Unique Ways to Show Client Appreciation This Holiday Season

In the business world, relationships are everything. Forming strong bonds with your clients can be the factor that makes or breaks your bottom line. It's important to be personable and to connect with your business associates to make them feel appreciated. But how do you do this? You can solidify a strong bond between you and your clients when you intentionally show your appreciation through kind gestures like corporate events, dinners, and gifts.

Showing appreciation to a client is much like an investment. Every time you fill their cup with kindness, your clients are more likely to be loyal to you. By giving thoughtful client gifts, you can easily remind people how much you appreciate their support. Here are some unique ways to show client appreciation this holiday season.

Treat Them to a Good Meal

No matter how busy things get, everybody needs to sit down to eat. That's why treating your client to a delicious meal at their favorite restaurant can be the right mood booster. It’s not obtrusive on the workday, especially if it’s lunch, and yet it makes a powerful, positive effect on your client. Whether they just made a big order from your company or referred more business your way, acknowledging their value can nurture your relationship for years to come.

Putting relationships first makes your business more than just a money-making experience. By fostering these connections, you are communicating that people matter. This attitude naturally attracts people your way because they know you are a company that values them first.

Know Your Client’s Gift Preferences

If you want to give a gift, you should follow one of two paths based on how well you know your client. If you just met this person, it’s advised to stick to universally appealing gifts, like useful office items. If you know your client personally, you can get more specific, such as buying a gift card to their favorite restaurant or leisure activity like a golf course. For an extra thoughtful touch, include some logo golf balls as a subtle reminder of your company. These will be a fond reminder of you when the season's change and your clients get to enjoy their favorite sport once more.

Give Them Custom Drinkware

When you choose gifts that appeal to everyone, you can confidently order in bulk so that you save money and have reserves available. Custom drinkware is a sure win for every client, whether you want to give a big or small gift. Everyone you know enjoys a beverage of some type, so you know that custom company mugs will be put to good use. You can never have too many mugs, either. And when you put your logo on them, it’s a constant advertisement for your company wherever the mug goes. Give a mug with a pack of coffee from a local roaster or sneak in a discreet gift card — no matter how you prefer to give this gift, it’s a useful item that will last a long time.

Depending on the season, you should adjust the type of drinkware given. For instance, in the fall and winter, cocoa and mugs are a great idea. Then, as people need more hydration in the summer months, give out some logo water bottles instead. There are many types like glass, plastic, and aluminum bottles to suit each client’s preferences. However, no matter what material you choose, they are all good for the environment and cut back on disposable drink waste.

Offer Promotional Office Items

Because you know that you and your client are both into similar businesses, you can confidently give promotional items like notebooks, pens, and business bags. Many of these can be found at under $50 each, making it easy to fit into a gift-giving budget. With a wide selection of computer bags, sling bags, lunch boxes, and writing utensils to choose from, you can be sure to find a selection of promotional gifts that can be easily given to any client who walks through your doors.

Go Adventurous

So you want to give something outside of the norm? If you have a client who likes the unexpected, then you should surely give this method a try. For instance, a client may enjoy lounging outside, but their green space may lack some furniture. Send over an Adirondack chair and bench to beautify their break time paradise. For clients who care for the environment, an all-weather chair made of over 250 jugs of plastic embodies their values. It’s also virtually maintenance-free, therefore reducing the need for extensive cleaning or priming. You may also decide to give something that suits outdoor adventures like custom company hats that can be worn while playing sports, attending trade shows, and more.

Relationships with people are what make businesses thrive, so offer something useful and valuable to your clients to help them feel appreciated this holiday season.