Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
Can you remember a time when you received a ‘welcome pack’ you actually wanted?
Customers of Halifax Mortgages probably do. In addition to all the wads of paperwork and signed documents, new mortgage customers currently receive a homebuyers’ survival kit a few weeks after move-in.
It contains a welcome hamper stuffed with a mini toolkit, picture hooks, chocolates and a celebratory bottle of wine. Who wouldn’t welcome a gift like that?
Halifax has certainly hit the sweet spot. They’ve caught their customers at the right time, when they’re already in celebratory new-home spirit. Receiving an unexpected gift box really adds a personal touch to the occasion. It’s also something they’re likely to keep and use (the toolkit, not the chocolates) – so the cleverly branded gift lives on long after the novelty of a new home has worn off.
How many business centre operators do the same?
Of course, buying a home isn’t the same as renting a serviced office. But for some clients, their workspace tenancy can turn out to be even longer than their mortgage.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas on welcome gifts for new clients:
1. Sweet Treats: Cakes, cookies or chocolates (or all of the above) are always a winner. They can be shared between the team and personalised with the client’s name. Check out this photo, shared by a new client upon receipt of a cake from Clarendon Business Centres. The client is clearly delighted, and happily shared it on social media for all the world to see (another bonus).
2. Drinks & Tipples: What better way to celebrate a new office than a glass of bubbles on move-in day? If you’re worried about any teetotal members of the team, you could always include a bottle of non-alcoholic fizz too.
3. Local Produce: If your town or region is famous for a tasty speciality, why not present a goods hamper to your new client? It’s a great way to show off your local area and demonstrate your centre’s commitment to the region.
4. Coffee & Tea Basket: Tea and coffee is the fuel that powers many a successful entrepreneur, so any gift hamper filled with caffeinated goods is bound to go down well.
5. Coasters or Cups: It might seem a little dull, but these items will more than likely occupy a prime spot on your clients’ desks throughout the day. Even better for you if they’re emblazoned with your business centre branding.
6. Fruit Basket: For a universal fail-safe option, you can’t beat a fruit basket. It’s impossible to offend anyone with a fruit-filled hamper – apart from diehard chocoholics, obviously. Tie it with a branded ribbon or slip a ‘welcome’ card in amongst the goods.
We’ve come across many more fantastic ideas, from gift bags loaded with office knick-knacks like memory sticks, pens and stationery, to business card holders, branded umbrellas and pampering packs.
Does your business centre dish out any gifts? And do you gift every new arrival, or do you prefer to reserve your generosity for long-term clients?
