Reasons to move on from boxes of Sonapapdi

and mugs with logos; Corporate gifting

version 2.0
Corporate gifting has always been the most powerful tool to build up business
relations; because, come on who doesn’t like presents? A thoughtful gift sprinkled
with some appreciation and a sweet little ‘thank you’ may work wonders in ways
that you never even imagined.

But have you thought about what’s done to the boxes of sonpapdi and generic
mugs with a brand logo on it that companies hand out in the name of corporate
gifting? Well, let me tell you the truth. They are handed out to other people and
forgotten forever (what a complete waste of money! Duh!)

Corporate gifts have an ability to actually reach out to the emotional part of
people’s brains if done right. Be it an employee going through a hard time or a
client celebrating a milestone that is special to them, a well meaning customized
corporate gift can really make them emotional and that’s when the bonds
become stronger.

So what’s up with this gifting tradition that you should be investing in to get your
business sprinting? Let me tell you!

1. Incredibly credible!
Got a new client? Want to win their trust? Want to make them know that your
services will never let them down? Say it all with a very well-personalized
thoughtful gift! Not just a lame mug or keychain with your brand name; but a
specially customized present that screams the idea that you know them on a
personal level.

Gone are the days when just printing your logo on something was enough. It’s
time to make it more personal and then incorporating your logo or brand name so
that it looks more like a gift that stands out and leaves a footprint on the client’s
thoughts rather than looking like a desperate and obvious attempt of
advertisement.

2. What goes around, comes around

When you leave an imprint in the client’s memories rather than getting your logo
imprinted on a mug, you stay in the front of the client’s mind! And this may bring
you more clients (yaaaaay!!)

Your existing clientele will guarantee recommend your services at the relevant
places if and only if they remember you. A gift that makes them emotional at a
personal level, a gift so interesting or quirky that they want to keep it with them
or something that they actually use in their daily life, what’s better than that
which will retain you and your business in their mind? They might even show the
present to the potential clients and say a couple of nice things about you; which
will build a positive brand image for you.

3. Through the thick and the thin

People go through rough patches. And there is nothing better than a little support
and motivation from the side of the company when an employee goes through a
tough time. A gift that tells the employees that the company supports them and
they are doing just fine motivates them like anything. Motivation leads to
increased productivity and productivity leads to benefit of the company.

Not just employees but corporate gifting can help you build stronger relations
with clients as well if it is timed well. Be it a personal loss or some kind of
celebration, a genuine gift will guarantee a feeling of security and support.

4. “We appreciate you”

How sweet and morally boosting is this sentence! That rush of serotonin when
someone sees you work and appreciates it. So why wait only for festivals to come
around just to give back something and make it all seem generic and pretentious
when you can schedule a special appreciation gift that is inexpensive, handy but
thoughtful? Something less edible and more functional like water bottles
customized with the employees’ names on them!

Appreciation works very well with employees as they feel the sense of security
and belonging through it. The feeling that the company acknowledges their
contribution and sees their individuality is something that leads the employees to
be more loyal to their work and the company over all.

The timing of corporate gifting matters a lot. Only sending out gifts during
festivals makes it look a little obvious, but on the other hand, sending out gifts too
often might raise the question on the value of the gifts. So, the best way out of
this issue is to set up unique gift schedules according to your own business
requirements.

The cost of the gift doesn’t matter. What matters is the values and emotion
attached to it. Be it a set of coasters, a lavish hamper of side table essentials or
just a customized water bottle with a name on it, a well timed appropriate gift can
really show the goodwill of the company and make your professional
relationships grow even stronger.