Financial Strategy Meets Relationship Marketing: How Top of Mind Gifts Keeps Businesses Front and Center
- ryanchenier
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Introduction
In today's competitive business world, staying top of mind with clients is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a necessity. A company's marketing strategy can play a role in its financial strategy. Many businesses rely on referrals, yet their customers often struggle to remember their names when the opportunity arises.
Enter Dean Stanzel, President of Top of Mind Gifts, a company that helps businesses stand out through unforgettable, world-class gifts. Dean joined me on Mastery Fractional CFO’s Punchy Podcast to discuss how his approach to strategic gifting keeps businesses front and center in their clients' minds.
The Power of Staying Top of Mind
Dean’s journey into business was unconventional—his background is in engineering physics, but his career took him into sales, financial services, and ultimately, strategic gifting.
What sets Top of Mind Gifts apart is its laser focus on just two high-impact products: Cutco knives and custom pop-up cards. These aren't just promotional items—they’re tools for building lasting relationships.
Why Cutco?
Cutco knives are guaranteed for life, making them a lasting reminder of a business relationship.
Unlike typical promotional gifts, they are used daily, reinforcing brand visibility.
The branding is subtle yet effective, shifting from overt marketing to a more personal touch, such as engraving a meaningful message alongside a company logo.
The Role of Custom Pop-Up Cards
Unlike standard greeting cards, these are interactive, custom-built 3D designs tailored to specific businesses or industries.
The novelty factor ensures recipients keep and display them, making them a conversation piece.
Even business cards can be transformed into pop-ups, turning a forgettable handout into a memorable keepsake.
Who Benefits Most from Strategic Gifting?
While every business can benefit from strong client relationships, Dean’s services are particularly valuable for those with high-ticket transactions, such as:
Real estate agents and mortgage brokers
Financial advisors and accountants
Coaches and consultants
Construction and contracting businesses
These industries thrive on referrals, making it crucial to remain top of mind when past clients recommend services.
Innovative Marketing Strategies That Work
Unlike traditional promotional companies that rely on advertising, Dean’s approach is relationship-driven. His success comes from:
Personal networking and virtual conferences
Surprise gifting as a prospecting tool, sending customized Cutco knives engraved with the recipient’s company logo to high-value potential clients
Strategic follow-ups, leveraging the psychology of reciprocity—people naturally want to engage with those who give them thoughtful gifts
Financial Challenges and the Role of a Fractional CFO
While Dean has automated much of his business, he recognizes that financial planning and management have become more complex as he scales. Inventory, cash flow, and tracking expenses are challenges many growing businesses face.
So, when should a business bring in a fractional CFO?
According to Ryan, a fractional CFO becomes essential when:
The business owner has run out of time to handle financial complexities.
Cash flow management starts requiring more forecasting and planning.
There’s a need to make strategic decisions backed by financial insights.
The business is looking to scale or raise capital.
Most small businesses wait too long, assuming that a bookkeeper and tax accountant cover all financial needs. However, fractional CFOs bridge the gap, ensuring financial strategy aligns with business growth.
Final Thoughts from Dean
Dean’s advice for business owners? Stay the course, focus on relationships, and be in service to others. Sales is no longer about pushing a product—it’s about educating and providing value. His gifting strategy embodies this mindset, offering businesses a unique, high-impact way to nurture relationships and increase referrals.
For those interested in leveraging unforgettable gifts to enhance their client relationships, Dean is available at topofmindgifts.ca or via email at dean@topofmindgifts.ca.
Share This Episode!
If you found this conversation valuable, share it with others who could benefit from a fresh take on strategic gifting and business growth. And if you’re wondering whether a fractional CFO is right for your business, reach out for a free consultation at Mastery Fractional CFO.
Stay top of mind, and stay ahead!
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