Corporate gifting is a form of relationship management in the workplace that creates a connection with employees, clients, or leads through the act of sending an actual gift--either a physical gift or an experience. Gifts speak to your clients and employee emotions and can serve as a powerful tool in business.
According to data collected from Knack's Business Gift Survey, 89% of C-Suite executives believe that business gifts bring people closer together and 83% believe that business gifts generate a positive ROI.
The question that most people are left with is this: but what TYPE of gift do I give?
Well, the type of gift that is right for your business ultimately depends on what your goal is for you and your recipient!
What do I mean by goals? Ask yourself this: why am I gifting in the first place? how will this help my business and what is the result I want for my recipient?
In our experience working with businesses of all sizes, across many different categories, we have realized there are 3 main types of business gifts:
Appreciation Gifting: is gifting anything that makes your clients feel appreciated and expresses gratitude for doing business with you. Not to be confused with a promotional gift that includes branded items. An appreciation gift is an authentic way to say thank you!
Informational Gifting: great for virtual cohorts, trainings and educational conferences. Informational gifts can include materials and products you need your recipients to use while working with you. Set them up for success by providing materials they will need along the way (vs instructing them to buy anything).
Promotional Gifting: Promotional gifts are described as items used for promotional purposes in marketing. They almost always contain the company logo. Think corporate swag or PR kits. Many people think that a promotional gift is an appreciation gift and this is not the case. Promotional gifts are great for showcasing a rebrand or new product launch and they create awesome brand recognition when done correctly. My advice is to stay away from tchotchkes like fidget spinners with your logo on them. Stuff like that most likely isn't related to the work you or your recipient is doing.
Can there be a hybrid of the above? Absolutely! the below is an example of all 3 types of gifting in one!
Having a strategy in place for your gifting needs is necessary for the results you want to achieve. Whether it's building relationships, keeping your participants engaged or developing a marketing tactic through gifting, not knowing the WHY behind your gifting can lead to money wasted and a failed initiative.
Working with a gifting service will not only lead you in the right direction, we will execute every logistical detail to ensure your vision is brought to life.
Want to find out more? Work with us on your next gifting project!
