This just in from the Texas Motor Speedway…

While taking a practice run this morning in preparation for tonight’s qualifying race, CardsDirect car #411 hit the wall, taking a nasty tumble. Word from the track is that a greeting card competitor may have been responsible for the mishap which is still under investigation.

Driver, Sam Steady, was uninjured but the car is not in good shape. In fact, according to the pit crew, it cannot be repaired in time for qualifying. And so, unfortunately, CardsDirect’s Nascar run has ended before it’s even really begun!

The experience has, however, put CardsDirect out in front of the personalized greeting cards race and sparked some creative discussions opening up a new line of cards perfect for fast paced corporations interested in powering up their businesses. New card designs will include, “Rev up Sales by Sending Customer Appreciation Cards” and “Lead the Pack by Remembering Loyal Clients with Corporate Birthday Cards”. Still others include, “Drive Sales with Business Referral Cards” and the unfortunately popular, “Sorry I Passed you on the Last Lap Sympathy Cards”.

Hopefully with Thank You Cards for the pit crew and some repair and recycling, #411 will be back in the race by April Fool’s Day next year!

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.