If you know me, you know that gift giving is definitely my “giving” Love Language. I don’t love receiving gifts as much as I love giving them, mainly because I hate clutter but that’s neither here nor there.
When I first started at my company, I became the designated elf of sorts around the holidays. We were a very fledgling company and anyone who took a chance on us was worth a big ol’ proverbial bear hug. If you’re not quite sure what the heck I’m talking about here, the book Hug Your Customer really amped up what I already thought was important. It’s written by a department store owner in Connecticut who is known for exquisite customer service.
This year more than ever, it’s important to send a giant THANK YOU to all the people who kept you in business. 2020 was awful for so many people and all the business you did was because of the generous people who believed in your mission.
Today I thought I’d share some ideas to “hug” your customer/client that don’t have to cost a ton!
Send Hand-Written Christmas Cards
This is by far the easiest and least expensive thing you can do.. But here’s the catch– it MUST be hand written. Commercially-printed cards are nice and all, but nothing beats a personal touch. Run to TJ Maxx, pick up a few boxes of cards and send away. The more personal you can make it, the better.
Give a local gift
My company’s office is in downtown Annapolis which is the cutest town in America. It’s true. Ask anyone ;). For this year’s corporate gifts, we sent crab mallets, Old Bay seasoning, a little nip of whiskey and a drink recipe. Let’s just say it was a huge hit and almost all of the recipients loved the theme. Think of something that’s local to you and send a little love from there. If you’re in DC, Georgetown Cupcakes ships to the lower 48 and they’re delicious. If you’re in Cleveland, Malley’s Chocolates ships as does Great Lakes Popcorn Company. Think of something that you can only get locally and send some local love to you non-local clients!
Send a “Coffee On Me”
Again this is one of the easiest and thoughtful ways to show your love to your clients. Send just a little $5 or $10 Starbucks or Panera card with a note that says, “Your next coffee is on me!” If your clients are anything like me, they’ll go out that day and get a decedent coffee drink that they probably wouldn’t otherwise buy!
Provide their Christmas morning
I actually love this idea because not only will people use it, but they’ll be thinking of you on Christmas morning! Send a bag of coffee and with some Christmas-themed coffee creamer. Whip up a batch of cinnamon rolls for them to reheat on Christmas morning. Give them Jamison to make an Irish coffee. Wrap up some fun Christmasy tea bags. Get creative because there are so many ideas!
Bake something from your family cookbook and share the recipe
Nothing is more thoughtful than something from your family cookbook to share with others. I’m likely going to be making some oregano bread for my reading clients’ parents. It tends to be a tasty hit and has a great story along with it. Since it’s not a family secret (it actually won a newspaper recipe contest), I’ll also include the recipe in the hopes that it will become a part of their family recipe hopper as well!
I love showing my appreciation for clients this time of year! Do you have an idea that I missed? Would love to know what you do in the comments below! Have a great weekend!
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