Send them a card already!

It's trivial ... really!

2011-06-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Not all holiday trivia is created equal. This summer, a series of holiday catalogs will feature a collection of questions that you won't necessarily find in your local paper or on the back of a cereal box. Questions like:

"What does the name "Max" have to do with the holidays?"
and
"When did Santa make his debut in advertising and what was he selling?"

The holidays should be fun and interjecting useless trivia when socializing with colleagues, clients and/or friends is all about fun.

P.S. - If you can't figure out the answers to these questions, keep checking back. The answers will be posted later this summer.

Business holiday card tips

2011-04-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

A quick review of the tips from past years blog posts....

Watch for returns.

If a card comes back with an address correction, pull out another envelope and resend to the new address. If no address is provided, do some research and find the new address. If the card has been damaged, bent, torn or mangled in the first round, WRITE A NEW CARD! No one will believe it’s the Post Office's fault when the envelope arrives in perfect shape and the card inside is not.

Update your holiday card address database all year long.

In November, it’s too late to scramble for addresses, so maintain and update your holiday address list all year long.

If you sent a coupon or special offer, track the results.

Why send offers in your company Christmas card if you don't know what works? Keep track and use that info to improve future mailings.

Make your extra cards count.

If you have extra cards, send a greeting to a wounded soldier at a veteran’s hospital, brighten the holidays of a homeless family in a shelter with a card and gift certificate for a local store, or take the cards to an assisted living facility and give them out while visiting the residents.

Match the card to your company’s image.

By selecting a look that reflects your company’s values, you are saying "This is who and what we are, and we connect with who and what you are." Without shouting it, the message will get across.

Cards build customer loyalty.

Studies have shown that sending holiday cards is an extremely effective tool in establishing and supporting customer loyalty and reinforcing name recognition.

Holiday cards build team loyalty.

Receiving a signed holiday card from one’s employer has been shown to increase employee identification as "part of the team." Choose a card with a humorous or lighthearted image to reinforce a sense of belonging.

Holiday cards can reassure customers and clients in uncertain times.

An elegant, well-worded corporate holiday card can convey gratitude for past service or business, offer wishes for a prosperous New Year, and show recipients that your company is still successful.

Small tokens can mean a lot.

Enclosing a gift card for a local grocery store or gas station is a wonderful way to reward employees. It’s less expensive than a big holiday party, but still lets employees know you care.

...More coming next post!

Exciting new cards coming soon!!!

2011-04-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Fun, different, new, not-your-everyday business holiday cards will be hitting mailboxes soon! If not yours, then stay tuned for a link to our website.

Catching up with your customers

2011-04-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of the great uses for a business holiday card, whether it's a Thanksgiving, season's greetings, Christmas or New Year's card, is as a tool to catch up with your customers and find out where they are and what's new.

This might sound counter-intuitive. After all, YOU are the one sending the card, so how does that help you find out what's new with them? The answer is in a call to action.

A company holiday card does more than just say "Happy (fill-in-the-blank)" It says that as a customer, this person/family/business matters and has not been forgotten. Just THAT alone can inspire some people to stop by your store or check out your website, particularly if it's been awhile. Consider it a little poke, designed to remind them you exist.

But you can take it further, too. What about:

Adding a message offering them a subscription to your newsletters
Creating a special spot on your home page for card recipients to visit for special promotions
Actively inviting them into your store or onto you site as part of your card's holiday message
Inviting recipients to complete a pre-paid postcard with a few basic questions about their needs or status as related to your products or services
Having a brief quiz/questionnaire right on the card, and offering a discount/prize/contest entry for bringing in the completed quiz

Get creative. Sending a holiday card from your company doesn't have to be a one way street. Change it from a monologue to a conversation and you'll be able to catch up with your precious customers.

Top 10 Reasons to Send a Business Holiday Card

2011-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

10) It's cheaper than a catalog, discount offer or coupon

9) People hang up their holiday cards and others look at them, so the word spreads, making your cost per viewer is really lower than the already low cost of a card

8) The season is ready-made for getting your company's name out without seeming salesy or pushy

7) Making a holiday card list creates a good opportunity to update mailing lists and make sure all info is current

6) Businesses that send holiday card are perceived of as "friendlier" than those who do not

5) Employees who receive company holiday cards and other business greeting cards report higher levels of engagement and loyalty than those who do not

4) Sending a company holiday card can become a company tradition. And companies with observable traditions last longer then companies without them

3) Selecting a company Christmas card encourages management to think about the company image and message. According to Stephan Covey, companies with a clear picture of their image and message are far more successful overall.

2) Sending a card to employees that says "thank you" results in a more employee-focused company culture, which promotes productivity, lower absenteeism, and lower turnover.

And most importantly,

1) People genuinely like getting holiday cards, even from businesses, so sending them makes customers happy. And above all, you want happy customers.

Should your company send Thanksgiving cards this year?

2009-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

The experts agree - sending business holiday cards improves customer perception of a company, increases the likelihood that a given customer will select your company over a non card-sending competitor and reduces the likelihood that your company will be seen as financially unstable, even in troubled economic times.

Okay, so we know that sending a business holiday card is good. Now the question is, what kind? A traditional company Christmas card with a wintery view? A modern Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays? Maybe a New Year's card with a calendar?

What about a Thanksgiving card?

A Thanksgiving card offers several advantages:

1) It gives your company a head start on competitors who send out their cards only in December

2) It allows you to sidestep the "which holiday" issue associated with the winter celebrations

3) The holiday naturally lends itself to expressing gratitude, which is a perfect message for customers and employees alike

4) You can still send company Christmas cards or other holiday cards in mid December, for a double-dose of contact and name recognition.

It's not too late to add a Thanksgiving card to your company's holiday marketing plan. And the results may leave you expressing thanks of your own.

Business holiday cards are critical this year!

2009-10-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

A few organizations are claiming that the recession is over and recovery is right around the corner.

I would love to believe them. But the fact is, none of us really knows when the day will come when we can all take a collect sigh of relief and go on with our businesses and lives without worrying about the rising foreclosure rates or the latest round of layoffs.

So until we know for sure that all is well, companies cannot afford to neglect the little things that keep their name in front of customers.

Business holiday cards, company Christmas cards or whatever you want to call them, are one of those things companies cannot afford to let slide. For very little cost (around $1-2 each), business holiday cards make a major impact on customer perceptions about your business.

Studies have shown that the majority of customers feel more positively about businesses which send holiday cards. They are perceived as more stable, more reliable and more accessible.

Always sent company Christmas cards in the past, but thinking of cutting back this year? Thank again! Another researcher found that companies who stopped sending cards were perceived as less financially successful and less of a safe place to shop, because they may not be around down the road.

Is that really the message you want to send?

Time to pull out that holiday card list! Winter is almost here!

Business holiday card tips, Part II

2009-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

And some more bits of wisdom and etiquette from previous posts....

Match your message to your business.

When deciding on your signature line, consider matching the message to the services you offer. For instance, an insurance agent could wish clients a “Happy and safe New Year,” while a medical practice might elect to offer wishes for a “Healthy and happy holiday season.” Those greetings work as mini-marketing messages, reminding recipients about the services you offer.

Not sure who celebrates which holidays?

Go with a Thanksgiving or New Year’s card. You can convey the same message without worrying about religious issues.

Hand signed cards work twice as well.

Have a signature line professionally imprinted for a crisp, business look. But add a personal signature to each card to double the impact. Hand-signed cards are twice as likely to result in a sale as cards with only an imprint.

Never use printed address labels on holiday cards.

Printed labels are great for catalogs and invoices, but when it comes to holiday cards, those with a handwritten address are far more likely to be opened and read.

Go for quality when choosing holiday cards.

Saving a few pennies per card by choosing a cheaper cardstock or lower quality printing reflects badly on your company’s image. Let your clients and customers know that you value quality in everything you do, including your choice of holiday cards.

Check with the post office for mailing deadlines.

Make sure your business holiday cards are in the mail well before the post office deadlines, especially if some of your cards are being sent to military or overseas recipients, or are oddly shaped and require special handling.

Consider ordering different cards for different people.

Selecting one design for employees, one for existing clients and one for prospectives allows you to customize the look and the message for maximum impact.

Include a personal message if possible.

Taking the time to add a line or two to each card can significantly improve business relationships. Letting star performers or valued customers know that they’re important to your business can yield great results in the coming year.

Mail employees’ cards to their homes.

Simply dropping cards on desks isn’t nearly as meaningful as receiving a card in the mail. As simple as it seems, that little extra effort tells employees a lot about their value to the company.

Getting in the mood for business holiday card shopping

2009-09-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's mid-September. In much of the country, temperatures are still in the 70's or even 80's. The sun is shining. So how do you get in the mood for ordering company Christmas cards...or signing them? You know it's the right time...the deals are great, and you need time to address and sign all of those cards for employees and customers...

But it's tough!

Fear not!

If you're responsible for selecting your company's holiday cards this year, here are some suggestions to help you get in the right frame of mind for dealing with business holiday cards....

Crank up the a/c and pull on your favorite cozy winter sweater or soft hoodie. A little bit of shivering will distract you from the sunshine and sultry temps outside your door.
Pour some cooking oil or even better, spray some silicon, onto your front steps. That frantic grab for the handrail will help bring back memories of winter's glory. A bonus -- a sprained ankle or twisted knee will give you plenty of time to sit and card shop online!
Start working on your family holiday newsletter. It could take a couple of months to reframe last year's losing football season into a "wonderful family lesson in accepting the ups and downs of life" or sort through disasterous family vacation memories to find those few tidbits worthy of inspiring envy in friends as they read of your "exciting summer get-away." You'll have the holiday spirit in no time!
Pull out the November and December calendars, and start working on scheduling everyone who wants the same 10 days off during your busiest season. Suddenly selecting and holiday cards will seem like a delightful alternative!

Ready to shop for those cards yet? We thought so!

And the countdown begins

2009-09-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official now. I went into my neighborhood Target and there were Christmas decorations on the shelves. Yup, there amid the Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving table cloths were the first of this year's Christmas decorations.

The holiday season has arrived! So now it's time to decide...Thanksgiving cards for your employees and customers? A good way to jump-start seasonal sales, and remind people of what you have to offer before their shopping is done. A good way to get your name in front of potential customers before your competitors send out their business holiday cards...

Hmmmmm... Not a bad idea, right? And a pretty card with a colorful autumn scene...I can tell you I would welcome it, especially since Florida for all its charms, lacks autumn colors. Ditto for much of California, the southwest, and Hawaii. And by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the north will have left autumn colors in the past...you could give them one last look at nature's finest display -- and get your name out there!! Clearly a win-win!

Other reasons for sending a Thanksgiving card?

It avoids the whole Christmas versus Hanukkah versus Winter Solstice versus Diwali etc. dilemma...it's a national holiday!

How about this...Thanksgiving cards first, to remind customers how much you have to offer them, and to say thanks to overstressed and overtired employees who really need acknowledgment. And then a Christmas or holiday company card in December to follow up. That double dose of holiday greetings will go far towards reminding customers exactly who you are and what you represent.

Good marketing, cheap marketing, effective marketing!

