Ever feel like you’re working harder for the same pay these days? Well, government data confirms it. The Labor Department has found that the American work force has produced 6.4 percent more goods and services than during the same quarter a year ago.

Of course, those employed are quite happy to have jobs, even if it does mean putting forth more effort. To help keep moral up and employees feeling a sense of appreciation, consider a little gesture of thanks to help keep a happy workplace humming along.

For less than a dollar you can remember your employees with birthday cards or anniversary cards on their special day. Surprise them with an unexpected greeting that shows you value their loyalty. And don’t forget to do the same with your customers and business partners!

Little acts of kindness
Make us all feel better.
What a happy treat,
An unexpected letter!

Or in this case, unexpected birthday or anniversary cards!

Forbes called him the consummate salesman. Fortune Magazine praised him in their article, “The Art of Selling”. Newsweek called him “something special”. He received the title of Greatest Car Salesman by the Guinness Book of World Records. Who is this sales legend? Joe Girard is his name. Joe sold automobiles. He sold big ticket items one at a time, selling 1,425 cars in his best year. How did he do it? One of his secret weapons was greeting cards!

Joe sent out an average of 13 cards every year to each of his clients. He would send one card a month and holiday cards in December. He hired two assistants to help and remembered customers with birthday cards, anniversary cards and any celebratory occasion you can think of from Halloween to Groundhog Day.

He knew that business greeting cards inspired customer loyalty and proved that by keeping his name in front of his customers, they would be motivated to refer him to their friends as well as return when they needed another car.

Why not try it yourself and experience success just like Joe!

{source: Biztactics}

Times are tough but don’t take it out on your co-workers. Here are some suggestions to help keep a positive attitude going in the workplace.

Empathize. You aren’t the only one suffering. Lend a sympathetic ear and know that as a team, you and your co-workers will get through this together.

Encourage. Without funds for bonuses or raises, monetary rewards will need to be replaced by something else that offers encouragement for a job well done. Recognition from management can be just such a replacement. Remember to thank those who have helped to reach company goals. Success at any level helps to secure jobs. Celebrate milestones. Birthday cards or Anniversary cards can be awarded to employees and customers to generate smiles. The minimal cost will result in immeasurable goodwill, encouraging continued business efforts.

Be flexible. Change is hard but remaining flexible will make it easier to take. Keep your eye on the goal and be ready to adjust to reach it effectively. Be willing to take on new responsibilities and work as a team to achieve goals even if it means giving up some of your presumed power. At times like these, it is the company good that matters most.

Focus. It is natural to want to hold on to your position at all costs when downsizing and layoffs threaten. However, you may miss the opportunity to shine if you lose track of your focus. Do the best you can possibility do in the tasks you are given even if it means letting go of some activities you may not be as well suited for.

Perform. Honor your commitments and meet deadlines. Make a difference now when it counts more than ever. Be the best you can be and your company, and ultimately your job, will be secured.

Give back. You spend the majority of your waking hours at work. Make it a pleasant experience by getting to know your co-workers better. Consider teambuilding opportunities such as volunteer or charitable activities you can do together. In touch times, remember to give back to those less fortunate.

Just remember to hang in there and hang together. As the saying goes, “All for one and one for all”!

We at CardsDirect are pleased to announce our entry into Nascar’s Samsung 500 this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Yes, although plans have been in the works for months, we have just now added the paint to our car and selected our driver. He is none other than one of Grand Prix’s best, Sam Steady. Know as “Mr. Speed” in the racing community, Sam was quite excited to be named CardsDirect’s driver of choice and looks forward to leading the pack at Sunday’s race.

At CardsDirect we believe that the race for business is key in today’s challenging economic times and personalized greeting cards sent to commemorate big events like birthdays or anniversaries or just to say thank you for your purchase are key to maintaining and growing your business. To enhance this mission we feel the buzz surrounding Nascar is the perfect vehicle for carrying our message forward and leading the pack in the greeting card industry.

Buckle up for a fast passed run for the checkered flag when CardsDirect and Mr. Speed take on the pack this weekend. Cards and Cars, a great winning combination!

Annual budgets and forecasts are necessary but here are a few business resolutions that will help start your business calendar year off right and contribute to a successful year ahead. 

I will build relationships.  In tough times we count on those businesses and contacts we can trust.  Build new relationships and insure loyalty from existing ones by staying in touch.  Consider sending Birthday Cards, Anniversary Cards, Thank You Cards and Congratulations Cards throughout the year.

I will focus on my business goals.  Focus on the year ahead and plan for success.  Fix what you can and don’t waste time on those things that are out of your control.  Work smart and refocus often but keep your sight clearly on achieving your business goals.

I will listen more.  Do not manage your business in a vacuum.  Listen to the suggestions of others including your customers, business associates and employees.  They offer a different perspective on your business and are valuable resources for information and new ideas that can help your business thrive.

I will learn.  Teach yourself a new skill.  Join a group of experts in your field of business.  Learn from the mistakes and successes of others.

I will be a leader.  Be a leader rather than a follower.  Stay competitive by being creative and a trend leader.  Read the newspaper or surf the internet so that you remain ahead of the curve and can be proactive rather than reactive.

I will be receptive to change.  Make changes in your business strategy, procedures and processes when necessary.  Change can be unsettling but is often necessary in an unstable environment.  Consider change a positive experience.

I will ask for help.  The old saying, “it never hurts to ask” is true and necessary now more than ever.  Ask for business referrals and send business referral thank you cards to those that help grow your business.  Market your services and products and seek input when you need it.  Good advice can be yours for the asking.

The suggestions above are not new but it will take some effort on your part to remember them throughout the coming year.  Review your list often as it will lead to a promising and profitable 2009!  For more in-depth information on the ideas above, see the article, “New Years Resolutions for a Successful Business“.

Happy New Year!