By Allison & Taylor
Guest Columnist
In the office, the professional methods of communication are generally pretty clear. However, during holiday season, many employees wonder if they should send members of the management team some sort of holiday greeting card.
While sending out holiday cards is almost certainly a good idea, even this generous gesture can backfire if the proper protocols aren’t observed:
1. Choose a high-quality holiday card that allows no possibility of offending its recipient. Remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas – be mindful of religious and cultural nuances, particularly with your international recipients.
2. Choose a design that is appropriate for your business associates.
3. Keep your contact list accurate and up-to-date. Make sure you’re not sending a card to someone who has left the department or the company.
4. Check the spelling of your contacts and their corporate name. Any good points you’ll score with a holiday card will be lost if you misspell your contact’s name or corporate information.
5. Include one of your business cards inside the greeting card. This small insertion ensures that your recipients have your most current contact information and will reinforce your name with the card’s recipient.
6. Be sure that your inscriptions on the outside of the card are both legible and attractive. Also, be sure
to include your return address on the mailing envelope.
7. Sign each card personally.
It only takes a moment to sign your name and write a short greeting, and your business associates will notice and appreciate this more personal gesture.
8. Don’t be late. In life and in business, timing is everything. Remember that many companies close during the holidays and people take vacation to be with family, so send your cards early.
Take the time to make this personal gesture, and it will be sure to be appreciated and remembered.
Allison &Taylor and its principals have been in the business of checking references for corporations and individuals since 1984.