What's your company style? A quiz to help you pick the right business holiday or Christmas cards

2009-08-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

The cards you choose to send as your company holiday cards say a lot about how you see your company, and what you want to say to your customers. Now there's a quiz to help your find the right card style for your company's personality. It's only 8 questions and it's free! You just might learn something! :-)

Who should get a business holiday card, the second tier

2009-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

My last post was about who MUST get a holiday card from your company this year.

Now it's time for the SHOULDS.

1) Prospective customers who really fit your target demographic, whether that is lifestyle, income, age or ideally, all of the above. The more closely they resemble your target group, the higher they should be on your priority list. Remember, these are not the current or recent customers -- those folks were on the "Must Send" list. This is prospecting.

2) The geographical matches. These are the people who live so close to your business, that they might choose you if they needed your products/services simply because you're close (and the gas prices are still over $2.50 a gallon)

3) The broader demographics. This might be groups of people who hit only one target, but just might become a customer. If you're lucky. REALLY lucky! Save this group for last. This is the target if and only if you still have cards left over after sending them to everyone in the last post AND the first two groups above.

Make sure your must-have are well cared for with a quality holiday card and a personal signature. Then step into these groups, with nice business holiday cards and imprinted signatures. Different groups, different rules. Learn the right order, and your holiday cards could be just what your business ordered.

Who gets a business holiday card?

2009-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

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....

Don't fence yourself in with holiday cards

2009-08-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

If yours is like most U.S. businesses, times are rough. Customers are hard to come by, and harder to keep. Sales are down and costs are up. The last thing you want is to spend more money!

But before you deep six your traditional business holiday cards, spend some time brainstorming about all the ways those little messengers of holiday cheer could help your business thrive in the coming year. Step out of the box and soar into the wide open spaces of new possibilities. (Thus the lovely video today!)

Here are a couple of ideas to get you started on new ways to use your company Christmas cards to generate business.

Run a contest. The entries are your company holiday cards "remade" into something else. It could become anything...a gift box, a fan, a hat or a paper airplane (reason number two for my film choice!) Give prizes for the most original, funniest, etc., and make the day of judging a party.

Glue "golden tickets" or other prize certificates into the cards. Make it clear that the reveal has to happen in the store to qualify (that gets them in the door!) Add another layer by making the tickets 3-D so shoppers must don paper glasses in the store to see their prizes.

Send cards that do not match your region and then give away a trip as a prize. If your business is in a sunny warm clime, choose cards with icy, snowy images. Those in the north would send cards with scenes of tropical beaches. Customers can bring in their cards as an entry into the drawing for a trip. Floridians might win a trip to Minnesota, while those in New England would find themselves relaxing on a beach.

Ready to come up with your own? Who says a business holiday card is limited to putting it in the envelope and mailing it?

Picking out the right business holiday cards for your company style

2009-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Business holiday cards are a wonderful marketing tool. And employee holiday cards are a great way to create a team spirit and boost morale.

Or at least...they can be. IF you pick the right cards for the right people.

Earlier in this blog, I told you about paying attention to the recipients' religions. And we discussed using Thanksgiving or New Year's cards to sidestep that with some customers or employees.

But there are other factors that affect the card you choose for your company. Before you place that card order, here are some things to consider:

1) The quality of the card. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when it comes to using business Christmas or holiday cards as marketing tools, the quality of the holiday cards and even the envelopes MATTERS! A LOT! Sending a cheap card doesn't tell the recipient that you are cautious with expenses. It says:

a) I'm cheap -- too cheap to buy a good card, so expect cheap service

b) Our business is not doing well, so find someone more stable to hire/buy from because we probably won't be around next year

Is that really the message you want to send with each and every card? Spend the extra few cents a card and send a message of quality and stability instead. The ROI will be worth it.

2) The match between your company style and your card. The holiday cards your business sends out should be a reflection of your company's overall image and style. If there is a significant disconnect between your company image and the card you choose, you could end up hurting rather than helping business. For example, a very casual and lighthearted card from a very traditional oak-desk style law firm, or a heavily foiled card from a green business.

3) The timing of your card's message. If your holiday cards arrive far too early, or even one day too late for the holiday, the message will be that you are not an organized company. Make sure you allow enough time for mailing -- the post office publishes schedules for domestic and overseas holiday mailing each year, so take a look before you plan your card schedule.

If you want to get in the first word with potential or existing customers this holiday season, do not mail out your Christmas cards in November. You will just look as though you cannot read a calendar. If early is important, send out cards with a Thanksgiving message, too. That will take your business to the front of the holiday season.

Choosing the right cards makes all the difference in the world to your marketing and PR efforts. Spend the time up front to find the right card for your business and for the time you will be sending it. The results later will be worth the time now.

Business Christmas card special!

2009-08-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

G.Neil is running some pretty cool specials on their company Christmas cards and other business holiday cards. From now until 8/14 (next Friday), you can choose to save 50% on your card order (minimum 200 cards) or you can get cool premiums with your order like digital picture frames or DVD players!

You know I like G.Neil's cards, but this is even better than just getting the cards!

Just go to their website and start shopping! The key codes are Z3666 for the 50% off deal, or Z3668 for the gifts. Share those codes! Anyone can use them!

Off to shop!

The Halloween stuff is in the stores...time to buy Thanksgiving holiday cards!

2009-07-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

I always know when it's time to pick out our company Thanksgiving cards.

The day I see the Halloween stuff on the shelves at my local Target (pronounced Tar je', of course!) is the day I need to get my act together and pick out some Thanksgiving cards to send to clients, customers, vendors and employees.

Why do I start so soon? After all, Thanksgiving is still a couple of months away. I start now, because between now and early November when I mail the cards out, I have to:

Pick out a card
Double check our address lists
Come up with a total for the number of cards to order (and the extras to order for all those last minute changes and additions to the list!)
Deal with employee schedule changes because of kids going back to school
Decide on the signature for the cards
Decide on the changed signature for the cards (no, these things never get done in one step...you know it's true!)
Continue to do my regular job here at work
Order the cards
Pick out Halloween costumes for the kids (work/life balance, remember?)
Address all the cards
Make sure everyone's annual performance evaluations are on schedule (life at work goes on!)
Add personal signatures to most of the cards (remember, signing by hand makes a big difference, especially to customers!)
Mail the cards
Deal with any card returns, including looking up new addresses and send out a fresh card (no re-sends, people!)
Plan a Thanksgiving feast for 20 picky relatives (back to that work/life balance issue -- one brain, lots of tasks!)
Send out the three or four dozen last minute Thanksgiving cards managers, salespeople and others forgot to request.

And all of this has to be done by a week before Thanksgiving AT THE LATEST!! Doesn't seem too early to start now, does it?

Gobble, gobble! Off to get started!

The new holidays cards are in!

2009-07-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was just browsing at G. Neil and saw that the new holiday cards are up!

There are some really nice choices this year. If you like something classic and elegant, I saw a rich burgundy and gold one that would be perfect for clients or even employees.

Another reminded me of the deep winter snow I had at my farmhouse in Pennsylvania. Such a peaceful scene, especially on a 90+ degree summer day!

They had cards with flamingos and cards with penguins. Tradition Christmas tree Cards and abstract images of ribbons and lights.

I guess the point of this is that it's that time of year. So I'm going to be updating my posts on business holiday card ROI, etiquette, best practices and best choices. I'm going to be prodding you to get that Christmas card list done, and card order in. And I'll be reminding you why we send them.

So here, in the heat of mid-July, I wish you a very sincere, but very early, Happy Holidays!

PS..I'm getting the farmhouse one!

Saying it with chocolate

2009-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

There are a few of them out there...people who don't like chocolate.

But for most of us, the rich flavor of a good chocolate makes any occasion better. Odds are, most of your employees and customers feel that way, too. So it only makes sense to treat them to the sweet stuff whenever you want to send a special message.

As a confirmed and unrepentant chocoholic, I am here to offer you some tips for slipping some chocolates into your thanks, congrats or invitations.

A gift of chocolate is perfect for:

Saying thanks for a job well done
Welcoming a new employee or team member
Reminding employees about special events, such as Safety Month or a Customer Service initiative
Rewarding new customers for their business
Creating a memorable token for attendees to take home from conventions, meetings, grand openings or other significant events

In these days of tight budgets and vanishing perks, the sweet taste of a chocolate candy bar might be the sweetest way to tell employees or customers they matter to your business.

Creating a motivational tool bag

2009-06-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Motivation in the workplace is the art of finding out what works for the employees you have, to help them become the employees you need.

The tricky part is finding out what tools it will take to get from Point A to Point B. Despite what the advocates of the trendiest motivational theories will tell you, when it comes to employee motivation, there isn't just one magic bullet that will work for every employee -- or every organization.

So where do you start?

1) Start by reading about the nature of employee motivation, or just motivation in general. Get a feel for the different types of morale builders and motivational tools they recommend. Just remember that motivational theories are just that -- theories, so don't limit yourself to just one

2) Look closely at the corporate culture. With the theories and tools you've read about in mind, consider which would work best to encourage performance within the existing culture. Yes, some aspects of the company may be due for a change, but start with where you are.

3) Think about the people you need to motivate. What do they want? Need? Not just at work, but in their lives. Is money an issue? How about time off? Acknowledgment? Are there complaints of boredom or being stuck in a rut? Are they what you would call a "fun" group, or are they more serious-minded?

4) With your new-found collection of information, and a good sense for who your employees and company are, it's time to start building your motivational tool bag. Somethings you might want to consider are:

Ice-breaker games to improve communication and aid in team building
Relevant motivational stories to illustrate your goals
Financial rewards you personnally manage, whether they are bonuses, reward cards or other perks that appear in money form. Make sure you have the final say in these -- promised rewards denied further up the line are a powerful demotivator! Not what you want!
Small rewards. Little things like chocolates, gift cards to local restaurants, event tickets or desk accessories like pens are good things to keep on hand for spur of the moment rewards and morale boosters.
Cards for saying thank you, good job, welcome or congratulations. Keep a supply of employee appropriate cards on hand to use for a quick note or a special pat on ethe back. Studies continue to show that Employee motivation and morale are significantly affected by written messages from managers and supervisors.
Look for opportunities for growth. Whether it's a seminar an employee asks to attend, or a chance for each team member to cross train and learn new skills, find out what kind of enrichment works for your employees. Then make it happen.

The bad news is killing morale

2009-06-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Unemployment is up, gas prices are up.

Hiring is down, and so are wages.

British Airways is asking employees to work for free or loose their jobs.

No matter where you look, the news is scary if you're an employee. The economy, despite hype to the contrary, stills seems to be in freefall.

Have you thought about what that's doing to your company's bottom line? All this doom and gloom isn't inspiring people to work harder. It's making it harder to work.

Across the country and across the board, productivity is down. Accidents on the job are up. Employee commitment is down. Error rates are up.

American businesses have a big problem to deal with.

Yes, this blog is about using cards and other inexpensive gifts to boost morale and help with marketing efforts. But I am not going to tell you that a card is going to solve your business woes. That would be stupid.

But I will tell you that communicating openly and honestly with your employees is absolutely and undeniably essential if your business is going to survive. The same goes for having a dialog with your customers.

You can do it in person, you can do it with cards and notes or you can do it via the web. The point is to do it.

And keep it real. Don't send an employee a "Thanks for the great job" card on Monday and lay them off on Friday. Word will get back to the rest of your staff, and your communication will go from being valuable to destructive.

