Practice Business-Gift Etiquette
November 23, 2006
This time of year, so many people flounder when it comes to purchasing gifts for people they actually know (friends and family) that the thought of purchasing a gift for a boss or coworker can throw them into a tailspin.
Gift-giving among company employees and even between companies as a way of securing or rewarding business is common this time of year. Company mail rooms see an influx of gift baskets and treats being sent from associates, and employees often engage in ritual gift swaps among divisions or with those whom they are friendly. But what do you give a person who you don't know that well outside of the work environment? And is there proper gift etiquette that should be maintained? Yes there is.
GIFTS AS A MARKETING TOOL
Many companies send gifts to massive lists of clients, associates and more in an effort to secure the company's image. Gifts may also serve as a thank you for solidarity to the company or a way of reconnecting after a cessation of business communication.
Before sending out just any gift, keep in mind these important guidelines:
- Check the gift policy with the companies to which you plan to send gifts. Some companies have strict rules against employees receiving gifts because it may appear as a mild form of bribery. Government officials and employees, writers and others who need to maintain an unbiased relationship with individuals may fall into this category. Other companies may place a limit on the gift amount.
- Think about the message you want to convey in the gift. Choose one that reflects your business mantra and image.
- Send gifts in a timely manner, especially if they are of the thank-you variety.<P>
- Certain gifts, such as food, flowers, calendars, and other "useful" gifts that bear a company logo, are standards that will be appreciated over a wide sector of the business community.<P>
- Personalize gifts or cards whenever possible so your message doesn't seem canned.<P>
- Gifts should reflect the value you place on the relationship. Highly respected clients should receive more attention and a more personal gift.<P>
- Be conscious of religious and cultural differences when sending gifts. You don't want to offend when your intent is to give thanks and celebrate the season. For example, be careful about sending certain colors of flowers overseas. For instance, white chrysanthemums are mainly used for funerals in Belgium, Spain and France. White flowers symbolize death in Japan. Yellow flowers symbolize death in Mexico and infidelity in France, according to 1-800-FLOWERS.<P>
- Check and double-check the spelling of recipients' names and company names when sending personalized gifts.<P>
GIFTS AMONG COWORKERS
Whether you love or loathe exchanging gifts with coworkers, it is often commonplace to do so as a gesture of goodwill during the season of giving. In order to make it a success, keep in mind these dos and don'ts.
- Do set a price limit. Secret Santa games and grab bags are great for the office because they often require gift-givers to purchase a generic present of a specific value. By setting a cost limit, no one feels pressured to overspend.
- Do purchase a gift for anyone who works directly for you, such as an administrative assistant or associate. It's a nice gesture and will show that you care about the relationship. As many administratives have attested to, the worst gift they ever got from an employer was nothing at all.
- Don't give anything too personal, say a perfume or cologne fragrance. Save those gifts for family or friends you know well.
- Do choose gifts that show you've put thought into the selection, not offering something you just picked up at the corner drug store on the way into work. Items like stationery, a fruit or food basket, gift card, or something that plays into a hobby or interest of a coworker will probably be well received. If giving food, keep in mind any dietary restrictions an individual might have, such as being a vegetarian or following a kosher lifestyle.
- Don't fret about purchasing a gift for a boss, even though 53 percent of global executives surveyed believe their boss is the hardest person to buy a holiday gift for, according to the latest Executive Quiz from Korn/Ferry International. Fine chocolates, liquor and gourmet gift baskets top the list of gift ideas for bosses. Better yet, rather than every employee each giving one little gift to the boss, pool resources and chip in to get a large gift that may be appreciated that much more.
- Don't feel pressured to reciprocate. If someone gives you a gift unexpectedly, don't run out to purchase something in return. A heartfelt "thank you" will suffice. Many people realize that holiday gift-giving budgets are tight, so be comfortable with the fact that you can't buy for all. If you want to send out a holiday message to everyone, consider personalized greeting cards.
|
