Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Linda Eskridge. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Linda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Teaching business owners how to strategically gift and emphasizing the importance of starting before the first meeting is a unique approach that differs from the industry standard of gift-giving. This approach can make a significant difference in building strong relationships, fostering goodwill, and ultimately achieving business success.

In the corporate world, gift-giving often tends to be an afterthought or a transactional gesture. Many businesses wait until after a deal is closed or an agreement is reached to send a gift as a token of appreciation. However, my approach stands out in several ways:

Proactive Relationship Building:
By teaching business owners to start gifting before the first meeting, you emphasize the importance of proactively building relationships. This strategy demonstrates a genuine interest in connecting with potential clients or partners on a personal level, setting the stage for a more meaningful and lasting connection.

Creating a Memorable First Impression:
Sending a thoughtful gift before the initial meeting makes a powerful first impression. It shows that you are invested in the relationship and that you’ve done your homework to understand the recipient’s preferences and interests. This can help you stand out from competitors who may not prioritize this level of personalization.

Building Trust and Rapport:
Gift-giving is a way to build trust and rapport. When recipients receive a well-thought-out gift before even meeting you, it conveys a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism. They are more likely to approach the first meeting with a positive attitude and an open mind.

Long-Term Relationship Building:
My approach focuses on the long-term, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships beyond the initial interaction. This differs from the industry standard, which often focuses on short-term gains. Building lasting relationships can lead to repeat business, referrals, and mutually beneficial partnerships over time.

Personalized and Meaningful Gifts:
Teaching business owners to select gifts based on the recipient’s preferences and interests adds a personal touch. This attention to detail showcases a genuine desire to connect on a deeper level, making the recipient feel valued and appreciated.

My client Sarah, is a successful small business owner who runs a boutique marketing agency. Sarah admired the power of personal connections and recognized that gift-giving could be her secret weapon to stand out in the competitive industry. She came to Couture Business Gifting, a company that masters strategic gifting.

Sarah knew she had a crucial meeting with John, the CEO of a rapidly growing tech startup, on the horizon. She believed that winning John’s trust was vital for securing a partnership, but she lacked the know-how to execute a successful gifting strategy before their initial meeting. That’s when Sarah turned to us for guidance.

We worked closely with Sarah to craft a personalized gifting plan tailored specifically for John. We provided valuable insights and tips on researching John’s background and interests, helping Sarah discover his passion for hiking and his favorite local coffee shop. Together, we developed a strategy that would leave a lasting impression on John.

A week before their scheduled meeting, Sarah implemented the plan orchestrated by us. We sourced and curated a carefully selected gift package, which included a custom-made hiking trail guidebook of the area and a bag of gourmet coffee beans from John’s favorite café. Alongside the thoughtful gifts, Sarah included a heartfelt note expressing her enthusiasm about their upcoming meeting.

When John received the package, he was genuinely surprised and delighted. The thoughtful gift, inspired and orchestrated by Couture Business Gifting, showcased Sarah’s dedication to building a genuine connection and her commitment to understanding his preferences. The impact was profound.

As the day of their meeting arrived, Sarah noticed that John was not only receptive but also engaged and enthusiastic. They discussed their business goals and how they could collaborate effectively. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the conversation flowed naturally. All because Sarah wanted to think outside the box and take a different approach and strategically gift prior to her first meeting.

John ultimately chose to partner with Sarah’s agency, and he cited the initial gift as a significant factor in his decision. He felt that Sarah genuinely cared about his interests and was invested in their future collaboration. Their partnership flourished, and Sarah’s agency, with the support and insight from us, played a pivotal role in helping John’s startup achieve remarkable success.

This story beautifully illustrates how Couture Business Gifting empowered Sarah to strategically gift before the first meeting, ultimately leading to meaningful connections, trust-building, and the success of her business partnership in the competitive world of marketing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Couture Business Gifting:

Couture Business Gifting is not just a gifting service; it’s a transformative approach to building and nurturing business relationships through the art of strategic gifting. Our brand was born from a genuine passion for personal connections and the belief that gifting can be a powerful tool for success in the corporate world.

The Journey:

My journey into the realm of strategic gifting started with a deep-seated fascination for the profound influence that considerate gifts can wield over business connections. Through personal experiences, I’ve seen the remarkable doors a well-picked gift can swing open, the trust it can nurture, and the partnerships it can firmly cement. It was this enchantment that led me to transform my passion into a purposeful business endeavor.

