HOLIDAY BUSINESS GIFTING — DO'S AND DON'TS

When the holidays roll around, your thoughts go beyond spreadsheets, meetings and paperwork. You’re most likely confronted with choosing an appropriate gift for your customers and your staff. Selecting the right token of appreciation can be daunting! However, if you follow these guidelines, you’ll give memorable gifts that are a tasteful reflection of your sentiments—and your company’s good name.

• Know your recipients. As with personal gifts for family and friends, you should be aware of your client’s or employee’s style and interests. This helps you more effectively choose an appropriate gift. Does your top customer enjoy golf? A wind shirt and a sleeve of golf balls would be a big hit. Your assistant is into sports? She’d love a cooler filled with tailgating goodies like chips and beverages. In some instances, you might consider a group gift that everyone can enjoy like a new coffeemaker for the lunchroom.

• Present the gift in person. If possible, deliver your gift in person. Personal exchange is always more meaningful. This also lets them thank you in person too.

• Include a handwritten note. A brief, sincere wish or a thank you adds a nice touch. If you include a card, the best bet is one without a religious theme.

• Learn if the company has a gift policy. Prevent potential embarrassment for you and your clients if they cannot accept a gift because of a gift policy. If such a policy exists, you can always give them a handwritten card expressing your thanks and best wishes.

• Ensure the gift reflects well on your business. Your gift should be tasteful and project a professional image of you and your business. If you logo the gift, opt for an understated, classy look.

• Send thank you notes for the business gifts you receive. Acknowledging your business gifts in writing is basic good manners. It also builds more rapport with your customers and staff.

• Give liquor. Unless you know your clients well, steer away from alcohol. Many people don’t drink alcohol for a variety of reasons.

• Get too personal. Jewelry, perfume and other gifts that are extremely personal may make your recipients uncomfortable.

• Be too gender-specific. Make sure both women and men can enjoy your gift.

• Let your budget be too limiting. You can take a scaled approach to gift giving by using a larger amount of your budget for your top clients. Then, equally divide the remainder among your other clients and staff.

• Send a gift if you’re negotiating. As innocent as your gift may be, it could be construed as a bribe if you’re in the middle of negotiating a contract.

• Give gag gifts. Again, unless you know your recipient extremely well, don’t give a gag gift. Your attempt at humor could be unfunny…or worse, offensive.

By following these business-gifting rules, you’ll effectively recognize the people you’ve established business relationships with and the people who help you get your work done. The positive repercussions of a wisely chosen gift will last well into the new year!