Same goes for customers. Don't promise deals you can't (or won't) deliver just to get them in the door or on your website. Forget the cheerful birthday card if you're planning on play a "bait and switch" game.

Use your words...written or spoken to describe your actions. So if you've got great employees and plan on hanging on to them, reward them as best you can. Thank them with a card or note or small employee gift. Then hang on to them with both hands.

The word about that will get out, too. And maybe, just maybe, that productivity will edge up a bit, those error rates will drop. It's certainly worth the price of a card and a commitment to find out.

So what's it gonna be? Thanksgiving, Christmas, Happy Holidays or all Three?

2009-06-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's almost time to pick out your company's holiday cards.

Oh, don't give me that look! Yes, I know it's June and it's 90 degrees outside. But I'm serious! The holidays are 6 months away (or less, if you include Thanksgiving) and it's time to get cranking on those company Christmas cards...or whatever kind you're sending this year.

So in honor of it being THAT time of year (again, with the looks?!), here are some links to the info you need to get started on your holiday card season:

What holiday to choose?

Sign them or print them?

Making a business holiday card list

Why the cards you choose matter

Employee holiday cards

When to send them out

Fa-la-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la...making my list, checking it twice....

Can I send a funny employee birthday card?

2009-06-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Even after you see the impact sending employee birthday cards can have, there are still questions.

Should they be signed or printed?
Should they be mailed or handed out?

One common question is about whether a funny card is appropriate to give an employee for their birthday.

Most of us like giving and receiving funny birthday cards when it's between family or friends. But when you're looking for an employee birthday card, the rules are different. Why?

A funny card that mocks the recipient's age, marital status, religion, ethnic group or sexual orientation could be used as proof of discrimination should that employee be dismissed or passed over for a promotion
A card with sexual humor could come back to haunt the giver as evidence of sexual harassment or the creation of a hostile or sexually charged workplace
A birthday card that could be construed to make light of a physical or mental challenge could be used in an ADA claim.

While there are probably some workplaces, or some individuals within the workplace, who would genuinely appreciate a funny birthday card, as a business it's far safer to choose a less edgy card for your employees' birthdays.

A casual. lighthearted greeting from the group or from the manager will be just as effective and meaningful, but will by-pass some of the risks.

You can't fake employee praise

2009-06-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

You've read all about the latest cheap employee motivational techniques. You memorized the exact phrases that will spur your staff onto new and higher levels of productivity, reduce accidents and virtually eliminate absenteeism and turnover. You have the proper token in hand...a thank you pin, a gift card or whatever little doo-dad is supposed to convey your "gratitude for all their hard work."

There's only one problem...you don't mean a word of it! You are using a technique to try and manipulate your employees into working harder, complaining less or staying in jobs they may have outgrown. You know it's true. And you know what? Your employees know it, too.

Let's start over. If you really want to motivate your employees, there are a few things you need to do.

1) Really mean it.

Are you really grateful to your team members for the work they do? Or do you believe that they should be grateful to have jobs? Any jobs. If you're operating from the latter view, nothing you do will really inspire them. The change has to come from you. Start looking for the extra effort, the new ideas, the commitment to doing a job well, and make that your focus. Start with sincere thanks for those and you'll find your attitude....and your employees' performance changing together.

2) Find rewards that matter to employees.

Rewards don't have to be expensive to make a difference, but they do have to matter to your employees. Budget tight? Reward employees with some light-hearted fun, a cake for the team to share or an unexpected afternoon off (paid, of course!)

There are books filled with simple, inexpensive ideas for getting employees excited about work. Look through them, and find a few ideas that match your employees' interests and personalities. Those same little gifts or thank you cards that failed when they were being "used" may work wonders when they are given with sincerity!

3) Make recognition a team value.

Encourage your staff to pay attention to the good things each of them does, and to offer their own thanks. Use team building exercises to overcome competitiveness and build a solid, collaborative team.

4)Maintain open communication.

Keep the lines of communication open. A manager who swoops in once in awhile to hand out an award certificate will not have the impact of one who is present and accessible on a daily basis. Your presence allows you to see and act on the good things your employees are doing. And good communication is a motivator, too. Employees who feel heard perform better.

Our new Twitter!

2009-06-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Today, we'd like to invite you to join our brand new Twitter! Follow us, add us, talk to us at @MotivatePeople. We want to hear your motivational ideas and questions, so we can learn and share!

Won't you join in the conversation?

Motivating with humor...why a giggle may work better than a pat on the back

2009-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

When you're trying to keep your employees motivated and engaged at work, but budgets are tight, consider the immortal words of Samuel J. Snodgrass, as he was about to be led to the guillotine, Make 'em laugh!

(Okay, so it was actually the late great Donald O'Connor in Singing in the Rain, but you get the message...)

The same message Snodgrass, via O'Connor directed towards actors and movie-makers applies to managers and supervisors. When times are tough and stress is high, when it comes to employee motivation, "Make 'em laugh!"

Example:

Someone has done a great job and you want to give them an award certificate. You could choose a standard "wow, you did an outstanding job certificate" Yawn. One more paper to file (or deep six.)

Or you could choose a ready-to-print certificate and have someone creative compose a funny award name and maybe a verse or limerick to convey your gratitude or admiration for what they've accomplished. THAT will make 'em laugh, AND get hung on the wall. Simple twist, big difference in the impact!

Another example

It's an employee anniversary or some other milestone, and you want to give them a small gift to let them know you appreciate their contribution. You could give them a pin or other token that proudly proclaims the number of years worked (does ANYONE actually wear those???)

Or, you could give them a pen that talks back to them, a silly desk toy or a Magic Eight Ball Desktop Advisor that will help with all those "tough decisions."

Which one will be used and looked at...the pin or the toy? Which one will actually motivate? It's simple...which one will Make 'em laugh??

It doesn't cost a lot to keep your employees happy. Just a giggle and a chuckle, a funny card, a silly toy -- and the sincere thank you behind it.

Motivating when the money isn't there

2009-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

You'd love to giver your best employees a raise. They are pouring their hearts and souls into the company, working extra hours, skipping lunches. And you know they need the money, but for now, it's just not there to offer.

So how do you keep these employees motivated until the purse strings loosen up a bit? Study after study shows that being acknowledged and appreciated is one of the most powerful motivators an employee can offer. Knowing that the extra hours and extra effort are noticed and appreciated goes a long way towards keeping employees happy.

Here are a few ideas for letting employees know you see exactly what they do for your company. Some are cheap, some are inexpensive, and some are actually free!

1) Say thank you. A sincere, on-the-spot thank you in the midst of battling the stresses of the day can go a long way towards motivating an employee to work a little harder, try a little harder.

2) Put it in writing. Take that thank you, and write it in a thank you card and you will double the impact of your message. If the thank you is sincere, that card will go up on their wall, or travel home to be shared with family. Either way, your gratitude will make a big difference.

3) Make it personal. Today at work, I ws asked to create a personal message to go on an award certificate for someone who has been doing everything and more for her department. It came down to three, somewhat lighthearted lines that describe what she does. But when she gets that certificate in front of her teammates, she will feel the appreciation because the certificate's wording is personal. Not just good work -- the specifics make an ordinary award certificate truly meaningful.

4) Feed them. Whether it's lunch, a cappuccino at the corner coffee shop or a jar of candy for their desk, food is a great low-cost motivator. Give them a gift card in the thank you note, leave the candy jar on their desk with a note of thanks or give them an extra hour off one afternoon and prepay for a coffee or other treat. Little cost. Big results!

The message behind green business holiday cards

2009-05-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

No, not green as in "red and green" and Christmas colors. Green as in recycled and soy inks and certified paper... all that ecolabeling.

If your company is claiming to be green or earth-minded, the company Christmas cards you send need to be green, too.

Choosing an earth-friendly greeting card says several things to your customers, including:

Your actions match what you say, so you are a company with integrity.
You understand the concept of limited resources and are doing your part to conserve, so you are a company with heart.

You have taken the time to reach out and share a message with your clients/customers/employees while at the same time not adding to the waste stream, so you are a company that thinks ahead.

Whether you choose a clearly eco-friendly card like the one above (100% recycled and certified) with a green message, or opt for something more subtle, make sure the cards you choose are genuinely green. The positive power of green is nothing compared to the destructive image a greenwashing label will create!

Hitting the target: know your audience before you send

2009-05-22T09:44:00.001-07:00

You've decided to try using business greeting cards as a way to keep in touch with your customers, contact prospects or motivate your employees. That's awesome!

But before you send a single card...before you sign them, address them or even buy them. take time to consider your audience. Who will read these cards? What are their ages, occupations, interests? How are they connected to your business? What do you know about them? Have they shopped with you or used your services? Or are they employees with company histories? Or are they just people or businesses you're targeting based on mailing lists, geography or industry?

Before you send out your business holiday cards or thank you cards or welcome cards, take a few minutes and list everything you know about your target audience. You may find you have more than one. They could be segregated by location, previous contact with the business, age, gender, lifestyle, marital status, etc. Whatever differences seem important to you, in terms of your business, are the demographics you should examine.

Once you have your groups (and most businesses find they have between three and six distinct groups), select a greeting card for each group. Or choose the same card, but use different sentiments in each group's cards.

Order cards that match each group. Here are some things to consider:

Images -- if there are people in the card's image, do they match the demographics of your target audience? Images of young families may not resonate with senior citizens. Also consider what the image says about your company. A serious law firm may not be best represented by something too cartoon-y or informal.
Message/sentiment -- Make sure the words you choose to have printed in your cards convey the right image for your company. Tailor your message to your industry. For example, a medical practice might wish their recipients good health, while a car dealership might offer their prospects a message of safety or adventure on the road.
Holidays -- If you're using holiday greeting cards, make sure the holiday they mention is one your target audience celebrates. Remember, this isn't about what you or the people you work with celebrate -- it's all about the recipient.

Once you've selected your cards, it's a good idea to also keep an assortment of all-occasion cards on hand, too. That way if an unexpected event comes up, you're ready to send a card out on the spot.

Maintaining contacts with cards

2009-05-20T22:15:00.001-07:00

The economy is tanking, and with it, your business contacts and prospects are getting thinner than ice on a springtime pond (forgive me..I'm a Southerner...phrases like that just sneak out when I least expect it.)

Colorful images aside, it's rough out there. And you're looking for any way you can to catch customers' attention. You've tried Facebook and Twitter and blogs and networking and still....

It's time to give an oldie but goodie. A card.

Yup. A paper with words and a picture all stuffed into an envelope card.

Why a card? Because people are tired of electronic messages. They're bored with wading through 200 updates about what someone had for breakfast.

Because an old-fashioned card is new again.

Send them a card for their birthday. For an anniversary. As a thank you for business or a follow up to a chance encounter or a meeting at a conference.

There are as many reasons to send a card as there are potential customers. Look around. Look for a reason. Keep some card assortments and a supply of stamps on hand for moments when inspiration strikes.

Ready, set, surprise them with a card!

It's time to start thinking about Christmas cards

2009-05-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, it's not even summer and I'm telling you it's time to start thinking about your company Christmas cards! Enough already, right?

Give me a minute and I'll tell you why now is EXACTLY the right time.

