3. BUILD TRUST

• Building client trust is critical.  Trust grows over time – the quickest way to build this trust is to really understand your relationship with your clients and show them that they are important to you.

• Delivering on Promises

Do what you say you are going to do. Rather “under promise and over deliver” than “over promise and under deliver”

• Meet deadlines as far as possible – if you are not able to do so, at least KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CLIENT – there is nothing worse than wondering what is happening.

• Be prepared to apologise and fix your stuff ups – things happen in business that we do not always have control of – things go wrong – sometimes we stuff up. It is not what has happened, but how you deal with it that is so vitally important in retaining your client and helping to build and strengthen that relationship.

4. Networking Relationships

Remember that people will do business with people they know, like and trust.

With that in mind….

• BE GENUINE
• BE YOURSELF
• NO AIRES AND GRACES – we are smart cookies – we can see right through “fake”

Relax and ENJOY – it is all about having fun!

If you are not having fun you are doing it all wrong!!!

I have always found that if you approach networking with a philosophy of giving rather than receiving, you will not only enjoy it more, but will engage more effectively with those you meet and ultimately form better quality relationships.

Also remember that networking is not a one-off exercise – it takes time to build and nurture relationships

Approach people who are alone and be inclusive – they will appreciate the gesture of friendship

Focus on quality contacts, not quantity – be selective about giving and receiving business cards

Do not be a ‘networking shark’ who believes that networking means distributing a multitude of business cards in a short space of time, without ever taking the time to introduce themselves or get to know you!

Make others feel welcome – it is amazing how much more relaxed you will feel if you focus on making others feel comfortable! And you’ll make better connections as well

After the meeting…..

• Follow up with your contacts – send an email afterwards – DO NOT USE IT AS A SELL SELL – this will turn people off completely. Short and sharp is the key. If you feel you would like to stay in contact suggest a catch up coffee – leave it alone if they do not respond or do not seem interested.

Again, do what you have said you will do – if you have said you will call – then call!!! You loose so much at this critical stage if you renege on a commitment.

In conclusion …..   Keep your focus on your clients and networking contacts and they will keep their focus on you and your business

The cost to your business is minimal

The value to your business is PRICELESS

In the meantime, let us know how you thank your clients and maintain their loyalty.  Share with us here or on our Facebook Page  – our entire business is geared to supporting and nurturing relationships – so we love to know more about how you do this.

Yours in gifts worth giving

Bev Barnfather

As I see it, there are 4 types of relationships:

• Those you have with your family pet
• Those you have with your family and friends
• Those that you create through networking
• And lastly those you have with your employees and clients

Clearly all very different, but basically all good relationships are built on

• trust
• feeling valued and appreciated
• about being treated “right” and how we respond to that treatment

It all gets back to the old adage“treat others how you would like to be treated yourself”
There are a couple of key points that are important in building and nurturing client relationships. Some of these apply to networking as well, but I will talk more about this later and here, let’s focus on client relationships.

1. EVERYONE LIKES TO BE THANKED

Take the time to say “Thank you!” We all know how it feels to get a pat on the back – thanks for a job well done, thanks for helping.. We feel a million dollars – our posture changes, our mindset becomes more positive, our motivation increases and this all goes a long way to improving the relationship

In business we are often so busy looking after our day-to-day work activities we forget to say thank you.  A simple and excellent way to show that you appreciate a client’s business and loyalty is by sending them a “Thank You” card. – personalised!  (Shandel) – felt really special

2. CUSTOMER LOYALTY

• Customer loyalty – just because a client is satisfied with your product or service does hot guarantee their loyalty – you have to continue to work at this and make your clients feel inspired about their decision to choose you as opposed to a competitor.
• Saying thank you, sending birthday cards, get well cards etc positively cements the relationship and keeps you in their minds eye.

We will share the final two points next week.

In the meantime, let us know how you thank your clients and maintain their loyalty.  Share with us here or on our Facebook Page  – our entire business is geared to supporting and nurturing relationships – so we love to know more about how you do this.

Yours in gifts worth giving

Bev Barnfather

Angela Brady, one of our gorgeous clients, from Business By Numbers is happy for us to share her  “personal branding” story – and let us add, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with Angela.

