How To Never Go Wrong With Corporate Gifting

 

We don’t shy away from telling people what’s wrong with consumer-centric, unfeeling, lackluster gifts like Amazon gift cards.

We understand CEOs, HR managers, and small business owners may not have the time to find the perfect gift for every employee or client. 

Still, corporate gifting shouldn’t be boring, or soulless…

Because corporate gifting is still gifting, and the essence of gifting is acknowledgment, appreciation, and connection. 

CONNECTION is the Key to Corporate Gifting 

77% of employees agree that they want to work at an organization where they feel connected to the purpose and people.

Not the brand name.

Not the logo.

Your clients and employees connect with your story, your values, and your mission.

Today, corporate gifting is very important. When done the right way, corporate gifting can help you boost employee engagement, loyalty, and productivity. It also helps in making your clients fall in love with you. 

When you show people they truly matter, they will connect with you on a much deeper level.

Corporate Gifting- Where do Companies Go Wrong?

There is a disconnect between the giver and receiver.

Mostly, the gifts that companies give to their employees or clients are just a mix of promotional and branded items. From the moment they unwrap it, your employees and clients can tell no one put any thought into it.

A keychain with the company logo,

A tumbler or water bottle,

Name tags…

These gifts are merely symbols of consumerism and don’t help in building any connection.

That’s why, before you send another gift think about what the gift means to you (as a business) and the receiver (as an employee or client.)

Redefining Corporate Gifting- Start at the Beginning

Corporate gifts represent what your business stands for. 

The values you believe in, the philosophies you support, and the stories you are proud of! 

As a business, you have the privilege and platform to address social and environmental issues. 

If you are a big supporter of women empowerment and entrepreneurship, the gifts you choose should reflect that. 

If you are always singing praises of sustainable products and showing your commitment to staying environmentally friendly, don’t let off-the-rack, toxic gifts be associated with you.

3 Things to Consider Before You Shop/Order Your Next Corporate Gifts

Buying the best corporate gifts is not that hard, or time-taking.

Above: Yes, that's AOC at NiLu selecting gifts for her congressional staff and team

Especially when you understand the value it will bring to the person who receives it, and the value it will bring to your business.

Answer these questions to get on the simplest path to great corporate gift giving:

Your Intent

What is your intention behind giving this gift?

Low-key self-promotion is smart. But let's face it… gifts with one logo-pasted item after another is not the way to go. Your employees and clients are smart. It wont take them but a moment to recognize the lack of thought that went into the whole thing. 

We always suggest our customers curate gifts that offer an experience. 

From the moment they peel apart the wrapping, to actually seeing our items- excitement, joy, and connection builds. 

Your Message

What message does your gift convey?

No matter how expensive they are, gifting everyone the same thing with the same bleak message doesn't benefit anyone. It’s just another gift for you and the receiver.

Customizing your gifts with a personal message like a hand-written note can win hearts. But we get it- you’re too busy to become pen pals.

So, how about a note that tells your business’ purpose, welcomes your client or employee, and shows your excitement to work with them.

Messages like this draw people in closer, making them eager to work with you - someone who shares the same values as they do. 

Your Story 

What story does your corporate gift tell?

People are hard-wired to connect with stories. We see that every day at NiLu. That is what sets us apart. 

Someone walks in, likes something, walks up to us to ask about it.  

Then we do something that’s been lost for years… Listening.

We hear them. 

We connect with them. We communicate with them.

They fall in love with NiLu, the product or the experience.

What we started doing - genuinely because it reflected our culture, our values, and our sincere interest in connecting with people- is now a big part of the NiLu experience.

This is the power of the story.

This is the power of connection.

This is how understanding what people actually need changes the meaning behind small gestures and gifts- even your corporate gifts.

Still with us?   Check out our company gifting page for gifting ideas.