Business

The SodaGift Way of Enhancing Business Relationships Through International Gift-Giving

Published

4 months ago

September 24, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo courtesy of SodaGift

By: Georgette Virgo

In recent years, shifting workplace dynamics have transformed the traditional office landscape. The rise of hybrid work or fully remote work setups has altered how teams communicate and show appreciation for one another.

Gift-giving, once a straightforward and face-to-face activity, has evolved into a nuanced practice heavily influenced by international gift-giving services like SodaGift. These platforms have redefined how organizations express gratitude, aligning with the modern work setup where connection transcends physical presence.

How does the rise of international gift-giving services change how team members connect?

The Role of Corporate Gift-Giving

Corporate gift-giving has long been vital for organizations aiming to establish loyalty, boost morale, and recognize hard work. A carefully chosen gift serves as compensation for a job well done and a tangible expression of appreciation for employees’ dedication and effort. This practice is more than mere tradition; it nurtures an environment where employees feel valued, ultimately driving motivation and enhancing job satisfaction.

Within the framework of hybrid and remote work, the meaning of corporate gift-giving grows exponentially. As face-to-face interactions are limited and often nonexistent, gifts symbolize relationships and connection. Sending a well-thought-out gift can bridge the gap, encouraging a sense of belonging among team members wherever they are located.

According to Jake Kim, CEO of Sodacrew Global Inc., the parent company of SodaGift, technology has made international gift-giving possible. Though teams are scattered worldwide, innovative international gift-giving services like SodaGift maintain team engagement, ensuring no employee feels overlooked or disconnected, even if they just see each other via computer screens.

SodaGift: International Gift-Giving Service Simplified

Giving gifts is ideal for conveying deep team appreciation, celebrating important company milestones, and strengthening workplace relationships. However, this heartfelt gesture has traditionally been fraught with challenges. The logistics of international shipping, including customs regulations, delivery delays, and high costs, often deter many organizations from engaging in international gift-giving services.

The limited choice of gifts that could safely and legally traverse international boundaries further complicates the process, sometimes resulting in generic or impersonal presents that fail to capture the sender’s true intentions.

This is where SodaGift materializes, transforming international gift-giving services into a seamless and personalized experience. By offering gift-giving services tailored to eight specific countries, such as the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines, SodaGift effectively eliminates logistical hurdles. For Kim, this targeted approach ensures that gifts are sourced and delivered locally, bypassing the hurdles of international shipping.

Kim says, “In the corporate world, time is everything. We want companies to get the best of both worlds of international gift-giving services: fast and reliable yet well-thought-of.”

SodaGift’s strategic partnerships with well-known retailers in these countries expand the range of gift options while ensuring cultural relevance.

For instance, in a global workplace setting, teams can strengthen their relationships by acknowledging and celebrating important cultural events of their team members, such as Korean Thanksgiving or Chuseok. By effortlessly browsing through SodaGift’s curated selection of Chuseok gift ideas and baskets, they can easily express their thoughtfulness and participate in celebrations that matter to their colleagues.

Taking Corporate Gift-Giving to the Next Level

SodaGift has broadened its services to cater to businesses, offering a specialized platform for corporate gifting and rewards called SodaGift for Business. This expansion allows companies to utilize SodaGift’s expertise in international gift-giving for their business needs, including employee incentives, customer loyalty programs, and corporate rewards, regardless of geographical boundaries.

With coverage now extending beyond its original B2C markets (US, UK, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Canada), SodaGift for Business now includes France, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. This makes the company a market leader for corporate gifting in Asia.

Kim explains that the value of SodaGift for Business lies in its versatility and ease of use. Companies can choose from a wide array of options, including gift cards, digital vouchers, and physical merchandise, ensuring that they can find the perfect gift for any corporate occasion or cultural context.

In addition, corporates are also given the freedom to use either the self-serve platform, where they can directly manage their gifting and rewards programs through SodaGift’s interface, or through SodaGift for Business’ API (Application Programming Interface) services, integrating gifting capabilities into their own systems for more seamless gifting process and workflow.

Kim emphasizes, “SodaGift for Business is designed to meet the fast-paced demands of modern work environments, transforming gift-giving from a time-consuming task into a smooth, efficient part of corporate relationship-building and employee recognition.”

The Future of Maintaining Corporate Relationships

As remote work becomes commonplace, the need for genuine connections has never been more vital. SodaGift enables organizations to uphold their commitment to employee appreciation by facilitating seamless international gift-giving.

With these innovative gift-giving solutions, the future of corporate culture hinges not only on productivity but also on appreciation and recognition, ensuring that every team member feels valued, no matter where they are in the world.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.