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!

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.