Selecting the appropriate corporate gifts and branding approach is far more difficult than just throwing pens bearing your logo at a conference venue. Recall that moment you received a cup bearing the emblem of a corporation and pondered, “Did anyone even think about this?” Corporate gift-giving is, truthfully, a science, an art, and, sometimes a tightrope walk. One slip might see your gift lost—or worse—in the office garbage.
Corporate presents serve more than just a Christmas checklist box-tipping function. Well picked presents can arouse feelings, start discussions, and firmly place your company in the thoughts of consumers and staff. According to a Promotional Products Association International survey, over half of respondents claimed they would be more likely to do business with the advertiser in the future and eighty percent of respondents remember the advertiser on a promotional product. Numbers don’t deceive; a well chosen present isn’t only a “nice touch,” but maybe a ticket to long-term loyalty.
But how can you choose something people would really use? Consider pragmatism above flitz. Assume you are debating Bluetooth speakers or insulated drinkware—things like these often have longer shelf life on desktops and in houses. Your logo is continuously in someone’s peripheral eye when it becomes comfy on certain objects. That is repeated exposure without your paying another dollar. Not terrible, right?
Never undervalue the need of matching the gift to the character of your brand. An environmentally conscious startup might present recycled paper notebooks or bamboo cutlery sets. A modern software company might choose portable device chargers. This is a fantastic opportunity to confirm, not muddy, your message. Make sure the language, packaging, and color palette reflect your brand’s values. Giving oddball presents for a fancy watch brand? That is known as mixed signals; trust me—people notice.
One area of conflict frequently is budget. Big expenditures increase your options, but the real monarch is imagination. Though smaller businesses might not indulge in branded headphones for every customer, even a handwritten message along with a small gift can build goodwill. The secret is consideration rather than cost considerations. It reminds one of the saying: “It’s the thought that counts.” In business, empathy may translate into improved bottom line.
Time is also important. Gifts that come out of the blue—think of congratulating a client on a new business win, or just saying thanks after a difficult project—have more influence than the typical Christmas gift everyone anticipates. Being timely highlights your business in times that count.