One of the ways to get peers to work with you is to give value. We often talk about value in terms of online stuff: contribute to their FB groups, follow them on social media.
But it requires more and more for us to stand out these days.
Here’s the thing: Yes, we all know the reason you’re sending them the gift is that you want to partner with them. They know that you know that.
Still, when done correctly, it works.
Why? Because people love getting free stuff, and moreover, people love getting personalized stuff that makes them feel known, valued, special, important.
When I send gifts to potential partners, here’s what I do:
- Follow them on social and join their email list. Start keeping a document (yes, a document, notes on your phone, something like that) of information about this person. I actually add it to the “notes” section of their contact on my phone, so I’ll always have it! What you’re looking for is any mention of something they like (a hobby, movie, etc.), something they dislike (so you can avoid it!) or a life situation they’re going through (did they just move? have a baby?). Insta-stories are great for collecting this information!
- Sneakily find their address if possible. If you reach out and ask for their address, they’re going to figure out something is coming in the mail. That kind of ruins it! So instead, look at their ICANN address at the bottom of their emails. Do a google search for their offices. Check local business records. Ask a friend you think might have it. Find another excuse to ask them for their address.
- Brainstorm fun, unique gifts. Lots more on this below!
- Never have the gift sent to the person directly. Have it sent to you first so you can inspect it and then repackage it with a personal note inside. *Bonus Tip*: In the personal letter, mention how you learned about them enough to send them this gift, such as, “Hey Joe, I saw on your insta-story that you love….”
- Track your package, and follow up after they receive it. If you did this ‘right’, they’ll probably post about it on social media, but they might not. So that’s why you want to track it with a tracking number. And remember, the point of this is to deepen your relationship, so don’t just send them the gift and never speak to them again. Be brave, and continue the conversation a week or two later with ‘next steps’!
A few notes on picking your gift:
- It’s not about the dollar value, but it is kind of. Look, I don’t want you charging a huge gift to a credit card if you can’t afford it, but sending someone a $5 teddy bear from CVS isn’t going to forge that connection like you want. You’re *investing* in this potential relationship. So, invest!
- Make it something they will keep that will serve as a reminder of you. It’s nice to get an edible arrangement. But in 2 days, it’s gone. It’s not as personal, not long-lasting, and not a real surprise. **Exception: experiences and services that make their lives easier.** With experience, you’re helping them create lifelong memories. With services, you’re lightening their workload, which we ALL want!
- Delight the person! Find something that will genuinely make them smile when they open the box. You want to create a positive association when this person thinks about you.
- Think outside the box. No one needs another tie pin.
Here are some gift ideas you might use:
– Movie Premiere Tickets
– Tickets to their Favorite Band/Concert
– Collectors’ Editions of things (Book, movie, etc.)
– Rare Memorabilia
– Nostalgic Memorabilia from Their Childhood
– Replacement piece of equipment that they love that’s getting old or gone on the fritz (e.g., blue yeti mic)
– “The latest and greatest gadget”. Like, are they a frequent traveler? What’s the newest must-have gadget for travelers this year?
– Did they just move? Something for their house, like an air purifier, table butter crock, baking soda for their fridge.
– Just had a baby? How about some paper plates, so they don’t have to do dishes, or a subscription to a meal service, or gift card for a maid service.