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December is the month most businesses find their lobbies overrun with gift bags stuffed with sussies and food trays laden with holiday treats. It’s simply what they’ve come to expect from their vendors after all these years. And that’s great for you because this gives you the opportunity to stand apart – from both the competition and the clutter. 

How To Stand Out? Send That Gift in January. 

Think about it. January marks the end of two straight months of merriment that include Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve. The first day back at work after sixty continuous days of mirth can seem downright dull. No smiling faces, no upbeat music, no sweet treats. So much for a happy new year, right? Until, that is, you step in with the surprise your clients didn’t know they needed. 

There are two superb reasons to send that corporate gift in January.

You’re Not Just Another Face in the Crowd

Instead, you’re the bright face of the even brighter new year. It’s your business card they’ll see now that the office break room has been cleared of the holiday hodgepodge. You’ll be the vendor they think of when they need to use your service. You’ll be top of mind when all the holiday hubbub has passed. 

It Creates More Than Good Will

Research shows that 83% of CEOs believe that business gifts generate a measurable return on investment. In other words, yours is a gift that benefits both recipient and giver*.

Of course, giving the right gift is key here. Dropping off another click-top ballpoint pen with your logo isn’t necessarily going to differentiate you from the other guys. The right gift is the one that is small but meaningful. Keep in mind that many companies have policies limiting the value of corporate gifts. Anything too extravagant might run afoul of those rules. Small and tasteful beats big and gaudy when it comes to giving gifts to your clients.

Whether you give corporate gifts regularly or have never done so before, sending gifts in January can be a great way to maximize the effectiveness of this proven marketing tactic.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

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.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

In today’s ultra-competitive business world, corporate gift giving has become a very powerful tool for retaining clients, attracting new customers and increasing your revenue. In fact, a recent survey* of CEOs nationwide revealed that 83% believe that business gifts generate measurable, positive return on investment in addition to intangible benefits. In addition, 67% believe that the gift demonstrates that the giver values their relationship.

However, in order to be truly effective, the gifts you give must be memorable – which is why pecans or gourmet pecan gifts are such a great choice for corporate gifting. Pecans are delicious, unique and nearly everyone loves them, so your clients are sure to remember your company when they enjoy these special treats.

Following are a few more reasons why pecans are an outstanding corporate gift that can boost your company’s revenue, build your brand and strengthen business relationships.

1) Steeped in Tradition

Over the years, pecans have become a cherished tradition across the entire United States during the holidays, with many people using them to make pecan pies, pralines and other treats for their families every year. By giving the gift of top-quality pecans, you can create stronger, long-lasting relationships with your employees, customers and vendors – which will ultimately result in higher employee productivity and increased business with your clients and vendors.

2) A Cherished Luxury

Big, beautiful, flavorful gourmet pecans are considered a luxury by most people. This makes them cherished as a gift that they would normally not purchase for themselves. As an alternative to simply giving pecans, you can choose to give special treats such as pralines or a wide variety of other pecan-inspired delicacies. Either way, pecans are a gift that everyone will enjoy and remember – and being memorable is one of the most important factors for successful corporate gifting that produces a good return on investment.

3) Creates Connections

By giving a unique, memorable gift like pecans, you are creating connections – and with these connections comes loyalty from your customers. In fact, a full 40% of CEOs* say that business gifts increase their loyalty and their desire to work with the company longer – and 50% say corporate gifts that are memorable make them feel more connected to the gift giver. All of these factors will ultimately translate into increased revenue for your company when you give a high quality corporate gift such as pecans.

Looking for a gift they won’t forget? Learn more about corporate gifting and explore gourmet pecan gifting packages at Cane River Pecan Company.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

Creating a budget for corporate gift giving is important to ensure you get the best return on your investment while not breaking the bank. While you need to set an amount that you can afford, also keep in mind that giving poor quality gifts is a big mistake. For example, in a recent survey* of more than 1,000 CEOs, when asked about the worst corporate gifts they’ve ever received, the #1 answer was, “cheap things with company logos” (such as t-shirts and mugs). As such, you’d be wise not to skimp too much on your budget to ensure your recipients feel valued and your gift is a true expression of your relationship.

Begin by determining an overall target amount that you would like to spend – then take the following three steps to help complete your corporate gifting plan and fine-tune the budget.

