Corporate gifting has always been a great way to build strong, long-lasting relationships with your clients – but the Covid-19 pandemic has actually made gifting more important than ever before. With so many businesses struggling to stay alive and many having to lay off employees, fear, anxiety and stress have become commonplace throughout the business world. So what better way to lift spirits and remind your clients that you are here for them than giving them a wonderful gift?
Following are five reasons that go into more detail about why corporate gifting has become so important to maintaining strong business relationships during the pandemic.
1) Connect
Trade shows, conferences, seminars and many other such traditional in-person “networking” events have mostly been cancelled (or gone virtual) because of Covid-19. This means that one of the most effective ways to connect with current clients and meet potential new clients is simply gone. By giving corporate gifts to your clients, you are able to stay connected with them. It shows them that you are thinking about them, you care about their business and you want to stay in touch with them even in the midst of this terrible pandemic. A real, tangible gift that your client can hold in their hands is truly an effective way to stay connected in today’s evolving and increasingly isolated and virtual business world.
2) Be Top of Mind
With physical meetings and in-person visits being extremely limited nowadays, you need new ways to keep your business top-of-mind with your clients. Gifting is a great way to get this done. Your gift says “we’re still here” and really helps your clients to remember your company and keep you in mind. Having your gift show up at their door can also serve as a kind of “pop in” that shows you are thinking of them.
3) Stay Relevant
With so many businesses closing, reducing in size or even changing their business model, you need to ensure that you stay relevant to your clients. With so much uncertainty throughout the business world, your gift will reinforce to your clients that your company is still going strong, remains relevant and is always here to help.
4) Engage
Never underestimate the importance of simply engaging with your clients regularly to let them know you are thinking about them and are grateful for their business. Gifting is an ideal way to engage, especially during this time of social distancing and extremely limited personal contact. It’s also a smart idea to touch base with your clients after your gift has been delivered by calling them on the phone. This makes gifting even more effective by allowing you to interact with your clients twice within a fairly short period of time.
5) Show Compassion
As mentioned before, the pandemic has caused a big increase in stress and anxiety throughout the business world. Giving your clients and/or your employees a thoughtful gift communicates that your company is compassionate and that you truly care. Even a small gift lets them know you are thinking about them and helps to spread a little kindness and goodwill in these trying times.
Keeping your business ahead of the curve means developing strong relationships — and lots of them. From clients and customers to business partners, vendors, employees and more, your list of vital players is ever growing and increasingly harder to handle. With professional gifting tips and industry insights, Cane River Pecan Company is here to help.
