If you've always wondered what makes a good corporate gift, then take a listen as Jillian Ryan, CEO of Marie Mae, shares her official guide to curating the perfect corporate gift - while making an impact in the community.

Jillian breaks down the process of how to curate products that your recipients will cherish, and that don't make them feel like they are a walking ad for your company. Also, learn about the biggest pitfalls when picking corporate gifts, and learn how to actually make an impact in the local economy with the products that you shortlist.

As part of the exercise, Jillian invites Hannah Rabalais from The Kleinert Foundation to talk about her experience curating their 'Desk Refresh Kit', and how they were able to support social enterprises that are making a difference, and that align with their mission.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Free isn't always a winner: people are willing to pay for higher quality products.
- Corporate gifting is a 120 billion dollar a year industry, so why not invest in good quality products that make an impact?
- The products you choose tell a story - make it a good one.
- Include practical and useful items that your recipients will use.
- Presentation and personalization will make or break a corporate gift.
- A unique and strategic gifting strategy will help grow the business.
- Money stays in the economy longer when you support local businesses, so shop local.
- Products made by social enterprises are normally unique, handmade, and higher quality than most retail products out there.
- Social enterprises have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, and the way to support them and help their vulnerable employees stay employed is to simply use your purchasing power to buy their products.

Show Notes:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/07

Products/companies mentioned in this podcast:
Desk Refresh Kit: https://mariemae.com/shop/desk-refresh-kit
Calyan Wax Co: https://www.calyanwaxco.com/
Savhera: https://savhera.com/
The Worthy Co: https://worthy-co.com/
Tribe Alive: https://tribealive.com/
Bonton Farms: https://bontonfarms.org/

Visit The Kleinert Foundation and connect with Hannah Rabalais:
https://www.kleinertfdn.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rabalais-62a762154/
https://www.instagram.com/hannahmcrab/

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com