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Gift
Giving Etiquette
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Yes, but there
are certain do's and don'ts when it comes to gift giving.
When
you know the recipient fairly well, selecting a gift is easy. But, you
have to remember what they really don't like or your effort at gifting
them could turn out disastrous. You have also to keep track of what you
had given them on previous occasions. Of course, some people love to
get the same thing over and over again, especially if it is their
favorite item.
In the business setting, here are a few gift giving tips
that might help:
Find items that leave a lasting impression
People are in business to impress. First impressions count a lot, and
the same applies to your gift. It colors the client's perception of you
as an individual and you as a business associate.
Capitalize
on your client's interests
Everyone loves a gift related to something they cherish or appreciate.
If your client is a sports fan, get some sports memorabilia or tickets
to a game. If you haven't had the chance to get acquainted with your
client's likes and dislikes, find out from their secretary or assistant
before you get them a gift.
Observe
corporate gift-giving guidelines
If an employee of a company is to be the recipient of your gift, find
out the company's gift-giving standards from a manager.
Give a gift of
appropriate value
Too cheap a gift would annoy a client and too expensive a gift might
shock or embarrass them. So, stay within your budget, be generous
enough, but don't overdo it.
Give an appropriate gift
A gift of liquor given to a connoisseur of alcoholic beverages will be
well appreciated while the same gift given to a teetotaler will be
rebuked. When giving gifts to members of the opposite sex, definitely
avoid personal items. You might include humor in your gifts with people
you know well, but even then, be careful if they are of a different
culture. Humor that's innocent in one culture may be scorned upon in
another.
Use your logo with caution
Gifts are a good way to promote yourself and your business but having
your logo in large print across the front of the gift is no appropriate
way to advertise yourself. It is too blatant and repulsive. You can
subtly hide your logo in the packaging, though. Think of the joy your
gift is to give someone. If you can see your gift delivering that joy,
then that is the most effective advertising.
Lend a personal touch
Hand-write notes to go along with your gift. Don't type
everything-that's too cold.
Aim
to see the gleam in the eye of the recipient of your gift. Then, you'll
be sure to follow your heart and give a gift that's well appreciated
and remembered for years to come. After all, it's the thought that goes
along with the gift that's most important.
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Wendy
Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket
directory and enjoys helping gift basket business owners achieve
online success. For more information visit http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com
or sign up for free Gift Basket Business Tips at http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com/gift-business-tips.htm
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for shopping with
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Building
Strong Client Relationships One Gift at a Time™
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Corporate Gifting Solutions Gaithersburg,
MD 20885-3092
Phone:
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236-9677
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