Basket chocolate coffee gift

GIVING CLIENTS HOLIDAY GIFTS IS MORE than a good idea, to hear Leann Phenix talk about it: "It's a 'must do,'" says the CEO of the Austin, Texas, literary publicity firm that bears her name. "From the first year of our company's existence, we have given gifts even when cash flow was tight," she says. "We did so in the beginning to help people remember us. We continue to give gifts not only to stay visible, but also because we are genuinely thankful when people help us. It makes us feel good to give, and it makes the receiver feel good."

The good tidings have spread: Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists has grown from a start-up in 1994 to 11 employees and close to $1 million in revenues last year. And the company has honed its gift-giving skills in the process. Well before the holidays, Phenix already has a list to check twice. "We want the gifts we give to make a lasting impression," she explains.

Many small-business owners share her attitude. The most recent American Express survey on small-business gift buying estimated $5 billion would be spent wishing clients, employees and vendors "happy holidays." More than one-third of the nearly 800 business owners participating in the survey said they would buy holiday gifts, spending an average of $1,800 each.

Sure, that was in flush 1999--but even in tougher economic climates, business gifts are a wise investment. "Gifts will never take the place of good service, outstanding product and integrity, which are foremost in any [business] relationship," says Lynn Tucker, president of Corporate Presence LLC, a Baltimore-based corporate gift service company. "But all things being equal, entrepreneurs should never underestimate the edge they gain with a memorable gift."

Who should be on your gift list? Generally speaking, anyone who has helped your business grow is fair game--clients, employees, friends or special vendors, such as a landlord, postal carrier or printer. In the American Express survey, more than half of small-business owners said they thought gift-giving led to increased sales, while 71 percent said corporate gift-giving was an important part of their annual marketing efforts. In other words, you probably can't go wrong by being too inclusive.

Once you've decided who gets gifts, what do you give? Gifts should reflect your business, says Robyn Spizman, a gift expert in Atlanta. "For example, if you own a travel company, consider giving something like the latest travel clock or gadget," Spizman suggests. Whatever the gift, she says, "the key is the words that go with it to illustrate your thoughtfulness, like 'Working with you has been a wonderful adventure.'"

It might not be inappropriate to do a little self-promotion in your gift-giving as well: maybe a well-placed company logo? "Every business is looking to promote itself, even when giving a gift," says Mike Levin, who sells customized corporate gifts for iGo Promos in Boynton Beach, Florida.

This year, food items are expected to make popular personalized gifts. Boxes of cookies or chocolates, or popcorn tins imprinted with your company's logo are in demand, according to industry-watchers. "Food has always been a standard for a holiday gift," says Marvin Spike, vice chair of the Advertising Specialty Institute in Trevose, Pennsylvania. "It can be shared, and people remember you if it tastes good."

To make promotional gifts stand out, put a twist on old standards. For example, if you're giving a coffee mug, opt for an unusual material (such as stainless steel) instead of ceramic, suggests Kelly Dugan, owner of Dugans Inc., a customized gift company in Kent, Washington.

A good starting point for information on personalizing holiday presents is the Advertising Specialty Institute (www.promomart.com), a trade organization and one of the largest players in the promotional products industry. Also, click on the Promotional Products Association International site at http://ppai.org.

There are other factors to consider when developing your gift list. You can't give every client the same gift--some will receive less expensive presents, some will get pricier ones, From the outset, categorize your recipients and determine what kind of gift they'll get. Take shipping expenses into account, too, when developing your gift budget; this cost is often overlooked.

Keep track of what you've sent in the past, because repeating yourself can be something of a faux pas. Choose gifts that are professional. If dealing with overseas recipients, be careful not to violate their cultural or business protocols.

There are lots of issues involved in choosing the perfect gift. If you feel overwhelmed by the effort, consider hiring a corporate gift consultant. These professionals can find creative presents that fit your budget while still making the statement you want. A gift consultant can also help you make decisions such as whether to include your company's logo on a gift or when to send a present. He or she can also handle the logistics that you and your employees may not have time for, such as wrapping, shipping and tracking packages.

Presentation is key to a successful gift. This includes the box, the wrapping, the message and even the timing. A creative customized present delivered a day late is less effective than a trite present given on time.

Even if your client doesn't reciprocate with a gift (or more business), Uncle Sam will reward your generosity. You can deduct the value of a business gift up to $25 per person annually. Keep records of all your gift purchases, and consult with an accountant before declaring these items on your taxes.

Of course, if you're giving presents just to take a deduction on your income tax return, you're probably missing the point. "We don't give [gifts] for the sake of a deduction, but for their powerful effect to create a warm feeling about our company," says Phenix. "So rarely do [entrepreneurs] remember to sincerely say 'thank you.' These two words are extremely powerful and work wonders in creating long-term, mutually satisfying relationships."

For more help with your holiday shopping, plan a visit to www.entrepreneur.com/giftguide.

CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT is Entrepreneur's "Biz Travel" columnist.

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Please desk-dwellers with accessories that gracefully combine form and function.

The GOLDEN ARCH COMBINATION CLOCK AND BUSINESS CARD HOLDER (www.ashford.com, 888-922-9039) is an elegant place to store business cards and tell the time. PRICE: $30. (ALL PRICES STREET)

AVERY'S DOUBLECLICK (www.avery.com, 800-462-8379) is a two-in-one writing instrument with pencil and pen, but it also functions as a stylus for use with a client's personal digital assistant. PRICE: $8.95.

An inexpensive DESK CALENDAR (www.calendars.com, 800-366-3645) will entertain its holiday recipients with the cartoon misadventures of corporate antihero Dilbert or any number of other wacky characters and topics. PRICE: $10.99-$12.99.

MONT BLANC'S ELEGANT MEISTERSTUCK LETTER OPENER (www.montblanc.com, 800-995-4810) features a gold edge and a sleek, black finish. It can be personalized. PRICE: $245.

An elegant CUSTOMIZED CRYSTAL COBALT VASE (www.corporategiftshowcase.com, 888-249-0420) by the Martin Glass Co. makes a particularly nice gift. Etch your company's logo onto the vase for $100 extra. PRICE (WITHOUT ETCHING): $664.

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Cushion the potholes along a road warrior's path with these gifts that make travel a pleasure.

The BUCKWHEAT PILLOW (www.thebenjamin.com, 800-813-7624), a small pillow filled with buckwheat hulls and covered in all-natural fibers, conforms to the head and neck to reduce stress and tension. PRICE: $55.

No more early-morning wake-up calls from the front-desk staff. The TRAVEL ZEN ALARM CLOCK (www.now-zen.com, 800-779-6383) provides a gentle awakening with long-resonating, pure tone acoustic chimes. PRICE: $89.95.

For longer trips where space is often at a premium, SWISS ARMY'S UPRIGHT MOBILIZER (www.swissarmy.com, 888-658-0717) is the solution. This durable, thoughtfully designed carry-on has plenty of room for both clothes and gadgets, and comes with a rugged lock. The medium-sized bag fits in most overhead compartments. PRICE: $480 FOR MEDIUM BAG.

ATLANTIC LUGGAGE'S UPRIGHT VIRTUAL OFFICE (www.atlanticluggage.com, 888-658-0717) has room for even the biggest techno-geek's arsenal of equipment. This spacious carrying case comfortably holds a computer and plenty of peripherals; wheels mean easy maneuverability in any location even when fully loaded. PRICE: $169.

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