Dying for a Great Business Lunch?
I just had to share. I spoke recently for HP in Southern California, to a wonderful group of their printer resellers and partners. One of the guests was really inspired. Really. Working with Cristine McMillan at NetQuest and Eileen Angel with HP was a great experience. They encourage a fun, creative environment. And, they do a LOT to build solid relationships with their HP partners. Their guests enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Fleming’s during my presentation.
Carol decorated her cubicle with a business lunch fit for even the oldest executives!
I was so grateful when they forwarded these photos of Carol McAloney, an HP IPG Champion, who took my message to heart this Halloween. I guess there is NEVER a bad time for a great business lunch! I was only upset that as the QUEEN of the Business Lunch, I didn’t think of this first! Great job, Carol – I will remember this forever.
Check out the photos closely and you’ll see this happy couple is dining on roasted cockroach, finger-ling potatoes, (made with real fingers!), blood red wine, and the table is adorned with black roses. Of course, my book – “The Art of the Business Lunch, Building Relationships Between 12 and 2″ – is handy in case the mr. or ms. need to quick-check their etiquette!
It’s incredible that several people to whom I showed this photograph said, “I think I’ve eaten in that restaurant….the service is SO SLOW!” Hilarious. Here’s a close up of the fabulous business lunch for two.
Special thanks to Carol, Eileen, and Cristine. It’s a pleasure to work with such CREATIVE, imaginative, and fun professionals! Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!
Ever felt like service was THIS slow?
More Answers to Big Business Lunch Questions
A LOT Can Go Wrong at a Business Lunch: Being Prepared Will Help
As I wrote in my last post, I spoke recently for HP in Southern California. I was brought in to speak because my clients appreciate the importance of doing a business lunch the right way. Whether you’ve been on more than 3,000 client lunches (like I have) or you’re just starting out, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident. This can come from knowing what to avoid or how to handle certain situations.
During the meal, I asked the printer resellers and distributors to try to “Stump the Speaker / Shock the Speaker.” I wanted to offer my BEST advice for their WORST situations. I haven’t been stumped yet because most challenges or problems that come up at business lunches are more common than people think, but I definitely heard some great stories and thought-provoking questions.
I asked our guests 1) what was the worst thing that EVER happened to them at a business lunch, 2) how they might have better handled the situation, and 3) to share anything they might have trouble with – in general – along the way.
I found it interesting that most people offered their OWN suggestions as to how they might have better handled a particular situation. I think most of us tend to “hash & rehash” those awful moments in our minds. Seems we’d ALL like “a ticket to ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda.’” My mantra is “be prepared,” but things can happen fast when at a business lunch. If you’re with a big client, you might be nervous. And then, there are just a LOT of things that can go wrong. We’re people – not robots – and we have emotions, as well as million thoughts a day. Hindsight is always 20/20. 
Good judgment – unfortunately – comes from bad experience.
Here are some of the best stories from last week:
Shannon said that a client dumped coffee in his lap. HOT coffee. YIKES! As to what he would do differently? He would not have ordered coffee for the table! THAT was easy! And, I can add this little tip:
IF YOU KNOW that your client likes something you don’t care for – such as alcohol, dessert, or sushi, bring someone from your office as a “buffer.” That way, your client won’t have to drink alone (and YOU of course will be Designated Driver!), YOU won’t have to try to find cooked entrees at a sushi bar, or you won’t have to see your morning workout get annulled by a giant slice of cake you forced down just because your client wanted dessert! Bringing a coworker (or boss) can be a very wise move, especially when you know your client is going to want something you don’t care for.
One executive ended up in a restaurant that was too noisy. We’ve ALL been to restaurants that are USUALLY just fine for a business lunch, but on the day WE are there, there is a baby shower going on at the next table or some other type of large, noisy party. We can’t prepare for EVERY distraction, but try asking your maitre d’ for a quiet table when you make your reservation. (Of COURSE you are going to make a reservation!)
NEVER Pay for a Business Lunch with CASH!
One of my guests asked, “What if your client wants to pay for lunch?” I went into great detail in my book on how to avoid that situation by slipping your credit card to your server the moment you are seated. Not only does that help to avoid the fight over the check, but it also identifies YOU as the host of that party. This is an especially helpful tip for women when taking men to lunch. In many restaurants, servers still tend to give the check to the man. Ladies – take note! And you definitely want to pay for lunch with a credit card. Paying with cash can create a sort of “Let’s all chip in” or “Can I get the tip” atmosphere.
