For service-based sales professionals in any industry, gift giving is a great way to go above and beyond to show your gratitude. When it comes to retention, a little thought can go a long way—especially when your goal is to build client relationships that last for decades.

Financial advisors fall into the category of professionals who want their clients to stick around as long as possible. If they decide they want to give gifts, they will face an above average amount of regulatory scrutiny. According to Reuters:

“…Gift giving, no matter the value or recipient, must be free of conflicts of interest, favoritism, and lack any future obligation of the client or advisory representative.

To meet these standards, a firm must employ a well-defined plan or policy that includes the definition of a gift, sets monetary limits, a clear approval process, and educates its advisory representatives.”

It’s a pretty straightforward policy that doesn’t really prevent advisors from giving gifts—it simply ensures that gift giving remains ethical.

The trick for financial advisors is making sure their gift giving method is cost effective. Books can make great gifts, although they require a lot of knowledge about individual clients. There are also more universally appealing gifts like wine or non-perishable food.

There is even a growing trend among service-based sales professionals to give the gift of an experience. This could be some kind of day trip or hobby-related adventure. Unfortunately, this approach doesn’t work well for FAs. That is because, per the restrictions set by FINRA, advisors can only spend a hundred dollars per client per year. It’s hard to provide an awesome experience to your best clients when you only have a hundred dollars to work with.

The most important thing about any gift you give is that it makes an impression.

Sounds easy, right? The idea is simple, but taking action on it is time consuming.

Financial advisors already wear a lot of hats. They have a lot to handle when it comes to drumming up new clients and generating returns for the clients that they already have. They might not feel that they have the bandwidth to research and deliver a truly thoughtful gift to every single one of their clients.

Here are some simple ideas advisors can use for inspiration:

Sporting Events/Entertainment

Getting a client tickets to one of his or her favorite teams’ games is almost always a hit. If they’re not into sports, consider some kind of other experience they’ll enjoy—maybe a lecture, a stand-up comedy show, or a play/musical.

Wine & Spirits

For many people, you just can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of their favorite wine or beer.

Light Luggage

A nice computer bag is so useful that clients will never forget the person who gave it to them.

Books

If you can understand the reason they’re putting together a portfolio, chances are you know what their goals are. (And if you don’t, use the F.O.R.D. Method to find out.) Try to find a book that your clients can read to educate themselves.

Grateful Box

This popular item, created by gratitude expert Kim Angeli, is a great way to let your clients know you appreciate them. (Click here to check out Kim’s interview on our Stay Paid podcast.)

Your Branded, Customized Magazine

Last, but not least, we offer a turnkey solution that is simple and a regulatory breeze. American Lifestyle magazine is a piece of marketing that strikes recipients like a gift. The magazine is proven to drive ROI. According to a GfK Readership Survey:

• 38% of recipients have referred friends and family to the professional who sent them ALM.
• 53% of recipients have conducted repeat business with the professional who sent ALM.
• 79% of recipients appreciate the professional more because of receiving ALM.

When you give something thoughtful to the people who matter most to your business, you create top-of-mind awareness and drive referrals. American Lifestyle magazine lives in the home for weeks at a time, and spreads joy throughout entire families.

No matter what kind of gesture you choose, remember, when it comes to earning new business, it is always better to give than to receive.