First off, I'd like to thank Gold Member Dr. Giselle Tadros, Pediatric Physical Therapist in NJ/NY for this topic suggestion.
It's something I usually write about, but honestly, there has been so much happening with the Coptic Chamber that it slipped my mind. So thanks for the reminder, Giselle!
So my rule that I'd like you to remember is..
"When You Gift Someone Christmas Cheer,
It'll Pay Dividends Throughout the Year"
Over the last nearly 30 years of practicing law and running my businesses, this rule has been proven time and time again.
I can't think of one time that I spent money on Christmas gifts and found it to be a waste. People will associate you with cheer, gifts, happiness, making them smile and warm wishes.
I learned the Christmas gift-giving tradition from my father, Fouad Anis. A couple of weeks before Christmas, he'd make a huge shopping trip for all the lucky recipients:
-His best clients
-His best referral sources
-His best vendors
-His bankers/tellers
-Those who provided services for him: Employees, CPA, doctor, etc.
Plus anyone who had gone out of their way throughout the year to help him and his business.
I do the same and I suggest you consider doing it as well.
Can it get pricey? Yes, you bet. But consider this an investment in your business. Consider it a marketing expense because that's pretty much what it is.
For those who you want to simply let know you thought of them during Christmas time, you might consider wine, chocolates, gift baskets or gift cards.
For those who have contributed to your growth as a business in a substantial way (whether referral source or valuable client), you want a more thoughtful gift. It's good to keep these 3 guidelines in mind. The gift should be...
1. Unique
2. Memorable
3. As customized to their taste as possible
I Recall About 15 Years Ago...
One of my clients had given me over $100,000 in business. Obviously, he was an important client. He was also a boxing fanatic. So, to show him my appreciation, I bought him a hand-signed Muhammed Ali boxing glove with a hand-signed photo. We displayed them in a beautiful walnut wood display and sent it by FedEx. Well, you'd think he won the Lotto! It cost me about $4,500 but was well worth every penny. I don't think a conversation ever passed that he
didn't tell me how much he loved his boxing gift. Over the years, it paid for itself many times over.
Of course, I'm not tell you to spend thousands. The gift should be commensurate with the amount of help they give your business. But whatever you spend, you want to make it as Unique, Memorable and Customized to their taste as possible.
Here Are Some Good Websites You Can Check:
My apologies. I probably should have sent you this email about a month ago to give you time to order for Christmas delivery; however, you probably still have time now. These websites can give you some good ideas:
www.personalizationmall.com
www.harryanddavid.com
www.tiffany.com
Until next time.