1) Create Your Recipients List

Think about all the people who have helped your business succeed when making your list. This can include your top clients, prospective new clients, vendors and suppliers, your own employees and anyone else who is important to your business.

2) Categorize Your List

If you plan on giving different gifts to various people based on your business relationship or other factors, it’s a good idea to break your list into categories or segments. This is an effective way to identify those recipients who should receive a higher-end gift and those for which a less costly gift is appropriate. One of the most popular ways to do this is to use three simple categories – low, medium and high price points. However, you can create as many categories as you think will be needed to differentiate between your recipients. 

3) Create Budget Ranges for Each Category

Next, create a range of costs for each category, such as $25 – $50, $50 – $100, $100+ or more. After you’ve put all of your recipients into the proper categories, it’s time to add everything up and compare the total to your overall target budget.

At this point, it’s likely that you will either be over or under your target budget. You can edit as needed by moving recipients to different categories, or you can add or subtract recipients until the final cost meets your target. Just remember that 77% of CEOs surveyed* say that business gifts make them feel appreciated – so corporate gifts, when well-planned, can really play an important role in strengthening your business relationships.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

Giving corporate gifts is not only an opportunity to strengthen relationships and grow your business – it’s also an investment. In fact, 83% of CEOs in a recent survey* believe that business gifts generate measurable positive ROI in addition to intangible benefits. To make the most of your investment, you should take the time to learn the most effective ways to go about the gifting process.

Here are five tips that can help you absolutely nail the art of memorable gifting and get the best return on investment for your corporate gifting initiatives this year.

1) Do It!

Stop thinking about it and take action. Like the old Nike ad says, “Just do it.” Wondering whether corporate gifting is right for your company will get you nowhere – and overthinking it might stop you from doing it at all. Do your research, find the best gifts for your clients and get it done.

2) Give a Gift That’s Reasonable but Rare

You want to find a gift that’s reasonably priced – but it’s also a good idea if it’s something that’s also hard to find. For example, you can walk into any grocery store in America and find pecans – but it’s nearly impossible to find “really good” pecans. One of the reasons Cane River Pecan Company resonates so well with people is the unmatched quality of its pecans. As such, if you’re going to give gifts, make sure that they are really top quality and unique — not something that can be found at any old store.

3) Include a Personal Note

Including a personal note with your gift is vital because it really brings it home to the recipient that they are special and you are thinking specifically about them. Maybe you can share a quick story or relive a special memory that you both share. As long as the message is personal and positive, you really can’t go wrong — so take the time to do this, and it will truly make your gift more memorable.

4) Find a Gift That’s Versatile

Giving a unique corporate gift that has multiple uses can go a long way toward increasing the enjoyment and appreciation of the recipient. For example, pecans can be eaten just as they are or used in a wide variety of great recipes. The same can be said for other food items such as gourmet cheeses or baskets that contain multiple items. There are also plenty of other versatile corporate gifts such as tote bags that can also be used as a backpack or gym bag — or journals that include a place to hold a cell phone and a charging cord as well as pens, business cards, etc. The point is that, if you give a gift that has multiple uses, it makes your gift even better and more memorable.

5) Give A Gift that Says Something About You

Try to find a gift that represents your company, what you do and/or who you are — and one that also resonates with the recipient. For example, Cane River Pecan Company is a southern-rooted, family-owned company that offers pecan specialties, which could appeal to customers who appreciate fine foods, family recipes and Southern hospitality. 

You may be able to find a gift specific to your region, too, such as top quality maple syrup if you’re based in New England or gourmet chili peppers if you’re in the southwestern U.S. Whether it’s food items or something else altogether, try to find gifts that relate to what you do or where you’re from. 

Looking for a gift they won’t forget? Learn more about corporate gifting and explore gourmet pecan gifting packages at Cane River Pecan Company.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

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.

In business, being a small fish in a big pond can be tough. Being a big fish in a big pond can be tough, too. The fact is, today’s markets are so heavily saturated with options that standing out becomes a central issue for most businesses. Floundering with low sales, business owners often make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone. So, what can brands do to set themselves apart from their competitors?

The real answer lies in positioning. Consumers flock to brands they identify or connect with in some way. To create this connection, we have to narrow our marketing focus and hone in on every front. Through these deliberate efforts, any company can set themselves apart from the masses and gain a loyal following to boot.

