1. Make a list of all the clients for whom you need to buy gifts. Look for gifts you can buy for multiple people and one store where you can buy these gifts. If you don’t like shopping, plan a single gift-shopping day and do it sooner rather than later to avoid the holiday shopping craziness. Or, do all your holiday shopping online. Thanks to the Internet and catalogs, you can order gifts from the comfort of your office.
2. Target a client’s interests. The gift you give is a direct reflection of your business. Try to find gifts that fit your clients’ interests. Do they follow certain sport teams? Like a specific kind of music? Have a special hobby? Make it a point to learn your clients’ interests over the course of doing business together. If you don’t know what your client enjoys, ask. You can also contact their assistant, if they have one, to find out what they like or dislike.
3. Reach out to clients. Give the gift of a phone call or note. Let your clients know how much you appreciate their business and say it with words. A little customer appreciation goes a long way and helps you to stand out from the crowd. Although the holidays may seem like the perfect time to give a gift, a phone call or note letting them know they are remembered during the holidays may be the best gift they receive.
4. Just as you should be throughout the year, make it a point to send some referrals their way. What better way to build your business by helping them to build theirs?
5. Consider donating to a local charity in their name. Send them a note to let them know your gift to them was giving to someone else in their honor.
Most importantly, have fun while giving!