Now is the time to start building your holiday card list

Start with the cards that came back last year and correct those names and addresses. Make phone calls, look up addresses in databases and online. Make sure you have the right names for cards that are sent to other businesses...receiving a card addressed to your predecessor is not likely to inspire confidence.

Create a list of new contacts, prospectives and customers to add to this year's list. Brainstorm groups or individuals you want to add to your list this year based on your business and marketing plans.

Check your lists for duplicates, misspellings and incomplete addresses and make necessary corrections.

Now is the time to select your cards

The card you choose says a lot about your company and how you feel about your customers and employees. Review your card choices and select designs that convey the message you choose.

Now is the time to compose your message

The sentiment and the signature printed in your cards will also say a lot about your company, too. Take your time, and make sure the message your customers and employees read is the one you want them to see. This is too important to be left for the last minute.

It takes awhile to sign all those cards

If you were reading this blog last year, you'll probably remember all the posts talking about how important it is to sign each card, in addition to the printed signature. If you have many cards to send, it's never too soon to start signing all those holiday cards!

Keeping the good ones - employees, I mean

2009-05-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

Even when the budget is at a bare minimum, there are just some employees you will do anything to keep. They are your stars, your core, your always-there-in-a-pinch.

And they'll understand why you can't give them a raise right now, right. Maybe.

And they'll understand why you've stopped giving out gift certificates and gift cards and awards and toys, right? They'll stay through thick and thin...

Ummm... Excuse me. Is that your star employee heading out the door, résumé in hand? Yup. Guess they didn't understand after all...

A lot of employers are making the mistake of assuming two things:

1)Their star employees are 100% loyal and will understand all the cut backs

2)No one leaves a steady job in a bad economy

Both assumptions could not be further from the truth. The best will leave if they are not properly acknowledged and rewarded, and they will do it either as soon as the economy improves, or right now if a better offer comes in.

So what is an employer to do? Here's the quick and dirty answer: reward them!

What???? Spend money? Yes.

Odds are. you've reduced your workforce and your stars are carrying a heavier load. Why not give them a small percentage of the previous employees' salaries? Give them 10% and you're still saving 90% of what it used to cost!

If the money just isn't there, consider other options to let them know how much you value their expertise and hard work. For instance:

Recognition -- A thank you card, an award plaque with a small gift, a personal note from you expressing your appreciation, an announcement about a their accomplishments in the company newsletter... Let your employees know you notice what they do and that you appreciate what they do.

Fun -- Who says work has to be dull and boring? Make it fun. Start an impromptu game of catch with a squishy ball at your next team meeting. Treat everyone to a Starbucks drink, complete with whipped cream. Start a "Cartoon of the Day" e-mail. Fun creates a feeling of belonging, and that can go a long way towards improving employee morale and commitment.

Learning and growth -- Let your employees try new things, enroll them in classes that interest them, encourage new ideas and new ways of doing things. Instead of closing down and keeping to the tried-and-true, use this economic slump to start some new projects, try some innovative ways of reaching customers or experiment with new work processes and schedules. Odds are, you'll find a few things that will serve you well when the economy picks up, and you'll also be improving employee engagement.

How about a summer employee picnic?

2009-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Summertime, and the living is easy....

Yup, it's almost summer! So throw a party! Sure money is tight...yes, I know your budget is screaming in pain! But an employee picnic could be just the thing to cheer everyone up, improve employee morale and release tension and stress.

Plan your picnic on a work day, if at all possible. Coming to spend time with coworkers on a Saturday or Sunday might actually add to many employees' stress. Some employees may be Sabbath observant and unable to attend. Others may have kids sports or family events planned, and yet feel obligated to attend. Having it on a work day makes it extra special..time off AND a picnic!
Make it a potluck. Randomly assign employees to main course, appetizer, side dish or dessert by alphabet or date of hire or department. If employees are worried about costs, assign more to the main course category so each can bring a smaller dish.
Invite families. It's summer so kids are off school and many spouses are home, too.
Have your company provide the drinks (no alcohol!) and disposables.
Make it fun. Have games, toys and music to add to the celebration.
After the picnic, send them home! You'll score huge points with employees when they get to leave early on a workday, especially after a picnic!

Why employee anniversaries matter

2009-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Bethany has been with your company for three years this month. Aiden started six years ago, and Phyllis just passed her ten year anniversary. Lisa's only been here a year...actually, it's a year this month. And what are you doing to celebrate and honor these milestones? Giving them a performance review? Letting them earn an extra hour of PTO each month?

Your employees are the backbone of your company. Odds are, they spend more hours there, in their offices and cubicles and workstations than they do with their kids or even in their own houses. And yet, year after year, their anniversary comes and goes without a word.

Let me ask you something...do you actually WANT them to care about your company? About the team and the projects and the goals and the deadlines? Not just do it for the paycheck, but CARE.

If the answer is yes, it's time you let them know that you could not have a company without them. No employees means no expertise and no customer service and no products made or sold...face it, they are your company.

Instead of acting as though they're lucky to have a job, start acting as though you're lucky to have employees.

Start with their anniversary. Even if you've never mentioned it to them before, look up the dates and make a big deal about each and every one. Give them employee anniversary cards and SIGN THEM! Have a once a week announcement of who is celebrating and how many years they've served your company. Print up colorful lists for each month and hang them in break rooms and lunch areas. Give long-term employees a small gift or award.

Make it a big deal that these people spend most of their waking hours at your company! The rewards your company will reap will far outweight the cost of a few trinkets and a package of anniversary cards.

More work SHOULD mean more rewards!

2009-03-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Everything has been crazy at our company, just like it probably is at yours. In the face of the recession, everyone is working harder than ever. It seems like no one has just one area of responsibility any more...all of us are wearing so many different hats.

Now for the big question...are you rewarding your employees for all they're doing? Are you even saying thank you, or is it more of a "Consider yourself lucky you have a job" find of thing? Be honest. Because you're not fooling anyone, least of all your employees. And the wrong choice will come back to bite you, sooner than you might think!

Here's the bottom line, 'cause I know you're busy.

1) People (read: employees, but it's nice to be reminded once in awhile that they ARE people!) work better and harder and more effectively when they feel

Appreciated
Needed
Noticed

It's that simple. So what about your employees? Are they being told how essential they are to your company's success -- even its survival? Are they being told how much their hard work is appreciated? Or even more to the point,

ARE THEY APPRECIATED???????

Here are a few more simple facts:

Unappreciated employees have more accidents, take more sick days, work less effectively and are less creative. These are the people who are most likely have a resume at the ready at all times. In other words, given a half decent opportunity, they, and their expertise and contacts and information will be out the door. Woosh! Gone!
Employees who feel unneeded, especially in this economy, are spending far more hours worrying about that pink slip than they are worrying about your bottom line.
Employees who come to the conclusion, correctly or incorrectly, that they are not noticed...that their work is not noticed...stop trying and start coasting. And if the differential rewards are nil, who can blame them?

So what do you have to do?

Thank you for asking, because the answers are just as simple as the facts!

Know where real productivity lies. Realize, deep down in your managerial heart that as much as you would like to believe that it all depends on you, that it REALLY all depends on those sales associates and telephone help desk people and order processors and everyone else who handles the day to day making, selling, services and explaining your product or service. THEY ARE YOUR COMPANY'S LIFEBLOOD!
Pay attention to what they do every day. Instead of focusing on yet another tool to catch and bash people for being 10 minutes late, start looking at what good stuff they are doing every single day. Helping that annoying customer calmly. Getting that order out the door against all odds. Getting another 100 people to look at your website today. It all counts, so start acknowledging it.
Figure out ways to say thank you. And don't tell me you can't afford to say thank you. A simple "Hey, great job!" card or jar of candy for their desk or SOMETHING will be a HUGE leap from nothing! And it's cheap! REALLY, REALLY cheap, especially when you consider that your company depends on every employee doing their stuff in harmony and well and consistently.

Don't let Employee Appreciation Day pass without employee appreciation!

2009-03-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

March 6th is comin' up fast, people...do your employees feel appreciated?

Let's be honest. Are they feeling like essential members of the team, critical factors in your company's success?

Or are they living under the constant threat of layoffs, wondering when their name will come up on the pink slip list? Or worse yet, under constant scrutiny lest they make a mistake and the discipline notices begin?

Countless studies have proven that employees who feel under appreciated and under the gun perform more poorly, have more accidents and provide lower quality customer service. And yet some companies never learn.

How is your company doing on employee appreciation? Could your company culture stand some improvement? Here are some tips for making real and lasting changes in the way your employees feel at work...and Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect day to start!

Here are some ideas for Employee Appreciation Day, and then some more for the rest of the year:

For March 6th, if you haven't already planned something, it's not too late to put together a little celebration:

Celebrate together. Order a cake, decorate the lunch rooms or break rooms and say thank you to everyone with an impromptu party.

Give everyone a thank you card with a small gift card inside. Do not give a gift card to your company's business -- go for a local grocery store, gas station or fast food restaurant. Make sure the card tells employees that they are most important asset your company has. And mean it.

Use March 6th to announce a new employee appreciation policy. Make each employee's birthday a paid holiday for them. Or make some days a "Bring-Your-Dog-To-Work-Day. Whatever your new policy is, the cost will be small compared to the value you'll gain from committed employees.

And from March 6th onward, make some real changes to show your staff that employee appreciation isn't just a day, it's a policy.

Send each employee a personally signed birthday card. And an employment anniversary card. Let them know that they are recognized and appreciated as individuals

Share information instead of letting them drown in rumors. Coming to work every day afraid of being RIF'd is no way to work. Let employees know exactly what's going on, and provide on-going feedback about their job security. If they're in line to be let go, let them know a month in advance so they can start a job search.

Provide training and job enrichment. One way to let employees know you appreciate them is to provide them with training and new ways to use their skills, talents and interests. Training is a powerful way to keep your employees motivated and add to the quality of your company at the same time.

Make saying thank you a company policy. A sincere thank you for a job well done, a heroic effort or just a helping hand goes a long way towards building employee satisfaction. make it a company policy to reward employees with a genuine thank you, in writing if possible. And let encourage supervisors and managers to file a copy in the employee's file, too. Knowing that those thank you's will be remembered at review time is an employee appreciation tool everyone will love.

Happy birthday to your employees

2009-02-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

Do you have time to recognize your employees' birthday? Really, the question should be...do you have time NOT to?

Productivity is directly tied to employee commitment to the organization and its goals.

And commitment comes from employee engagement and feeling of being a significant and essential part of the organization. A valued member of the group or "tribe."

Right now, there's not a lot of money for creating that "belonging" through raises, cash rewards, training trips or other expensive perks. But there is money for a very simple yet very effective tool for drawing employees into the group...honoring each employee's birthday.

Here are some ideas for recognizing an employee birthday;

Send them a card already! (Hey, you knew I would say that! It's in the title, right?) But serious, a personally signed birthday card does a lot to make an employee feel like part of the group! Go funny or serious, but make sure the card is signed by at least the manager or group supervisor. For an even more effective result, pass around the cards for everyone in the work group to sign.

Create and share birthday lists. Create a company-wide birthday list and share it each month. Post it on bulletin boards or e-mail it to all employees. If you have weekly announcements, mention that week's birthday celebrants as part of the announcements.

Allow little celebrations. Allow and even encourage teams to celebrate employee birthdays with cake and beverages. Having your team members sings (albeit off key) Happy Birthday may be slightly embarrassing, yet it goes a long way towards creating a team feeling in each employee.

