#62: Have a good supply of unique gift items to send to clients & business amigos for birthdays, anniversaries and any sort of special occasion.

As we all are becoming more “wireless,” we must remember gifts, especially for business. Who doesn’t like getting a personalized care package recognizing an anniversary, promotion, new birth, or a random occasion? We talked about personalized notes a few tips back, but giving gifts is also a great relationship builder (plus it’s fun!). For more along these lines, we have a post coming up about listening to and “dating” clients, but for now we just recommend taking notes on clients’ unique interests. Then when a special occasion comes up you will have a better idea of what will really make their day.

Also, keep on hand a collection of your own note cards and other swag to send along. This adds a personal touch as well as extending your brand. One of the things we do is we buy several copies of our favorite something - usually a business book or a great kid’s book for our clients’ kids.

Some of our favorite business gift books are:
Brand Gap, Zag, The Designful Company, Made to Stick, Groundswell

Some of our favorite kid’s gift books are:
Where the Wild Things Are, Little 1, Charley Harper ABCs

We also send gifts that are special or unique from our locale. We have a great caterer/deli/sweets mecca in Geneva called Movable Feast. We send their brownies whenever we need to. We also will send Lou Malnati’s pizza or Eli’s Cheesecake.

Anyway, I think you get the point. Take a few minutes to brighten your clients’ days. I guarantee they will appreciate it.

Any other suggestions? What do you send to your clients?

A growing design firm goes through many transitional phases: from freelance to a second warm body in the office, and then on up to a team of designers. Soon you’re waking up to not just design anymore but to running a business. On that journey many will take on the somewhat daunting task of selling, pitching, and fighting for new work. Often times this is a tough transition as sales was not part of your training as a designer. One thing we have learned while going on sales calls is to make sure your vehicle is ready and equipped to hit the road. No more “Oh $h!t we forgot the projector” or having terrible coffee breath minutes before you meet with a potential new client. Below are 5 things we suggest for your sales emergency kit. Having these items as a backup will ensure you never bomb a new business adventure.

1 - Extra Business Cards, Brochures, Marketing Material

This seems like a no brainer… But believe it or not we all forget to snag our business card holder as we leave in a rush. And somehow your glove box stash happens to be missing that day too. We’ve been there…don’t let this happen again! Hide some cards in the trunk or seat pocket and try to forget about them.

2 - Computer Adapters

MINI DVI to DVI - DVI to VGA to who knows what! Be sure to have back ups and extras of each. It never fails that the most crucial piece is left on your desk back at the office. Be prepared and have a variety – because you never know whose computer or projector you will end up on.

3 - Printed Presentation

Just in case of a dead projector, or even a crashing computer, have a couple copies of your base presentation printed out. You can even go as far as having printed samples or even boards. This will be a life saver when your projector dies or you drop your laptop in the parking lot!

4 - Mints, gum or everyone’s favorite: Binaca

Let’s face it: designers live on coffee, Mountain Dew, and other highly caffeinated drinks (and beer). This, however, can create awful breath. We all know fresh breath sells great creative – so be sure to stock up on breath fresheners: lots of them!

5 - Tie

I know what you’re thinking, “No ties! We are creatives!” However, there is the occasional meeting with the conservative type who expects you to have on a tie. Toss a basic one into your emergency kit, and if you forget your tie that day just use that one! (Another good item to have is a neutral suit jacket or for the ladies, your basic black heel. You just never know when you’ll have to dress up that outfit!)

*Only use in case of emergency