Alcohol … excessive alcohol, that is, … is the #1 cause of distress at business lunches! People have too much to drink or they are simply drinking a little on an empty stomach. Either way, they get drunk and it’s not long before their behavior gets sloppy. Chris said he brought a sales executive with him to a client lunch. The executive had too much to drink – and Chris ended up having the VP of his company call the client to apologize. I believe there is no quicker way to LOSE YOUR JOB than by getting drunk in front of clients. TAKE IT EASY!
It’s not a sin to eat a little something before you go. And – if you are attending a mixer at 5PM and lunch was at noon, you WILL BE drinking on an empty stomach. Park yourself by the food table when you first arrive. Remedy the situation. THEN, you’ll be free to mix and mingle with a drink in your hand without ending up on the floor! Besides, it’s impossible to eat, drink, AND hand out business cards! I keep a bag of nuts in my car, just in case I get hungry in the middle of the day or for any other time I’m not able to grab a quick bite.
How can you stop someone from drinking too much? This is a bit touchy, but it’s a great chance to collaborate with your server. Excuse yourself to the restroom, find your server, and tell them to CUT OFF the supply of alcohol to your client! Let them be the bad guy. They can also cut someone’s drink enough to render it fairly harmless. If you suspect your client may be on their way to getting drunk, order appetizers and get your server involved. Have them weaken the drinks so you’ll have the chance to get your client to eat. And NEXT TIME, invite that client out to breakfast. It will be a lot easier for them to stop drinking if they never get started.
Lastly, if you slip and fall, injuring only your pride, just stand up, brush yourself off, and carry on! I always ask if ANYONE in the room has NEVER spilled a drink. I’ve yet to see a hand go up. We are human, floors are slippery. Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in – THAT should help slightly. Then, watch your step. I’m not saying you’ll never fall again, but being prepared WILL help!
I want to send out special thanks to everyone that I got to meet in OC. I’m here for you if any other questions come to mind. And if YOU have a situation for which you would like to have my opinion or my advice, just ask!
It’s Hard to Stump ‘The Queen of the Business Lunch’!
I got to speak to an outstanding group of professionals this week – printer resellers and distributors for HP. Since the program was for several hours and included lunch, I conceived an exercise to keep everyone engaged during the actual meal.
I passed out forms asking what was the WORST thing that had ever happened to them during a business lunch, how they might have been able to handle the situation better, and to add any other challenges they may have at networking or business events.
Since I’ve been speaking on “The Art of the Business Lunch” and building relationships for nearly 10 years now, and have YET to be stumped, I thought this would really be fun. The afternoon flew by, however, and I did not have the opportunity to go over the comments I received. Hence, I wanted to share the responses here … in a blog or two.
Here goes …
Never Draw Attention to Something Bad!
One of my favorite stories came from a rep walked into a restaurant with a client. About 15 minutes later, he pointed out a distracting couple that was making out at their table. Turned out to be his client’s husband and his mistress. When asked what he might have done differently, his only comment was that he should have asked this lady out after her divorce. Apparently, she’d “cleaned her husband’s clock” in the divorce. She got such a grand settlement, she quit her job and hasn’t worked since. I GUESS you could call that a happy ending?!
Another executive actually left his wallet at home. As for handling the situation better? He said he should have rescheduled his meeting for another day. I think that would have been a terrific solution – IF he wasn’t able to borrow $100 from a friend or swing by his house before lunch. BTW, I told him a story from my book about a sales rep who consistently “left his wallet at home” as a means of getting his clients to pick up the check. The buyers, who talk amongst each other, got wise and never fell for this again.
It's Easy to Get Away From a "Jerk" When at Networking Events
One of the professionals said he had a hard time acting interested in other peoples’ stories while at networking events. We’ve ALL been stuck in boring conversations and being prepared for casual conversation can certainly help us to steer a conversation in another direction. That being said, sometimes it is just best to excuse yourself. I’ve recommended to MANY people that they just say, “It’s been great seeing you here, but I need to work the room and mingle. Have a great evening.” Then, walk away and don’t look back!
I will share more stories in my next blog. In the meantime, let me assure you that walking into a room full of strangers is a stressful situation for MOST of us! Being prepared for casual conversation – by reading industry magazines and Web sites, being up to date on current events and pop culture, and knowing a little about a lot – will always help. Like a good scout, BE PREPARED! Asking questions of others – from “What did you do this past weekend?” to “Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?” can break the ice faster and more easily than you could ever imagine.
One final tip for this post: If you know your client likes to drink or eat something you don’t – from alcohol to coffee to raw oysters to dessert – bring a coworker with you. Usually, people just don’t want to indulge ALONE. As long as they have at least ONE “partner in crime,” your business lunch should flow incredibly smoothly.
Thanks again to all the attendees at the HP luncheon in Orange County. Your comments and input should keep me busy for quite a while! Thank you for taking the time to answer “Stump the Speaker; Shock the Speaker”!
Building Relationships Can Help You Achieve Your Dreams
I got to be "The Keeper of the Keys" - The KEYS symbolize the Universal Laws
As a Business Relationship Expert, I have been able to accomplish so much more than I ever dreamed possible. As I move toward the December 8th premiere of “The Keeper of the Keys” – a personal development movie I’m producing – I am amazed at the important role that my business relationships have played in the success and execution of this production.
I put myself in a position to help others. Once you are able to build a reputation for being a “go-to” person, your friends and colleagues will come to you for everything. You will end up getting connected with extremely important people. Keep in mind, however, that your intentions must be pure! The benefit of building great relationships by helping others should never be about ultimately helping yourself … but that IS what is going to happen.
If you aren’t where you want to be, or where you THOUGHT you might be by now, ask yourself: “What can I do for others? How can I help THEM to achieve THEIR goals?” I assure you, it won’t be long before people want to help you in return. Reciprocity makes the world go ’round.
My goal for this movie was to help as many people as possible by showing them how to accept greater responsibility for their lives so they could stop feeling victimized by society, the economy, or even the government. To keep them engaged long enough to enjoy this personal development film, I had to find a way to “take the ‘hell’ out of self-help”!
Robin Jay with Jack Canfield on the set of her movie, "The Keeper of the Keys"
From the very first moment when I CONCEIVED the idea to produce a personal development movie, I wanted Jack Canfield as the STAR. Because I have worked with him before, included him in my anthology series, “The Power of the Platform”, and have worked hard to get him speaking engagements, he said he would love to be featured in my movie! He knows the caliber of work I produce and knows that I will feature him in a great light. As for Jack’s opinion when I told him that my movie is going to raise the bar on the entire self-help genre by being the first FUNNY, REAL-LIFE movie, he said, “Sounds like fun!” What a gracious man. I adore Jack. It’s true: the bigger they are, the kinder they are. Everyone who knows Jack loves him.
Director Scott Cervine, Marci Shimoff, & Robin Jay in the studio to film Marci's segment in "The Keeper of the Keys"
And, speaking of LOVE, my second choice for a star in the movie was Marci Shimoff, whose book “Love for No Reason” made it to the top of many best-seller lists earlier this year. Marci had contributed a chapter to my anthology series and helped me out. I wanted to help her by putting her in what I knew would be an amazing movie. She agreed.
Guess what Marci did for me then? She asked me if I would like her to invite her friend, John Gray, to be in the movie, too! John Gray – who has sold more than 50 Million copies of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” - is now in my movie. Friends like to help friends. And, I am thrilled to share that he HIT IT OUTTA THE PARK! His explanation of why men and women have trouble understanding each other is pure gold! And now, he shares this wisdom in MY MOVIE! Think I’m excited about THAT?! You betcha! Thanks, Marci!
Think about all the dreams you have … and every lofty goal you’d like to accomplish in this lifetime. I can assure you that doing all you can to help others will come back to you WITH INTEREST. Jack Canfield says we should all learn the 3-letter word that can move mountains: “ASK”! I learned to ask, and I agree with Jack that asking can deliver tremendous results. But, when you remember to ask what YOU can do for OTHERS, that is when you’ll really see your business increase and your life will become more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
How Much Love Can You Share?
I’m fortunate to work in the field of personal development because I can get away with spreading love, joy, and positive messages without raising too many eyebrows. Even if others don’t EXPECT me to be a bit “over the top” … they certainly aren’t surprised when they get to experience a little unexpected “love” or appreciation.
Does LOVE have a place in business?
By sharing the love, I simply mean spreading positive energy – whether that means signing an email with “Love, Robin” or “I love how you’re wearing your hair,” or “I love when we get to meet for lunch!”
