Aldain Reid
Contributor

It's that time of year again when entrepreneurs are busy considering their choice of gifts for clients, suppliers, and business associates alike. Giving a corporate gift will not necessarily guarantee more business in the coming year, but for those special clients, giving nothing at all may send a subtle message that you don't care enough about their business.

Now, before you start shopping for your business Christmas gifts, you might consider the following tips.

DOs
DO CHECK COMPANY POLICY
It would be advisable to confirm whether or not your clients are allowed to receive gifts from business associates. Many companies have strict, no-gift regulations.

DO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH
Gifts that specifically relate to recipient's personal interest or hobby, will demonstrate that you have been paying attention. If your client loves golf for example, consider giving a unique golf accessory. In your client's eyes, that would be a 'hole in one'.

DO PRESENT YOUR PRESENT NICELY
Packaging is vital to the perceived value of your gift. A nicely packaged gift sends a clear signal that you value your client.

DO HAND DELIVER, WHERE APPLICABLE
For those extra special clients, personal delivery goes a far way in making that all-important impression.

DO GIVE A CHARITABLE DONATION
Charity and the Yuletide season go hand in hand. Give a cash donation to a well recognised and respected charitable organisation. But give it your client's name instead. This will have special significance, particularly if it is for a cause that is dear to your client's heart.

DO GIVE EQUITABLY
When sending gifts to more than one person within the same firm, you should assume that those co-workers may view each other's gifts. You therefore should, as much as possible, give tokens of similar value to avoid 'gift-envy'.

DON'TS
DON'T SPOIL YOUR CHANCES
If you're in the midst of a contract negotiation, or a pending bid selection, do not send a gift to your client this Christmas. It will most likely be interpreted as a bribe, and may ultimately affect your prospects of getting the job.

DON'T GIVE CASH
Monetary gifts are frowned upon and are considered unethical. From a corporate standpoint it is treated as bribery. It is also tacky, so under no circumstances should you send cash.

DON'T GIVE BRANDED ITEMS
Gift items with your company's logo may be a clever reminder of your brand, but you are also at risk of leaving the impression with your client, that their gift could be the leftover freebie you handed out at your trade-show booth this year. Where possible, avoid novelty items with your logo affixed.

DON'T SEND FOOD OR ALCOHOL
Sending that choice leg of ham to your Rastafarian client would be considered an insult. (Note: You don't haffi dread to be Rasta - Morgan Heritage 1999)

The same is true if you send one of your finest liqueur selections to a client that is firmly opposed to alcohol consumption. Unless you've done proper research, avoid sending food or drink products that may conflict with your client's religious beliefs or dietary norms.

DON'T SEND UNSIGNED CARDS
Make sure you personally sign each card you send out this season. It's always easier to simply affix your company stamp, but this is highly impersonal and should be avoided at all costs. Including a personalised note will also add that special touch.

DON'T RUSH
If you've run out of time for getting a token for that special client, avoid the last-minute impulse to grab a gift in haste. Bad choices are usually the result of rushed purchases.

So, whatever you do this season, remember that it's the spirit of giving that must take precedence. Follow these tips and you should be well on your way to having a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year in business!

Aldain Reid is a serial entrepreneur and is currently serving as the president of the Young Entrepreneurs' Association of Jamaica. He may be contacted via his entrepreneurship blog at www.aldainreid.com