How many holiday cards did you get this year?

Any stand out?

Will you remember any of them in 2 weeks? Next month? Next Year?

Don’t get me wrong sending holiday cards is a nice thing to do and many would argue is a good business practice.  I think if your going to spend the time and money on cards why not do something that stands out.  Be Remarkable and do something different.  How about sending a holiday card for a holiday you made up or a holiday not normally associated with sending cards? I bet you will stand out from the crowd.

I remember my grandfather once told my brother when he was first getting started in sales “send Thanksgiving cards to your clients and prospects”.  He was a smart man.  At the time my brother didn’t know what he was talking about.

Who sends Thanksgiving cards? Now every year he sends them out. Very few people that I know of send out cards but it makes perfect sense.  Wish people well for the holidays, thank them for their business and stay front of mind and away from the crowd. Could you do better?  Sure, don’t just sign your name to a generic card but personalize each note.

Do companies honestly believe I am going to do business with them if they send me a greeting card?  Seems like a stretch especially if they just drop a bunch of generic cards with a random signature on the card.  I am a big believer in relationship building and would much rather receive a personal note without a gimmicky or cliché picture.  I know, I know, it is the holiday season and I should lighten up.

If you are going to send me a card make sure it is personalized and stands out otherwise save everyone the time.

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays.