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!

Isn’t it a refreshing surprise when someone sincerely thanks you for your business? We’ve all been greeted with the mandatory welcome and checked out with an emotionless thanks but how often do we truly feel appreciated when making a purchase? With things the way they are these days, customer service is one very important way you can insure repeat business and positive word of mouth, encouraging new customers to find their way to you.

Some simple training tips will help. Remind your employees that thanking a customer for their purchase is like thanking them for your job. Knowing how difficult it is to find employment in this economy, you may be tempted to add a hug to that thanks but probably best to resist that temptation. Smile, say thank you with genuine emotion and mean it!

Here is a suggestion that will certainly set you apart from the competition. Send Thank You Cards! Just this simple show of unexpected appreciation will surely encourage a return visit and positive buzz. Aside from purchasing a house or a car, Customer Appreciation Thank You Cards are rare. But with so many businesses vying for the same customers, wouldn’t a gracious show of extended customer service move your company’s positive rating up several notches?

Send classy personalized Business Appreciation Thank You Cards and your business is certain to benefit from this simple effort. Take a moment to add a hand written note and your bottom line is sure to benefit from this little bit of additional tender loving care!

February 14th can be fun with a feeling of love all around but instead of Valentine’s Day, some have labeled this particular holiday Singles Appreciation Day or Singles Recognition Day. This is the day you watch others being romanced with flowers, candy and cards while you may be between significant others or even married to someone that just isn’t into the whole celebration. Not to worry though, there are many ways to celebrate this day that everyone can look forward to!

This year the holiday falls on a Saturday which opens up even more opportunities. Rather than rushing off to work, consider a “loving” breakfast celebration. Heart shaped pancakes and chocolate dipped strawberries will be fun for others or just for you on a lazy Saturday morning. If the weather is nice, take a long walk and “love” the outdoors. Use this day to treat yourself to something special, like a bubble bath, shopping spree or long afternoon nap. Say, “I love you” to someone who wouldn’t normally expect it. Plan a get-together with others for some group fun and laughter. Send Thinking of You cards to surprise someone. Plant a rose bush.

Love doesn’t have to be romantic; it can be a simple show of appreciation for someone who has been helpful or just plain nice. On this one day of the year, use this opportunity to spread some love of your own knowing that what goes around will eventually come back around. This same time next year may change from Singles Recognition Day to the Valentine’s Day of your dreams! Enjoy the possibilities and let me know how you plan to celebrate.

Looking for affordable ways to maintain and grow customer and employee loyalty during these difficult times? Business Greeting Cards are your answer. Treat your business connections like family and they are certain to return the favor. Remember them with the following:

Business Appreciation Cards are simply perfect for sending business thanks. Your kind gesture will be remembered and appreciated the next time they need your products or services.









Congratulations Cards are great moral boosters. Send congratulations when a big sale is closed or a personal accomplishment is achieved.










Get Well Cards show that your company cares when someone is not feeling their best.












Sympathy Cards are thoughtful gestures that will be warmly remembered.










Thinking of You Cards are perfect anytime for just staying connected. Use them to strengthen your business relationships.








A professional greeting card is an appropriate opportunity to say that your business cares about more than just the sale. By treating your customers, business associates and employees like family, you are building company loyalty and strengthening your business partnerships. As you would a family member, celebrate good times and offer support during the bad by thoughtfully remembering others.

The day after Thanksgiving is great for shopping early holiday sales at retail but even better if the office is open and there is work to be done.  The phones aren’t ringing off the wall, emails drop in more slowly and no one really expects an instant answer to an inquiry.  This is the perfect day to catch up or clear the decks for the beginning of the holiday rush.

It is also the perfect day to set aside for signing, stuffing and mailing your holiday cards!

So, order your holiday cards now and use that Friday to ready your cards.  You’ll be ahead of the game and enjoy the holiday spirit too without having to stand in lines or hit the mall before the sun comes up! 

And those cards you send to customers, business associates, friends and family will insure business prosperity for the future.  Make holiday card sending an annual Day after Thanksgiving tradition!