Many tactics are used in business as a way to succeed, but one of the best is utilizing the law of reciprocity. Appreciation is a very human, valued expression because it's intentional and often genuine.
This can go a long way with employees, clients, and anyone else you interact with. Giving something away for free, such as delicious candy, is an easy way to show appreciation and help others feel acknowledged.
Benefits may range from clients returning to spend more money or giving more in tips, to low employee turnover and a more positive work environment.
Let's discuss how the social psychology of reciprocity can boost your business while spreading kindness.
Understanding the Law of Reciprocity
The Law of Reciprocity refers to how someone feels obligated to do something for you in response to you doing something for them.
A few key elements of the reciprocity principle include unexpectedly offering something for free, but making it personalized to what they like and need.
Consider it similar to when you give food to someone in a food storage container, and they return it to you with their own food inside, often explaining how they never return an empty container.
The secret key is doing something nice without expecting reciprocation, even if you hope for it.
Leveraging the Law of Reciprocity in Business
A few of the best things about the Law of Reciprocity in business is that it can be cost-effective and take little time and effort, yet it can have an enormous impact.
The personalized gift you give as a surprise they never saw coming could also have a positive ripple effect.
Gifts with Purpose
The most important reason for giving gifts in business is that it makes people feel good.
It evokes a feeling of being valued, something everyone longs to feel in their business and personal lives. It can also improve employee morale, foster loyalty, and build relationships.
Although the motives behind the gift-giving are kindness and generosity, it can encourage reciprocity in the process.
Candy is a fantastic gift to give in business. It's a sweet treat for a lovely gesture of kindness.
Everyone loves candy; whenever they reach for a piece, they'll think of you. It's also easy to personalize according to preferences.
From Jolly Ranchers to KitKat to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, there's something for everyone.
Make It Personal
Personalization is essential in gift-giving. You wouldn't give someone a gift card to a pet store if they don't currently own an animal.
It shows a lack of care and consideration. However, a gift card to their favorite local cafe indicates that you pay attention and value their interests.
The key to personalization is finding out what the potential recipients want. This can either happen through knowing the individuals personally or from doing research.
Establish your own marketing strategy based on the recipients and what they would want. Own a bakery?
Offer customers a free cookie of their choosing. Have a homemade candle company? Send a sample tea light candle with a full-size candle order.
The Element of Surprise
Everyone loves surprises to some extent. It doesn't have to be anything major. Often, little gestures, such as unexpected discounts, samples, or treats, can positively impact and help create a memorable customer experience.
Nice gestures for a reason are great, but doing them for no reason other than being kind indicates that you don't have ulterior motives.
There was an experiment conducted where a restaurant tested which method of the Law of Reciprocity would result in the biggest tips for their wait staff.
They gave mints to waitresses to hand out to patrons. There was a 3% increase in tips when they passed out one mint with the bill and a 14% increase when they gave two mints instead.
The last and most successful method was a combination of both with a twist. The waitresses put one mint with the bill, then, as they were walking away, returned to provide the second mint.
The surprise of the second mint resulted in a 23% tip increase.
Bringing the Law of Reciprocity Home
There's always a good time to spread kindness, and using the Law of Reciprocity can help you do that while growing your business.
Offering surprise discounts to new and existing customers, giving small birthday gifts to employees, writing handwritten notes with gift cards included, and providing free samples are only some of the options.
One of the best ways to appeal to multiple people at once is by having a filled candy bowl in your business space.
Candy brings everyone together, starts conversations, and helps put people at ease.
People resonate with small gestures of kindness and often long for more of it, especially if it's an indicator of the workings of the rest of the business.
Besides, who doesn't love a little free candy? It's one of the major reasons Halloween in the United States is so popular.
Deskgoodies candy subscription plans set your customers up to receive a kind gesture whenever they walk through your door.
The unexpected sweet treat is available in so many varieties that it's easy to cater to the preferences of many. Dozens of candy choices are available, and you can opt for a minimum of five name-brand selections.
Customizable and pre-packed options, each with competitive prices, are offered for your convenience.
Start customer interactions off in a positive way. Check out our candy subscription plans or contact us to learn more about what we offer.
We provide same-day or next-day responses as part of our commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
Our options consist of customizable, high-quality, popular candy delivered to your office every month. It's a way to start implementing the Law of Reciprocity in a convenient and delicious way that everyone will appreciate.
Browse our easy-to-use website to learn more about our services, which can save you time and money.