Business gifts -- little gift, big results

2009-02-13T07:19:00.001-08:00

In the August 2008 issue of PPB magazine, Richard Nelson and Rick Ebel reported that U.S. businesses (including nonprofits) spend an amazing $5.59 BILLION a year on promotional gifts.

Of that figure, the overwhelming majority were to thank customers or build goodwill, with new customer prospecting and employee recognition tying for third. Why are businesses spending so much on gifts?

The answer is simple. It works.

Whether it's a coffee mug, a calculator or a water bottle, customers and prospectives like receiving tokens from merchants, don't mind merchant logos or slogans on the gifts and tend to favor businesses who give gifts over those who do not, even if service or quality is equal or better in the non-gifting business!

Employees follow the same pattern. Companies which reward employees with gifts, including desk accessories report higher employee loyalty and higher overall productivity than non-gifting employers.

In the current recession, it may be tempting to jettison the gifts. But research indicates that along with those gifts may go your customers and employees.

Coffee mug anyone?

Employee Appreciation Day is March 6

2009-02-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

It's less than a month until Employee Appreciation Day. How are you going to thank the people who keep your company running every day of year?

Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to reward your most precious and irreplaceable resource...your employees!

Send them a card already!

Yes, I know, you knew that was coming. But it's true! For the price of a thank you card or a job well done card, you could inspire your employees to work just a bit harder, to cut the break just a little shorter or to write one less personal e-mail. If they know your message is sincere (and trust me, they WILL know!) you'll be amazed at the effect of that simple message of appreciation.

How about a little gift?

Yes, I know the budget is tight! But without hardworking employees, nothing is going to come in to fill those depleted coffers. So part with a tiny bit of cash and give them a symbol of your thanks and respect for all they do.

Make it fun, too. How about a "Way to go" slinky? For a couple of bucks, each employee will get a piece of their childhood AND a much-needed message of thanks from you! How's that for cheap and effective employee motivation?

Or if chocolate is a better motivator, how about a chocolate bar wrapped in a motivational message? Studies have confirmed that chocolate gives people good feelings similar to falling in love...perfect for increasing good feelings towards the company, too!

Create a crazy awards ceremony

Laughter is a wonderful way to increase employee loyalty, deal with stress and improve morale, so why not throw a wacky awards ceremony on Employee Appreciation Day? Order a package of serious looking award certificates and invite employees to a special ceremony. Keep the silly part under wraps, until the awards are announced, then watch the fun. Appreciation, team building and a cheap morale booster besides? What more could you want?

Using greeting cards to retain customers

2009-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

There are two ways to build your business:

Find new customers to buy your products
Retain your customers and increase their level of buying

Most business owners lean toward the first, and pour all of their efforts and advertising dollars into finding new customers. Unfortunately, that's probably not your best use of money.

Existing customers can be a goldmine, but one that most businesses ignore! Why? They are viewed as "already on-board." And now it's time to get some more. But in reality, the existing customer is your best resource for new business, especially in tight economic times. Again, why?

Existing customers know you and your business. You are a known quantity.
Existing customers are interested in what you sell or offer. The proof? They've already bought some of it!
Existing customers have a history. That means you can look at past sales, buying patterns and product groups. You can also review complaints and returns to see where your existing customers may be having issues with your products or services.

Using existing buyer info to increase sales

Review their buying patterns. Look for seasonal trends, recent increases, decreases or changes in buying. Look for ways to promote add-ons or related products, or to reinforce a positive trends. Look over sales for ways to correct a negative trend. Are they overdue for a tire change or a financial review? Do they always buy travel gear at a certain time of the year, but not related items or services?

Have they had problems with your services or products? Have those issues been resolved to the customer's satisfaction? If not, can you address that now? If yes, can you communicate your appreciation for their loyalty and patience?

Is there an upcoming event or season that fits in with their buying interests? Can you tie a product or service to that event or time period?

Once you've gathered all that information, it's time to use a very simple tool to communicate with these customers...send them a card already!

A simple, inexpensive but well made card. A thank you card. An apology. Or even, if you have the data, a birthday card. Printed with your company's name. But with a handwritten note inside reinforcing the message.

"Sorry about the problems you had with the washer. I'm so glad we were able to fix it for you."

"We're glad to have Fido as part of our pet patient family. Hope to see him in our new state-of-the-art pet spa sometime soon!"

Include a custom advertisement just for them. If your customer has a Ford Mustang, don't send a sale flyer for Chevy Truck parts. Existing customers are people who know you and your business -- and they expect that you know them. Show them they're right with targeted messages.

These customers can be the key to not only staying afloat, but riding on a bigger yacht. Show them you notice them, appreciate them.

Greeting cards for the women at work

2009-02-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

It started with very separate roles for men and women. By and large, men inhabited the workplace and women worked at home.

Then it moved towards an ideal of androgyny. Men and women as not only equals, but essentially identical. Gender differences like temperament, management style, pregnancy and childbirth were swept under the proverbial rug of "things we don't want to deal with or even admit are there."

Times have changed. Equality is taken for granted (although it's not a complete reality.) And people are beginning to address the differences, not as good or bad but as unique and potentially valuable. For the very first time, perhaps ever, women are able to succeed without having to pretend they're men in skirts and pantyhose.

So what does this have to do with cards? A lot.

Whether it's a woman choosing the cards, or a woman receiving a card, it's no longer necessary to choose a gender-neutral (or even masculine) card in order to appear "professional."

Does that mean that business greeting card companies need to start making cards embellished with Victorian lace and teddy bears. Not necessarily. But maybe.

It is now okay for women to decorate their offices with decidedly feminine accessories. To admit that working while pregnant is NOT the same as anything the men in the office will ever experience or understand. And that a pretty card is a nice thing to receive.

Another revolution! And one to keep in mind when you're choosing cards for the women at work.

The power of Happy Birthday

2009-02-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

These are scary days for employees.

Profits are down, wages are frozen and jobs are vanishing, all while gas prices, food prices and foreclosures are rising.

Every business is looking for ways to save money. But have you considered the value of spending just a little on your employees?

There may not be money in the budget for raises or promotions, but how about something small and simple like a birthday card?

Sending an employee a birthday card does several things.

First, it lets the employee know that they are noticed as an individual. Unlike company Christmas cards, which are a powerful tool as well, a birthday card is a more personal experience. After all, it's not everyone in the company's birthday on the same day or even in the same month.
A simple birthday card, imprinted from the company, then signed by a manager or the whole department, can boost employee morale and team loyalty. The message that we are celebrating your birthday makes an employee know they belong, and that is one of the most powerful tools for increasing morale.
A birthday card mailed to the employee's home makes an even greater impact. That extra bit of effort and a postage stamp pays off in huge attitude dividends.
Sending a birthday card to an employee's spouse or partner and children costs very little, but can help even further in boosting the feeling of belonging. And when people feel like they belong, they work harder and have fewer accidents -- both benefits that far outweigh the price of a card.

Acknowledging employees can boost your bottom line

2009-02-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

In an article published in the Summer 2008 edition of Motivational Strategies, researchers found that businesses with higher levels of employee engagement had more satisfied customers, more sales per square foot of store space, lower turnover and less accidents and injuries than businesses where employees felt unrecognized, unappreciated or replaceable.

So how do you create engagement? Here are some ideas:

Training -- Make sure your employees feel confident in their ability to do their jobs. Lack of training is listed as one of the primary reasons people feel disengaged at work.

Support -- Do your employees have the tools and materials they need to do their job well? Are they comfortable taking risks and trying new things, knowing they have the support of their managers and the company?

Acknowledgment -- Are employee successes taken for granted as "part of their job" or acknowledged with gratitude? If success is celebrated, even if the celebration is as small as a thank you card or a desk award, employees are more likely to put in their full effort and remain engaged in the company.

Variety -- Do employees get to experience a variety of projects, challenges and opportunities? When employees get to stretch their abilities in different tasks and roles, they are more likely to rate their company as a good or excellent place to work. Bored employees perform poorly, have more accidents and treat customers with less respect and enthusiasm.

Congratulations cards and chocolate

2009-01-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

What could be better than getting a congratulations card for a job well done? Getting a card and some chocolate! Adding the sweet treat to a "Good job" card significantly raises the employee's perceived value of the message.

But before you add that chocolate bar to the envelope, consider this tidbit:

Telling the employee too much about the chocolate will devalue the effectiveness of the entire reward!

A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who were given detailed information about the nutritional value and ingredients in a chocolate bar reported a much lower level of satisfaction with the candy than someone who was given only vague or minimal information about the same brand and style of candy.

So what is a manager to do get the maximum impact from giving an employee a motivational card and a chocolate?

Choose a chocolate bar with minimal information on the package, or at least, minimal information on the front label. Chocolates with banners describing their fat content would probably not spark the same reaction as those offering only the brand name.
Or even better, choose a chocolate bar with a novelty wrapper that conveys your message of thanks in a clear way. Many companies offer chocolate bars wrapped in a label reading "Congratulations" or "You make the difference." That way, you'll double the message AND avoid the negative effects of too much information.

Since both congratulations cards and motivational chocolates are inexpensive, it's easy to always have some of each on hand to catch that moment when a sweet reward is right.

Honor employees with anniversary cards

2009-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Does anyone at your company know exactly how long the person in the next cubicle has been with the company? Do you remember the date you started? Wouldn't it be nice to have the anniversary of your start with the company noticed each year?

As a society, we celebrate anniversaries of good things. Weddings. Births. First dates. Graduations (that's what class reunions are all about.)

So if we really value the employees at our company, shouldn't we be celebrating the anniversary of their employment?

An employee anniversary card is a great way to acknowledge that special day. It's inexpensive, personal and says "We care that you're here!" What better message could there be in these days of layoffs and cutbacks than to say "Thank you for working with us."

You can order a selection of employee anniversary cards imprinted with the company name and logo for a professional touch. But before you send it, be sure to add a personal note and a real signature. Even a simple line like

"Glad to have you in accounting!" or "Thanks for all your hard work on the catalogs!"

can turn an impersonal card into something special.

Christmas is over, but the value of cards continues

2009-01-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's January and you thought the time for business greeting cards was over for another year. You are free from the need to order anything until next fall, right? Well, you could look at it that way.

But that would mean you'd be missing one of the least expensive and significantly powerful motivational tools you have for recognizing and honoring your employees!

A simple birthday greeting or business anniversary card sent to an employee can help to reinforce those bonds of loyalty and instill a sense of belonging. A congratulations card for a job well done, or a way to go for a project completed says more than the words on the card...it says that their work has been noticed and is being acknowledged as important to their manager, supervisor or even the whole company.

A get well card or a sympathy card tells an employee that they are recognized as a person, instead of just a worker who counts only when they're being productive and useful.

For the next little while, this blog will address the value of business greeting cards; how, when and where to send them; and the impact a simple card can have on an employee's motivation and attitude.

Last minute ideas for your company Christmas card

2008-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

If you waited until the last minute to send your company Christmas cards, here are some tips to get them in the mail and to the right people on time:

1) Have a card writing dinner at work. Enlist the help of a few people with good hand-writing, and a few others to get those cards written, addressed, stamped and out the door. Let those with elegant writing sign and address, while the rest insert the cards into envelopes, seal and stamp them. Treat all participants to dinner before or after the process...not during unless you want spaghetti sauce spots next to your signature!

