| 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/.
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