Corporate Christmas cards can be a great way to promote your business and thank those that helped make it happen. Or, they have the ability to do severe damage if you don’t pay attention to a few points of etiquette.
Here are 5 corporate Christmas card points of etiquette to watch out for:
1. Culture: When selecting your card design, consider the culture and traditions of those on your corporate Christmas card list. For example, do not offend a valued business partner by sending a religious card with a Christian image on the front if they do not practice that religion. If you are certain a religious card would be appreciated, then by all means, send one. If, however, you are uncertain, play it safe by sending a more generic seasonal greeting.
2. Quality: Send a high quality card that projects your success as a business. Christmas cards are surprisingly affordable so you should be able to purchase ones that are of high quality, printed on heavy weight card stock and include nice envelopes. A card that appears cheaply made can do more damage than good, even if you paid a high price for it. Remember that the card you send is an extension of your business and consider the perceived value.
3. Recipients: Know who is on your Christmas card list. Be careful not to neglect someone your company does business with. It is fine to send a card to the President of the company. However, if you don’t really know that person and neglect to also send one to your major point of contact within the company, you can do real damage. It may be better to send your card addressed to the company instead of to individuals within the company if you cannot include each and every one of them that you do business with.
4. Personalize: Imprinted cards are professional and impressive. To really make the recipient feel special, in addition to the imprint, sign your name and write a very brief note. The client or business associate will appreciate the fact that you took the time to remember them personally. It is best to hand-address the envelope as well. Do not use labels as that will look like a mass mailing, which will sabotage the good will you are trying to achieve by sending cards in the first place.
5. Addressing: Consider the rules of formality when addressing the card. It is appropriate to send a card to a home address if your relationship is more than just business. Use the appropriate prefixes. If, for example, you know the President of a company and his wife, send the card to their home address, to Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. Do not include the wife on a card sent to a business address unless she too works at the company. Don’t forget to seal the envelope and use a pretty Christmas stamp, not the office postage meter.
Use simple logic when sending your cards. Would you be impressed by the presentation if the card was sent to you? High quality corporate Christmas cards professionally imprinted with a bit of personal hand writing are networking tools sure to generate business loyalty and impress your clients and business associates.
Linda Cress Dowdy is an avid greeting card enthusiast and professional author. For a great selection of Christmas cards and greeting cards for all occasions, visit http://www.CardsDirect.com
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