HOW TO POSITION YOUR BRAND

1. Evaluate Your Brand’s Current Image

Begin by analyzing your brand’s current position. You may be surprised to find that, through no conscious effort, you did in fact accidentally target certain groups. Maybe your brand isn’t positioned at all. Either way, the key is to find out where you stand.

A good way to gauge your brand’s current position is through social listening. Tap into social networks to see who is saying what about your company. This will give you a good idea of where you stand. Another option? Simply ask people what they think about your brand. This can be offered on your site, delivered to email lists or used during checkout.

2. Identify Your Direct Competitors

The next step you may have already completed (or at least have an idea about). Who are your direct competitors? Indirect competitors? Where do they market to? How do they advertise? What’s their brand voice like? Essentially, you are completing Step One again, but for those who compete for your customers.

3. Carve Your Niche

Once you’ve identified your own image and those of your competitors, it’s time to get down to business. With your competitors’ positions in mind, you must now carve your own spot in the market. For instance, if Company A is targeting teens and young adults and Company B is targeting retirees, focusing on the unclaimed middle ground may be in your company’s best interest.

But what if you and your competitors target the same age groups? How can you differentiate your targeting from theirs? By focusing on other specific elements like geographic location or ethnicity, you can zero in on a niche audience, even within the same age demographic.

Again, the key is to distance yourself from your competition. Depending on what your product or service is, the audience available may already be narrow. Always ask: How can we further diversify?

4.  Evaluate Your Sales Cycle

Your sales cycle is integral to the ebb and flow of your business’ finances. Now that you’ve identified a potential direction to shift your focus, you must determine how this will impact your cycle. How will it change with a shift in audience? How will your new buyer personas fit in? These questions are important to answer as they will determine how and when you advertise or promote services.

Remember, specificity is key. Earning loyal, long-standing customers is more valuable and cost effective than attempting to catch your competitor’s target audience.

WE CAN HELP

Once you’ve repositioned, the real work can begin. If your business is looking to create relationships in a new market, visit our website for custom corporate gifting options or contact one of our gifting specialists for tasty, tailored solutions.

For more information on the sales cycle and how your corporate gifting efforts fit in, download our free Sales Cycle infographic today!

Now that the holidays are in full swing, I’ve taken the time to sit down and consider the essence of this time of year. What is it, exactly, that makes us feel all warm and cozy inside (other than that cup of hot chocolate or bowl gumbo)? What’s the glue that holds the fabric of this season together? The answer, I’ve come to find, is actually pretty simple: Relationships! Spending time with the people you love is, without a doubt, the absolute cornerstone of Christmas.

As a business owner, my next questions to ponder were obviously: What are the elements of a strong relationship and how can businesses incorporate them successfully?

First off, relationship building is a tactic that you discover as you get older; It’s also something that develops as your business matures. One day, you will literally look up and realize that, if you have been in a certain industry for a long time (say 15-20 years), the relationships are what matter most. You’ll find that these connections have actually been the key to most of your success. Strong business relationships are essential to the growth of your company. This applies not only to clients, but to valued vendors and committed employees as well.

So, now we know that relationships are important, but how do we go about creating them? What is the secret ingredient to awesome relationships? I would say that open, consistent communication ranks pretty high. Not only is it important to communicate, but the ability to do it honestly and with a lot of decency is crucial to your relationship’s success.

Next in line would have to be your ability and willingness to show gratitude. Whether it be your best friend Tom, your great aunt Sue or Tina from Account Service, everyone enjoys a little appreciation. Trust me, it doesn’t go unnoticed!

At Cane River Pecan Company, we are in the corporate gift business. We strongly believe that a thoughtful and well-timed gift makes a difference in building business relationships. We are not only advocates of corporate gifting, but we practice it as well. There have been many times that we have taken the time to send a gift from our company to another business to show our appreciation. More times than not, a gift hits the mark in the manner of which it was meant – to express our sincere appreciation for a relationship gone well.

Good relationships also depend on loyalty. In business, your word or “promise” is paramount to your company’s success. Do what you say you are going to do – start there.  It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with a customer, vendor or employee; they want to know that you are good for your word. It matters in the long run and will play a role in your professional and personal success. Over time, you will begin to notice that trust builds up and becomes the foundation of every business relationship that is constructed.

So, with all things considered, you’re now ready to rock the relationship game in 2017.

Go forth and prosper!