Q. Economic times are tough for small business, but I want to say thank you to my customers during the holiday season. Given a tight budget, can you suggest inexpensive ideas?
A. You can spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank this year and send holiday greetings from your company. The secret is to send gifts that people value and give a compliment or share a sentiment. Begin by thinking about what someone values. If your clients have a child or a pet, then give a small but meaningful gift to them to bring home. Make someone else a holiday hero with thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts.
Even if you are thinking smaller this year about gift-giving, you can still give big wishes for a happy holiday. Nationally known gift expert Robyn Spizman suggests how to be a gifted giver in challenging times like these so you don’t shortchange your customers:
•Give a gift that keeps on giving.
•Donate something in honor of your recipient and let him know with an acknowledgement card.
•From volunteering your time to donating your frequent-flier miles to a good cause to even a cash contribution, show your passion for a good cause and make a difference in celebration of your entire list.
•Just say thanks. Thank-you notes stating your gratitude for a referral or someone’s business will go further than a greeting card signed generically. Be specific.
•Use the power of words and add a clever phrase to a gas card such as “Full speed in the new year.” Even a $5 gas card will be put to good use, so think functional to be fabulous.
•Give a gift card for a local coffee shop and add the words, “Thanks a-latte for your business.” A hot cup of coffee is always appreciated.
•Think small but deliver big. Consider giving a smaller portion or size of a gift. Instead of giving a big display of cookies, package up a few cookies with holiday wishes to “one smart cookie.”
•Give a useful gift that will be put to use. From a mini solar flashlight to “brighten the holidays” or a package of pocket warmers ideal for someone in a cold climate, add a note that says, “Warmest wishes for a happy holiday.”
To make the holidays meaningful, it doesn’t require spending a lot of time. Spend your creative energy and a little thought will go a long way.
For more information, go to www.thegiftionary.com.
