Oct 31, 2004 10:27 AM
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(Updated Oct 31, 2004 12:20 PM)
When Giving A Gift
Does your company has policy of giving Corporate gift? Some companies have a no-gift policy while a few put restrictions on the budget .If anyone else in your company is also sending gifts to someone on your list, consider combining the budget amounts to give the client one better gift rather than two separate gifts.
It’s a good idea to know your client fully well. What do they like to do away from the office? Which holiday do they celebrate at this time of the year: Diwali, Christmas, Eid, none?
Would they prefer the gift delivered to their home or office? Do they have a favourite charity to which you can donate in their name? When buying your gifts in bulk, find out who are the best suppliers for the products you have in mind. Is there one source from where you can get all your top-quality items? Who has the best quotation, the shortest turn around and the fastest delivery?
Presenting A Present
Your presentation of the gift can be as important as the gift itself. A personal, handwritten note talks to the recipient your sincerity and regard. Do you mail the gift or present it in person?
Mailing is a way to reduce any feelings of obligation on the part of the recipient and can also be a welcome diversion on a routine working day. However, taking the extra effort to present in person will add emphasis to the thoughtfulness of your gesture.
The Personal Touch
Does your gift reflect the personality of the recipient? Is she a big movie buff? Does he have a favorite golf iron? Who’s her favorite author? Try to find out these kinds of things discreetly because when you do—and when your gift reflects it –the impression conveyed is that you care about the person and haven taken the time to understand their preferences.
A Matter Of Timing
HOLIDAYS are, of course, the most popular times for giving but experts know that there are other times of the year that you can have a more profound personal impact on the relationship. For eg: Birthday gifts are to bound to impress.
Important dates, such as the anniversary of the business relationship or the day you took up a new position, may make good occasions for a gift. Events as promotion, the birth of a child, or completion of a major project also provide good opportunities to give gifts.
What To Give?
Food items are considered popular corporate gifts. I remember when my brother used to bring home the choicest sweets. They blend in well to many holidays and can be taken home and enjoyed with friends and family How ever, you’ll need to find out the tastes of the recipients.
You must be creative and thoughtful while giving food items as gifts. Pen sets and desk blotters are safe bets that reflect practically and good taste. Exercise caution when considering interior-décor items because taste In office decor is personal for many and, sometimes, a business-related matter.
Tickets to sporting events, live entertainment or even scarce seats for popular shows often make great gifts, provided you know the recipient’s preferences. Gift certificates are a safe bet, too, and they may nullify the risk of making a wrong choice. How ever, they might give an impression that you didn’t take time find out the client’s like and dislikes.
