Creating a badass brand – a business that reeaaaallly just gets it, is so much more than having something and selling it.
Success is strategic. So why on earth do we all (yes, guilty, nearly all of us) consider ONE gift a year during the MOST HEAVILY GIFTED SEASON an adequate strategy for client retention, loyalty, and satisfaction?! Do our amazing clients, partners, customers, and employees not deserve better?
I can tell you guys – they deserve so much more.
They deserve an annual gifting strategy that includes multiple touchpoints, timeliness, high quality products, personal and meaningful elements, and a hefty dose of creativity.
What I’m saying is that, it’s ok if you forgot to send holiday gifts this year. Because you have the next 365 days to make up for it with a plan that’s going to help your business so much more than some silly sausage trays in December.
So if you were panicking 5 minutes ago about forgetting to send holiday gifts this year, I hope you’re feeling very Bob Ross right now – because we’re writing it off as a happy accident.
Gifting beyond the holidays is not only ok. It’s fan-freaking-tastic! 10/10, highly recommend. I’ll tell you why. It’s strategic.
Elements of a Strategic Gifting Plan that Goes Beyond December
1. Multiple touchpoints: Pinpoint some key company/client dates.
“Over 70% of people in a study said they appreciate receiving corporate gifts during significant business milestones – like anniversaries or project completions – rather than at predictable times like the holidays. “
With all of the technology at our B2B fingertips these days, you 100% have key dates for all of your clients and employees (don’t you lie to me). And showing them that you know things like: their client anniversary, a promotion, or their half birthday is foundation for a stronger relationship in general. Add in a thoughtful gift, and that connection with your brand is going to feel unbreakable. Thanos could never.
When you pick personal milestones to highlight vs. holidays that the rest of the world is also celebrating at the same time, it’s going to stand out. Your recipient is the star of the show. Not a jolly old fellow wearing red and white pj’s. So they’ll receive your gesture of appreciation loud and clear. That generic warm wishes message during the holidays is just going to get buried in a peanut brittle pileup.
No one wins during a holiday peanut brittle pileup. No one.
2. Timeliness: Be ready ahead of time.
Don’t miss the opportunity to congratulate folks in a timely manner! Pair up with a corporate gifting partner so, with their help, you can queue up and send gifts 2 weeks before any client anniversary, promotion, or product launch. Bonus points for doing it for a few occasions throughout the year – multiple touchpoints to stay top-of-mind, and several surprises to continuously build that business relationship.
“Studies indicate that well-timed, personalized gifts can drive long-term loyalty. About 73% of people are more likely to continue doing business with a company after receiving a thoughtful gift, especially if it’s unexpected. This surprise factor can be an efficient way to make a lasting impression without competing with the holiday clutter.”
We’re all busy, so sometimes things get lost in the sauce. But in business, the difference between a gift delivered right on time vs. one month late could be the difference in a customer returning or leaving.
When you work with a strategic corporate gifting partner, they do all the hard work. And you can lay out a full year’s worth of gift sends in just a few weeks time. That, my friends, is strategic bliss.
3. One-of-a-kind: Flip tradition on its head and deliver something unique and meaningful.
Old habits die hard, and I know there’s a time and place for tried and true traditions. But use nostalgia from a different angle by sending gifts that are creative and unique. And, ladies and gentleman, standing out includes when you send them – beyond the holidays.
“Gifting outside of traditional seasons can yield better ROI, as recipients feel the gift is more unique and thoughtful.” “Companies that strategically time their gifts can differentiate themselves, leading to stronger client retention and satisfaction, which ultimately supports better returns on the gifting investment.”
Sending gifts in the summer or in September or during the dark days of winter (like March – nothing exciting happens in March) leaves the door open for complete creativity. An unexpected gift not only means the delivery date is a surprise, but it also means the contents it contains and the experience it elicits truly captivate the recipient.
For example, just spitballing some ideas here:
- A taco or margarita themed gift delivered just ahead of my personal super bowl – National Taco Day – on October 7.
- An experience themed gift (a day at the arcade retro vibes or a spa-like retreat) for Employee Appreciation Day – March 7.
- An on-brand gift with trendy gadgets for Client Appreciation Day – April 18.
- A brunch-in-a-box for National Waffle Day – August 24.
Picking is the hardest part! But that’s just more evidence that when you give throughout the year, the options for originality are endless.
Holiday gifts feel safe. They’re expected. They’re overly saturated. And at the end of the day, they don’t deliver that memorable wow-factor that a strategically timed gift can. There’s simply just too much noise to break through.
“Instead, effective corporate gifts that elicit surprise and delight are those that are sent on a client’s schedule, not yours.”
So utilize those fun themes. Pick the high-quality products. And add all the personalization to show your clients and employees that you’re not like other companies – you’re a cool company. A company that notices them AND appreciates them all year long. On days that hold meaning to them. Not just between Thanksgiving and New Years.
Use this as an opportunity to build out a corporate gifting strategy that is going to work for you ALL.YEAR.LONG.
Show your employees you appreciate them on multiple occasions.
Create connections and deliver conversation starters with your clients each quarter.
And be that brand that boosts morale, fosters relationships, and sets the ultimate gratitude vibe for others to follow.
Because off-season gifting is very, very in.
Ready to get gifting?
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 1 business day (usually sooner!). Minimum $5,000 gifting budget.
If you just can’t wait, book a call or call us at 571-490-7071
