Comments on: Client Gifts? Bah Humbug!

By: Lynda

Lynda — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:14:10 +0000

I have to agree with Pete for a number of reasons. I stopped sending both personal and professional cards several years ago.
One, I found that when I RECEIVED them from other companies I had dealt with, I did not think “Oh,isn’t that nice.” I thought, “Oh another sales pitch.”
Two, like Pete, I found it a waste of time that did not affect my business in the slightest.
Three, call me a tree hugger, but I just found it an environmental waste.
Four, I felt the money could be spent in much more humanitarian ways, so I went to Christmas emails and donations to the Salvation Army.
I did the same with my personal cards for reasons 3 and 4. I am noticing with each passing Christmas season, I am getting fewer and fewer cards in the mail and more and more people switching to emails and donations.
In a way, it’s sad to see a long time tradition pass, but in this environment, I really feel that it is best. My two cents…………..L

By: sarah

sarah — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:13:02 +0000

I have found GiftTree.com is great place to go for client gifts. I never go without sending a gift during the holidays. I also try to send a few cards and gifts throughout the year. So far I have been successful.

By: Michael Temple

Michael Temple — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:23:22 +0000

Pete – I struggled with the idea of automated vs. not doing it at all, but I decided that sending something, even automated was better than nothing. The font they use does look like handwriting and the message inside is mine. However I concede the point that it isn’t AS good as handwriting each one.

Most of my referral partners that received it thanked me at the last meeting they saw me at, so I guess I could argue that it worked even if it was automated.

By: Pete Savage, Editor

Pete Savage, Editor — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:50:37 +0000

Michael – fantastic Grinch reference! I’m grinning from ear to ear… but… ahem… AUTOMATED Christmas cards???

Is that really staying in “touch”? Doesn’t sound very touching to me. Kudos to you for streamlining this laborious task but… am I the only one who thinks this kinda waters down the sentiment… just a little??

By: Michael Temple

Michael Temple — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:22:01 +0000

Pete, did you also take the last can of Who Hash and even the log for the Who’s fire I see your point, but I always think it is a good idea to send a card at least. I don’t think “bad” things will happen per se, but doing it can’t hurt and may even help solidify the relationship a little more. I use a service called Send Out Cards.com and have set up campaigns with customized messages for Christmas cards. The messages are customized based on if the person is a client, referral partner, solid prospect, etc. I have used the same campaigns for a couple of years. In about 10 minutes I sent out all the campaigns this year. This isn’t as perfect is sitting down and hand-writing all my cards, but it is a card and the quality is really good.

Pete, even you have to agree that a mere 10 minutes isn’t too much for a Grinch, even a busy one

By: Client Gifts, Bring In More End-of-Year Business, Ad Ruled Indecent and More | Abaminds Entrepreneurs

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:47:34 +0000

[...] Client Gifts? Bah Humbug! – This is the opposite of what you’ll usually read on this topic. Thought-provoking at the very least. [...]

By: Melanie Lundheim

Melanie Lundheim — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:17:44 +0000

This season, I used the online custom greeting card service at USPS.com. The postcards my clients received thanked them for their business and informed them that I’ve made a donation to FreeArtsMinnesota.org. In addition, I invited clients I assist often, but rarely see face to face, to lunch. Since one creative team was too busy to attend, I sent them a large basket of chocolate treats to enjoy during their weekly team meeting. Cheers, -Melanie Lundheim

By: Michele Jiménez

Michele Jiménez — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:12:25 +0000

No gifts! I’ve always hated Christmas and birthday greetings from commercial interests and associates. To me, Christmas and birthdays are private matters, and to receive (and give) Christmas and birthday greetings and gifts from business associates has had almost the opposite effect of what was intended when it comes to me. It is such a transparent marketing maneuver that I automatically discount the value of the message and/or gift (although, I confess, I do eat or use the gift!). I’ve always thought I was just an ill-tempered contrarian. Glad to hear there’s another curmudgeon out there!

Good service anytime, all the time is what counts in the end.

Michele Jiménez

By: Eileen Coale

Eileen Coale — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:59:27 +0000

I’m of the opinion that if you keep in touch with clients all year long, skipping the holiday greeting is no big deal. For one thing, your holiday gifts and cards can get lost in the clutter. And being a person who celebrates the religious meaning of Christmas, I dither back and forth – do I send a Christmas card and risk offending someone, or send a “holiday wishes” card, which seems a little empty to me. In past years, I’ve sent special cards of appreciation around Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving, when my greeting will likely be the only one.

By: Paul Lima

Paul Lima — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:28:51 +0000

I consider the holidays – both Christmas and summer vacation – as opportunities to communicate with clients – past and present. For instance, in early December, I send current and past clients a short, personal email message letting them know when I will be shutting down for the holidays.

If they are current clients, I give them an update on anything that I am working on or assure them I will be delivering anything they are expecting before I shut down. I wish them happy holidays and let them know I look forward to working with them in the New Year. If they are previous clients, I say I hoped they have had a good year, remind them of the services I offer (or any new services, like the training I now do), wish them happy holidays and let them know I am there if they need me in the New Year.

This kind of communication seems to generate good will, and occasionally it generates new business. I do something similar in the summer with my vacation alert.