PERSONALISED GIFTS ARE THE QUICKEST WAY INTO YOUR CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES’ HEARTS.

Think back to the time when you really wanted something so badly… you wished with all your heart that someone would somehow just gift it to you. And suddenly, just like that, the item you desperately needed and wanted was given to you, and it became one of your most prized possessions.

Even if you were a lot younger than you are now when you first experienced this, that feeling of overwhelming joy and gratitude is something we can all identify with. And each time you looked at that much-appreciated gift, you recalled the person and the thought behind their kind gesture. It made us feel special, valued and appreciated. The great aspect of being made to feel in this special way scales up and translates perfectly into the corporate world too, through bespoke corporate gifting.

In the corporate world, giving gifts to clients and employees is a common practice. It serves as a gesture of appreciation and strengthens the relationship between the giver and the receiver. However, choosing the right gift can be a daunting task, and not all gifts have the same impact. This is where personalised gifts come in.

Like the name suggests, corporate gifting is the practice of offering gifts to clients and employees to express your appreciation and gratitude. Of course, a gift can be given, just for the sake of giving. Perhaps you came across something that you know, that a special client, supplier or even your  staff would really appreciate receiving. Corporate gifts also make for a great ice-breaker when introducing your company or brand to a potential client.

With so many different reasons to support how a corporate gift can be leveraged to promote your business, it makes perfect sense to choose these important gifts carefully. At Ignition, our team of highly-experienced and knowledgeable team members are standing by to discuss your corporate gifting requirements, budget and delivery requirements, so reach out today for a bit of friendly advice.

If you’d like to explore the options right away, we’ve got that covered too! Simply take a look here to see what’s on offer. Not finding the right gift or need something a little more specific but can’t find it in South Africa? No problem at all. Ignition has an in-house sourcing and import team that will scour the globe for you. If it’s out there, and given enough time, we’ll find it.

Many factors influence why a client chooses one business over another, it might be cost-motivated, fast delivery and turnaround times, or a niche service that few companies provide. However, you can tip the scales in your favour by leveraging an often overlooked factor. Sending your customers the perfect corporate gift that will ensure your brand is always top of mind so that your client continues to do business with you, and the relationship you build with them is both warm, friendly and reciprocal.

Now, consider the other side of the coin… suppose you never really interacted with your clients, and the only time you did, was to send them your invoices. There is a high probability that there may little to no personal, human-to-human connection between your company and your client. Without that personal touch, you could see your clients migrating away from your brand, and instead, choose another business over yours – one that does make them feel all warm and fuzzy.

That’s why it’s so important to keep in touch with clients and to show them your appreciation throughout the year in maintaining a strong business relationship. Clients who receive gifts from you will feel appreciated and treasured and are more likely to continue working with you and your brand, just for this reason alone.

One of the key requirements for a successful business is to ensure that you attract and retain the best talent out there. Of course, this is equally important when it comes to attracting and retaining the very best clients and suppliers out there too. An easy, strategic approach is to go all out in making certain that staff, clients and suppliers feel that they are always valued.

If, on the other hand, your customers or employees feel undervalued, this could potentially ruin your business, your brand image and your brand equity. If a company does not offer a perceived value-add, seven out of ten customers will choose to do business elsewhere. In this current economy, who can afford to have your customers walk away into the waiting arms of the competition?

Employees who feel undervalued by an organisation will also become despondent, making them less effective. It may also be the trigger that leads them to look for alternate employment at other companies who may just make them feel valued and appreciated. This must be minimised as far as possible as your business depends on good people working together to keep your promises to your clients. The key to ensuring that employees feel valued is when leaders convey their appreciation directly to their people.

An even better way is to gift your employees well-thought out corporate gifts or gift packs that show your staff just how much you value them. It’s just one more way to show your people that you are always willing to go that extra mile to make them feel special and appreciated!

Employees who feel undervalued often become less productive when they are at work. When employees become less productive, you will have a less effective workforce.

The next effect is losing your most powerful brand ambassadors. Corporate gifts can be given as a reward to employees who go over in acknowledgement of their hard work. Giving gifts to high achievers is a good way to motivate your employees and make them feel appreciated.  

The reality is that there are many businesses that might be offering similar services or products. It is essential that you maintain some competitive edge within your industry. To keep your clients happy, add a personal touch, celebrate their successes, and give them regular corporate gifts. This is one of the best methods to differentiate yourself from competitors. Sending corporate gifts shows that you care about your clients and want them to be happy.

Another benefit of using corporate gifts is that it might assist in attracting new customers through word of mouth. Happy customers talk and can eventually become very strong brand ambassadors.

Personalised gifts have gained popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. They are a powerful tool to create a lasting impression and build relationships.

Now that we’ve discussed why personalised gifts are what paves the way to your client’s and employee’s hearts, let’s explore a few corporate gift ideas together…

Personalised desk accessories are a great way to add that sought-after personal touch to a corporate gift. Items like pens, paperweights, and desk organisers can all be stylishly engraved with a name, company logo, or a personal message. These gifts are practical and can find everyday use, serving as a constant reminder of your company and your products or services.

Let’s face it, we are in the throes of the Digital Age, and in today's digital world, tech gadgets are always a hit. From Bluetooth speakers to wireless headphones and smartwatches, there’s a wide range of options available to suit any budget. These gifts are not only practical but also fun and uber-cool!

Branded apparel is a classic corporate gift idea that never goes out of style. From T-shirts to polo shirts, caps, jackets, body warmers, beanies…there are as many options available as they are budgets. Branded apparel not only promotes your company but also creates a sense of belonging and uniformity among employees.

Always such a thoughtful and unique gift idea, a customised gift basket allows you to  include a variety of items including snacks, coffee, tea, and even fine wines. You could also include items that are specific to the recipient's interests, such as books, magazines, or sports equipment. These baskets are a great way to show your appreciation and create a lasting and endearing impression.

Personalised calendars are a great way to keep your company top-of-mind all year round. You could personalise these calendars to include your company logo, images, or uplifting and inspirational messages. How about adding important dates, such as holidays, special events, and birthdays? Calendars are practical gifts that could easily be used each and every day, making them an excellent way to promote your company.

Experience gifts are a unique and memorable way to show your appreciation. These can include anything from concert tickets to spa days, cooking classes to adventure trips. Experience gifts allow recipients to create lasting memories and can be shared with family and friends, making them a great way to build relationships and foster even greater goodwill.

Personalised wine bottles are a classic and elegant corporate gift idea. The possibilities are endless, but consider the impact of a custom label, complete with  your company logo, a personal message, or even a photo. You can also choose from a variety of wines, such as red, white, or champagne, to suit just about any occasion. Personalised wine bottles are a great way to show your appreciation and to leave a lasting, positive impression.

Personalised gift cards are a flexible and practical gift idea, and you can really ‘own’ them when you create custom cards with your company logo, a personal message, or even a photo. You can also choose from a wide range of retailers, such as Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, with the added benefit that a personalised gift card can easily suit any budget.

Personalised notebooks are a great way to add a personal touch to a corporate gift. You can choose from a variety of sizes and designs, and add a name, company logo, or personal message. Notebooks are practical gifts that will be used every day, serving as a constant reminder of your company.

The Ignition team take great care in sourcing our range of corporate clothing that has clean cut designs, attractive lines and made from the highest quality materials for durability. Fully-customisable and with the ability to mix and match garments for the right look, a selection from our range is a vote of confidence in your brand’s ability to look the way you want it to.

Go ahead, take the stylish look up a notch or two by getting us to apply your exclusive corporate branding onto the workwear of your choice. And make a statement, without saying a word.

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