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Article Series: Business Gifts
Help Me Choose The Appropriate Business Gift
Corporate & Business
Gift Giving Etiquette
Selecting a gift for someone that you do business
with, whether it is a boss, co-worker, or client can be tricky
business over the holidays. When choosing a corporate gift
this year there are many things to keep in mind to help you
make sure you’re using proper gift-giving etiquette.
One of the first things that you should do before you choose
a gift is to check the corporate policy. Many companies have
a “no-gift” policy and giving a gift under these circumstances
may result in trouble for the recipient. Even a gift given
with the best intentions can be a problem if that gift violates
the corporate policy. The best way to find out if gift giving
is allowed is to contact the Personnel Department of the company
in question for their guidelines. They will be able to tell
you if your gift is allowed and appropriate.
Gift giving should be done only when you are currently doing
business with the organization that you want to gift. Make
sure that you do not give gifts to organizations that you are
negotiating with. These well-meaning gifts may be misconstrued
as a bribe and it would be inappropriate to give a gift in
this situation.
Great people to give gifts to this season are long-term
clients.
These are the clients who pay their bills, and have stuck with
you over a period of time. Examples of these people would be
sub-contractors that you regularly work with, your postal carrier,
your accountant, or lawyer, as well as any other professionals
that you rely on to run your business in the day to day. These
are the people who often go un-thanked and therefore, the holidays
are an excellent time to remember those who help you conduct
your business.
If you are looking to give a gift to several people within
a company and want to forgo individual gift giving, as it may
seem too personal, consider sending a gift that can be shared.
These types of gifts include gourmet food baskets, or other
types of gifts that include non-perishable goodies. Be sure
to avoid items that require preparation, are perishable, or
contain alcohol.
A great tip for corporate gift giving is to tailor
the gift to the person who will be receiving it. If you are giving a
gift to an individual, try to find something that reflects
the person’s hobbies or interests, if they are known. Be sure
to not get something that would be too personal or embarrassing,
especially if you are giving a gift to someone of the opposite
gender.
Whenever possible, try to deliver
your gift personally. If
this is not possible, include a brief, personalized, hand-written
note. This will add an additional element of generosity as
well as let your recipient know how much you care. In a world
where everything is shipped, it is nice to receive a gift that
is hand delivered.
If you choose to ad your logo to a gift, be sure to keep it
small and discreet so that the gift doesn’t appear to be an
advertisement. Also, never put a logo on an item that you intend
to be a personal gift.
Items that are commonly given, but rarely appreciated are
“necessity” items such as mouse pads and mugs. Giving these
items may make you look insensitive and are extremely impersonal.
Instead consider a calendar with motivational sayings, or a
beautifully potted plant, if you are looking for something
for their office. Try to add a personal touch to show you care
to any item you give.
Setting a budget is very important when purchasing business
gifts. Spending too little or too much can create uncomfortable
situations where the recipient either feels you are being cheap,
or is uncomfortable with your extravagance. Make sure you know
your recipient and choose the appropriate gift.
Make sure your holiday gift giving goes smoothly this year
when selecting your business gifts. Keep in mind these guidelines
and you are sure to choose a gift your recipient will truly
appreciate.
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: 2008
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