As the Christmas season gets closer, business owners from all over the world are trying to decide whether to send out the usual Christmas cards or go a little bit different by giving out corporate Christmas cards. Most businesses perceive this practice as an integral part of corporate etiquette as well as relationship building. This might seem like a waste of money or effort for others but sending out corporate Christmas cards, as long as it is done properly and effectively, can also be deemed profitable in the future. Companies can send cards to customers, suppliers, business associates, investors and their staff, depending on their objectives.
Corporate Christmas cards are a great way of showing gratitude and admiration for your employees in helping with your business’ success. A customized card for each one indicates that every employee matter. This will do wonders in enhancing one’s morale and can also maintain a positive and healthy working environment.
Sending cards also serves as a perfect opportunity to show that you care when you are going to send cards to clients and customers; it would also serve to remind them about the company or the services that you can provide. Sending holiday cards is an excellent way to retain customers and keep them coming back.
Many businesses, on the other hand, use corporate Christmas cards to maintain business relationships with investors and their business partners. These cards usually emphasize on cultivating a better business affair. Rather than just working in keeping a customer in coming back to your business, sending Christmas cards to business partners and investors means that you are thanking them for their unwavering support and it also indicates that you truly value the business relationship that you have.
Several companies have already been using corporate greeting cards all throughout the year as a marketing tool. Nevertheless, there really is not much consideration given in implementing an actual strategy in sending cards. The most common way is just to buy a set of greeting cards from a stationary shop and then mailing them. But a lot more can be done than just buying pre-made cards – it does have the possibility to be customized and is a brilliant way to keep in touch with your clients, customers, and business partners.
Proper etiquettes and “do’s and don’ts” were developed over the years with regards to sending corporate Christmas cards. A list of considerations on how you could enhance the impact of holiday cards are listed below which will ensure that all the bases are covered.
Plan and buy in advance.
The nearer it is to the holiday season, the more expensive it is to buy cards. If you are concerned about the expenses of having to send hundreds of cards, it will be best if you buy them early in the year. There are stationary stores that will give big discounts months prior to the festive season on bulk orders.
Quality first.
When choosing which type of corporate Christmas card to send out to clients, always go for premium quality cards. It may not look very good for your corporate image if you give cheap Christmas cards, so it is best to aspire for the highest-quality cards that is within your budget. In the end, the quality of the card sent will indicate a lot about the products or services provided and the company brand as a whole.
Know who and where to send it out.
If you are only acquainted with the receiver of the card because of business, make sure to send out the card to the business of the recipient, not their personal or home address.
Choose appropriate cards.
Never presume that the recipient shares the same sense of humor as yours when it comes to the corporate Christmas card that you are sending out. It is vital to opt for a card which is appropriate as well as displays that you have a good taste.
Personalize it.
One might think that there is really not much effort being made if you just give out store-bought cards. This basically implies that you do not care enough about giving your time and effort to personalize your own card.
Appropriating time in putting pen to paper and including a short handwritten personal and heartfelt message to the client could, in the future, reap immense benefits for your business. You could make use of the chance to personalize your message and make an individual-specific remark instead of just writing down Merry Christmas or Seasons Greetings.
You could also make your own corporate Christmas card design. It should be consistent with the identity of your brand. You could also include visuals of your brand, particularly your business logo. It is recommended that you will incorporate pictures that are suitable with the card theme and will reflect the culture of the business.
Personalization ideas can comprise the following:
- You can have the name of each person appear on the cover of the card.
- Recognize and commend the person for their role in your business.
- Write something you are thankful for from working with the recipient of the card.
- Comment on something about them which inspires you.
- Cite a happy experience or story that you and the recipient shared this year.
Do not blend in when you can stand out.
Every Christmas, people receive hundreds of different holiday cards. Pick out and send a card design that is unique to distinguish it from the number of cards received if you want to stand out to your business associates, customers, and clients. It is best to order from a seasoned designer to ensure an unforgettable and unique greeting card.
Remain neutral – especially with religion.
When sending out holiday cards, it is important to avoid any religious or cultural faux pas. Since it would be highly unlikely to know each recipients’ religion or cultural background, it is best to use a non-religious and culture-neutral card instead.
Sending out a corporate Christmas card is one of the best ways to reach out to business partners, clients and employees when it is used effectively. You could use the recommendations given to guarantee that your card giving will further promote your business and have a positive impact with your business network.