The holiday season is a time filled with joy and gratitude. We’ve all experienced significant challenges this year, so even small acts of caring and thanks can go a long way.
This year has been like no other:
Many of your clients and vendors are WFH (working from home), balancing business and parenting duties
Belt-tightening is a reality of the COVID-19 pandemic as many companies struggle to stay afloat
Stress, fear, and uncertainty put a damper on decision-making
But just like tinsel and candles, gratitude is timeless.
Today is the day to start thinking about how you’re going to express your thanks to the professionals who have helped you this year, even though the first snowflakes haven’t fallen.
Fill your database with home addresses. Gifts sent to offices may sit for days, weeks, or even months. If you don’t have enough internal resources, offer a part-time job to an out-of-work person who can help you gather up-to-date mailing information.
Begin with the “Wow!” When your customer or prospect opens the box you sent them, what do you want them to think? Remember, it starts with the packaging. Consumers and businesses alike are used to getting plain brown boxes filled with bubble wrap and impersonal notes. When you make gifting choices, consider the entire “unboxing” experience.
Think out of the box, inside the box. How many pairs of logo-ed socks or bottles of wine does one person need? Discover low-cost/high-value items that stand out from the sea of holiday cheer. Creative gift ideas will distinguish your company as one that is creative and resourceful. And because many people are working from home, choose gift assortments that everyone in the family can enjoy. Look at “themed” boxes like spa/relaxation, sustainable items, or another focused and curated assortment.
Give gifts that keep on giving. Charitable contributions are highly-personal decisions, but many common gift items have a built-in philanthropy component. For example, some food and clothing companies give a percentage of every sale to a cause. Recipients will enjoy the “thing” you give them and also have the satisfaction of knowing that part of your company’s expenditure went to those in need. But avoid non-profit missions that are potentially controversial or polarizing.
Don’t forget personalization. One of the biggest developments in the gifting/swag business today is the ability to personalize at scale. What that means is that you can still deliver handwritten notes and unique messages to thousands of people. Speaking of which, you may also want to give different types of gifts to different customer segments or even give people a choice of what gift they want. Larger companies should invest in a tech-powered gifting platform like Sendoso (a Forefront partner) that enables individual sales reps or executives to send unique and personalized cards and presents.
Work with a creative gifting partner you can trust. Do not shop for gift ideas just on price. “Swag” is sometimes treated as a commodity and many people attempt to order their holiday gifts online, but working with experienced humans has a value.
The right company can offer you:
Creativity: Unique ideas will deliver that WOW factor.
Competitive pricing: Seasoned companies often have a wide range of sources and can help you get better deals.
Service: You’ll know that your packages get to where they need to be when they need to be there.
Industry insights: Gift-giving in some businesses (pharma, financial services, government) is highly-regulated. The right partner can advise you on guidelines.
Production quality: A gift that arrives broken or stale is worse than no gift at all.
Fun and flexibility: We could all use a little more of that this year!
‘Tis the season to think about how you’re going to thank the people who helped you survive and thrive this year.
Net- Net: Make sure your holiday gifts are memorable, unique, and keepable.
