Holiday cards are a great way to strengthen existing business partnerships and encourage new ones. Holiday cards help you stay connected with friends and family too. Whether for business or pleasure, here are some points of etiquette to be considered before this year’s cards go in the mail.

1. Consider the recipient. With so many attractive holiday cards to choose from, what should you look for when selecting the perfect card to send? You first need to consider the recipients. A card that says, “Merry Christmas” may not be appropriate for business as not everyone on your list may celebrate this religious holiday. A “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” sentiment may be the better choice so as not to offend anyone.

2. Choose quality cards. The cards you send are an extension of your business and professional image. Very nice looking card designs with matching envelopes on top quality card stock are available at affordable prices. Personalization and custom imprinted verses add a touch of elegance as well. If unsure, work with a vendor who will furnish a sample so that you can confirm the quality before you make your purchase. From a high end unique layered card design embossed and stamped in foil to value cards that are thoughtfully designed and personalized, choose the best option for you and your budget.

3. Personalize. Nothing is more professional or of a higher perceived value than a personalized holiday greeting. Printed in ink or foil, many card designs also allow your company logo to be included as well or feature die cut windows through which your imprinted company name can be seen. You might also want your actual signatures printed as well.

4. Customize your message. Put thought into your sentiment or verse. At cardsdirect.com you have the ability to print whatever you want so make the most of this feature by targeting your message to your recipients.

5. Show off. Holiday cards are generally displayed throughout the holidays. Front imprint cards will easily show off your company name. Even better, Calendar Cards are displayed the whole year long!

Take advantage of this marketing opportunity and send professional best wishes for the holiday season in style. The minimal expense and effort is certain to be rewarded throughout the year ahead.

The leaves are falling and although any day is a good day to , is right around the corner. In just a few weeks we will all be celebrating a with friends and family.

than at this time of the year. Say , I’m by remembering your customers, business associates, friends and family with cards!

Being the proactive person that you are, now is the perfect time to begin the search for the perfect holiday cards. With so many wonderful holiday cards to choose from, you may be struggling to pick just one. Since you are a plan ahead type person, why not consider sending Thanksgiving Cards this year!

Thanksgiving Cards arrive before all those other seasonal greetings so are kept and displayed longer. They also beat the regular greeting card rush so come as unexpected surprises early in the season. Those on your holiday card list will recognize you or your company as organized and proactive when you remember them in November.

Thanksgiving cards also serve as a show of appreciation for those whose friendship and business you value. A way to say Thank You for the year nearing its end and a new one about to begin, this category of holiday greeting is perfect for sending a message of business appreciation.

And wouldn’t it be nice to be able to check “send holiday cards” off your to do list early this year?

If you can make the Guinness Book of World Records for sales, you must know something about how to do it! Joe Girard sold cars but his suggestions for sales success can work for just about anything. I’ve customized them here to include selling product and services and yourself too at a job interview!

Positive Attitude. Even if you have to pretend, act like everything is great. Surrounding yourself with upbeat people is also a good idea.

Organize. Make lists and keep track of everything. Know where you’ve been, where you are going and how you will get there by planning ahead. For a job interview, know all you can about the company you are applying to work for.

Work. Dig in and work, even when job searching! Even at a lunch break, find those who will help your cause.

No-Nos. Don’t be late, chew gum, smoke, tell dirty jokes, wear too much perfume or cologne, or leave your cell phone on.

Dress. Dress to impress but also to fit the occasion or position. If you’re selling to blue collar workers, don’t wear expensive clothes and too much jewelry.

Listen. Listening shows that you care. Listen more and talk less. But, if asked a direct question, be ready for a well thought out answer.

Smile. A smile is a great asset and makes others feel more comfortable around you.

Return messages. Return all calls, emails and any message just as soon as possible.

Tell the truth. Just one lie will label you a liar for life.

Don’t overcharge. Be fair and offer value. You should assume comparison shopping will be taking place.

Stand in front. Stand in front of your product. You are the service they are actually buying. In job interviews, make sure the focus is on you. Reposition yourself if there are distractions in the interviewer’s line of sight.

Lock up the sale. Ask for feedback. Ask if there are any unresolved questions. Reinforce their trust and leave on an upbeat.

Reward yourself. Treat yourself well and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

And don’t forget to send Thank You Cards to those who interviewed you or Business Appreciation Cards to those who made a purchase!

Any other tips you’d like to add?

Source: {Joe Girard’s 13 Rules to Success}

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}