Hoteliers - Getting the Most Out of Client Appreciation Gifts - Why Should a Planner Remember You?

Why do Hoteliers use "Client Appreciation Gifts" and what makes them effective? Advertising and/or soliciting for meetings, events  and conventions takes many forms. Some work and some do not. Let us take a look at a few options and analyze what you are trying to accomplish. What will get the attention of a decision maker to remember your hotel and lead to a group sales contract? What should you look for in a "Client Appreciation Gift" that will actually work?

First, let us establish that you have a list of prospective meeting planners. Your goal is to sufficiently impress them to book for the first time or to rebook at your hotel. What is the best way to get their attention, keep it, and be remembered. We will talk with you about your options.

Second, What have you used in the past? Was some of it very expensive and accomplish what you wanted (for the price) or did you use nick knacks like paper weights, pens or coffee cups that ended up on shelves or in the trash? Do not get me wrong, some of these client appreciation gifts are very nice and actually accomplish the job, but did they do what they were intended to do, or was it just a nice gesture that was soon forgotten?

So, what should a "Client Appreciation Gift' accomplish? When and why should a Meeting Planner remember you? Let's discuss.

For Starters - Eliminate Dull, Boring Merchandise - you do not want your contact to say, "yes, it is nice, but!"

Find a Unique Gift - be different and give them something they have not seen before. It is a challenge, but with a little creativity, you can find a product that is "Unique."

The Gift Should Be Useful - if your gift is not useful, it goes in the trash or on the shelf. So, find something your meeting planner can use.

Give them Something your Meeting Planner can Use Often - remember the phrase "Out of Site - Out of Mind." If it is not something they can use often, it will not serve your purpose.

Your Gift Should be a Constant Reminder of Your Hotel - if they use it and use it often, you will always be on their mind.

Your Name Should Not be on the Shelf or in the Trash when Decisions are Made - you need to be "First" when it comes time to "Book" that meeting. So, if your gift does not keep you in "First" place, find one that does.

So to summarize, why do Hoteliers use "Client Appreciation Gifts" and what makes them effective? The answer is to "Book" business by constantly reminding clients of your hotel. But, why should a meeting planner remember you? It is because you gave them something unique, something useful, something they could use often and something that is a constant reminder of your hotel. You became "First" on their mind when "Decision Time" arrived to to "Book" that next meeting.

Gregory A. Carter is the author of Meetings Made Easy's excel "Budget Spreadsheet for Meetings" designed to make budgeting conventions easier than anything on the market. It is unique, useful and can be customized to keep you "First" when it comes time to "Book" that meeting. Check out "Sample" Budget at http://www.meetingplanningpro.com/budgetsandchecklists.html and then email greg@meetingplanningpro.com for details. Imagine over 1000 gifts for less than $1 each.