Christmas. New Year. It is the season of giving gifts to our family and friends.
But what about gifts to customers and business partners? Is it still OK to do this?
Many years ago, it was custom tradition in B2B to send a small gift to customers : some local delicacies such as chocolate, wine, beer, a bottle of champagne, or more original and personalised gifts such a 1-year subscription to National Geographics. But gradually this small gift evolved too much more valuable gifts; voucher for exclusive dinners, holiday trips, … up to the point that it may be perceived as more than just a token of appreciation.
So nowadays, many companies have installed a gift policy, describing what one may accept as a gift, and more importantly what not. Some even have a strict no-gift policies. And that's a pity, I believe.
Because it is the season of looking back, appreciating the past year, and showing that appreciation. These small tokens of appreciation really bring some joy and positive feeling. Both for the sender as for the receiver!
It is really rewarding to share your gratitude to your customer for receiving his/her trust. To say ‘thank you’. And it is enjoyable to feel appreciated. To get recognition on the partnership.
I am convinced that in this, it is not so much the value of the gift that matters most. Rather is it the positive feeling it creates. And I'm convinced it only requires to find the right personal, authentic, inspiring and mainly genuine message/card/’non-value gift’ to reach this feeling.
I recently received a mini-box of delicious chocolates. And as much as I like chocolate, the box it was wrapped in contained the message ‘life is full of little surprises …’ It made me smile! And isn’t this the feeling a gift should create?!
So my plead is to search for ways to reintroduce this tradition, and find different ways to share your appreciation. While respecting the gift policies. An inspiring card? A personalised message? An original agenda? Or what about giving customers the option to donate to a charity of choice? Or ....,
Most importantly, take the time & effort to make it memorable!
I mostly remember:
Give out gifts not because you feel obliged to. But because the other one deserves it!
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