Does the thought of developing a gift program for you clients leave you cold? Even as the weather warms, this can be a daunting process. Below are simple steps that can help in making this process go a bit more smoothly.

Develop a gift-giving strategy. Before you start searching through catalogs, spend a little time thinking strategically. What items will business recipients need and appreciate that can also reinforce your own branding program? The days of extravagant gift budgets are long gone. Yet choosing the right item—something of genuine or frequent use, for instance—can still go a long way toward building an essential competitive advantage: loyalty.

Quality products stay in circulation longer, and present the best face for your brand in whatever price category.

Coordinate components.  The most effective programs will reinforce your brand by integrating brand presence at each point of communication—card, gift wrap, and the gift item itself. This doesn’t have to be a headache. An expert can help you put these elements together in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Think community-minded.  One of the simplest gifting solutions involves purchasing gifts that support a charity of your choice. At Jog Marketing, we offer programs where a percentage of the cost of the product is donated to our client’s charity of choice. For example, Jog helped to develop a holiday program with an international staffing company gifting a coffee kit to clients during the holidays. A percent of the cost of the coffee was donated back to sustainable programs in South America where the coffee was purchased.

Tempt the appetite.  While today’s corporate mandates make alcoholic beverages a bit risky, food gifts are safe and steady favorites. Who could turn down scrumptious chocolates or cookies emblazoned with your logo?

Remember—utility serves all year!  Useful gifts that are also “current” include computer devices like USB memory sticks, or travel kits packed with mouse, USB devices and converters. In the “classic” category, calendars for holiday programs continue to be winners. While your clients may schedule appointments by computer, don’t overlook the desktop calendar for beautifying a cubicle or usefulness at-a-glance. Perhaps consider something unique—an acrylic cube, floating calendar, or CD planner—that will remind the recipient of your business with each use.

 Here’s to easier gifting!

Karen Rubenstein

Karen is a co-founder and principal of Jog Marketing, a full-service promotional products company that provides marketing and branding solutions for a broad spectrum of corporate clients.

Jog Marketing specializes in providing unique, top-quality merchandise for:

•  Corporate & Holiday Gifts
• Marketing and Branding Programs
• Incentive Programs
• Trade Shows
• Company Stores
• Giveaways
• Sales/Performance Incentive Programs
• Consumer or Business-to-Business Promotions

Prior to joining Jog Marketing, Karen spent several years as a national account executive, managing east coast operations, for Target Corporation Incentives and Recognition.  

Karen can be reached at 513.309.9098, rubenstein@jogmarketing.com, and www.jogmarketing.com