Services and Products:

At Couture Business Gifting, we offer a unique array of services and products designed to help our clients master the art of strategic gifting. One of our flagship offerings is the “Gifting Life Cycle” program. We teach our customers how to strategically gift throughout the various stages of their business relationships, from initial contact to long-term partnerships. Our expertise extends to curating and sourcing personalized gifts that resonate with recipients, leaving a lasting impression.

Solving Problems:

We understand the challenges that business owners face when it comes to building connections in a competitive marketplace. Through our services, we provide solutions to these challenges by showing our clients how to make meaningful connections, gain trust, and ultimately achieve their business goals through strategic gifting.

What Sets Us Apart:

Couture Business Gifting stands out in several ways. Firstly, we approach gifting as a strategic process, not merely an afterthought. We emphasize the importance of researching recipients, understanding their preferences, and curating gifts that align with their interests. This sets us apart from conventional gifting practices that lack personalization.

Secondly, our commitment to educating our clients on the “Gifting Life Cycle” is unparalleled. We empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to make gifting a cornerstone of their business growth strategy.

Pride and Accomplishments:

One of our proudest achievements is witnessing the transformative impact of strategic gifting on our clients’ businesses. We’ve seen partnerships flourish, deals sealed, and trust built, all as a result of our guidance and services. Knowing that we’ve played a part in our client’s success stories is incredibly rewarding.

Our Subscription Box – “Everything but the Wine…The Charcuterie Box”:

Recognizing the need for exceptional business gifts that go beyond traditional offerings, we introduced our subscription box, “Everything but the Wine…The Charcuterie Box.” This carefully curated box includes a delightful assortment of gourmet treats and unique items that make for memorable and impressive gifts. It’s an embodiment of our commitment to innovative, high-quality gifting solutions.

In conclusion, Couture Business Gifting is not just a brand; it’s a catalyst for meaningful business connections. We are dedicated to transforming the way business owners approach gifting, and we’re here to guide you on a journey of strategic gifting success. We invite potential clients, followers, and fans to explore the world of Couture Business Gifting and discover how the art of giving can elevate their business relationships to new heights.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

It took me a long time to read this book but once I did I go back to it’s timeless principles all the time.

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is indeed one of the cornerstone texts that has significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Hill’s timeless book, first published in 1937, remains a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking success in business and life.

Hill’s core message revolves around the power of mindset and the belief that success starts with one’s thoughts. Here’s how “Think and Grow Rich” has left an indelible mark on my entrepreneurial journey:

The Power of Positive Thinking:
Hill underscores the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude. This resonates with me deeply, as I believe that one’s mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. By focusing on positivity, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and stay resilient in the face of challenges.

Definiteness of Purpose:
Hill stresses the need for a clear and definite purpose in one’s pursuit of success. This concept has guided my approach to goal-setting and strategic planning. Having a well-defined purpose provides direction and motivation in both management and entrepreneurship.

The Mastermind Principle:
Hill emphasizes the value of collaboration and surrounding oneself with a supportive network. I’ve integrated this principle into my philosophy, recognizing that the collective knowledge and experience of a mastermind group can propel business endeavors to greater heights.

Persistence:
Hill’s relentless emphasis on persistence as a key to success is a lesson that every entrepreneur should internalize. The entrepreneurial journey is often fraught with setbacks, and Hill’s message reminds us that giving up is not an option.

Visualization:
Hill champions the practice of visualization as a means to manifest one’s goals. This concept has influenced my belief in the power of visualization techniques to manifest success and bring ideas to fruition.

Personal Responsibility:
“Think and Grow Rich” highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes. This principle aligns with my philosophy that entrepreneurs must be accountable for their decisions and their impact on the business.

Continuous Learning:
Hill’s emphasis on the value of lifelong learning has reinforced my commitment to staying informed, adapting to change, and continuously improving my management and entrepreneurial skills.

In essence, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill has been a guiding light in my journey as an entrepreneur and manager. Its timeless principles of mindset, purpose, collaboration, persistence, visualization, personal responsibility, and continuous learning have helped shape my approach to business and leadership, ultimately influencing the philosophy that underpins my work.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals and Word of Mouth: 90% of my clients come from referrals and word of mouth. In the gifting industry, this is the best gift for a referral.

Networking:
Building relationships with potential clients through networking events, conferences, and professional associations.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.couturegifting.com
• Instagram: @couturegifting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/couturebusinessgifting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaeskridge/

Image Credits
Picture of Me is by Sarah Hoag Photography