Article - Using Corporate Gifts as an Engagement Strategy

11 Jan 2018

Using Corporate Gifts as an Engagement Strategy

 

Corporate gifting is serious business in South Africa. When used as part of a well-considered strategy, it can help establish critical relationships and become a cost-efficient means to recognise the business’ clients and stakeholders. There are many reasons why companies might want to provide their clients and employees with corporate gifts, from rewarding longstanding clients for their loyalty, to saying thank you to hardworking staff. The basic reason, however, remains the same: To affirm relationships and to enhance the personal connection between the company and the recipient.

 

Gifts differ from incentives in that they are offered with no explicit preconditions. These gifts also differ from advertising specialties in that they do not necessarily contain any explicit imprints or advertising, even though the gifts can be branded with the company’s branding if required. This does not mean that there is no bottom line benefit to be derived from giving corporate gifts. For many businesses, it is an important aspect of their marketing strategy. Just about any brand specialist agrees that, when done correctly, gifting is a cost-effective way to build a sense of partnership with valued associates of your business.

 

The Research Behind Corporate Gifts

 

Even though there is some hard evidence connecting corporate gifting to increased business activity, it is difficult to make specific return on investment projections in your marketing plan. The Promotional Products Association International in the U.S. conducted surveys on both gift givers and recipients. Their research shows that vendors who gave were twice as likely to increase their chances of being contacted by recipients than those that did not have a corporate gift programme. But in order to build a powerful corporate gift strategy, it is necessary to understand what it is, and what it isn’t. There needs to be a distinction between corporate gift giving and incentive programmes. While gifts and incentives frequently involve a similar class of recipient, they differ on both a practical and strategic levels.

 

Incentives are awards for achieving defined levels of activities, such as in sales or quotas. In contrast, corporate gifts are more spontaneous and not given as part of any defined arrangement between the recipient and giver. While it is tempting to view gift and incentive programmes in a similar light, leaving customers or employees with the impression that they are being bribed can do more harm than good to your business. Rather, view gift giving as a subtle and long-term process of relationship building, in the interest of the company’s relationship with its clients and employees, with no expectations.

 

Add Value to Your Clients’ Lives with Corporate Gifts from XCO Group

 

Throughout the years, we have become a one-stop solution for our clients’ complete branding needs. Whether you need corporate gifts, branded clothing, or branded outdoor marketing materials, we are your first choice. Our buyers always scour the market for quality and innovative corporate gift options that add tangible value to the lives and companies of our clients. We offer notebooks and folders, leisure and outdoor gifts, ladies and men’s gifts, and stationery and technology, among many other gifting options. What is more, we offer them at incredibly competitive rates. You do not need to break the bank to afford the very best. Tap into our large buying power, and let us help you afford the best corporate gifts out there to make a lasting positive impression.

 

Our team is always at hand if you would like to discuss your options. We are ready to help you stand out from the crowd with products worthy of carrying your brand. Speak to us today to learn more about what we do, and how we can benefit your business.