Pretend your corporation is presenting their products and services at a trade show. Many of your potential customers will walk by your booth and inquire further about your company. Many of the conversations are fruitful and potential clients are lined up. However, besides providing information to these potential clients, no other things are exchanged besides generic contact information. It won’t be surprising then if not many of your potential clients will not contact your company. Why is that?
Besides these initial connections, the potential customers have no item that can make them remember your company brand or image. There needs to be a small benefit to attract customers to make a connection with your company and to further communicate with your business. This is why employing a corporate gift strategy is one of the best investments your company can make.
What are Corporate Gifts?
Corporate gifts are internal or external gifts provided by the top management or executives to other people. Internal gifts are defined as gifts that are given to staff, managers, executives, or between shareholders. They are exclusive gifts to everyone involved in the operations and decision-making strategies of the company. External gifts are gifts the company gives to clients. The gifts could be given to the client if the client is new to the company. External gifts can also be given if the company wants to reward the client for the years the client has remained in relation to the company. There are many benefits to corporate gifts. Here are a few:
1. Build Company Cohesion and Morale
When corporate gifts are given internally, they help workers recognize their part in the greater whole of the company. If a specific worker deserves an award for their hard work, a corporate gift to that person can help build the morale of the worker and make him or her feel like their work is noticed by management and executives. Even executives and shareholders can enjoy the benefits of internal gifts. Especially with shareholders, corporate gifts act as internal rewards for their investments and keen decision-making. When presented at shareholder meetings, these corporate gifts can help the shareholders feel their investments are worthwhile and are appreciated.
2. Build Brand Image
When corporate gifts are given externally, these gifts help clients associate brand image, loyalty to clients, and can often attract new customers. When a company provides a free corporate gift, many clients may jump at the opportunity to begin a professional relationship with the company.
3. Attract New Customers and Clients
To take the example of the trade show again, if free gifts were presented, not only would customers who made a connection want to reach further with that company, but more customers may have been attracted to the booth to begin with. With a gift at hand, the customer now has something visual to remind them of that company.
4. Networks New Items Across Company
Corporate gifts may not just be simple objects, like a t-shirt or pen with the company logo on it. Depending on the company, many corporations may give away to their clients or staff exclusive products that are not available to the market yet. This is very helpful externally, since it shows clients that they are treated to unique products first before others in the market.
5. Brand Recognition
Some corporate gifts are long-lasting or useful products. Memo-pads, tote-bags, key chains, notebooks, pens, or other office supplies are used daily. If they have the company’s image on it, this will consistently remind the person using these products of the company.
The benefits of corporate gifts are numerous. Internally, they help with company cohesion and reward all or specific workers for their hard work. Externally, corporate gifts attract and maintain customers and build brand image, recognition, and loyalty.