Design Crafters

It probably is obvious who you should send your Holiday Cards to but maybe you haven’t thought of eveyone that it would be nice to include.

On a personal level, of course you are going to send Christmas Cards to your family and friends - espceially those who live far away whom you don’t see that often. It ’s an opportunity to update them on what is going on in your life.

Professionally you want to use this opportunity to touch base with all your clients and customers to let them know that your relationship with them is meaningful and that you want them to know that you are thinking of them and that you value the relationship that you share.

If there is a potential client you have been courting, by all means, send them a card as an extension of your friendship and desire for a continued relationship. It is simply a thoughtful gesture that you thought enough of them to include them on your limited list of recipients. You can’t help but win brownie points with this one.

One group you may not have thought that much about are your employees. Let them know that they are more that just a commodity and a paycheck. Include a personal note refering to your gratefulness for their conrtibution to the team or business. It means a lot to someone who knows they are contrbuting to the company’s success, even though it may be but a small part of the whole picture - to be considered a valuable part of the team by being remembered this time of year may mean more to them than you think.

The next time you need something done quickly, they are a lot more likely to perform expeditously for you if they feel valued. That is not the reason to include them in your list, but is a great byproduct.

The same goes for any support staff you have like janitorial or maintenance personel. If you remember them and make them feel valued, who do you think they will be first to help when there is a need in the building? You’re right. Or…if you have a special request, do you think they just might be happy to accommodate you quickly, with a smile? As I mentioned in a previous blog, "What goes around, comes around." It’s human nature to want to give back when feeling valued.