What have you been doing?
What have you been doing to keep your Employees and Customers engaged and motivated during these challenging times?
When the pandemic was announced, most of us went into shock mode. I know I did. The news all around me was like a soundtrack in a bad movie, so I went to another place in my head and carried on working.
I quickly gave my head a shake and the first thing I thought about was that I had to continue my routine or it would be disastrous in the weeks to follow.
I’m glad I did. Despite what’s going on in our world, it’s been a very creative and enlightening time for me. COVID-19 has forced me to take a step back and re-evaluate what’s important to me, discard what isn’t working anymore, and discovering my true passions. How should I move forward in this new normal? Will our lives ever be the same again? I also realized that our world is trying desperately to heal.
That saddens me. The human race has a lot of work to do.
The promotional products and gift industry, like the rest of our economy, has been greatly affected by the pandemic. Both distributors and suppliers have had to find new products that relate to current times. It’s unfortunate though, that many companies don’t see this as an opportunity to stay in touch with their customers with products that work hard at keeping the corporate brand top of mind. Henry Ford once said, “A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time.” Advertising is an integral part of a successful business.
Promotional gifts keep your brand working and top of mind with a physical reminder that has your logo on it. Since they are often in a customers’ hands, in a way, you’re working too! Even if you are unable to meet with your customer, the products are having a conversation for you. It goes something like this: “Hello, how are you doing? I’m thinking about you and your situation, let’s keep business moving regardless of the negativity, let’s plan ahead and get creative so we’re prepared. There is a positive side to everything, I’m here for you should you need our products, services or if you just want to reach out. Let’s continue to be successful.”
It’s all in the details and a carefully crafted gifting program during these times is a beautiful and caring reflection on you, the giver. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. There are many cool, effective products for under $20 that have real impact. A gesture such as this will be remembered by your customer and who do you think will get the business when they re-open? By the way, don’t forget the handwritten note. Never underestimate the impact of a promo product or a gift.
It’s also important to stay in touch by email, blog writing, sharing stores, along with giving away timely/useful products that keep the corporate brand alive and active.
Despite these uncertain times, there is always a way to show you care and are compassionate when people need it the most. I know I would be over the moon if someone took the time to do this for me. We must always maintain the human connection. Not only is that smart business, that’s what life is all
about.