Is it appropriate to sign an email, “Much love”? Definitely, if you are writing to friends. But what about when you are writing to a business associate, client, or coworker? What is too much? Can you share the joy and let people know just how much you care about them – even if your relationship is relatively new? And, if you’re dealing with someone you DON’T like as much, can sharing some love help to soften their edges?
I think the answer lies in your own comfort zone. Ask yourself how YOU would feel if someone signed an email to you the same way YOU want to sign YOUR emails. In dealing with the EXPERTS who are going to appear in the movie I’m producing, “The Keeper of the Keys,” I often sign my emails with “Much love” or “Sending Love Your Way.”
My friend Julie Neil used to sign all her e-mails (from work) “Hugs, Julie”. Guess what? Whenever I saw her, I got a hug. I knew when she signed her e-mails “Hugs” – she meant it! I ran into her recently at Trader Joe’s and – you guessed it – I got a great hug. Love you, Julie. And I loved all those sweet hugs – even when we were negotiating dollars and advertising schedules. Julie was a master at spreading and sharing the LOVE!
I admit I am MUCH MORE reserved with new, conservative relationships. But it usually doesn’t take long before I’m sharing and caring. Once I feel comfortable, and I believe you will appreciate it, I’ll send some love your way. As Jackie DeShannon sang, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”
Even if you have to be a bit more formal or reserved, you can still share love and joy as you go about your day. Offer compliments instead of criticisms. Offer a helping hand instead of complaining. Smile. Give hugs or hearty handshakes. And be sure to tell people just how much you appreciate them. You never know how long they will be here.
NOTE: I lost a friend yesterday – Randy Fleitz. His death from a heart attack was unexpected; he ran on the treadmill regularly and stayed in shape. We golfed together a few times – in charity tournaments and for business. He was hilarious. I can picture him on the links and can remember most of his funny comments.
Randy was my client, first at the Golden Nugget, then later at the Mirage. By the time we’d done a promotional ad campaign, we were friends. A round of golf cemented that. After I retired from selling advertising, I would see him occasionally around town.
Randy was younger than I. He had a family. I always knew him to be a VERY hard-working professional. And he was KIND – a fairly RARE quality among high-pressured casino executives. I remember about 15 years ago (or was it more like 18?), my step-brother James was visiting from Ohio. We sat at CPK/Mirage having lunch. Randy happened to come by. After introducing him to James, we spoke for a bit and then he went about his business.
James ate his lunch while he watched Agassi play tennis. He was mesmerized by the wide assortment of sporting events that filled the monitors in the sports book a few feet away. James said, “There is NOTHING like this in Cleveland!” (a line I often shared with my clients; we needed to remember how our fabulous strip is seen in the eyes of our visitors!) But that paled in comparison to how impressed he was when we discovered our lunch had been comped. James thought his big sister was really a big cheese, since I was friends with a boss at the Mirage. 
Randy, I’ll never forget that kindness.
I hope you have a tee time with your dad this week, and I hope you play well. You will be dearly missed by many here. Much love to you Randy, much love.
Dr. Lisa Mauro – A VERY Special Veterinarian
The BEST Pet Care in Las Vegas is Dr. Lisa Mauro at HAVEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Whenever I speak on building relationships, I always stress the importance of making others feel special – and today it’s MY turn to give Dr. Lisa Mauro, the owner of Haven Animal Hospital, my most heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
Those who know me know that my 11-year old Shih Tzu Georgie means the world to me. For those of us whose dogs are our “children,” seeing them in pain or distress is indescribable – even for someone like me, a writer. We need to know that the care we are giving them is the best available anywhere.
Georgie Chillin' in Her Stroller
Georgie is the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen. Seriously, she stops traffic. People ooh and ahh when they see her. Of course, being such a diva, she takes it all in as if she was Angelina Jolie on the red carpet. She is light beige with the most amazing, long black eyelashes.
People stop us on the street to ask how I glue on her eyelashes. (Can you imagine a dog owner doing that?! I can’t!) When I tell them she is a natural beauty and those are real, they can’t believe it. I smooth her hair and lashes back so they can see that they are, indeed, natural. Often, they ask if they can snap her photo. She is my pride and joy and my little comedienne and she fills my days with love and light.
Today, Georgie went in for surgery to have a lump removed from her back leg. I thought it was a cyst, the kind she’s had before, but it soon became apparent that this one was different. It was wicked and was growing very rapidly. I knew we had to have it removed, but surgery on a dog who is 11.5 years old is never something to take lightly.
