Client Gift-Giving & the HSP Copywriter
Discover my secret sauce for excellent client relations...
One way I was able to authentically stand out with my freelance clients was highlighting my strengths related to client relations, project management, and marketing. Here are tips that can help you stand out in the crowd.
I’m aware that not every freelancer or self-employed person can afford to purchase gifts for their clients - especially at this time of year and smack dab during this difficult economy.
However, if you are able to and would like to give gifts to your favourite or all your client this holiday season, I’ve found it to be an effective way to build rapport and design my personal brand.
Ideas for Your 2023 Client Gifts
(This list is not sponsored though I am open to the idea of paid sponsorships!)
Succulents from Lula.com — I purchased these succelents many times for my American clients and they looooovvved them! 🌵
Treats from Purdy’s Chocolates — I’m not sure these are available outside of Canada but, if you are Canadian, you’ll know these iconic chocolates are top-notch! 🍫
Gift baskets from Harry & David — A sales person sent me a fruit basket from this iconic gift basket maker and I was so thrilled. It was beautifully created, delicious and healthy to boot. 🍑
Why Do Gifts Help to Build Rapport?
Beyond the obvious fact that people love to receive gifts, there’s that added factor where you paid attention to your client as an individual and therefore doubled the excitement by A) giving them a gift in general and B) found the present that makes sense for that particular client — something at which Highly Sensitive People tend to excel.
Most people love to receive happy surprises - especially during a busy, stressful time of year such as the holiday season. One woman (an accountant at my best-paying & favourite client) wrote me the most heartfelt and excited thank-you email. It really made me happy.
Including a personal & sincere message with your gift is key — you want your client to know that you’re thinking of them, appreciate them and their business, and, if possible, explain why you selected that particular gift for that person.
Even the back and forth from the “thank you for the gift” email with clients helped me to build rapport, learn more about them and, ultimately aided in having me standing out within a sea of eager freelancers.
HSPs, with their high attunement, ability to lock in on details, and sensitive nature, can use these characteristics to suss out what type of gift makes most sense for each particular person/client. Ask yourself: Do they like plants? Have children? Are they allergic to chocolate? Just moved to a new home?
If you are able to simply send a holiday card and not a gift, I suggest sending a printed card in the mail with a personal message. If you can only send an email greeting, ensure it’s colourful, professional, and personal.
I trust that these tips, details and ideas will serve you well. If you’ve given your clients gifts in the past, let me know if you feel it paid off. If you’re trying it this year, let me know.
Yours in Highly Sensitive Success,
Lisa