5 easy steps to corporate gifting success

At some point in your career, you've probably been on the wrong side of a bad business gift. You toiled all year, sweating and slogging to make your numbers, only to have your effort rewarded with a branded mousepad - or worse. Bad gifts don't motivate action. They don't drive sales. They don't build relationships. Meaningful gifts, on the other hand, can do all that and then some.

When you're charged with selecting a holiday gift that represents your company, choose wisely. This decision can propel you headlong into the new year surrounded by inspired and eager clients, employees, and colleagues. Or it can leave you facing a tremendous uphill battle. Nobody has time for that.

Choose corporate holiday gifts that set the stage for another year of success. Here are five simple steps to ease the pressure and make it happen.

1. Determine your budget per gift.

So you've decided to give holiday gifts on behalf of your business. First, get a handle on your spend per gift. Starting your gift research with a budget in mind will make it easier for a business gift expert to help get you the best bang for your dollar.

Your budget may change as you learn what options are available to you, but as a springboard to great gifting, determining your spend per gift will provide strong footing through the order process.   

2. Do your research early.

Gift baskets and gourmet holiday food gifts dominate the world of corporate gifting, and with good reason. After you've nailed down your spend, start your research and narrow your menu of options to only those that match your needs.

Most corporate gifting companies roll out their holiday specials in August or September, so you can easily get a jump on this process. You may not place an order until December - that's fine. Researching well before crunch time will ensure you find exactly the right gifts AND net the best possible deal.

3. Choose a trusted supplier.

Millions of business gifting options means millions of merchants vying for your attention. Not all of them are worth your time, nor should you devote precious hours to weeding out bad actors. Instead, choose a supplier you can trust.

Reputable vendors offer personalized service and high-quality, unique gifts. Your recipients will appreciate that your gift comes from a recognizable brand, plus you get the confidence of knowing your gifts will arrive on schedule and in one piece.

Be sure to ask your vendor about returns, damages, and delivery guarantees - their response will let you know whether or not you can rely on them.

4. Ask about personalization.

Select your vendor, choose your product, then make your holiday gifts distinctive to your brand. Talk to a gift expert to about using co-branded packaging & personalization to elevate your gifts well beyond what's expected.

Most companies offer gift messages, custom branded ribbons, or your logos on the gift or packaging. But remember, personalization takes time, so ask about your options well before you place your order.

 5. Supply a solid gift list.

Sequentially speaking, you'll probably have a good idea of what your recipient list looks like from the get-go. But plan ahead to double-check your running list before providing it to your gift expert. Speed up the ordering process by supplying accurate names, with an indication of the holiday(s) aligned with your gifts: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, etc.

Removing names from your list is easy, but don't get caught scrambling to compile your list as the shipping deadline approaches. Consider and compile your list early to avoid headaches, missed delivery dates, and returned shipments.

It's no secret...giving a memorable holiday gift - a gourmet gift basket, meal kit, or top shelf wine - leads to happy customers, motivated employees, and proud partners. The process of deciding on the right gift, well, that task can be intimidating, to say the least.

Stick with the simple guidelines above to alleviate your stress and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the kudos that follows when you send the perfect holiday gift.

To find out more about how Omaha Steaks can help you with holiday gifting this year, click here.

This post is sponsored by Omaha Steaks. Content written and provided by Omaha Steaks.