Practice the art of gift-giving in business

Giving gifts in business is a popular practice because gifts often say what words cannot. A gift can express thanks to a client, an apology to colleague or serve as a friendly reminder to a customer. A well-chosen gift will express a sentiment long after the spoken or written word. Letters get filed and words are forgotten, but an item for the office or flowers for the hostess keep the thought from fading.

When you give a gift in business, you want to be sure that it communicates the right message, but sometimes your action can backfire. For that reason, lavish gifts that could be construed as bribes are to be avoided. You don't ever want to give the impression that you are expecting something in return other than a positive relationship. Be sure that your gift does not convey any sense of obligation.

The best gifts in business are professional ones that reflect on your industry or occupation or that of your client. An abacus for a finance officer to congratulate her on a promotion was one of the best I've heard. Items that are specific to your region of the country are appropriate for the business traveler. If you are in the information business, a gift of knowledge always is appreciated. When the gift is pertinent and professional, you can't go wrong.

The presentation is as important as the item selected. Take the time to wrap it well or have it wrapped professionally. Deliver it yourself unless distance is an issue. Except when the present is for or from a group, give it in private. Otherwise you risk embarrassing the receiver.

Give the gift in a timely manner. Do it while the client can remember who you are and what it is for. You may want your gift to come with an element of surprise, but not a cloak of mystery.

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Lydia Ramsey, speaker and author of MANNERS THAT SELL, is a leading authority on business etiquette. To receive her FREE business etiquette tips, click here: http://lydiaramsey.com/signup/index.html or http://www.mannersthatsell.com/.

Practice the art of gift-giving in business

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