Business Gift - help?

[SarahC07 0]

I want to send a nice thank you note and gift to a client, specifically two of the men I work with on a weekly, if not daily, basis. They're both from Boston and I don't know much about their personal interests. It's pretty much all business when we talk. Occassionally we talk about politics. Any suggestions as to what I should send them?

The client is very demanding, but one of the best in the industry. It's hard to explain, but I'm learning A LOT mainly because they are demanding A LOT. This is a great opportunity for me.

As I'm VERY new to the industry (and young), they have been more than patient with me and have gone out of their way to make sure I'm learning (something my employer is not doing). The client recognizes that I work my ass off to get the job done and I deliver high quality work. Now, I've made mistakes that generally speaking would not be tolerated (mainly because I'm still learning). This past week was especially rough - I was slammed with work and probably worked 80+ hours. I also made more small mistakes than normal.

About 3 months ago, the client told me the only reason my employer still had his account was because I was managing the account - he also bonused me. Off the record, he's offered to relocate me to a better company early next year ( where I'll continue to manage his account).

Now, I've been in the professional/business world for almost 2 years. I want to make sure that I do this "correctly" and not half ass.

Advice?

Also, I got 4 hours of sleep last night - I apologize for the grammatical mess. I'm tired.

[LuckyMcSwervy 0]

I'm wondering how long it will take for one of the guys to suggest you just give the client a blowjob and call it a day.

But seriously, have you Googled "corporate gifts" or anything like that? I did that a couple of years ago and there was some really cool, original stuff out there.

If they skydive or golf, how about a gift certificate?

Good luck! All of your hard work now will pay off later!

Always be kinder than you feel.

[SarahC07 0]

Yes, I've googled. And I know the blow job comment is headed my way, especially posted here.

Whatever. They're old men. One of the guys is 35 ... 231 but the other is probably old enough to be my father.

I don't want to send something cheesy and useless. There has to be SOMETHING that's actually worth being gifted.

[BDashe 0]

Themed boxers.
What industry are you in? They Bo-sox fans? Pats fans? Celtics fans? Arranging a surprise meeting with a player would definitely stand out- after or before a game that you hosted. Or just good tix to a playoff game.

A very nice pen with custom engraving such their initials or organization is classy.

Anyway, tell us your industry and maybe we can think of more stuff
Edit: A blowjob! Just so i can be the first...

Edit#2: what kind of biz clothes do they wear? custom fit shirts, cuff links, ties arent off limits. Plus if you get their measurements without em knowing you get serious points. I love it when i get clothes cuz i have 0 fashion sense so every little bit helps. They have a secreta... office assistant you can contact for ideas confidentially? Then get her a little sum'n sum'n for the help.

So there I was...

Making friends and playing nice since 1983

[guppie01 0]

Things Remembered has some nice stuff... don't know if they golf, but I like the golf bag pen set... or a personalized business card

http://www.thingsremembered.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Listing_10001_9951_4164_4164__3443?int=busunder40_img&position=JOBWELLlifestyle#2

g

"Let's do something romantic this Saturday... how bout we bust out the restraints?"
Raddest Ho this side of Jersey #1 - MISS YOU
OMG, is she okay?

[LisaH 0]

How about a business gift basket?

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/management/tp/giftbaskets.htm

Be yourself!
MooOOooOoo

[SarahC07 0]

I'd rather not go into the specifics of my industry. I've probably posted more than I should have and I don't think my industry is relevant in the gift giving process.

I've met one of the guys once and I do remember talking about baseball. He's probably a Sox fan.

A good friend of mine said that I shouldn't send anything too over the top because it would be a role reversal. The client is nationally recognized in the industry and I'm a lowly little college grad working my ass off to learn as much as possible.

[BDashe 0]

So mysterious! I yearn for more! ha ha!

Good tickets to a game is always a plus if you can confirm they are fans. I'm in hotels so my job is to go over the top and wow people i'd say tix or a pen with initials. I'll see what else some of my peops think of and throw a few more via PM, what is your time frame on it?

So there I was...

Making friends and playing nice since 1983

[Remster 30]

Quote

They're old men. One of the guys is 35

I was going to help, but being 37 and old, I'm having an alzeimer moment and forgot what I was going to say.

Remster

[SarahC07 0]

As I mentioned above, this past week was especially rough. I do not get much accomplished during the week (except for work), so I was hoping to have this wrapped up and ready to ship on Monday.

I'll probably be shopping tomorrow.

[SarahC07 0]

Quote

Quote

They're old men. One of the guys is 35

I was going to help, but being 37 and old, I'm having an alzeimer moment and forgot what I was going to say.

