Here is another post for my readers who are entrepreneurs.
If you know anything about impressing your clients, you know that first impressions are the most important, especially when you’re trying to build a long-term relationship with a client. In this article, we’ll go over the different gifts you can use to woo and impress your clients, right from the first time you meet them. Let’s dive right in.
The First Impression
Let’s start at the very beginning. You’re meeting your client for the first time, and you know that what happens today has the power to either make or break the entire foundation of the relationship. Apart from having your manners in check along with looking presentable, you also want to show them that you’re someone who wants to build a long-term relationship with them. And the best way to showcase this is by showing how invested you are.
This doesn’t mean talking their ear off endlessly on how committed you are to the business but also includes making them feel important and appreciated. The best way to do so is to make sure you don’t turn up empty-handed. You don’t have to shop for an exquisite present that’s going to cost you a fortune, but rather go for something timeless and elegant that you know they’d love. After all, it’s more about the gesture than the material gift.
Usually, it’s a great idea to give them flowers as a token of friendship the first time you meet them. Even if you don’t find it necessary to turn up with flowers at the first meeting, you can also just send flowers over to them later on with a note that thanks them for their trust and time. Such small gestures can go a long way in building a long-lasting relationship.
Appropriate and Timeless Gifts
Before getting into the different kinds of gifts you can get your clients, you need to understand the ethics of gift-giving in the corporate world as this will enable you to pick appropriate gifts that will be appreciated by your company and your client as well.
The reason why you need to understand the ethical implications of giving gifts in a business relationship is that very often, the line between gifts and bribery is quite thin and can often be misinterpreted if it isn’t carried out appropriately. As mentioned earlier, extravagant gifts that are over the top often can blur the lines between good manners and blatant bribery, so this is something to bear in mind when choosing the type of gift.
Also, it’s good to bear in mind that not every occasion needs a gift. For example, always sending your clients gifts when it isn’t called for can be inappropriate and suggestive or showing favoritism or bribery. To avoid this, gift-giving should be restricted to instances where it wouldn’t be misinterpreted in a different light, such as marking important milestones in your professional relationship or congratulating them on something successful or positive.
Just be sure to remember that the gift you’re giving should focus on the value it adds to the relationship rather than the cost of it. An inexpensive gift such as flowers can still have a major impact on the relationship you’re trying to build. Additionally, giving gifts to loyal customers who you have known for years is also another way to solidify an already strong relationship.
Now coming to the gifts that usually impress clients, flowers still hold the number one place as they say a lot even though they seem like a pretty simple gift. Apart from this, chocolates, gourmet gift baskets, plants, and succulents, happen to be among the most loved corporate gifts that are commonly gifted to clients when you don’t know their personal or individual tastes and choice. You can always make the gift a little more personalized once you’ve developed a strong relationship and know what will be appreciated by them.
Speak Your Mind