If it’s about getting value back – value must be offered first. You don’t get many shots at showing your clients how serious you are about building a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
As business owners, we know that behind every successful business deal there are people. We know that numbers aren’t all that matter when it comes to cementing a successful partnership. The people on your end of the deal – your employees, and your partners – and the people on the other end need to know who they are working with. This is true no matter what area in life we will be dealing with.
Wouldn’t you want to feel assured that you are entering a partnership with a steady and principled person with strong values and a sense of camaraderie? This isn’t so different for your potential partner.
Your future business partner needs to know as much as they can about you as well. Yes, the world of money and commerce moves fast, and waits for no one. And we don’t have much time to spend getting to know each other. We get but a few opportunities to show the other side what we’re made of. And every one must be used to make a lasting impact.
This doesn’t change much when it comes to loyal clients you’ve had, or someone you’d love to have as your client. Client relationships are based on trust as much as any other business relationship. It’s up to you to show them your loyalty and consistency to them.
A lot of the times, we mistake grand gestures as the secret weapon to securing great clients and closing business deals.
We couldn’t be more wrong. A simple face-to-face meet-up and a sincere gift can go a long way – much more than you think.
Sincerity – The Must-Have Ingredient for Closing Deals
Let's face it, business is all about relationships. And what's the foundation of any good relationship? Sincerity, and that’s a fact. Being genuine and straightforward can be the magic ingredient that makes deals happen.
Think about it. When you're negotiating with someone, and they sense your sincerity, it creates trust. You’re letting them know that you aren’t here just for the pounds – that you’re here to do good business. This kind of attitude can be disarming, and it often compels the other party to reciprocate. After all, who doesn't want to do business with someone they trust and feel good about?
Of course, sincerity isn't just about being nice. It's also about being honest and transparent. That means laying your cards on the table, even if it means revealing some vulnerabilities. It shows you're not trying to pull a fast one, and that you value integrity over short-term gains.
But here's the downside – not everyone plays by these rules. Some folks are all about the hustle, the smoke and mirrors, the "fake it till you make it" mentality. They might try to charm you with empty promises or manipulate you with half-truths. That's where your own sincerity becomes a superpower.
There’s Plenty of Bad Players in Business – What About Them?
Ok. Time to get real. The business environment isn’t rainbows and butterflies at all. We’re certainly NOT trying to tell you the idealistic lie that, if you are honest, anyone will return the sentiment. In a perfect world this would be true – but unfortunately, it’s not. And no! We’re not telling you that playing tit-for-tat is the right in such instances. We’re telling you that you can win even here, when faced with a shark, if you’d just be sincere. We have a good reason for this, promise. So, hear us out.
When you're genuinely sincere, you become a human lie detector. You can sniff out the BS a mile away because you're not blinded by your own agenda. You can see when someone's trying to pull one over on you because their vibe just doesn't match yours. You’ve got a sixth sense, a BS radar that helps you navigate the shark-infested waters of business.
It’s not magic or mysticism – when YOU are sincere, you know what sincerity LOOKS like. You’ll be straightforward about your end of the deal. And you’ll see when they AREN’T disclosing everything on their side. Simple as.
And let's be real, nobody wants to get swindled. By being sincere, you not only protect yourself from shady characters, but you also attract the right kind of people into your orbit. You create a network of trustworthy partners who share your values and are genuinely invested in your success.
By practising sincerity and building solid partnerships, you’re doing a favour for yourself – yes. But, let’s not forget you’re also looking after the people who depend on you – your employees, your partners, and certainly, your family.
So, next time you're about to close a deal, remember this – sincerity is your secret weapon. You’re not just being a good person when you’re sincere. You’re being a smart businessperson as well. It's about building relationships, fostering trust, and ultimately, making deals that benefit everyone involved.
In a world that's often full of hustle and hype, sincerity is a refreshing change of pace. It's a reminder that business can be about more than just the bottom line. It can be about building something meaningful, something that lasts. And that all starts with being real.
The Power of Meeting Face to Face
This is a superpower that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. There’s power in presence. Why? Because there’s transparency in presence. Never underestimate the impact you’ll make when you meet a client or a potential business partner in person.
You’re laying your personality bare for them to see. And you too will get a chance to read between the lines of what’s being said. The words that are unspoken that make or break your partnership.
A lot of the nuance that comes from seeing each other in real life is lost in calls or video meetings. Always remember, nuance is context.
Let’s look at an example. did your future business partner start tapping their feet when you mentioned taking a look at their annual reports? Did they sit back as you spoke about opening expanding your business to a new location? These are little insights we could miss out on if we were talking to each other remotely.
Now, this reminds us. When you meet someone in person, you can’t show up empty handed now, can you?
A Gift to Set the Tone of Your Business Partnership
Never underestimate the impact a little gift can have on the rest of your time with a potential client. They learn about you from your gift to them. And you get a chance to learn about them from how they react to your token of appreciation.
Of course, there are must-dos and must-NEVER-dos when it comes to gifting a client or business partner you don’t know all that well.
Never Go Cheap – But Don’t Overdo It
Yes. This doesn’t need to be elaborated on – never go cheap. Gift something that lets them know their partnership and time matters to you. Show your appreciation with something that take a decent amount of effort on your part. It could be something healthy and delicious like dark chocolate with matcha and sea salt. Or it could be choice pack of cigars. It could even be a gift tailored to them. Like if you heard them say they’d love to read a certain book in passing, you can get it for them. If you think that’s a stretch, you can get them a hamper of goodies to enjoy with a book. Something nice, that’s not too on the nose.
The flipside of all this is that you must NEVER overdo gifting a potential client. Don’t look desperate. We’re sure this one needs no explanation.
Do Pick the Right Time & Place
Of course, time and place is everything when it comes to gifting a total stranger. Are you going to bring a gift on your very first meeting with them? Maybe not. Are you going to bring them something if they say that their son just graduated? Yes, absolutely bring them something to congratulate them with. It’s Christmas and you’re sending out gifts? Then, by all means, DO send out gifts to your clients and potential business partners.
Honestly, there’s no better way to know when to gift a business associate or not than reading the room for yourself.
Client Gifts to Close the Deal With
When in doubt, and you aren’t sure what to get a client but need a gift, these might be the gift choices you’re looking for.
These are some luxurious choices you can gift no matter how long you’ve known your client.
Glenfiddich Whisky Decanter Hamper
Is there a better language to speak than this? Premium Irish Whisky and glistening decanters say all that needs to be said.
Delightful Gourmet Bites
Well here’s one that’s plentiful – for anyone who loves a good bite. An assortment of BBQ sauces and savoury almonds, and it doesn’t even stop there. Yes, this hamper is a sure winner.
Moët Celebration Hamper
Moët & Chandon is a name that’s synonymous with luxury. Why not pack this one next time you’re on your way to closing a deal?
We’re Tastebuds…
And we’re your partner in progress. When you want to take your business relations the extra mile, or need to close a life-changing deal, we’ll be here with gifts that make an impact in the right way. Make sure your next client gift is from Tastebuds, and choose success.