Corporate gifts are the new mantra of motivation. Over the years, it has been believed and even propounded by certain psychologists that money is the greatest motivation for employees. People work to earn and their performance can be improved by the promise of additional remuneration or bonus.
Though, money is still one of the major reasons why someone works in the first place, it is not the factor which determines the performance. After a certain level, money starts losing its sheen. An employee stays in a company because quite simply, he wants to stay there. He is happy to contribute to the company. And no one is happy if their efforts are not recognized.

This is where corporate gifts play a crucial role. Apart from the fact that the employees will be motivated, and feel acknowledged, you also stand to gain from the brand exposure. Just imagine! What will result is an increase in the brand awareness, in your company’s goodwill and aspiring applicants.
But whether to stamp your company’s logo on the products depends on two things: how expensive is the gift, and the relationship with the employee. Generally, when the gifts are less expensive, no one minds the company logo on it. This is expected. However if the product is expensive, a logo on it will lessens its charm. The best part in the latter case is that the employees ensure that every person they meet knows about your company.
And there is never a wrong time to give corporate gifts. Usually, companies give corporate gifts during the holidays round the year, but the gifts which impact the most are the ones given on personal occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. So ensure that you have got those dates noted and stored.

In a turbulent and uncertain economy where there are fewer customers with fewer pounds to spend, many customers base their decision making on one key factor – price. This obsession with the cheapest has given rise to price comparison websites where customers are encouraged to view every single provider as identical apart from their cost.

Do You Really Stand Out?

So, what makes your company different? However, despite what the supermarkets say, not everyone can be the cheapest, and being the cheapest may only be a temporary state of affairs. The most successful companies in any area have something about them that makes them stand out. One of the India’s most well-known insurance companies, Direct Line, are so confident in their service that they refuse to be included on price comparison websites.

If the answer doesn’t immediately spring to mind then put yourself in the position of a customer. Look at your brochure, your website and your corporate branded merchandise; now do the same for your competitors. Even if there is no key message from your company about what makes you different, you can bet there will be from your competitors.

The thing that makes you stand out could be almost anything. You could be the company that has been in business for generations. You might pride yourself in offering high-end products in a crowded marketplace. It may be that your staff undertake regular customer service training or that each team member is educated to become an expert in the field.

Your unique selling point should be a badge of honor for your company. You should be proud of it; after all, if you are the only company who offers a same-day delivery service, for example, how will customers know unless you tell them? Build it into your brochure, your website and your corporate branded merchandise.

Now perhaps try a little exercise? Once you’ve finished reading this go away and write 250 words that begins “What makes my company different is…”

It could be the most important thing (?) you ever write…!!