If a holiday card is in the plan, there are several tips to
consider:
·
Send a “Happy New Year” card. It’s a great
upbeat alternative to the traditional holiday card, and can be sent right up
through the first of the year.
·
Send a holiday eCard. Online design
applications, such as Paperless Post, offer extensive design selections and
tools to customize a message and assure highest rates of delivery. The eCard
method is “green,” and can be done quickly. The benefit is that some sites help
upload and maintain your contact list, so you’ll be ready earlier next year!
·
Include a photo of your team on the card,
whether a print card or eCard. If your clients are distant, they may not see
you often, and a photo of the people they work with helps them know you better.
·
If your list is short, consider personalizing
each card. A brief handwritten note is always appreciated.
Professional Gifts
As the holidays are rapidly approaching, an online site with
direct shipping is probably the best option at this point. First determine
which clients will receive a gift. From that, you can decide if you want them
all to get the same gift. A tiered system, with small/medium/large items in a
gift grouping, may allow some tailoring of the gift to the size of the client
team.
Some tips on gift giving:
·
Send something from a business local to your
community. Support another local business while sending a unique and memorable
gift. Think Seattle smoked salmon, Texas hot sauce, Virginia peanuts.
·
Fine chocolate and coffee are always
appreciated.
·
An experience gift can be fun. Depending on the
client, an afternoon visit by a masseuse or nail artist could provide a break
from work stress, and a bonding experience for the client team.
·
Share your values and make the world a better
place. A well-considered charitable donation to an organization that the client
admires or is associated with is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture.
·
An important book (that you have read and
enjoyed) in the industry or profession, management and leadership arena is a
thoughtful way to share your views and values.
·
If the client is a large corporation, there may
be restrictions on acceptance of gifts. Consider this, and avoid over-the-top
extravagance.
·
In addition to clients, consider a card or gift
for those key prospective clients on your target list for the coming year. This
is one more opportunity to build a new relationship.
So delay no further! As the old adage goes, “it’s the thought
that counts.” With these tips, your card or gift will convey your
thoughtfulness and appreciation of your clients this holiday season!