Truth be told, the 35 year old is the one I've met and he's a hottie. A married hottie, but still a hottie.

I take back the "old" comment.

[Remster 30]

Quote

I've probably posted more than I should have and I don't think my industry is relevant in the gift giving process.

Its actually very relevant. Some industries jhave extremely strict rules about what can be offered as a gift.

Remster

[SarahC07 0]

Quote

Quote

I've probably posted more than I should have and I don't think my industry is relevant in the gift giving process.

Its actually very relevant. Some industries jhave extremely strict rules about what can be offered as a gift.

True. I think I know my boundaries. This good friend of mine works in the industry and anything I send will be approved by him.

What about a bottle of wine? That was his suggestion, but it just seems so ... bland.

[SarahC07 0]

Quote

I'm wondering how long it will take for one of the guys to suggest you just give the client a blowjob and call it a day.

But seriously, have you Googled "corporate gifts" or anything like that? I did that a couple of years ago and there was some really cool, original stuff out there.

If they skydive or golf, how about a gift certificate?

Good luck! All of your hard work now will pay off later!

I thought about a gift card. Anyone familiar with restaurants or interesting places in Boston? I'm clueless...

[stitch 0]

A big black double-headed dildo.

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[airtwardo 7]

They're old men. One of the guys is 35

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[SarahC07 0]

Oh geez. I should go delete that part...

35 is more than 10 yrs older than me.

[NotBond 0]

May I suggest a custom wooden gift, such as a pen? They are pretty stylish, and useful. A couple VP's in my hospital have them...

http://www.penworksplus.com/gifts/

Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyways... - John Wayne

[airtwardo 7]

Quote

Oh geez. I should go delete that part...

35 is more than 10 yrs older than me.

NOT helping any!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[AggieDave 6]

Wine/cheese basket. There are companies out there that pair up some nice selections for under $200.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[porpoishead 8]

fuking suits... give em each a handgun with one bullet. maybe a couple cyanide pills


i turn 35 on the 15th give me a bullet too, i'll just shoot my old crusty ass self LOL!!

if you want a friend feed any animal
Perry Farrell

[Shell666 0]

Quote

I want to send a nice thank you note and gift to a client, specifically two of the men I work with on a weekly, if not daily, basis. They're both from Boston and I don't know much about their personal interests. It's pretty much all business when we talk. Occassionally we talk about politics. Any suggestions as to what I should send them?

The client is very demanding, but one of the best in the industry. It's hard to explain, but I'm learning A LOT mainly because they are demanding A LOT. This is a great opportunity for me.

As I'm VERY new to the industry (and young), they have been more than patient with me and have gone out of their way to make sure I'm learning (something my employer is not doing). The client recognizes that I work my ass off to get the job done and I deliver high quality work. Now, I've made mistakes that generally speaking would not be tolerated (mainly because I'm still learning). This past week was especially rough - I was slammed with work and probably worked 80+ hours. I also made more small mistakes than normal.

About 3 months ago, the client told me the only reason my employer still had his account was because I was managing the account - he also bonused me. Off the record, he's offered to relocate me to a better company early next year ( where I'll continue to manage his account).

Now, I've been in the professional/business world for almost 2 years. I want to make sure that I do this "correctly" and not half ass.

Advice?

Also, I got 4 hours of sleep last night - I apologize for the grammatical mess. I'm tired.

How about just a nice old fashioned thank you card. One that you can add a personal thanks for being your client and helping you out.

I don't know what industry you're in but where I work, the most meaningful things both clients and staff have given me have been just a simple "thanks".

You're stressing over what kind of "gift" to give. I'd rather have a heart felt "thanks" than a gift I couldn't (or wouldn't) use.

'Shell

[Remster 30]

I agree with Shell... We take out customers all the time, but its the personal touches that make the biggest impacts.

Remster

[LadiDadi 0]

How about a very nice handwritten thank you card and a gift certificate for a tandem skydive?

I used to be an executive assistant for one of the very higher-ups at "the world's largest software company" and had to come up with unique gifts for clients all the time. Worse because the clients were people that had likely lost more money in their couches that week than I would make all year. Pen sets are useless for guys who have well trained monkeys (like I used to be) following them around taking notes for them. In fact, I still have several lovely pen sets that my boss gave me. I can't tell you the number of crystal bowls, vases, frames, etc. from Tiffany's that the man got (most of which I now own). He kept every single card he got.

When I had to figure out what to give people, I decided - with his support - to give experiences, not something an admin would have to dust. Of course I had a huge budget to work with but you should be able to work something out with skydiving somewhere.

If you can't laugh at yourself, I'll be happy to do it for you.
****************************
Be like the cupcake and suck it up.