Reward Your Best Clients with Holiday Surprises
Once the holidays start — and for most it’s at Thanksgiving — it becomes increasingly difficult to continue with business as usual. Decisions get put off “until after the first of the year.” Holiday parties and vacations interrupt business meetings. And money gets tight as Santa has so many stockings to fill.
It can be frustrating for a small business owner who may be lucky to take just one day off in the month of merry. But rather than fight it, perhaps it’s just as well to join in the festivities, be thankful for the work that’s in the hopper and give a little more to a favorite charity. It’s also a great excuse to give your best clients a big “Thank You” for the work they sent throughout the year. Granted, you hope they continue sending it your way, but you’ll feel good just in the giving. Here are four gift ideas to get you started:
Send Joy
Cards are nice and offer sentiments of gratitude and “thinking of you,” but for those clients who’ve sent referrals and consistent work, now’s the time to make your mark. When you can’t think of the ideal gift, try one of these suggestions to win smiles (and hopefully goodwill).
1. Food
You never can go wrong with gifts of food. Food baskets can be shared in an office or taken home for the family to enjoy. Send a basket of nuts for the nutty crew at the web developer’s office or a basket of sweets to those who made you smile with a monthly check. Try any of the many online gift basket companies like Cherry Moon Farms or go local from an Edible Arrangements franchisee.
2. Books
Give books that will entertain and enlighten clients. Send the latest from a local author and get it signed for your recipient. Check out the latest business book for the client who enjoys trends and new ideas. Financial whizzes may enjoy the latest news from the world of big money, and sports enthusiasts may enjoy a biography from a winner. You need to know a bit about the tastes of your client, but if you do, you’ll make a hit with a good read.
3. Plants
Who doesn’t need a money tree for their office? The plants grow to outrageous heights, reminding your clients of your generosity with each new foot of sprouts. Go with a philodendron or a cool cactus if you think your client may be more into a more low-maintenance type plant. The gift will most certainly receive a place of honor where you will be thought of often.
4. Promotion
It may seem a bit self-serving, but if the gift that bears your company name and logo is useful or fun, the self-promotion can be overlooked. Nice pens, coffee mugs, calendars with outstanding artwork, thumb drives, clocks and mouse pads all make great gifts on which you can have your imprint clearly imbedded.
Set a budget and stick with it. Send the gifts out a before the big December 25 rush to stand out from the crowd and include a nice note to the clients who have helped you grow your business. You’ll be remembered long into the new year and may find yourself on the receiving end of little more business.
From Ray Access, we wish everyone a prosperous and happy holiday season.
Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.