Buying The Best Corporate Gift

Give the right gift. The holidays are here. It's time to pick out a gift your company representatives will be proud to give.

By Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 10, 2007 - 11:00 PM

The new Darth Vader action figure for Johnny - Check. An iPod for Claire - Check. Those new golf clubs for your husband - Check. A cashmere sweater for Grandma - Check. While your family members are easy to shop for, it's a little more complicated to buy corporate gifts. Selecting that perfect gift for a business associate doesn't have to be a challenge and it gives you the chance to strengthen a business relationship through creative gift giving.

The True Meaning Of Corporate Gifts

"Holiday gift-giving is a strategic marketing endeavor for small business owners - but first and foremost, it is a thank you to customers and clients," says said Alice Bredin, small business advisor for OPEN from American Express. "The bar has never been higher though for making the right impression with your gift - especially when competing against bigger companies with larger marketing budgets."

According to the survey, the gift of choice for business owners to their clients and customers remains sending cards and calendars. However, Bredin cautions against taking this easy approach.

"Small business owners need to think through carefully who they are and who their customers are - sending a creative gift that has a personal touch could help foster client relationships," she says.

Follow The Rules

Fe Mahler, president of the Skyway chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is no stranger to corporate gift giving. She's been doing it for seven years.

She advises being mindful of any company guidelines governing corporate gift giving. Companies require gift givers to stay within those guidelines because exceeding the limits could give a look of impropriety.

That said, there are times when it might be necessary to step outside those guidelines. The key, says Mahler, is to get approval from a manager beforehand.

"There are times when it's customary to go beyond that limit," says Mahler. "But that's a discussion to have with your manager."

It's also important to be mindful of the recipient. In some cases, company rules may prevent the beneficiary from receiving gifts.

"In that case, consider a donation to charity in their name," suggests Mahler.

Rather than return to the office with a red face and a pricey bottle of wine that's been declined, it's a good idea to do a little research before buying a gift, advises Mahler.

Another consideration is the appropriateness of a gift. Some people may not welcome a Christmas gift.

"We have a group of people we know are Jewish, so we don't send Christmas gifts," says Mahler. "Instead, we send them gifts around New Year's. So many people come from different backgrounds, so there's a lot of movement toward New Year's gifts."

How does the admin select the perfect gift? If he or she doesn't know the recipient's tastes very well, a call to that person's own administrative assistant is a good move. It can not only help find the best gift, but might also be a chance to expand one's professional network.

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine.

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