Using hamper for both ‘thank you’ and business pitch 

Christmas is another time many individuals and organizations involve in giving gifts. Ordinarily giving gifts is a tradition that has come to stay. Many people give gifts for various reasons; either to say ‘thank you’, strengthen relationship or create visibility which would become significant when there is opportunity for business pitch.

“Gifts keep you at the top of clients’ minds year round, Smallbiztrends.com quotes Forbes contributor John Hall. And even as some companies cut back in recent times due to the economic crunch, others continue to be convinced gift giving is important for maintaining relationships, the site further reports a journal as saying.

In this festive period, many organizations have been giving gifts either to say ‘Thank you’ or surreptitiously lobby for businesses in 2017. But some gifts may be lost in the euphoria of the celebration while some would create a mark and achieve the objective in to 2017.

An expert who prefers anonymity said that gifts should be able to create meaning and be impactful. “There is nothing wrong in using gifts to create necessary and intended impact in future. Gift is to tell your friend or client that you care as it means to create or strengthen relationship” he said. It is also said that “Client should also cater the timing of the gift giving to particular clients. Some clients, for instance, might not celebrate Christmas. But try to cater your gift giving to your clients’ preferences rather than your own”.

“There are some instances when you need to give back to someone who has helped you or provided you a favor. Gift giving is an act that can show that you are thankful. Giving and receiving is the purest of reasons to give gifts. The receiver will truly feel your gratitude when you give gifts for elevating happiness and wellbeing”.

Companies should be able to sit down and ask, “Why they are giving the gifts… for thank you, to sustain the relationship or to build new friendship.” It is obvious in Nigeria that many companies are giving gifts to both sustain the relationship  and build new ones in the new year”, another analyst said.

According to a player, an individual or organization should be able to determine the objective for its gift whether for ‘thank you’, maintain relationship going forward or secure new businesses deals.

Daniel Obi