Who gets a business holiday card?

Step one in the business holiday card process is to make a holiday card list. So who's on it? Who should be, who would be nice and who absolutely better be there?

Let's start with the who better be on the list.

1) Your employees.

Every last one of them, from the Board Members to the kid in the back who started last week as a floor sweeper.

Each and every person who works for you should get a card from you, come holidays, birthdays or employment anniversaries. It's a cheap but effective way to say that they matter, and as silly as a seems, it makes a big difference in a feeling of being part of the team.

Before customers or vendors or clients or prospects, make a card list that includes every employee, and then send a company Christmas card or holiday card to their home. Trust me on this. Yeah, I know it's easier to drop them on desks, but don't. I'll write a post soon on why this matters, but for now, just do it.

2) Your loyal customers.

It's often said that your most important prospects are the customers you already have. It's often said, but seldom followed, however.

But think about it...these are the people who have already handed over their precious dollars to you. They know you. You don't have to get them to come in -- they already do. You just need to get them to buy MORE. Much easier to do than to acquire and convert a new customer. So put these people on your must-send list.

3) Your vendors and suppliers.

How far would your manufacturing line get without raw materials? Or your restaurant without food or beverages? A hotel lacking linens would be in a terrible mess. Imagine a law firm without paper or a hospital without medication. It's your vendors and suppliers who get you the things you need to turn your business into...well...a business.

Make sure each and every vendor and supplier gets a company holiday card thanking them for all they contribute to your business. Even if you've had problems with them...or especially if you've had problems with them...send them a nice card, on time.

TOMORROW,the "should send" list....