I have a nephew who was born on January 5. Unfortunately, his birthday is nearly overlooked each year as it comes just after the big holiday hoopla season. When he was young my sister would celebrate with a party for friends and family on June 5 just so he would get some special attention. He, of course, never knew it wasn’t the real day of his birth but that didn’t last long.

My mother was born on the fourth of July. Until she was around 6 she thought all the parades and fireworks were in celebration of her birth. I doubt my grandparents did much to correct her misperception.

I would love to hear from any of you out there who know of someone born on or close to a holiday and how you help them celebrate and feel special.

Speaking of which, CardsDirect has an entire line of wonderful Birthday Party Invitations you just have to see.

CardsDirect has donated 4,180 greeting cards in a variety of styles and sizes to the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of the USO.  The collection includes Thank You Cards, Birthday Cards and Holiday Cards, all with envelopes.

The USO (United Service Organizations) will repurpose these cards in their effort to make sure that all 170,000 courageous men and women who are risking their lives every day for us know that they have not been forgotten while they are defending our freedoms.  The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform and their families.

CardsDirect has gladly donated over 8,000 greeting cards during this holiday season to charitable organizations in need.  Those represented include For the Troops, The RWJ University Hospital Foundation, Holiday Cards for Heroes, and now the USO.

It is CardDirect’s mission to promote social interaction and networking through the sending and sharing of greeting cards for all occasions and CardsDirect is especially pleased to be able to donate cards that can be put to good use throughout the year by worthy charities.

Dear Ms. Cards Etiquette,
When signing a card (i.e. birthday card) whose name should go first? Is etiquette to put the man’s name then follow with the wife and then the kids, or does it matter which name goes first?
Lisa

First Lisa, I think it is great that you are sending greeting cards and are concerned about signing them properly. There is nothing quite as nice as receiving a thoughtful greeting card that is hand signed and sent as a lovely surprise.

When it comes to signing the card, the rules are not quite as formal as they once were. Conventional etiquette dictates that the man’s name goes first, then the wife and then the children, from oldest to youngest. However, it is perfectly acceptable to put the woman’s name first, especially if she is the one most closely connected to the recipient. For example, if a woman was to send a birthday card to her mother, she could sign it … Love, Mary, David, Katie and Sam.

For business purposes, when the recipient knows the family, the first name should be that of the business associate, then the spouse. Include the children if appropriate. A business greeting should be more formal so often does not include the extended family, depending on the level of professionalism you are attempting to portray.

Of course the nicest greetings are those that are individually hand signed by all who know the recipient. And, a short note added with each signature makes the recipient feel just that much more special.

There is really no absolute right or wrong way to sign a greeting. It is the effort and thoughtfulness in sending it that will be noticed and appreciated.

All businesses are interested in increasing profits by growing and retaining their customer base and business greeting cards from CardsDirect offer an affordable vehicle for doing just that.

Customer service and sales professionals have long used greeting cards to say thank you to those valued customers that have just completed a big purchase. It is nice to know though, that there are a number of other types of greetings that really should be considered when doing all you can to generate business in this tough economic climate.

Whether you are just following-up a big sale with a thank you or looking for a way to introduce yourself or stay in touch, by ordering personalized greeting cards in bulk quantities, a small expenditure and that small personal touch will be rewarded time and again when your services are needed.

Business Anniversary Cards can be used to acknowledge a number of annual events. You can remember the date an employee joined the company or the date a significant sale was completed. By taking the time to remember an anniversary, you are saying loyalty matters. That good deed is sure to be remembered in kind.

Business Happy Birthday Cards bring unexpected delight. Send them to valued customers and business associates as a surprise gesture. Also remember employees on their special day as well. After all, they are members of your corporate family.

Corporate Welcome Cards will start a new employee off on the right foot. By welcoming them to the company, you are setting the tone for a loyal business partnership. Welcome cards are also great when bringing vendors or affiliates into your company business plan.

Corporate Thank You Cards send an appreciation of thanks to clients you do business with. However, don’t forget to thank all those others who may have contributed to that big sale. Send a Thank You to your inside backup support persons as well as third party vendors. A short note on a personalized card says much more than a phone call or email can convey and is sure to be warmly appreciated.

Business Referral Cards send special thanks to those who helped bring you business. Remember their act of kindness with a special greeting and they are sure to remember you again as well when opportunities present themselves.

Be sure and sign each card and add a short note for a truly personal touch. Use stamps instead of the postage meter and these professional greetings will certainly be appreciated, building loyalty, trust and partnerships sure to grow company profits.