Holiday Stress: The Truth About Gift-Giving

It’s the season of giving. That brings many questions. Who’s on my gift list? How much should I spend? What’s the perfect gift? If the gift is business related, these questions can be particularly stressful. To put it bluntly, what’s your ROI (Return on Investment) on that gift?

Good news! I will lower your stress about gift-giving right now.

While I love a gift, appreciate any event that encourages people to give and believe that holidays are a great time to connect, the true ROI on giving is not seasonal. Awesome, right?

When is the bigger opportunity for ROI?

The bigger opportunity is giving every day.

But here’s the thing about the ROI on giving…if ROI is motivating you to give, it won’t work. People sense a phony. In fact, I can’t give you a precise ROI. I just know that when you genuinely give from the heart, you have the best shot at reaping rewards. You are most likely to see the ROI.

What’s the best giving strategy all year round?

1. Some of the best gifts are FREE!

That’s right, the ROI on giving does not have to cost you anything. Smile more often. Reach out to someone during a stressful time. Or reach out for no reason at all and just tell that person you care. Show appreciation.

You want a job? Show your prospective employer that you will give more. Want new business? Earn that business by giving first. Speaking from a stage? Give that audience more. Being interviewed on TV? Be the best guest that show ever had.

That’s what the best communicators do. That’s how you lead.

2. If you are spending money, communicate that you care by making the gift meaningful to the recipient.

What would that person treasure?

If you don’t know the person well, do your research, but also don’t aim for something overly personal. For instance, if you are sending to an office, plentiful, yummy food for a group can provide a shared experience and keep people thinking of you with every delicious bite.

3. Give frequently with an open heart and without expectation of reciprocation.

Give because giving feels good. There is not a quota on giving. More is usually better. Sometimes the recipient needs awhile to feel and trust your love. Sometimes the recipient needs proof that you will keep showing up. A true leader is in it for the long game…to build relationships over time. That’s how everybody wins.

So go ahead and give this holiday season and enjoy every gift. But know that if you want to grow your business and life, your true ROI is in how you make a person FEEL every day.

How do you like to give? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Also, you may not realize that the holidays are a great time for media opportunities. Be sure to check out Hidden Holiday Media Opportunities and you may just find yourself on TV!

Happy everything to you and yours!