Most of us have received a gift from our professional connections at some point in our careers.

When I look back, the very best gifts I’ve been given over the years have been those that come from the heart – when a customer or other contact has given me something that makes it obvious they took just a little extra time to make it special.

Heartfelt gifts such as a card with a special message, or a coffee mug or pen with my name, or favorite saying of written on them are always a treat when compared to generic gifts that just anyone can buy without putting much thought into them.…