According to a recent survey, 63% of Americans feel that sending a greeting via Facebook or Twitter is inappropriate with 19% believing it is downright tacky! There is simply nothing like a traditional greeting card to surprise someone on their birthday or anniversary or other special occasion. I remember when ecards first came on the scene. It was nice to be remembered but when receiving greeting cards I take into account the effort behind the thoughtfulness and an ecard just doesn’t take all that much effort.

Greeting cards are often kept as treasured memories and I have yet to knowingly keep an ecard or Facebook “wall” wish. 37% of Americans think that sending a thank you note through a social network is inappropriate. Given that a thank you is meant to send appreciation, isn’t it worth the effort to hand write a short note on lovely Thank You Cards and put a stamp on them or hand deliver them?

The next time you want to reach out to someone, do it with style. Some may call greeting cards printed on paper, signed and delivered old-fashioned, but I call it personal. The effort you take is sure to be warmly received and returned in kind. Which do you prefer, paper or virtual?

{Source: Kelton Research}

OK, so you aren’t particularly thrilled to have received a Dallas Cowboys themed Snuggie from Aunt Betty this Christmas. But, you do need to say thank you, if only because she took the time and effort to make the purchase and wrap it up and present it to you.

No doubt many of us will be gifted with presents that will be returned the day after, but remember to be gracious in your acceptance. Hand written Thank You Cards sent as a follow-up will show you know a bit about proper etiquette.

‘Tis the season to express thanks for family, friends and all of the good things you have in life, even if you would have rather received a Snuggie for your dog this year!

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!

We have a winner for our $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway! Drumroll, please . . . . and the winner is . . . Tamara McDonald of Dallas, Texas! Tamara’s name was drawn from all those who participated by posting a comment about the cards they enjoyed finding on CardsDirect.com.

Tamara posted the following, “I would get holiday cards! I send out about 150 every year, so this would be a great help!”

The comments touched on just about every card category offered on the site. Many favored our new line of birth announcements with comments like, “There are so many cute birth announcements it is hard to choose! My sweet baby boy is a week old today and I’d love to send out the Centered Photo Birth Announcement PC5660.”

Others liked our Recycled Cards- “Luv the Vines Growing Recycled Thank You Card. Has the girly scrolling vines and a retro vibe.”

Photo Cards had a strong following too. “Love the Wildlife Print Photo Card to use for so many different occasions.”

And, as with Tamara, others are excited about our new line of Holiday Cards. “I love cards and I love giving fun and unique cards. I would love to send out some of those cute Christmas cards this year! ”

Go to www.hostessblog.com and type CardsDirect in the Search box to see all the entries and watch this CardsDirect.com/blog for future Surprise Giveaways! Congratulations, Tamara!

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}