“I decided to rebrand and create a new look and feel for my business – I felt my old brand was missing the mark and possibly a little “feminine” for many of the clients that were part of our business.

Accountants often brand with corporate blues and greens and I didn’t feel this was right for Business by Numbers either. 

After much deliberation, I decided on reds, oranges and greys as our corporate colours and had a great time during the process of reorganising all that went with the branding process.

The highlight of this whole process was working with Bev for the “personal branding” side of my plan.  My brief to Bev was to help me find beautiful, memorable gifts to thank, reward or acknowledge clients in some way – that portrayed the look and feel of my business, and was something of use and a gift clients would be excited to receive.

Well, let me tell you….  I was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed at the beautiful gifts and accessories Bev managed to source for my business and new brand!  The time, effort and work invested in me and my business, was nothing short of spectacular. 

I feel you have helped position me in the market as a leader and role model to my clients and I feel such pride when I send beautiful, original and good quality gifts to clients. 

Their surprise and thrill is absolutely worth the investment. My personal branding has become a real point of difference for my business and I can see that it is setting me apart in a very competitive market place.

Bev, thank you so much.”

One aspect that we feel really important to share with you, is around the individuality of the gifts.  Once you choose a gift that becomes part of your brand, we no longer show that gift as part of our giftware range.  We want the gifts you give, to be as unique as you and your business,

We so loved this project and invite you to talk to us about how we can help to position your business with beautiful, unique and individualised gifts to promote client loyalty and set you apart in your business.

Yours in “gifts worth giving”

Bev Barnfather

This client’s trips saw her leave early one  morning to fly, work interstate, stay overnight and return the following afternoon.

She was telling me that she does not carry luggage that has to be checked because it takes up valuable consulting time, waiting around for bags and so she carried her change of clothes and rudimentary cosmetics in her laptop backpack – quietly admitting a backpack wasn’t quite so becoming for a consultant!  That said, she apparently had the packing down to a fine art.

With that piece of information in mind, it became Ladybird Gift’s mission to find a stylish laptop bag for business women, that was attractive and fit a few fundamental items in to travel on long day trips or even overnight if necessary.

So, it’s taken us some time, but we’ve finally sourced some fabulous bags – really close to home!

Zafino Bags are perfect – stylish, large enough to carry the kinds of items that we might usually carry in our handbags and in fact, can replace a handbag.  Best still, you could even slip a clean set of underwear in for the odd overnight trip!

These bags are beautiful and come in a variety of colours and styles to suit all tastes (and outfits – more importantly).

Ladybird Gifts are very pleased to add these items to our range and watch our Facebook Page for more styles and colours over the coming few days.

Contact us directly (02 8850 2736) to make enquiries about buying these elegant and practical bags for yourself, or as a beautiful gift or corporate present – You will forever be remembered and thanked by the recipients!

Yours in Gifts Worth Giving

Bev Barnfather

Christmas is such a beautiful time at Ladybird Gifts – of course we are frantically busy servicing our clients – both personal shoppers and our commercial and corporate clients, but we have such a great opportunity to see the gift of giving in action.

When we sit and talk to our corporate clients about their reasons for organizing gifts for clients, staff and suppliers, the message that comes through loud and clear is this.

…It’s more than just marketing and an excuse to remind people about “us” and our “brand”.  We want our clients, staff and suppliers to feel appreciated and to let them know that they are a part of our team.  Giving a beautiful and well presented gift that is useful, adds value and depth to that message of appreciation.  It also creates a very positive perception of the organization and the people within it…

The insights our clients shared were very powerful.  Part of the feedback we also received was around how important our clients feel the actual presentation and packaging of the gifts are.

You know yourself that receiving a gift, stunningly wrapped brings with it huge anticipation and wonderment – the “oohs” and “ahhhs” of expectation!  That’s why we take the utmost care and time to present your gifts beautifully.

Every gift we have wrapped and sent this year, has brought another smile of anticipation as we thought about the lucky recipient.  If you have a beautiful gift under your tree this year, with a distinctive little ladybird, your gift was wrapped and packaged with a smile!

