Good Business Plans and Corporate Gifts

Other objectives you will address in the process of gifting are:

- Increasing awareness among prospective customers

- Developing greater employee productivity and goodwill

- Improving relationships with government agencies

- Improving the service level of suppliers

-Enhancing relationships with and improving loyalty of customers

- Fostering good relationships with the press

Contrary to awards and incentives, which are based on achievement of future or past performance, company gifts are usually provided, with the expectation of little in return other than improved relationships with the recipients.  The allowances are a little more subtle to check but will nearly always be grasped, often with very positive net profits.  When you or your company are appreciated in a more positive light, and when essential staff feel like they are recognized and appreciated, then productivity, and loyalty increase.  Other benefits may include reduced employee wasteage, and higher financial acquisition.

Could corporate gifts become the new business archetype?  Generosity breeding affluence?   Ultimately that was a socialist fantasy that didn’t become transmuted into practical business practice.  As history has shown so many bureaucracies in the past, avarice rapidly rose to the surface living off the fruits of others giving.  With the dawning of the internet and the global village there is more answerability.  Absolute rulers or rogue CEOs have had the media focus of public opinion turned towards them.  Recall the debacle of ENRON?   It seemed they were being very generous with corporate gifts when in fact these were arrant bribes.

Often it is the little concerned presents that carry the most meaningful resonance on company morale.  It is similar to the company director – on a seeming whim - saying “let me take you all out to lunch!”   It allows the workforce to see that the corporate has a human face and that they as a workforce matter.

As an example, giving a Thanksgiving turkey costs very little, but brings up pleasant nostalgic memories and feelings connected with that traditional American holiday.  Few people would not be warmed by memories of our Grandparents’ house, the aroma of roast turkey in the kitchen, and being encompassed by beloved family and friends. 

When you give corporate gifts you need to understand the political ramifications. The consequences of getting it wrong can have far-reaching financial effects.

Often gift certificates are the most diplomatic AND considerate solution to present giving. They are politically correct since the recipient can determine exactly how your dollar is spent and you do not offend anyone's tastes.

Sometimes birthday gift ideas do not work out too well if you don't know what passions drive the recipient. Find out their tastes before committing. Perhaps they are heavily into music, so a magazine subscription to Heavy Metal Grunge Monthly may turn out to be considered the coolest present they ever received. If they are Vegans, they may not appreciate an annual subscription to Guns and Ammo magazine.

Long term, it is important to carefully select groomsmen gifts since these are probably the best man's closest buddies and may influence them longer than many marriages. The groomsmen are often the most prominent characters at the AFTER-marriage ceremonies when people let their hair down. If your present has any 'quirks' then it will probably be heard about over the PA system at some time in the late-night proceedings! When considering baby shower gifts you need to see the long term child's view AND the mother's. Rather than have your gift relegated to some crowded drawer space, take the time to see that it takes pride of place, long-term. Silver spoons and rattles may be cute for the first year or so, however the teenager will not want that gift prominently displayed when their friends come around.