NOW Is the Time to Increase Sales by Doing This!

The Importance of Showing Appreciation

Donna shares a personal story featuring a retro-style lunchbox given to all attendees of the Sticky Note Weekend retreat hosted by Kim and Jill. The nostalgic design created a powerful sense of connection, evoking childhood memories. The lunchbox covers the  5 aspects: Thought, Useful, Meaningful, Memorable, and Unique. It demonstrates how thoughtful gifting brings joy to both giver and receiver. Kim emphasized how Donna’s approach of giving value first transformed what could have been a simple giveaway into a memorable brand moment.

Giving Value First

Giving value first means doing something kind or helpful without expecting anything in return. It’s about building relationships rather than focusing on immediate results.

Donna shares a story from when she first moved to Dallas and met a VP at a local bank whose clients were realtors. She collaborated with one realtor to create a custom folder with important info for each neighborhood they visited. The realtor’s clients were so impressed that they canceled another appointment and stayed loyal. A $500 investment turned into a $700,000 home sale. Kim highlighted that Donna’s “giving value first” philosophy isn’t just a seasonal strategy — it’s something she practices daily for clients across the globe. Giving value first builds trust and long-term relationships.

Product Reel #1 – Gifts for the Holidays

Features a curated selection of holiday gift ideas that blend creativity, practicality, and appreciation—designed to inspire early planning for client and employee gifts. The first product reel showcased real people using and enjoying their branded gifts — a reminder that the most memorable items are those that become part of someone’s everyday life.

Donna and Kim discussed how the joy on recipients’ faces represents what true appreciation feels like — and how the right gift inspires that emotional response.

The Importance of Client Lists

Donna shares that effective gifting begins with truly knowing your clients beyond surface details. Using a Giving Plan helps you consistently show appreciation strategically and sincerely. Remember the five key aspects to Gift Giving -Is the gift Thoughtful, Meaningful, Memorable, Useful, or Unique

Use a Client Checklist to track each client’s interests and lifestyle.

Understanding clients’ preferences has become easier than ever thanks to tools like LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, and ChatGPT. She encouraged researching clients’ interests outside of work to guide more meaningful gift choices. “You wouldn’t give a steak box to someone who’s plant-based” — a reminder that a little research saves a lot of awkwardness.

Giving Without Strings Attached

Donna shared that her journey into gifting began by accident — she simply loved giving. By showing appreciation through unique items at networking events, she noticed a pattern: genuine giving led to referrals, relationships, and repeat business. Kim emphasized the importance of giving without expectation, echoing Donna’s mantra that generosity with no strings attached always returns positive results in time.

Product Reel #2:  Sustainable Packaging- The Box Turns Into a Bird feeder

Highlights a reusable water bottle crafted from recycled metals and packaged in an eco-friendly box that transforms into a bird feeder—an inventive example of sustainability and brand storytelling.

Corporate Training — Teaching Teams to Give Strategically

Donna discussed her work with companies to train sales and marketing teams on how to plan, select, and deliver branded gifts strategically. Kim praised Donna for simplifying what often feels overwhelming — helping teams turn the desire to give into an organized, stress-free process.
Donna explained that proactive planning and off-season gifting reduce last-minute stress and create stronger year-round engagement. A structured Giving Plan transforms appreciation into measurable ROI.

Employee Fulfillment vs. Employee Engagement

Donna shared a simple but powerful formula: happy employees = happy clients = a thriving business. It's about achieving something desired, promised and predicted, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying work experience. She supported this with key statistics — employees who receive branded gifts stay an average of 1.5 years longer, and 25.8% report feeling more appreciated by their employers.

Kim noted that thoughtful onboarding gifts help new hires feel welcomed and valued right from day one. aligning what employees want out of life with what their job offers.  When employees feel valued and connected to their work, magic happens. 

The Power of Giving Classic Gifts

Donna shares how classic gifts bring a sense of nostalgia that instantly builds emotional connections. Nostalgia is a major marketing trend, bringing people back to simpler times. 68% of consumers are willing to spend more on products that affect them emotionally.  Timeless, well-made items have staying power and become part of a client’s story

Slide Presentation #1: Imprinting & Decoration

Donna demonstrated how far imprinting and decoration have evolved — from laser engraving to full-color, 360-degree designs. She showcased drinkware, journals, and multi-use items that can now be branded in creative, detailed ways. Donna explained that she often repurposes one imprint across multiple products — like a motivational cloud design she used on tumblers, mousepads, and phone sterilizers — creating visual cohesion and brand consistency without additional design costs.

Surprise and Delight Marketing:
Celebrating Clients Year-Round- World Science Day

With her signature humor, Donna transitioned into the next segment by channeling her inner Einstein, reminding viewers that appreciating clients shouldn’t be limited to major holidays. For instance, World Science Day, November 10^th. She emphasized the importance of Surprise and Delight marketing — sending unexpected gifts on non-traditional dates to stand out from competitors. Appreciation outside of major holidays amplifies impact and memorability. Unexpected gifts inspire conversation and long-term loyalty. Thoughtful timing keeps your brand top of mind all year long.

Product Reel #3: Holiday Gift Inspiration That Work Hard for Your Brand

Features high-impact branded product ideas to spark inspiration for the upcoming holiday season. Emphasizes timing—planning now ensures meaningful gifts reach clients and employees when they matter most not during the mad rush of the holiday season and if there is no time now then, think about Q1.

Slide Presentation #2: Packaging & Presentation

Donna and Kim moved into one of Donna’s favorite topics — packaging. Donna explained how presentation is part of the gift itself and shared how she’s become known for her signature silver packaging theme: silver paper, wire ribbon, gift tags, and tissue. She shared that many recipients tell her they hesitate to even open her gifts because they’re so beautifully presented. Kim humorously admitted that wrapping is not her strong suit and praised Donna’s attention to detail.

‘Twas the Night Before Entrepreneurial Success

Donna closed the show with a heartfelt reading of her own version of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Kim proudly introduced it, sharing how special it was that Donna wrote the piece herself and describing it as both festive and meaningful.

A creative twist on the classic poem with a business and gratitude theme. Opens with holiday scenes of gifts, notes, and appreciation flowing between clients and companies. Emphasizes the value of handwritten notes and personalized gestures. Mentions The Giving Plan—client lists, budgets, and gifting strategies as the foundation of success. A surprise email from a grateful client reinforces the emotional payoff of appreciation. Gratitude is the catalyst for referrals, testimonials, and loyalty. Reminds to give without expectation using gifts that are thoughtful, meaningful, memorable, and useful. Highlights The Art of GIVE-ology and the mission to inspire entrepreneurs and corporate teams. A reminder that gratitude drives long-term success