the same effect on the recipient.

What is going to happen to the box of chocolate covered Oreo cookies?  I’m not going to eat these cookies.  Paul, my significant other, doesn’t like chocolate so he won’t eat them either.  I ended up giving the box to Paul to take to the office and his colleagues ate the cookies.

I know this isn’t what my vendor had in mind when she thought about giving me a “thank you” gift for my business.  However the truth is, this is what happens to a lot of “business gifts.”  The item is often put in a drawer or closet, given away or thrown away.  If you are going to spend the money on a gift, give something that will be displayed or used by your client.  Every time they use or look at it you will be thought of.

Copyright : Wavebreak Media Ltd

Before you give your next “thank you” gift, take the time to think about what will be meaningful to your recipient.

The post Business Gift Giving Tips To Make a Lasting Impression appeared first on VirtuArte.