Merry Christmas and thanks for a wonderful year!

Yours in Gifts Worth Giving

Bev Barnfather

These gifts take many different forms.

Some are fabulous gifts that are really useful and may or may not have branding of the giver all over it (to constantly remind you of your business with them and to encourage loyalty!).

Some are gifts that are ok and have some use but you might be reluctant to use them BECAUSE they have branding and logos all over them – which are not appropriate or meaningul to you, the recipient.

Some gifts might not have branding or logos or even be particularly useful and really, you would be unlikely to use them… They might come in a box that means you could to “re-gift” to the next unsuspecting recipient (a distant connection that it might not ever come back to haunt you!)

Or, some might be gifts that are truly awful and not in a month of Sundays would you actually use them, put them on your desk, much less your home and they are more suited to a dark, little used cupboard OR they go straight to the charity bin….

The gift of giving is about choosing with the receiver in mind – considering gifting an investment for your clients, employees, family or friends will change the way you give.

The receiver of a gift is far more likely to remember the gift (and the giver) for its beauty, usefulness and presentation, rather than having to be reminded constantly of a business history with branding and logos all over a gift!

Ladybird Gifts will work with you to find perfect gifts, every time and your gifts will remembered because they are appropriate, beautiful and thoughtful, this Christmas.

Best of all, we have gifts that are incredibly affordable for even the tightest of budgets.

Yours in Gifts Worth Giving

Bev Barnfather

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights in Norwest, enjoy a glass of champagne and some nibbles in the Ladybird Gifts Showroom whilst you shop for Christmas gifts for staff, friends, teachers and your family.

Then, choose one of our four partner restaurants to enjoy a two course meal and glass of wine – all for $35!

To find out more, click here to download our Dinner Diva’s information sheet.

Gather a group of friends and join us for a unique shopping experience.

Yours in Gifts Worth Giving

Bev Barnfather

Ladybird Gifts are Corporate Gift Specialists “with a difference”.

• We have quality gifts, that are not promotional products or baskets
• Our gifts are memorable for all the right reasons
• Your staff and clients will say “WOW”
  • “My gift is beautifully boxed”
  • “I can use and display my gift and I am happy to tell people who sent it to me”
  • “I won’t need to hide this one in the cupboard or re- gift it!”
  • “I feel very special because someone has taken the time and effort to choose this gift for me”

So, if you are looking to reward a high performing employee or a long time client, Ladybird Gifts can assist you.

Ladybird Gifts believes that corporate gifts do not need to carry a company logo – if the gift is memorable enough it will “speak for itself” and the recipient will not only be more likely to display and use the gift, but also mention your company to others, which benefits you “the gift giver” – a very easy “referral” system!

We offer a complete service – all you have to do is to select the gift or gift voucher, sit back and relax with complete confidence and “peace of mind” – we do all the rest. This is truly “shopping made easy”.

Our 2010 Corporate Christmas Range is exclusive to our showroom and will not be available online. Please visit our website www.ladybirdgifts.com.au for additional information or contact us on (02) 9626-9026.

The cost to your business is minimal,
The value to your business is priceless!

Visit our website or 

Browse through the Ladybird Gifts Catalogue for decorative items to make a stand-out impression or create an elegant ambience in your office or home, or accessorise with distinct jewellery pieces and genuine Italian leather bags, wallets and gloves.

Shop online for true convenience and have your exquisitely wrapped and decorated gifts delivered to your or your clients’ office or homes.

Another option is to visit our Showroom is located in the Norwest Business Park in Sydney and is open Thursdays and Fridays 3.30pm – 5.30pm or  By  Appointment.

Alternatively, enquire about a Private Showing. Private Showings are invitation-only events showcasing the latest distinct gifts and accessories presented by Ladybird Gifts, including items not available through our online shopping facility.

Hosted by an individual or company for their staff, friends and colleagues, these intimate gatherings are held at our showroom. In most instances, drinks and canapes are served so guests can truly enjoy the experience of ‘shopping made easy’. (Please make other arrangements for children as we can not suitably accommodate them during these events.)