My holiday recipient list is written.
Eighteen friends and family members and twenty-seven clients.
Yep, I'll be giving more gifts to clients than to my loved ones.
Are my priorities warped? I don't believe so.
Because without my clients, there would be no gifts this year for anyone.
Giving gifts can be experienced as a joy, but it can also be felt as an obligation or burden.
Some people tell me it stresses them out.
But, remember what gifts represent.
They are your opportunity to show people you appreciate them as individuals.
Your clients trust you and have stayed with you through difficult economic times.
This deserves to be recognized.
Here's a little story, having nothing to do with Christmas but everything to do with the Christmas spirit.
I was driving at night in an unfamiliar neighborhood in another state.
It was pitch black and cold outside.
I stupidly drove into a curb and punctured my tire.
As I drove forward, I heard the rim audibly scraping the pavement.
I also realized my cell phone wasn't working.
Not a good situation.
I clunked into the driveway of the closest house and rang the doorbell.
A very angry looking man answered the door.
He had a phone to his ear and was screaming into it furiously.
I explained my situation and asked if I could use his phone.
With extreme aggravation, he barked that no, I shouldn't call for a tow; he would just replace my tire himself with tools from his garage.
As he grumbled through this task, I attempted to make friends with him and he got a little less angry.
Before I drove off, I made note of two things.
One was his address, and the other was the empty Dunkin' Donuts cup on his toolbench.
The next day, I bought a Dunkin' Donuts gift card and sent it to him with a note of appreciation.
A few days later, I unexpectedly received a pretty card from him with a thoughtfully worded thank you note.
Enclosed in his card was a metal medallion into which was inscribed this message: "God protect you as you travel, by air or land or sea.
Keep you safe and guide you, wherever you may be.
" It may have been unforeseen, but each of us was touched by the personal quality of each other's gift, even though we were strangers.
I carry his medallion in my purse now.
It's with me everywhere I go.
And so I encourage you to give gifts that are meaningful to your clients.
They don't have to be expensive because they are simply a symbol of your appreciation.
Always include a card and do more than just sign your name.
Thank each recipient in a personal and meaningful way.
They will remember you for it.
And one way or another, it will come back to you.