Why meeting in person to discuss branded gifts is SO important

Photo copyright: Liwei12 / 123RF Stock Photo

Let me share a little story with you, about a prospective new client that I met recently. This recruitment consultancy, who work in the science sector, were contacting branding and marketing companies asking for their help. They needed to come up with giveaway ideas for an imminent trade show. To date, not a single organisation had offered them any assistance. Shameful! 

Those who know me, know that I love to brainstorm gift ideas with clients. So I grabbed my coat, hopped in the car, and braved the drifting snow from East Lothian through to Glasgow. It would be an understatement to say that the recruitment consultancy were literally blown away by the extra mile that I was prepared to go, in order to meet them. Especially as companies they’d contacted, and who were within their immediate vicinity, hadn’t even returned their calls!

Our meeting went on longer than scheduled. I know what you’re thinking here, and no, it wasn’t because I was talking too much! It was because we suddenly found that our conversation moved from trade show giveaways, to high quality branded gifts that their potential customers would find practical and memorable. This was a topic that none of us had really thought about prior to our little chat, and underlines the importance of meetings like these.

As I departed, the team thanked me wholeheartedly for taking the time to see them. They said that it had made such a difference to be able to talk to someone face-to-face about their ideas. I loved that, because it restores my faith in what I do. It demonstrates to me that even in this internet-driven world, where it’s so easy to buy inferior branded merchandise online, there is still a need for Branding Up. Someone who is prepared to pop in for chat, have a cuppa, and discuss a variety of gift ideas and solutions, regardless of whether you’re an a existing or a prospective client. For me, you can’t beat the ‘personal’ touch. It’s the only way that good ideas become great ideas.

If you’re exhibiting at a trade show soon, and are thinking about branded giveaways, then Branding Up would love to help you too. Simply give me a little tinkle on 07733 321759 or email me at rhona@brandingup.co.uk. And let’s arrange to get together soon.

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