Is “Gifting” Part of Your 2025 Client Strategy?

In Giftology, author and keynote speaker John Ruhlin explains that gifts have the power to elevate relationships, create memorable experiences, and set businesses apart in a crowded market. Client gifts, as well as customer and employee ones, are important ways to set yourself apart.

Now that the holidays are behind us, I have some shocking news. That was the WORST TIME to send client gifts. The same goes for anniversaries and birthdays. Your gesture, no matter how sincere, gets lost among the other cards, gifts and baskets also sent to your clients, often by your competitors.

Instead, the key is to identify a time when your gift will be received, valued, and appreciated, not only for its uniqueness and personalization (more on that later), but also because it comes as a complete surprise.

So, let’s examine why ‘there’s no time like the present’ to talk about presents for your clients.

Building relationships through gifting

Believe it or not, the phrase “it’s the thought that counts,” is perhaps the most important reason for implementing this strategy. Gift giving strengthens the bond between you and your clients. It shows your appreciation and expresses that you put time and effort in developing a better understanding of your client’s ‘personality.’

Gifts help your brand stand out

What do your clients think of you?  What is your brand in their minds?  One of the easiest way to develop positive connections and build brand awareness is through gifting. As Ruhlin notes, off-season gifts signal to your client that you’re treating them genuinely, and when it’s least expected.  As you develop your business relationship, these moments of surprise add up.  You’re seen as an innovator, a company who does things differently.  This also has lasting impact for you as it generates positive word-of-mouth within your industry.

Uniqueness and personalization is key

Much like a concierge or wine sommelier, Favorable provides a unique service that matches your needs with what’s readily available. The key, of course, is listening.  You tell me your goals, your ideas, your budget.  You also tell me everything you know about the gift recipient. Then I get to work curating the best options and ideas. My secret: thoughtful, memorable gifts come from paying attention to the little things.

Or if this is a  gift for multiple clients, customers, or employees, I can help create a strategy (I call them Connection Plans.) around gifting groups so you are sure nobody is missed.

Are you ready to try a new strategy to develop and deepen client relationships in 2025?  Are you ready for little things to turn into big things?

It’s not too late.  Just think of how your clients would react when they receive an unexpected gift from you during Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or the first day of Spring?

All of a sudden you have another connection point, another conversation topic, that, eventually, could impact your bottom line.

Call me and we can set this plan in motion.

Until we chat again,