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HALIFAX

BUSINESS

REFERRAL

NETWORK

 

Meetings

Meetings are held every Thursday at the Chebucto Inn on

Lady Hammond Rd, Halifax, NS at 7:30 am.

 

Opportunities

 

We have openings in the group for the following professions:

Automotive Sales

Automotive Service

Caterer

Florist

Kitchen/Bath Specialist

Naturopath

Personal Chef
Paralegal
Photographer
Printer


and more...

 

Day Book

 

MONDAY

 

TUESDAY

 

WEDNESDAY

 

THURSDAY

 

0730 HBRN Breakfast Meeting, Chebucto Inn

 

FRIDAY

 

SATURDAY

 

SUNDAY

 

Do you have an event you’d like listed in Business Daybook?  Send us the details by email at events@hbrn.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 17, 2006 - The 7 Essentials of Corporate Gift Buying

 

 

Buying the perfect corporate gift for your clients has never been easier with the availability of products online and retail. However, with the vast selection of gift ideas comes a dizzying array of choices.

 

Before you set out to find the perfect corporate gift for your clients, know the essentials of corporate gift buying.

 

Corporate gift giving is on the rise, up to 71% in 2005, according to OPEN from American Express(SM) 2005 Semi-Annual Small Business Monitor.

 

The Monitor rates the top corporate gifts as:

 

  • cards or calendars (49%)

  • gift certificates for retail or restaurants (26%)

  • company branded items (23%)

  • fruit/food basket or charity donation (both 18%)

  • flowers/plants and wine/liquor (tied at 10%)

     

    Before you run out and buy the "tried and true" corporate gift, consider these 8 essentials of buying business gifts.

     

    Check Corporate Policies: Many companies and government offices will have a gift policy limiting the dollar value of a gift or prohibiting gifts.

    • Be sure to check with your recipients to determine the limitations of gift giving so they don't have to return the item.

     

    Determine Wants: Knowing what to buy a corporate client is the biggest challenge of business gift buying. It's difficult to know your clients on a personal level in many cases. The best bet is to call your customers and ask them what they like, their hobbies, etc., to give you a great idea of what to buy.

     

    Consider Cultural Differences: Each country and culture will have their own rules for corporate gift buying. For instance, in China, a gift should never be wrapped in white since it symbolizes death.

     

    Go for Quality: Any business gift you send reflects on the image of your company. Avoid lower quality gifts that can impair your image. Purchase quality products without breaking your budget.

     

    Use Hand Written Cards: It's far too easy in this Hallmark age to simply send a card with your gift and signature. For a more lasting impression, add a hand written note sharing your thoughts.

     

    Spend on Packaging: As important as choosing the right corporate gift for your client is the packaging of the gift itself. Spend the time and money on the wrapping to reflect your value on client relationships. If you lack the talent for gift-wrapping or have no time, use the many gift-wrapping services available from retailers and shopping malls.

     

    Deliver Personally: If your business gift list isn't too large, consider personally delivering the gift to the intended party. A personally delivered gift will keep you at the top-of-the-mind with your clients.

     

    Corporate gift giving is an opportunity to connect with your clients, strengthen ties, and share your holiday cheer. Adopting an attitude of giving will make the act of corporate gift buying less stressful and more fun.