2) Make sure the right cards go into the right envelopes! This may seem obvious, but it happens, and it does not reflect well on your company. Have everyone double check as they insert the card!

3) Consider offering a last minute savings opportunity. A discount, special offer or other incentive could boost your year end bottom line by inspiring those who are on the fence to shop/buy. This time of year, many consumers are willing to spend more than originally planned for holiday gifts, and business buyers may be in a "use it or lose it" budget situation. Either way, your company could be the big winner.

4) Go with a known quantity. This late in the game is NOT the time to save a few bucks by going with a cheap new printer or the one you got in your spam box. Choose a professional business holiday card supplier like G.Neil or HR Direct. It may cost a few extra dollars, but if the cards arrive late or with mistakes, your so-called savings will evaporate instantly!

Following up on your company Christmas cards

2008-12-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Handwritten holiday card image courtesy of Write On Results

By now, you've probably ordered, signed and addressed your company Christmas cards. Good job! (What? You haven't? Do it today, people!)

So once those cards arrive from the printer and the envelopes are addressed (remember, no labels! Hand address them,) you're done, right? You can just stuff those cards into the envelopes and let the postage machine do it's thing.

NO!!!

Now is the time to review....

1)Hand address those cards. Yes, it's a pain. And yes, it matters. So get out those nice gel writers and get everyone with really nice handwriting addressing those company Christmas cards!

2)Write a personal note in every card addressed to someone who matters. What? Everyone you're sending a card to matters? Then stock up on the hot chocolate and get busy. A personal note, especially one that references some business the customer or client had with the company scores big in the "Standing out from Crowd" department. And that is WHY you're sending cards in the first place. Just make sure that if you farm this task out to others in the company, you assign them by gender. Women and men write differently, so a note supposedly penned by Sarah Goodman should not look like it was written by Josh or Dave.

3)Sign 'em. While you're writing, sign it. First name, first and last, first-last-and-title...your choice. Just add your John Hancock there, even if you've had a signature printed. Again, a pain, but one that pays off.

4) Watch for returns. If a card comes back with an address correction, pull out another envelope and resend to the new address. If it just says something like "Forwarding Order Expired", do some research and try and find a new address. A note that I should NOT have to write but do because I have SEEN this...if the card has been damaged, bent, torn or mangled in the first round, WRITE A NEW CARD! No one will believe it's the Post Office's fault when the envelope arrives in perfect shape and the card inside looks chewed.

And one more thing, update your address database as you resend these cards.

5) If you sent a coupon or special offer, track the results. There is no use sending offers in your company Christmas card if you don't know what works and what doesn't. Hopefully, unless you have a tried and true offer, you did some testing with different coupons to different people. Keep track and use that info to improve future mailings.

Last chance for company Christmas cards!

2008-12-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

It's December already! So where did the time go? And where are your business Christmas cards?

Opps! There are only 23 days until Christmas, but it's not too late to order holiday cards today! Here are some tips for last minute business Christmas card orders.

1) Keep it simple. Now is not the time to design a custom verse, create a new logo or fret over the format of the signature. Get your orders in with a minimum of custom work and you have the best chance of getting the cards done right and on time.

2) Overnight your paperwork. Now is not the time to trust regular mail or lower-cost three or five day package delivery. Spring for the first thing in the morning delivery, then follow up to make sure it was received.

3) Opt for e-mailed proofs. Forget seeing your signature and logo on the card itself. Time is short, and you want those cards delivered on time. Opt for an e-mail proof, then double and triple check spelling, verse and layout. There's no time for reprints!

4) Order from a company that understands business needs. While there are lots of quick and cheap printing companies online, many have never dealt with a large or critical corporate order. They are just not B2B professionals. With time as a critical factor, go for one of the B2B specialists with a long history in the business like G.Neil or HR Direct. They understand your needs and your schedule, and have the experience to get you what you need.

Got a couple of extra cards?

2008-11-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself with a handful of extra company Christmas cards after you've written all you need to for your employees and customers, here are some ideas for putting those calorie-free leftovers to good use:

Send a card to a wounded soldier

Write a message of healing in those extra business holiday cards and send them to:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Send a card to a sick child

Check out the Hugs and Hope website for information about sending cards to kids who are facing frightening illnesses or injuries in the hospital this holiday season.

Reach out to the homeless

Send a message of hope to the homeless in your city with a holiday card. Write a seasonal message of hope in each, then enclose a gift card to a fast food restaurant, Wal-Mart or grocery store. Then take them to the local shelter or food kitchen and hand them out along with cookies and hot cider. If it's a family shelter, bring small wrapped toys along.

Cheer up local seniors

Many residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities have no family or friends. Brighten their day and their season with your leftover cards. Take small holiday decorations, CD's or small gifts like bright holiday socks. If you want to take food, check with the staff in advance to learn about special diets. Let employees take the cards and gifts to the facility and spend some time with the residents. That will boost employee morale, as well.

No matter how you decide to use those extra cards, you'll know you're making a difference in a life, instead of just filling a trash can. And isn't that what the holidays are all about?

Don't discount affordable business cards as a powerful marketing tool

2008-11-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

It's almost Thanksgiving and the business forecasts are abysmal. Sales are down, defaults and foreclosures are up, credit is non-existent. The New Year is looking grim.

So what can you do? If you're in a business that has competition in the same area -- like a dry cleaner, restaurant, insurance agency or computer repair shop -- one powerful and inexpensive tool is the company Christmas card. That small token of seasonal good cheer can mean the difference between being just another store in the strip mall and becoming a destination.

Best of all, affordable business holiday cards are still available, even this late in November. A smaller format company holiday card can carry all the punch of a larger card, but at a much lower price per card.

Creating your business holiday message

2008-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Before you select your company's holiday greeting cards, and certainly before you begin to pen a message inside, take some time to think about what your business holiday message should be. What do you want to convey, besides Happy Holidays, to those who will read your card? Here are some things to think about:

What is the core value of your company? Is it service? Reliable tradition? Something to make life more fun? Offering cutting-edge technology and gadgets?

Who are your customers? Can you identify a key demographic? Are they older, well-educated professionals? Young, liberal people just starting out in their lives or professions? Families? Sports and/or outdoors enthusiasts? Corporate employees?

Just brainstorm the answers to those two keep questions. Ask others in your organization for their first thoughts. Use the information to create a picture of who you are and who your customers are, painting both with broad strokes rather than specifics like age or annual income.

Now use this information to select a card that will convey a holiday message that reflects your company and your customers.

Start with the picture on the front of the card. For example, if your company stands for environmentally friendly or nature oriented values, an image if pristine snow in a wooded setting would be a better choice than one of a city street crowded with shoppers and decorations. Companies who want to convey a message of friendly, non-traditional service to a younger or more active audience might want to select an image with playful penguins or polar bears instead of a Thomas Kincaid-like scene of a cottage in the countryside.

There is important psychology in action here. By matching the image on the card to the image you see for your customers and your company, you are saying "Hey this is who and what we are, and we connect with who and what you are." Without shouting it, the message will get across.

Tomorrow, I'll talk about what the holiday message inside says about your company. Believe it or not, even the font counts!

It's not too late to get your business holiday cards -- but it will be soon!

2008-11-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

It's just over a month until Hanukkah and Christmas, and you're still on the fence about ordering company Christmas cards? The economy is in the toilet, your customer base is hanging on to their dollars like they're the last flotation device on the ship, and your employees are spending more energy focusing on how they can afford to fill their grocery cart than on that new project.

And you're waiting? Considering NOT ordering cards?

Studies have shown that sending holiday cards works well to establish and support customer loyalty and name recognition. Other studies have found a link between little things like company holiday cards and employee identification as "part of the team."

And yet, you might pass up this inexpensive and powerful tool, saving maybe a few hundred dollars and missing out on many times that in loyalty and impact!

If the budget is so tight it squeaks, (and whose isn't?), choose more affordable business holiday cards. Skip the foil lined envelopes and oversized format in favor of a more modest silhouette and regular envelopes.

The impact isn't in the size of the card, or the suede finish paper...it's in the name at the bottom, and the personal notes and signature you add. It's in the hand-addressed envelope instead of a computer printed label. It's in the thoughtful verse, and the timely delivery -- all the things we've talked about in this blog.

Make the most of the holidays for your company. A card is best way to let them all know you care.

Give employees a treat with gas cards in their Christmas cards

2008-11-17T06:30:00.001-08:00

The good news is, gas prices have fallen over 40% since the highs of last summer. The bad news is everything else is up...food, clothing and rent have risen sharply. And that means your employees are hurting.

This year, add something thoughtful to your employees' business Christmas cards. A $25 gas card is a nice way to say you care about employees, even when raises and promotions just aren't in the budget.

Or consider a grocery gift card from your town's most popular grocery chain. Avoid choosing a specialty market -- food needs vary, and a smaller market may not offer the vegetarian, Kosher, Halal or other foods some employees require. A specific food like a turkey or ham is a bad idea for the same reason.

Some malls also offer gift cards good in any mall store. Adding these to employee Christmas cards is another nice way to remember employees during the holidays.

No matter which option you choose, in the midst of this year's economic stresses, adding a little something extra to your company Christmas card will make a Happier New Year for everyone.

No Christmas party at work? Holiday cards just became more important for employees and clients

2008-11-13T08:29:00.001-08:00

According to an Associated Press article from yesterday, many companies are scaling back or even canceling this year's company Christmas party. Even heavy hitters like Viacom have nixed the traditional Yuletide gathering, offering employees two paid days off instead.

If the annual gathering is not to be, it's even more essential to send business holiday cards to those who would ordinarily be a part of the festivities. While it can't take the place of a face-to-face gathering, a beautiful company Christmas card or New Year's greeting can provide an essential point of contact in this troubled economic climate.

An elegant, well-worded corporate holiday card can convey gratitude for past service or business, offer wishes for a prosperous New Year, and perhaps even reassure business recipients that a trusted company is still around.

According to the AP article, many companies are sending out a message that the party has been canceled out of consideration for those who are facing such troubled times...a lavish party following layoffs, foreclosures and other financial troubles would not be in good taste. Whether or not the sentiment is sincere, it does offer a palatable explanation that seems more considerate than desperate, and might reassure some clients and customers.

For employees, a card with a custom sentiment that expresses gratitude and a sense of understanding, especially if layoffs have occurred or are a possibility, can go a long way towards showing an employee that the company does understand. Enclosing a gift card for a local grocery store or gas station is a wonderful idea -- far less expensive than a party, it will go a long way towards helping employees feel heard.

Wish your clients and employees a Happy New Year, with a twist

2008-11-10T09:03:00.001-08:00

This year, instead of trying to figure out who celebrates which winter religious holiday, consider sending your customers and employees a Happy New Year card.

New Year greetings can be personalized to match your business. For instance, a medical practice could write:

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy New Year

A car dealership could write:

A wish for many happy journeys in the New Year

The subtle connection to your product or service reminds the recipient what you do, without coming across as too pushy.

So what's the twist?

