	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Business - General Articles

Housewarming Gifts: Great Time to Get New Business from Old Clients and Gain Referrals

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 16Dec2009
Word count: 1009
Viewed: 891 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

Know someone who just bought a new home or is about to? Afraid to buy a housewarming gift they won't like? Maybe you're an insurance agent, a financial planner, a travel agent or a salesperson for home theater equipment or game rooms, perhaps you're a landscaper. No matter what your line of work is, business gifts for your clients will make you stand out from your competition. Clients will see you as someone that cares about their needs not just as a salesperson or marketer. They will trust you and turn to you again in the future for more business deals and potentially supply you with referrals. There are many gifts to choose from that can save you search time, money and that will please your clients, not end up in the trash can.

So what are some business gifts that your clients will like and save you the agony of searching for?

Why not delicious desserts? Tasty desserts are sure to please anyone. Who doesn't like desserts? Next to no one, that's who. However, be a little creative with your desserts in order to make them stand out more. You want them to think "Wow, he/she went the extra mile, to not only find a gift for me, but found me a treat that I will want to eat and something I would not just pick up at the store." And rest assured if they see you pay attention to small details with gifts then they will assume you always put forth the same effort in your work. This will help comfort them when asking for referrals. In other words, you are creating a reputation for competence and thoroughness.

You can consider two approaches to your gifts: homemade treats, which add a more personalized touch from you directly or the easier approach of ordering the gifts online for delivery. If you make the desserts yourself you will earn more "points" with your clients since it takes more time and effort, although less time and pain than brainstorming for a new gift idea and shopping for it. Not to mention this will be more economical. Only choose the homemade option if you already have the supplies. You could pick up the ingredients during a routine shopping trip. Many desserts are easy to make and there are many candy recipes to choose from that will please your clients' palates from homemade sugar cookies shaped like houses and chocolate-covered rice crispy treats shaped like front doors to yummy Oreo cookie cake and cherry cheesecake. If you have several clients to make gifts for, then you should make cookies or rice crispy treats because you can yield several gifts from one batch.

There are a number of advantages to buying the dessert gifts online, however. The gifts will be packaged in a presentable fashion either in gift tins or unique boxes, your clients will be surprised since they are delivered right to their door and you could send several to many different clients at the same time (not just for housewarming occasions) all with a just few clicks with your mouse. Ordering the gifts through a website will also provide you with a "gift headquarters" in which to visit every time you desire to send a gift since your orders are recorded as well as your client list. Cookies again are great gifts that can also be packaged in gift baskets with other treats. Some unique housewarming dessert gifts to consider would be cookie cakes. You can have messages placed on top such as "Welcome home John and Lisa" or "Enjoy your new home". A "Dessert/Cookies of the Month Club" is a tremendous idea too for your best clients who have the most potential for future business transactions or referrals. They cost more so that is why you want be selective on who you purchase them for. Every month of the year or every 3 months you could have a different dessert or batch of cookies sent to them which will remind them you exist throughout the year. This would set the groundwork to be able to call them for a long time in order to ask them about their enjoyment of their house and inquire about any problems or potential special occasions that may soon occur. Then you could set up an appointment in which to offer a solution which will solve a problem currently have. Don't assume they will seek help because often times they don't. Don't forget new problems arise throughout the year so I would highly recommend a Dessert of the Month Club.

Any business person can benefit from giving housewarming gifts to clients. Who would expect to receive a gift from their insurance agent? No one, right? This is a great opportunity to estabish your credibility, to get new business and gain referrals for future business. Most business professionals look for clients who fit the profile of families with kids and homeowners. Now here's your excuse to talk with them again. By just paying attention to them you will earn credibility "points" with them instantly. Set up an appointment with them for life insurance, college-savings plans, a design for a backyard playground, pool table, beautiful landscaping, etc. New homeowners need a long list of new products and services and more than anything- advice. Do you want to be one of their advisors?

And a current relationship with new homeowners is not a requirement to send them a gift. You can establish a new relationship.

So who do you know that just bought a home or is about to? You'd better start asking around. Seek out your current clients of centers of influence. The purchase of a new home is an ideal situation in which to expand your client list or get new business from old clients. It will be easier to do business with them later if you speak with them before they move into the house.

Don't miss out on new business deals! Take action today!

Rick works in sales and customer service. He believes strongly that customer-focused service leads to more sales and repeat business. Strong, healthy relationships between client and salesperson are key. Giving gifts to clients is one way to stand out. Whether you are a realtor giving your client housewarming gifts or an insurance agent showing appreciation for their business. Gifts help pave the way to future success with your clients.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here