Are you one of those people who got too bogged down in the day-to-day running of your business, and didn't have a chance to send out a holiday card of some sort?
You are not alone - while I have no statistics to back this up, many colleagues and clients whom I've spoken with had planned to send holiday greetings but did not. I was in the process, and had many done ahead of time, and toward my last 1/3 of the bunch, we had a family illness to deal with.
No worries - send out a handful of New Year's cards. Yes, New Year's cards. You can do this in less than an hour, and it can make one more important touch toward building trust and being memorable. Here are my tips:
1. If you have limited time, you have two strategies - use a digital service such as Booked Solid Cards, OR do what I do - go to your local drug store and buy a few packs of business-style New Year cards. You need to take a look at them because some New Year's cards are very personal and for business, I'd recommend something stating that it is a new year, and a time to go for it.
2. Print out a list of your top prospects and clients - it's okay to make mailing labels (purists will tell you that addresses should be hand-written, but I disagree when you have little time), and use a small return address stamp or label. Add your website address to it if you have the option.
3. For your best clients, you can put some thought into what to say - and for others, just add a line that says something like, "here's to 2007!" or "Wishing you your best year yet", and then sign it. That's it.
4. Depending on your time constraints - send out as many as you can. If you are short on time, try for your top ten clients, your top ten prospects, and your top ten alliance partners (those who can refer you new business next year.)
5. If you are really pressed for time, hire a student with great handwriting to address your envelopes, or address them while you are watching TV. Put a kit together with the cards, stamps, labels, and list together in a box and take it with you when you are driving or if you are off on a business trip.
6. Send New Year's cards out before the middle of the month.
7. Pick up holiday cards 1/2 price now for next year, and make a note in your calendar in late October or November to have that project dealt with early.
8. If you can slip in a coffee card or gift card of some type, for those you really want to thank, now might be a good time to do that.
