Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Do's and Don'ts for Successful Gift Giving in Corporate America

1) DO talk to experts about appropriate gifts for your clients. Discuss budget and types of gifts that are appropriate.

2) DON'T send a group gift unless everyone knows each other. If your client is a large company and you work with multiple people at that company, sending a group gift is appropriate if they all work in the same area and can share.

3) DO consider another time of year (other than year-end) to send gifts of appreciation to your clients. Your gift will be remembered and is an excellent tool to market your business during the year.

4) DON'T send personal items to clients or staff. It could be misinterpreted.

5) DO be conscious of cultural and health restrictions. Hindus, for example, don't use any cow products. Traditional Chinese believe a gift of a timepiece means death. Diabetics need to watch their sugar intake, while people with food allergies need to see ingredient information.

6) DON'T overlook international etiquette. If your gift is sent overseas, make sure you ask your gift professional to advise you on local customs first. Cultures differ by country and by area of the world, don't assume you know about an area you are not familiar with.

7) DO check company policy for dollar limits on gifts. If a corporate gift policy prohibits gifts, ask if you can still send a fruit basket for everyone at the company to share in.

8) DO consider bulk shipment. Other than saving money on shipping and handling, you add the personal touch by hand delivery to your customer. The additional benefit - you thank your customer in person for their business and it helps form a good solid business relationship.

9) DON'T send gifts wrapped in black and gold. Traditionally, these are colors of mourning. Gifts or wrapping in purple are considered a symbol of bad luck. Talk to your gift professional for advice on appropriate gift ideas.

10) DO keep your gift neutral. You don't want to offend anyone. Be religion neutral.

11) DO thank your customers for their business. It's not how much you spend, but the thought that counts! Thanking your customers will build solid business relationships.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Friday, May 19, 2006

Gifting to Grow Your Business - How Important Is It?

The year-end Holidays come and go and businesses get snowed under with year end gifts from their clients. In some ways, gifts at year end all seem to be lumped together in the client's mind. The new trend is to find year-round cost effective ways to thank your clients.

Did you know that when companies are doing well they don't thank their customers? When things are slow, companies start to court their customers .... sometimes that's too late.

You need to keep your name in front of your customer constantly. Gifting is one way to do this. It does not have to be elaborate. Small gifts (what gift basket professionals call "warm call gifts") would be a perfect way to keep your name in front of your customer. Make gifting a year round, not year-end time to say thank you for their business. This will help secure your relationship with your customers and get referrals.

Attitudes for D.A.T.I.N.G. your customer:

DAZZLE your customer!

ANTICIPATE their needs!

TREAT them the way you want to be treated.

INNOVATE in every area of your business including your policies.

NUTURE the relationship with your internal customers (employees/vendors/suppliers) so that everyone can satisfy your external customers.

GUARANTEE that you stay in business by following these simple rules.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Desiderio

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Why Business Networking? It Really Works!

Everyone loses customers: ownership changes, changing business plans, personnel changes and many more! In any given year if you are planning for growth you may grow, or have zero growth, or even shrink but one thing is certain - if you didn't go after new business you will be in a less advantageous position. New customers are your life blood and can be expensive to get. Cold Calling, Advertising Campaigns, and Mailings are expensive and require not only money but many sales hours and the return on investment is not usually very high. What can we do to find and get these new customers?

"What About Networking?" Networking is a cost effective way to obtain new clients and growing your business. The first thing you need to do is schedule at least two networking events a week. Next is getting out of your comfort zone. When attending a networking event, always sit with individuals you have never met before. It forces you to mingle, meet someone new and a possible potential new clients.

Here are some tips:

1. Bring plenty of business cards - keep them handy - wear a blazer or pants with pockets. Put your cards in your right pocket. When you obtain the other person's card put it in your left pocket. It is very distracting digging in your purse for your cards. You look "unorganized". Follow up about a week later with a postcard or an E Mail to keep your name in front of the new contact.

2. Eye contact is critical. You know how you feel when someone is talking to you and looking around. Don't look past the person. And don't forget the 3-minute rule (don't be too long winded). After that you lose the other person's attention!

3. Your name tag is your best friend; it introduces you to everyone. We usually shake with our right hand. Put your name tag on the left so it is visible.

4. Last but not least - and certainly very important - Dress for Success. Image is everything! You are on stage with networking. The first 30 seconds someone sees you are very important and you want to make a great impression.

Networking does work! You can meet 90% of your clients this way! Now, get out there and network!! It is essential to your business!! Your business success could depend on it!!

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small businesses.

Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Strategic Business Alliance - Ten Reasons Why

1. More Variety - You will be able to offer your customers a larger variety of of products and services.

2. A bigger Sales Force - The number of sales people will increase when you form this alliance. You will spend less time on hiring new employees and still increase your sales force.

3. More Marketing Dollars - Your marketing and advertising budget will increase and both businesses will share the marketing and advertising costs. You will add products and services to your existing customer base.

4. Batch Products - You can increase your sales and profits by combining products with your strategic partners. Adding new products and services will help you increase your profits.

5. A bigger Work Force - Your business will gain a larger number of skilled professionals. This will help you grow your business faster.

6. Beat your Competition - You will be selling to a larger target
audience, thus beat your competition by selling more products and services. You will increase your existing customer base.

7. Add Credibility - You will exchange endorsements with your alliance partners thus adding credibility with your existing customers and potential new customers.

8. Faster Growth Path - You can expand your business at a faster pace. You will develop new products and services because of the larger sales force.

9. Problem Solving Partner - You will solve your customer's problems faster with the larger base of customer service people. You will learn from your alliance partner how to improve your customer service.

10. A Think Tank - You will have a larger number of people to bounce ideas off of and have a sounding board to solve problems and gain new ideas to grow your business.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, a corporate gift consulting firm. Patricia writes articles for various organizations on business topics for small lbusinesses. Contact information at: http://www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com