Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Ness Lindsay · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Hi Everyone,

I am going to be celebrating one year in business with a particular client of mine.

I wanted to send this message along to see if you have any suggestions about what I could do for this client to celebrate our one year in business?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I could always send a card with a discount for the month...but I was hoping to find something really cool to show how much I truly appreciate them!!

Thanks in advance

,

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

We're really big on yearly client anniversaries here and have sent everything from gourmet chocolate bon bons to a printer/fax/scanner/copier with reams of recycled paper

.

Our gifts (the cost of) at the one year mark are usually based on a few criteria - how much work the client has sent (ie - total invoices) AND equally important to consider, how many referrals we've contracted as a result of their kind and positive word of mouth on our behalf. We have one client that we joke with about sending a car at some point. And I suppose, as we continue to grow there really will come a point when that happens, LOL.

We've also sent flowers, marketing/small business books that we thought the client would find useful, discounts are a good and more basic gift, we've gifted an entire invoice as on-the-house as well.

Hope that helps! And congrats on a year in business with a good client!!

Rebecka Melson · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Do you know what the client likes? Instead of something generic I would send something more personal. It doesn't have to be expensive, just a little something that shows you care enough to pay attention to their likes/dislikes.

Do you know what their favorite little treat is? Favorite lunch spot? Are they a Starbuck's addict? Favorite author?

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I completely agree with Rebecka - all of our gifts are 'personalized' to what we know about the client. We once found a darling little Chocolate Bistro around the corner from her Park Slope apartment and sent a gift certificate. (Can you tell I get a little obsessed with gift giving?

)

White Rose · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I like the idea that the gifts are personalized. I would think it makes the clients feel more appreciated by the fact you took the time to pay attention to his/her own likings to get a gift to match that.

Congrats on your year anniversary with the client!

Ness Lindsay · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Thank you Ladies!

Finding something more personal is exactly what I was thinking of doing. I just wasn't sure exactly what to send and what is appropriate.

I certainly want to do something special as they are my biggest client and I truly appreciate their business and friendship that has grown over this past year.

Thanks!!

My Office Zilla · #7 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I love Red Envelope. They have things in several price ranges and from general to very personal. Each gift comes with special info and can be sent in a gorgeous red box...I've seen them and they are fabulous! One of my favorite items for clients is their Money Tree - I think the symbolism is awesome!

Make it a great day!

Bette C · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I like this topic. My one year anniversary is coming up May 1st and I've been racking my brain on what I can do to commemorate this milestone in my business.

vainparadise · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Pesonalized gifts are the way to go. Let us know what you end up deciding on.

VBP · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008

This brings up a good point. I pose the following question to everyone:

How important is it to recognize a client anniversary? In addition to holidays and birthdays etc. It would seem to me that it would be a bit overboard to have to buy or send something for every occasion? None of the people that I do business with send me gifts etc., for every occasion. Is it bad business or is it just business as usual? It's not that I am opposed to it by any stretch of the means, but I recognize my clients during the holidays and I send them things through out the year that I think they would enjoy, such as an interesting article etc. Just pondering...