For customers:

Use the records you have of customer purchases and orders to create a customized "Wish List" for the New Year. Print them like a To-Do list and enclose them in each card. So the buyer of Mustang parts would receive a 2009 To-Do list including things like "Replace struts with Ford OEM high impact struts and shocks" or "Protect upholstery with aftermarket made-to-fit Mustang seat covers." Just a few custom suggestions with lines left at the bottom of the list to add their own "to'do's" could spark unexpected sales as the New Year unfolds.

For employees:

Make a "To-Do" list with events and sites from your company's city. Work/life balance is critical to employee (and company) success, so give your employees the gift of

Recognizing that they have an off-work life
recognizing the value of their "real" life

Consider enclosing some* free tickets or passes to one or two events in their card. This small but unexpected treat can do wonders for employee morale.

*Try to enclose the right number of passes for the employee's family size. There's nothing worse than getting 2 tickets when you have a three person family. Either the tickets go unused, another ticket must be purchased (often impossible), or someone is left out. Make sure single employees without children receive at least two tickets, four if possible.

Don't miss the chance to connect with business holiday cards

2008-11-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

It's November.

Do you know where your company's holiday cards are?

It's not too late to order holiday cards for your business! Here are some important deadlines you might want to keep in mind to make sure your company Christmas card gets to its destination on time.

Christmas: Thursday, December 25th
Hanukkah (First night): Sunday, December 21st
New Years Eve: Wednesday, December 31st

The USPS sets up mailing deadlines for holiday cards and packages to make sure items arrive on time. For Christmas delivery, the 2008 schedule is available online. The new schedule includes military and international deliveries..

Remember, the dates shown are the deadlines. Since late is far worse than earlier, time your mailings well in advance of the date on the chart.

Use humor to address tough economic realities this holiday

2008-10-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows times are tough, so why not laugh at what we can't change?

That's exactly the idea behind a line of holiday greeting cards just released by Order of St. Nick, a company that specializes in edgy, funny greeting cards. Their new collection uses images and verses to hit at today's worse financial issues, from foreclosures to high gas prices.

One card deals with a lost 401K and offers the recipient a timely wish:

"Have a Great Depression and a Subprime New Year."

Another shows a Depression-era child rejoicing because Christmas dinner will feature squirrel instead of rat. Check out the whole line at Depressing Times.com.

These cards might be a good way to get a laugh out of customers stressed by recent events in the stock market and at the supermarket. But you have to be careful in your choice of recipients. Sending a subprime mortgage themed Christmas card to an employee or client who has just lost their home would be cruel, and we often don't know who is facing that issue.

If you decide to go for humor, but want a slightly lighter touch. A reindeer tangled in Christmas lights or a stack of cheering penguins might bring a smile to a recipient's face without a tear in their eye.

And right now a good laugh or even a small smile might be exactly what your clients and employees need.

Don't wait until the last minute!

2008-10-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's December 20th. The business holiday cards you ordered three days ago in a last minute panic have arrived. You tear though the pricey overnight rush delivery package you had to pay extra for. You open the box and there you see hundreds of lovely cards with an idyllic rural winter scene -- and your company's name misspelled on each and every one.

What are you going to do with 600 pretty Christmas cards that proudly call your business "Shakespeare's Booksnore." It's 5 days until Christmas, Hanukkah has already started, and the New Year is almost here. It's too late to send them back, wait for a reprint, and then sign and send 600 cards.

Don't let this happen to your company! Mistakes can and do happen, and any good greeting card printer will replace the misprinted or otherwise unacceptable cards at no charge. But that won't help you when the cards arrive too late for a fix.

Today is October 24th. Two months from today is Christmas Eve. Have you ordered your company holiday cards yet?

G.Neil, my personal fave for company greeting cards, has some great specials right now. And they really do a nice printing job too. Very clean, no smears or stray ink spots (I am a fanatic about clean printing!) But wherever you order, order NOW! It's almost Halloween! Can Hanukkah and Christmas be far behind?

Is a corporate holiday gift a good idea? You bet!

2008-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

As businesses compete for fewer and fewer consumer and even B2B dollars, the race is on to make your company stand out from the crowd.

Sending a company Christmas card or business Thanksgiving card is certainly one way to reach out to customers. But what about those really special customers? Or that market segment your business is trying to break into? Is a corporate holiday gift a good way to stand out from the crowd?

If you choose the right gifts, the answer could be yes!
Here's a case study...

Sue and Stan's custom construction company had always been number one in their area. Then a combination of decreased home owner spending and some new, lower cost competition combined to put a real dent in their business. And the holidays were just around the corner.

Of course they would send out company Christmas cards to past clients and people who had expressed an
interest at the local home show over the summer. But there were a handful of really wonderful clients who had not only used Sue and Stan's services in their own homes, but had also referred quite a few clients to them over the years.

For these special customers, they decided to add a corporate holiday gift to the usual card to let these special clients know how much they appreciated their on-going business and referrals.

After looking around, they decided on a small but elegant desk clock and calculator combination. They took advantage of the free engraving to add a message of thanks that related to the gift..

"When it's time for home renovations, count on S & S Custom Builders"

They sent these holiday gifts to 30 of their best clients, along with a gift certificate good for $100 off a new project with each referral who scheduled their own home renovation or custom building project.

The result of their investment of about $600? In the following 4 months -- 18 new projects for just over $92,000 in net profit.

A side note...the company Christmas cards sent to 150 people contacted at the summer home show yielded another $80,000 plus in projects booked for the months following the holidays.

In this season of silver and gold, are you using holidays cards and gifts to keep your business in the black?

Quality pays when it comes to business Christmas cards

2008-10-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

A story from one of my readers:

I got a sample in the mail from one of the business holiday card companies I've been seeing a lot online. Their prices were so low, and money is tight, so I wanted to see what I could get for my money.

Thank goodness for samples! Had I ordered these cards sight unseen, I wouldn't have been able to send them to my clients. Yes, they had a tiny price. But they were also cheaply printed on thin and flimsy paper. They looked like they belonged in a dollar store, instead of in a corporate office!

Clearly, sending out a business holiday card is more than just getting something into the mail. You also have to consider the message your card sends when recipients open the envelope. Before you order, think about:

Paper weight. Thin paper feels cheesy. Is that the message you want to send about your company?

Print quality. Crooked, smeared or bleeding colors make your company Christmas card look cheap. And while you may need inexpensive or affordable business holiday cards, you certainly don't want cheap holiday cards.

Image clarity and appearance. Look for a well designed, attractive image or graphic for your company Christmas cards. Tacky designs send a tacky message about your business.

Unless you're trying to send a tongue in cheek message about the company Christmas card tradition, I'd recommend you deal with a company that knows what quality means. Two of my favorites are listed on the sidebar to your right.

Saving a few cents per card isn't worth the risk of making your company look cheap. Go for the best...your business is too important to do otherwise

Why business Christmas cards are a great idea in a recession

2008-09-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

All across the country, budgets aren't just getting trimmed...they're being chopped down and left in the forest of abandoned ideas and plans of corporate growth.

So in this wasteland of cutbacks and eliminations, why on earth would someone spend good money on business Christmas cards? Surely they can go, right?

Wrong!

The business Christmas card, especially cards sent to clients and business networking contacts, is one of the easiest and most cost efficient ways to connect with the very people who keep your business in business!

Business Christmas cards tell clients you are:

Still in business
Know who they are
Aware of their business
A business who cares about them
Someone who took the time and invested the money to send them a card

Hand signed business greeting cards to your employees that:

You know who they are
You think they are worth the effort it takes to sign each card
You value their service

All that from one inexpensive business Christmas card! Wow!

The even better news is that with the emphasis on recycled and affordable business holiday cards this year, it could be even less expensive than last year.

Thanksgiving cards can help you beat the Christmas rush

2008-09-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Before you know it, the holiday season will be here. You're already feeling rushed. But I'm going to suggest you start even sooner!

What?! Sooner??

In fact almost a month sooner. Because I'm going to suggest you start the holiday season with business Thanksgiving cards. Cards of thanks. Cards of gratitude for business transacted or hard work performed. Cards that do not require thoughts about religious differences or who celebrates which holidays when.

Cards that will catch your clients' or employees' attention before the holiday rush officially begins.

More and more companies are offering business focused Thanksgiving cards, along with their traditional business holiday cards for Christmas and the New Year. But fortunately for you, few businesses are taking advantage of this other opportunity to acknowledge the people who keep your business running. And in business.

So what are the rules for sending business Thanksgiving cards? They are exactly the same as for Christmas cards. Hand sign each one, adding a personal note if possible. Hand address them. Get the titles and names and addresses right.

And if you send a Thanksgiving card, consider skipping the Christmas/Hanukkah card and sending a Happy New Year card instead. It's another less cluttered holiday, where your cards stand a better chance of standing out and getting noticed.

The right business holiday cards at the right holidays can be golden for your business. Ready. Set. Go. The holidays are almost here!

Giving back with your business holiday card choices

2008-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Most of the posts in this blog have talked about the business benefits of sending a company Christmas card. But don't overlook the many other reasons for ordering and sending holiday cards.

Before you finalize your holiday card list and place the order, think about others who might appreciate receiving holiday cards...or having cards to write and send.

Start with your local hospital. Contact the volunteer coordinator and find out if you and perhaps some of your employees can come in and help patients,(especially children and those in for a longer stay), write and address holiday cards.
Find out if there's a local support group for military families, and offer to provide a holiday card writing party for their members. Bring helpers (your employees), cookies, drinks, and of course holiday cards, stamps and pens and help these families make their holiday burdens a bit lighter.

For a special touch, ask your employees to each bring a small gift for the service members, and give them to the families to send. Send one of your company Christmas cards to the families and the service members, too. A peace themed Christmas card is a good choice, as no one wants peace more than military families.
Is there a wildlife center or animal shelter near you? Donate your time and several boxes of holiday cards to help the
employees and volunteers send cards "from" the animals to potential donors including pet food companies, pet care suppliers, veterinarians, and people who have helped with previous campaigns. The personal touch could pay off in major donations.
Have a holiday card party at a homeless shelter that cares for families. Many people are surprised to learn how many homeless people have families in other cities or states, but are embarrassed to contact them. A holiday card might be just the thing to break the ice and help some people reconnect with family and friends.

Don't forget to bring enough cards for the families to give one another, as well. Having a pretty holiday card to give a mom or dad on Christmas Day can mean the world to a child who has so little. Consider bringing small gifts for the children to give their parents, and the parents to give their children. Having a treat to give one another will make the day just a little brighter for everyone.

Give each family and staff member a pretty holiday card before you leave. The cost is small...the benefits are immeasurable.

Getting ready to share

Order a selection of Christmas, New Year's and Season's Greetings cards at the same time you order your business Christmas cards. Then add pretty holiday stamps, plenty and pens and some willing volunteers. If you'd like to multiply your efforts, invite other area businesses to participate. You could provide the cards and stamps, someone else could bring small gifts and another store or business could offer snacks and treats.

Keeping your holiday card list affordable

2008-09-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Once you've decided to send out company Christmas cards, you need to decide who will receive them. It's tempting to try and include everyone. After all, when you compare it to other types of marketing, business holiday cards are very affordable.

But even with the relatively low cost of sending business Christmas cards, it's wise to carefully review your holiday card list before you place your order.

