How to give gifts that build business

In my book, The neXus Initiative, I talk about giving a gift the first time you meet a prospective client. This simple act is ancient, one brings a gift the first time they meet someone of importance.

Choosing the right gift is critical. If you bring an inappropriate gift you will never win the business. And many corporations have regulations and policies on gift giving, especially public companies.

Dr. Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist who has studied how gifts strengthen social ties says that to give a really good gift you must ask yourself, "what do I want the gift to convey? What are the various ways to convey it? How might I be misunderstood?"

I have never been disappointed in giving a business book to a prospect. Of course, mine is a great one to give, and not the only one that is appropriate. I will think of what the organization is going through and try to find a book that speaks to that experience.

What gifts have you given that have been successful? Please share