I Was So Happy to Celebrate the Opening of Haven Animal Hospital with Dr. Lisa Mauro
Dr. Mauro took exceptional care of my precious little girl. She opened Haven Animal Hospital last year because she wanted to create a facility where she could care for pets in the best possible way – and as a 36-year resident of Las Vegas, I can swear that I’ve never seen a facility as extraordinary as this or a doctor who is SO CARING. “Haven” is the perfect name.
And, you know that if I trust Dr. Mauro with Georgie’s life, she’s got to be amazing! The hospital is a state-of-the-art facility and Dr. Mauro treats all her patients as if they were her own.
I’m delighted to share that Georgie is sleeping soundly right now. She had a traumatic day and she’s exhausted. But she’s home, she’s on the mend, and I have Dr. Lisa to thank. I’ve never experienced this level of care before at any animal hospital in Las Vegas. If you love your pets like children, and you want to know where to take them for outstanding health care, take them to Dr. Lisa Mauro at Haven Animal Hospital. The phone number there is 702-260-6260 – and they are at Robindale and Rainbow, which is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in Las Vegas.
PCMA Convention Notes
PCMA convention attendees – and anyone else who wants to view this fantastic report – just click the link here to open the FORBES Insights report on doing business face-to-face.
I predict that meetings will soon become hybrids – a combination of face-to-face meetings with the key decision makers on site and additional attendees as a virtual audience. As indicated in the Forbes insight report, cost and time are the main reasons for hosting technology-assisted meetings. But the bottom line is that there is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting or – even better – the opportunity to break bread with your clients.
Cheers! I look forward to building a relationship with you. Please subscribe to my blog or sign up on my home page to receive my “7 Steps to Networking Success” – a wonderful, 7-part report that will have you saying, “I never thought of that!” ~ Robin
Gratitude for the PERFECT PITCH
Every once in a while, we get to experience something wonderful: a gesture of gratitude that takes our breath away. I was fortunate enough to experience this recently.
Let me start by asking you about how you define yourself; what do you say when you meet someone new? Can you explain who you are and what you do in a tantalizing 10 words or less?
Steve Phillips, a motivational coach and speaker, emailed me from across the pond to ask how he could perfect his pitch (ELEVATOR PITCH: A brief description of who you are and what you do, used when meeting someone new, particularly at networking events.) A great pitch is always 10 words or less. It should be concise, yet open the floor to further questions. I’ve heard many elevator pitches that simply made me want to leave…and am amazed at how some people are at a complete loss when it comes to defining themselves.
The best ones are intriguing, like an advertising headline. Don Boyer, for example, says, “I help people solve problems.” This is even better than “I’m a problem solver” because it makes it about “THEM” – the people to whom you are speaking.
I often say “I help people to realize their dreams.” As a writer, speaker, and life coach, (and “The Queen of the Business Lunch”!), I have become a Business Relationship Expert. However, I’ve also experienced a great deal in my life and, as a mentor, I can help others to avoid mistakes, see their options more clearly, and narrow down their “definite chief aim.”
Steve was having a challenge because – as most people in the field of personal development – he is busy doing many things. He hosts his own seminars, coaches individuals – particularly in overcoming addiction and destructive behavior – and he is a writer, and a speaker. What a mouthful! No wonder he was having a challenge getting his pitch down to 10 words or less.
He knew he had a problem, because he was losing people in the first sentence or two, leaving them more confused than ever, overwhelming them with too much information.
I helped him by encouraging him to FOCUS on the desired outcome. “Do you want people to hire you as a coach? Do you want them to hire you as a speaker? Do you want them to hire you to put on an event?” Unless YOU are clear about what you want to accomplish, how can you tell others – especially in just a few words!?!?!
By sharing some thoughts and direction with Steve, he was able to come up with a better pitch that IMMEDIATELY started to net better results. I was happy to help.
I was delighted, however, when Steve took the time to record a video testimonial about his experience working with me! Steve, thank you so much. I am regularly asked if an e-mail thank you is acceptable, versus a hand written thank you note. From now on, I am going to encourage my audiences to post a video blog (or Linked In Recommendation!) as the best way to say THANK YOU!!! I’m delighted to share his video:
Cheap Client Gifts They’ll Treasure
With the holidays approaching, business professionals everywhere are wondering how they are going to get through the season without going broke – especially at the end of a year that was, for many, anything but ROBUST. Fear not, my friends, I have some simple, affordable solutions.