Start with the names you know best: your best customers, your favorite vendors, the big potential client you've been courting. Make sure you have their names spelled correctly, their addresses up to date, and their titles, if any, correctly entered on your list. If you know that any of them celebrate specific religious holidays, consider a special card to acknowledge that, rather than a more generic Seasons Greetings card. Remember, these are the names you know best, so the extra effort will pay off.
Add your current customer and vendor lists. Again, take the time to double check spelling, look for duplicate listings and make sure the addresses are current.
Decide on your target criterion for prospectives. Pick those groups who are most likely to respond to your business. If yours is a local service, like a dry cleaner or restaurant, invest in a demographic survey to pinpoint those neighborhoods or streets most likely to shop for your type of product at your price point. If your services are not geographically limited, choose your mailing list carefully. Make sure the people you are contacting are likely to be in the market for your specific services or products.
If you decide to prospect beyond your target demographic, you may wish to choose smaller or more affordable holiday cards. After all, this is your high risk group, so you are better off focusing the bulk of your expense in a demographic with an expected higher ROI. A word of caution: affordable should not mean cheap! Make sure you select quality cards for all recipients!
Add your employees. With this group, you have the option of in house or mailed to home cards. If you mail them to employees' homes, be sure you include spouses or domestic partners in the address. If you are in doubt about surnames or titles for partners, ask before sending. That little extra attention to detail will go far towards creating good feelings.

What's my name and where do I sign?

2008-09-15T11:55:00.001-07:00

It's mid September already! Have you ordered company's Christmas cards yet?

No? Good! That means you still have time to get an important part of it right...the signature!

When you sign your personal holiday cards, the question of what to sign is simple. Your name. The name of your spouse and children, if any. Your dogs and cats if you so choose.

But what about the holiday card you're sending to your clients? Your vendors? Your employees? How should you sign them?

For most company Christmas cards, there are two steps to the signature: the printed signature and the handwritten signature. Both are an important part of your professional image. The printed signature establishes your business, and separates the business holiday card from the personal holiday card. But the second part is equally important. So what should you write?

Here are some suggestions from the pros in business etiquette:

Have your company name and, if desired, a tag line professionally imprinted on each card. You may also elect to have your name and title imprinted. If so, this would go above the company name. The tag line would come last. Be sure to leave space for your actual signature.
Hand sign each card with your full name. The only exception to this would be if you are known well on a first name basis by a particular client, and even then, full names are recommended. Avoid nicknames unless that's how you're widely known.
Omit generic titles like Mr. or Ms., but do include professional titles like Dr. if they relate to your business.
Omit credentials from your signature. Things like certifications, degrees and honorifics have no place on a business holiday card signature.
Middle names and middle initials may be included if they are a part of your ordinary business name. For instance, if your business card reads Sarah A. Smith, you could sign with or without the "A" but if the "A" is not on your cards, do not add it to your signature.
Make sure the signature is legible. Practice if you need to, or enlist the help of same-gendered volunteers at work to help you with signing. (Yes, most people can tell the difference between a man's and a woman's handwriting.)
If at all possible, include a one or two sentence handwritten note to each card. If this is not feasible, add this to the cards of long term or otherwise significant clients. A word of caution...if you sign some employees' cards and not others, you are creating problems. Even if you mail them to employee's homes, word will get around.
Keep the season in mind, and make your message one of gratitude for business, loyalty or service.

The point of business holiday cards is to build relationships. Make sure the way you imprint and sign each of yours conveys the kind of relationship you hope to have in the new year.

Green business holiday cards

2008-09-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

If you're making greener choices in your business, why not carry your commitment through to your business holiday cards?

Now wait...I know what you're thinking! Recycled Christmas cards are brown. And scratchy. And ugly!

Not so!

Paper recycling has come a long way since its early days. Recycled papers are now available in a wide variety of colors including white. They have an elegant look and feel. So recycled Christmas cards no longer look like they're made of old paper grocery bags!

Add natural inks...soy and other plant based inks are safer and recyclable. That makes them ideal for a green office to send.

Once you've decided to buy recycled holiday cards, shop around. Look for cards that are made from at least 20% post consumer waste, with soy or agra-inks. Check out some of the traditional business product sites, including those to the right in the resource list...many of them are now carrying beautiful cards made from recycled paper. Also check to make sure the envelopes are made from recycled paper -- there is little point, from an environmental standpoint, to send recycled cards in a virgin paper envelope lined with foil!

Mr. Postman, wait and see...(Or when should these cards go in the mail?)

2008-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

You found the perfect business holiday cards...just right for your business. And they've just arrived from the printer. Now when should you mail them?

Ah, yes...another "It depends." But the fact is, it does! Here so factors that will determine when your company Christmas cards should hit the post....

1) What message is on them? Is it Merry Christmas or is the image clearly "Christmas-y?" If so, you'll probably want to send them out to arrive about a week before December 25th. If the message is for a Happy New Year, shoot for an arrival on or around December 26th through 30th. If there's a weekend in there, send them out a bit sooner. Finally, if it's a generic holiday season wish, send them out to arrive on or about December 1st. Not only will you beat the last minute card crunch, you'll probably hit Chanukah, as well as Christmas and the New Year.

2)How far are they going? If your business holiday cards are just going around the corner or across town, you can probably send them out two or three days before the target date, and have them there on time. Cards criss-crossing the country, or heading overseas need much longer lead times. Check with your local post office for suggested mailing times for the company Christmas cards that will be heading far from home.

3)Is there time-sensitive material enclosed? Many businesses use their company Christmas cards as a way to send out discount coupons, employee gift cards or discount offers. If you are planning on enclosing something within the card, make sure the recipients have enough time to use it before the expiration date. Willingness to spend is often much higher in December than in January, so sending out your coupons earlier might increase holiday sales.

To sign or not to sign --- that is the Christmas card question

2008-09-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

One of the most common business holiday card etiquette questions I've heard is whether each and every one needs to be signed, or if having the company name and perhaps sender's name imprinted is sufficient. After all, signing hundreds of cards seems overwhelming. And if no one really cares either way....

Sorry folks, but recipients do care. It's not so much that they'll hate your company if you just go for the imprint. Truth is, they probably won't notice. That means they won't notice your card very much.

It's a version of what those in the psychology business refer to as a hygiene factor...it blends into the background. (Think of a waste basket...few people notice it when it's empty. It's nearly invisible. But most people will notice it when it's full! In this case, the imprinted only card is like the empty waste basket...expected and unnoticed.)

BUT....if you take the time to sign each card, by hand, (or even better, write a short note in each card), it moves from a hygiene factor to a motivator! In the case of the waste basket, papers spilling over the top motivate someone to empty it. In the case of the card, a note and signature motivate a recipient to read the card.

These small things take it out of the invisible. And that is the point of sending a company holiday card! You want people to stop and read your card, to notice your company, to think about your services.

Go ahead and have your company name imprinted on your cards. It looks professional. But then add a personal signature. And a note, even if it's just one line. If there are too many cards for one person to sign, recruit other members of your organization to help. Just make sure everyone has good handwriting, and that the gender of the alleged signature matches that of the person signing.

Quality counts for business Christmas cards

2008-09-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Once you've made the decision to send business holiday cards, make sure you select well made, beautifully printed cards. Check for:

Quality paper
A well crafted graphic or clear photo image
High quality printing, free from smears and stray ink spots
Consistent colors in the ink on each card
Easy to seal envelopes (peel and stick are the fastest and most secure)

If you shop around online, you can find companies who offer elegant but affordable business holiday cards.

I know what you're thinking.

But wait...it's only a card, and most people get dozens of personal and professional cards. So why does it matter so much?

The answer is simple.

Sending a cheaply printed or in-office printed card sends the wrong messages to your clients and employees. A company Christmas card is a great marketing and team building tool, but not if it send the message that your company:

Doesn't care about them and therefore chose the cheapest card
Is in financial trouble and could only afford cheap cards (even if this is true, send quality cards. The few dollars you'd save would hurt your company more in the long run.)
Is sloppy and inattentive to detail
Doesn't know how to find quality products or services

You only have a few seconds and a few square inches of paper to convey an number of essential messages to the recipient of your company holiday card. Make every one count.

Choosing your company Christmas card

2008-09-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

The very first lesson you need to learn if you're responsible for choosing your company's Christmas card is that, well, it probably won't be a Christmas card. Or at least, not all of them will be Christmas cards.

Unless your company's niche market is such that every customer, vendor and employee celebrates Christmas, you're going to have to deal with the issue of choosing the right holidays cards for everyone on your list including those who do not observe this Christian holiday.

The good news is that's getting easier. The bad news is it's getting harder. Let me explain.

More and more companies are designing business holiday cards that eschew the traditional Santas, nativity scenes and brightly decorated Christmas tree in favor of snowy landscapes, messages of peace and stylized snowflakes. Finding cards that offer a generic Happy Holidays is easier than ever.

But...with information readily available about the religious holiday schedules of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and others, can one really justify sending a Happy Holidays card in late December to people who do not in fact have a holiday at that time of year? Ignorance about other faiths and the dates of their holidays is no longer a reasonable claim.

If at all possible, sending the right cards in the right seasons is a much more effective tool for building personal relationships.

But even if you elect to send just one kind of card, claiming that there is some kind of "holiday season" that is universally observed, at least in the US and Canada, you need to be aware of the images....a snow-covered Christmas tree shaped evergreen in front of a house bedecked in garland with a red-ribboned wreath on the door is in fact, a Christmas card. Regardless of the words. Even if it says Happy Holidays, it is a Christmas card. Be sensitive to that message.

If you are unsure about your clients' or employees' religious faiths, take the time to choose a seasonal image free from traditional Christmas imagery. Consider one with a message for the new year...even people who observe separate religious calendars acknowledge the secular New Year. A card like the one here is an excellent choice for a company looking for a way to tap into the power of personal greetings, while respecting religious differences.

For more information on business holiday card etiquette, check out BusinessHolidayCards' article.

Why should a business send holiday cards?

2008-09-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

The world of business has changed.

Gone are the days when the best way to reach customers was with a print ad or flyer in their mail box. In this world of networking and instantaneous access to hundreds of competitors online, people need a reason to choose your business instead of the cheaper/faster one they found online.

It's all about the relationships. It's about connecting and feeling like the person behind the desk (or behind the package on your doorstep) knows who you are and what you need. Maybe it's a backlash against the impersonal box stores and anonymous internet interactions that dominated throughout the late 1990's and early part of this decade. Or maybe it's the ability to network and connect online and get to know people before you do business. Whatever the reason, it's here now.

And as low tech and traditional as a Christmas card from a business might seem, it fits perfectly into that new paradigm of connection.

No matter what business you're in, sending a holiday card to your customers and vendors is a proven way to let them know you value their trade. Sending a holiday card to employees lets them know you recognize them as individuals with lives outside of the company. And in both cases, it makes a difference.

As I write that, it occurred to me that maybe it isn't something new...it's something old. Anyone who has looked through an old scrapbook or browsed the ephemera dealers at an antique shows has seen 19th and early 20th century business Christmas cards, Valentine's Day cards, and New Year's greetings imprinted with the names of grocers, clothing stores, banks and even funeral parlors. In fact many of the first commercially printed Christmas cards were designed to promote local businesses.

If it's done right, a company Christmas card or other holiday card is an inexpensive, effective marketing and motivational tool. And in these days of tight budgets and rising prices, that's a tool you can't afford to miss.