I was chatting with a friend and colleague of mine recently. He bought 10 copies of my book, The Peace and Power of a Positive Perspective ©, to use as gifts for his best clients, partners, and colleagues. He did so in part because I’ve been meeting with him regularly to offer a little sales coaching/mentoring/friend-who-listens support.
I was introduced to him years ago when I was a volunteer mentor for the former American Association of Inside Sales Professionals. He was my mentee and we have continued a meaningful relationship to this day.
After several years, I finally asked if he would consider using my book as a “company gift” and send in the receipt for expense reimbursement. At $15 on Amazon, I believe this is a gift that leaves a lasting impression. Inside the front cover, I even have a page for adding a personal note.
Being the thoughtful person he is, he ran it up the corporate ladder, first. I have to admit I wasn’t surprised with the response: “Nope. I’m not an authorized vendor.” The Marketing Department authorizes items to be used as gifts and I’m not on their list. Yes, red tape still exists in Corporate America. It’s worse in government:
To the government, cutting red tape often means slicing it into long strips lengthwise.
Norman R. Augustine
Continuing to be the thoughtful and kind person he is, he paid for the books out of his own pocket saying, “Gary, you’ve earned it.”
He could have just continued to send the traditional (authorized) gift his Marketing Department has approved. Even at a cost that’s more than twice the price of my book. The limitation with that approach is obvious – it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. All God’s children send those mugs and here’s what their (your?) clients/prospects/partners do with them:
In the sales field today, it’s more important than ever to stand apart from others. I’ve already spoken about the homogenization AI is creating with sales and marketing messaging. Are we sure we want our client appreciation gifts to all look the same, too?
GAP
When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.
