Most people only think about sending corporate gifts after they have done business with someone. However, sending a gift before you do business with someone is actually a great way to make the first move and establish a new business connection.
An impressive 77% of CEOs in a recent survey* said business gifts make them feel appreciated – so gift giving can be a great way to get a new relationship started in a very positive way.
Here are a couple of tips that can help you introduce yourself to potential new business connections through corporate gifting.
1. Give something small but thoughtful.
When you do this, also include a short story or explanation about why you chose to send this gift. This is a simple but powerful way to begin creating a personal connection and let the person know that you’re willing to invest your time and are truly interested in them. You may think this is a “no-brainer” but in reality, more than half of business gift recipients* report receiving a gift with no personal note attached.
2. Consider giving a gift that reflects your values or culture.
Choose something that tells the potential customer more about you. This can be a great ice breaker and could lead to an engaging story that gets the relationship off on a good track.
Here’s an example from Cane River Pecan Company CEO Jady Regard:
“I would give a pound of pecans with a short note that reads: When I was young, I would help my father load his pickup truck with small brown grocery bags filled with fresh cracked pecans from our family farm. He would carry these pecans around with him for about two weeks, slowly delivering them to folks he knew or was getting to know. They were a real hit.”
The perfect way to end this little story would be to say, “I hope you enjoy the pecans – and I also hope we can get to know one another better. Happy Holidays!”
With these simple tips, you can use corporate gifting as an effective tool for establishing new business contacts and boosting your revenue. It really is a wonderful way to introduce yourself and has been proven to provide a measurable return on investment – as well as other intangible benefits such as loyalty, appreciation and a positive opinion of your business.
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.
