When you are the most powerful person in the room
By Dino Piccinini

Quick! What kind of gift did you give clients during last year’s holiday season? Don’t remember? They probably don’t either. The fact is, many companies put very little thought into their holiday gift selection. And this is bad, because they miss out on a major branding opportunity. Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways your company can stay top of mind with existing customers and prospects is to keep your name in front of them every day with a useful, practical gift bearing your logo.

According to Imprint, a promotional products industry publication, companies that plan to spread the holiday cheer should consider the following in their holiday gift planning:

• Think about how you want your company’s gift to be used: Would you like the recipients to always have something on their desks as a constant reminder of your message? Or, would you prefer themed items that they can display every year during the holidays?
• Collectible items, such as ornaments, pins, clocks, etc., are ideal for continuity-based programs where you send out related items to the same recipients year after year.
• Wine and champagne make great gifts, but it’s best to reserve alcoholic gifts for clients who you know will appreciate them.
• Food gifts are always well liked–they’re something that everyone in an office can share.

Other popular items include apparel, leather portfolios, calculators, calendars, drink ware, USB drives, and computer accessories, as well as writing instruments that will quickly become an appreciated part of the recipient’s daily work routine. Because you can put your logo on almost anything you can think of, just remember to determine what price per item works best for your budget first. It will help you narrow down the myriad promotional product choices out there.

The key to making logo gift items work effectively for you is to ensure they are practical, unusual or just plain fun. Not only do gifts show clients that they’re appreciated, they also serve as lasting reminders of your company’s goodwill.

Dino Piccinini is the owner of The PRstore in Toledo (www.prstore134.com), the first full-service marketing and advertising retail center created exclusively for the promotional and communication needs of today’s small business owner. Contact him at 419-842-8580.