As business owners, our clients are everything – they mark our successes, our leanings and service us as brand ambassadors in the big wide world by being living, breathing testimonials. In short, they’re pretty special.
In this first year of my business and with Christmas coming up, my thoughts are definitely turning to how to say thank you in the best way for me and my brand to my clients and ensuring I’m not sending the run-of-the-mill hamper! Back in my ‘working for other people’ days (that seem like a distant memory), myself and my team would get sent a whole host of thank you gifts and token presents.
Some were great (I mean, who doesn’t love a nice bottle of red), some were a bit weird (a yearly desk calendar featuring the face of one of the employees from the company that sent it each month) and some were just, well, a bit crap (a logo fridge magnet – I mean, you shouldn’t have!).
Of course, saying thank you to your clients is worth so much more than the gift. It shows them you’re appreciation and how much you value their custom and loyalty throughout the year.
If you’ve been struggling to think of the best way to say thank you this festive season, here are a few tips that you can start planning and and thinking about:
Know Your Client
Sounds obvious but really do get to know your client – do they drink, are they a veggie, do they like a particular band? Do they like playing a particular sport or are involved with a specific hobby? Having this information can help you tailor a personal and thoughtful gift and ensure your client knows how valued they are. Receiving a personal gift is so special compared to the conveyor belt everyday gifts as it shows you’ve listened to them, understand what they’re about, what they like and have put thought into their gift.
Don’t Spend A Fortune
Thoughtful gifts don’t have to break the bank and there’s no point spanking all your profits on 20 Fortnum & Mason hampers! So this is where thoughtful gifts come in. For example, does your client have a favourite flower? A lovely hand-delivered bunch with a hand written thank you note from you would be perfect. Do they have a dog? A bespoke present for doggy as well as owner can go a long way and be hugely remembered. Another idea is to build your own hamper from your favourite products which hugely adds the personal touch.
Could You Give Back?
It’s worth having a bit of a research to see if your clients are affiliated to a particular cause or charity. So instead of a present, could you donate to their specific cause as a Christmas presenting and as a thank you for your client’s support and business?
Can you make it personal?
A personalised gift is really lovely – so a notepad or a pen with the clients initials, name or business name on would be a lovely gift. This is also a great way for a free bit of marketing as the nicer the gift is, the more comments it will receive, prompting your client to explain that wonderful you got it for them – voila!
Are you thinking about it yet? I’d love to hear what your plans are for Christmas gifts, if you have any plans so far.
