Before I get into the essence of client gifting success for small businesses, here’s a question for you: Which question piques your interest more—“What to Gift?” or “Why gift?”
Not a trick question (so don’t worry!), but I have a good guess what you’ll say.
‘What to gift?’ is high on the list of questions asked in Facebook groups and online communities. It’s typed hundreds of times each month in the Google search bar. I’m asked quite often too, and I don’t mind at all!
So I get it. Getting help with “what to gift” addresses the immediate need. Here’s the truth though—the real essence of stellar client gifting is realized when you answer the other question: “Why gift?”
Because when you know why, the gift will always meet the moment and deeply resonate with your clients.
If that’s the gift experience you want to extend to clients (of course it is!), then this article is for you. And I’ve made it easy to remember. In a nutshell, why we gift can be summed up into what I’ll call the 3Gs.
But first, let me touch on which G word is NOT included….
client gifting
What It’s Not
Generating business should not be the primary reason why we send gifts to clients.
Hear me out.
Yes, your clients will love receiving a gift. Yes, it will be a welcome surprise. And yes, it may help to bring more business your way.
BUT, when you make generating business the focus (your why), you run the risk of selecting the wrong gift and it having the opposite effect. This type of gifting can cause you to easily fall into a generic gifting cycle, a one-size-fits-all approach that makes your clients feel like just another person on your client roster. And we don’t want that.
Small business relationships are more intimate, in my opinion. They require your attention, care, and thoughtfulness throughout your time with clients. Sure, a welcome gift or offboarding gift may make sense. However, there’s a chance that touchpoint can be much more meaningful somewhere else.
So let’s get into the 3Gs you need to remember. Why We Gift—The Real Essence Of Client Gifting That Speaks Volumes
Let’s start with the obvious (but number 3 is powerful so don’t miss it).
client gifting
Gift With Gratitude in Mind
The client chose your business. Depending on your services, they may be making an investment in themselves or their own business. Or that client or customer decided to be a beacon of light to someone else by gifting your product or service. Either way, you’re meeting a need that will bless you, your customer/client, and others.
This exchange of money for goods or services confirms something special—a connection you already share. When you nurture this connection with gestures of appreciation, you solidify the bond, creating a mutual sense of joy and gratitude.
client gifting
Gift With Growth In Mind
Growth symbolizes progress, transformation, and new opportunities. It’s in many ways why we start a business or support other small businesses—a belief in potential; a way to inspire, encourage, or equip someone; a desire for change.
Gift-giving should mirror this. It should feel much more transformational than transactional.
Gifting with growth in mind helps you celebrate your clients’ progress and milestones, which makes them feel seen and supported. It can also spark new conversations with your clients and inspire ways to serve them better.
client gifting
Gift With Grace In Mind
This one is so important, and we all need it from time to time. We’re human, and we’ll unintentionally mess up sometimes. How you respond to it makes all the difference. Gifting in moments like these becomes a matter of the heart.
It shows your clients that they are more than just a transaction, you can take ownership of the mistake, and you desire to rebuild trust. So important! Mistakes will happen. Anticipate some possible scenarios and how you can improve the experience when those situations arise.
Wait! Don’t miss this next step….
The deeper essence of ‘grace-gifting’ is found in the follow-up after the gift is received.
The gift acknowledges the mistake, BUT the follow-up shows genuine care and not just a quick fix. Clients may remember the mistake, but they will definitely remember how you handled it.
Gifting with Gratitude, Growth, and Grace in mind ensures that the gift you choose is thoughtful and fosters a genuine connection with your clients. Remember, gifting creates heartfelt moments; and when done right and at the right time, it will, without a doubt, speak volumes.
