I’ve been subscribing to catalogues and websites like “Wireless,” Despair.com, “Femail Creations,”  “What On Earth” and “SuperHeroStuff.com” for a long time. In the beginning it was more buying funny t-shirts for my friends that said things like, “Alcohol.  No one ever started off a great story by saying, “I was eating a salad when…” and coffee cups that quipped, “If by ‘happiness’ you mean trapped with no means of escape, then.. yes,.. I’m happy.” 

Then.. I got serious.

In my professional life, strategic business relationships initially were a stumbling block.  What would make me stand out from anyone else who was flooding inboxes with requests for coffee?  Little by slow, I began to use my own creativity as a means to forge stronger relationships with the people I did business with.  And I wasn’t alone in doing this. More and more I hear about creative people switching things up a bit to make an impression.

The first time I saw a female colleague do something spectacular, I sent her a Wonder Woman cuff.  The real one. The metal one with the super powers in it.  Since then, Linda Hillman, President of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber, Sari O’Connor, Chief Development Officer at Northern Rivers, Patty Fusco, President & CEO of Fusco Personnel and some select few have been recipients of this prestigious honor. Other women associates have received the Wonder Women lip gloss, WW socks with wings and, on really special occasions – the WW set complete with tiara and golden scepter.  I once sent Michael Castellana, President & CEO of SEFCU, Karma Checks for giving his time to help us with internal program strategies. 

But as I said, I’m not alone in doing this. My friend John Tobin from EYP recognizes early adopters of 3D digital technologies as the ‘Jedi’ of their company (with the message: “it’s more important to be wise than to be powerful”.  Those worthy, receive an actual collectible Jedi Light Saber (the real glowing one..) for their ability to forge new frontiers in production methods and for individual outstanding achievement. “It’s a unique, whimsical way for EYP to recognize that their culture is about smarts rather than cool tools, and to highlight star performers”,  says Tobin. “Twenty years from now they’ll remember the light saber better than any standard gift card we might otherwise give.”    Ann Wendth, Director of Institutional Advancement at The Albany Academies gave me a book about a year ago of wonderful quotes as a ‘thank you’ for speaking to a sophomore class of girls about leadership. I use it all the time to reach out to business associates with a hand written note because the quotes are so exceptional and thought provoking. The quotes convey a powerful way to acknowledge someone like, “Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being.  Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”  What a great way to show appreciation with the power of words. 

Navigating the treacherous waters of everyday commerce, it’s important to find unique ways to get your target’s consideration.  Anyone who has reached a position in leadership has been recognized in some way, but it usually looks a lot like a dust collector; a crystal or glass statue or maybe a wooden plaque.  It’s not that these are bad, it’s just that this has become what we are used too. 

Unique and fun ways to build stronger ties to a supportive business network can brand you and your company and build loyalty at the same time.  We are inundated everyday with endless messages trying to vie for our attention.  Every once in a while someone comes up with something just a little different, just a little …off, and it makes us smile.  But even more it makes us remember them. 

Recently, I made a $5 bet with a business owner who usually only makes $1 bets.  It was the first time I had met with him and I knew he was busy with a million other things besides listening to my pitch.  At the end of our conversation, he guided me to pursue a certain strategy and was sure something would happen with regard to a business communication.  So I said, “Shall we bet on it?” Within days he had lost the bet.  So what’s a girl to do? … I sent him an invoice for the $5.  I’m pretty sure he’ll remember me.  And.. if he doesn’t…. I can always tell people with an eye roll and a big sigh…. ‘so and so..ugh….he owes me money.”

To learn more unique ways to address employee retention click on…Tech Valley Connect or contact the author at [email protected]

Angela McNerney is President of Tech Valley Connect, an organization assisting newly relocating professionals and their families to assimilate into the Capital Region.