Great Gift: A Thoughtful Photo in an Appropriate Frame
First choice: a photo of you with your client in a fab picture frame! Not only is it thoughtful, but your client will get to see your pretty face sitting on their desk or credenza – at least be reminded of a fun time. C’mon, you have a camera on your phone, don’t you? Next time you are taking your client to lunch – or even in a conference room or their office for a meeting, whip out your cell and snap a close up of the two you laughing. If you play golf with your client – a photo of you together on the course is IDEAL!
Need some CHEAP (ahem…I mean AFFORDABLE) frames? Try T.J. Maxx or Home Goods. They have TONS of frames – everything from business/leather to seashells to “Girls Night Out” – and they are mostly under $10. Imagine being able to give TEN clients customized, thoughtful gifts for less than $100!!!
(Okay, to be PERFECTLY HONEST, it will run a little more by the time you splurge on glossy printing paper, toner, and gift wrap – but compared to buying lavish gifts like massages or Mont Blanc pens – like I USED to – this gift is crazy cheap and super thoughtful.) Oh – and BTW – I get my toner and paper and MOST of my office supplies on Ebay for savings that make me wonder why office supply stores are still in business!
If you’re like me and fancy yourself a bit of a “Martha Stewart” (ie: Creative, love to cook, etc.), the
Even Grocery Store Cookies Look Amazing When Served on a Pedestal
possibilities are endless. Here’s a gem of an idea: Drop off a gourmet treat (home baked or store bought) on a beautiful serving platter. Even grocery store treats will look scrumptious when they are offered on an elegant cake plate or crystal dish. This is also a SUPER hostess gift idea! Your client (or hostess) gets to keep the wonderful serving platter (or dish or stand) AND enjoy a yummy treat. I have found extraordinary serving pieces at the discount home shops around town.
At parties, a hostess will say “Let me clean the serving piece you brought so you can take it home.” I reply, “No, that’s for YOU, for being such an outstanding hostess!” They get to KEEP the platter – and they will think of you EVERY TIME THEY USE IT!
Try to find gifts that are “sticky” – in other words, something that your client will want to hang on to. If
Hats with Logos are Always a HIT!
they are a sports fan, score some logo’d merchandise for them. You don’t have to go into a sports memorabilia store for a signed photo or limited edition item. If they love golf, you can pick up a logo’d hat or visor for less than $20. If they love football, get them a coffee mug with their team logo. (This is a great idea – UNLESS you’re client is a fan of the Cleveland Browns. I’m from
The Cleveland Browns - Great Fans, Lousy Logo!
Cleveland, so please forgive me for saying this, but WHERE is our logo? Brown is just a COLOR – ya know? We don’t have a dolphin, a bear, a patriot, or even a star! We don’t have Bengal strips or ram horns. The Browns are just brown & orange. Really? It doesn’t matter; they have some of the greatest FANS in the history of the game!)
Your client won’t care WHAT you give them – IF it’s promoting their team, favorite athlete, or activity. It’s the THOUGHT that counts – and logo’d merchandise is incredibly thoughtful.
By now, you’re getting the picture. THINK about what your client enjoys (yes, that takes a BIT of effort!) If they are female, don’t risk personal items such as perfume or pocketbooks. If they travel, a travel alarm clock is a great choice – or even fancy luggage tags! Business books are great, too, especially for the executive on the rise. How about a book on Etiquette? As a speaker who touches on that subject, I can assure you that most people would LOVE to have the dos and don’ts when it comes to etiquette. And so on. The possibilities for giving a wonderful gift are not tied to your pocketbook or wallet. Just get creative and – in a pinch – you can always ask their assistant where a person’s outside interests lie.
Last but not least, you could send your clients a notice that you are writing and posting a recommendation for them on Linked In. This does not cost you a dime – just some of your time. Imagine getting a note from a vendor or associate that reads: “You’ve been so amazing to work with this past year that, in the spirit of holiday giving, I am giving you a recommendation on Linked In. I will also be making a donation in your name to _____ (list your charity here).” Isn’t that incredibly thoughtful? You can make a single donation to your favorite charity and rather than shop and go crazy, just spend a few quite evenings writing recommendations for your clients.
Here is a brief video about a response I got a few weeks ago after deciding to post a Linked In recommendation for a colleague. Happy Holidays!