Put professional connections and business partners on your holiday card list

09/22/09

Guess what? It’s time to pick out your company Christmas cards! Fun, fun, fun!

You’re probably planning to send business holiday cards to your employees. And holiday cards are a great way to connect with customers, too.

But have you considered sending holiday greeting cards to your business associates? How about your networking contacts?

Many business owners neglect to include business associates and contacts on their holiday card list. Unfortunately, that could be a big mistake.

Why business associates and professional contacts belong on your list

There is an old and familiar bit of wisdom that says “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Never has that old adage been as true, and as critical to business success, as it is now.

When jobs and customers are both in short supply, a strong network of business connections becomes critical to your business’ survival. These are the people who will spread the “word-of-mouth” recommendations for your business. They are also the same people who know who has the best deals on the materials or services you need, who can best fill that one pivotal position or who can offer the answer to a time-sensitive question.

Sending a business holiday card is a simple yet effective way to build stronger professional relationships for the coming year. Selecting a personal or company Christmas card that expresses your thanks is a wonderful way to maintain existing connections, and to open the door to new opportunities with individuals you’ve recently met.

Don’t forget your business partners

Whether it’s a single partner in a small business, or a large group of investors, distributors or representatives, your business partners need to be on your business holiday card list.

It’s easy to take business partners for granted, whether it’s because we see them every day, or because we seldom if ever see them. But remembering each and every one of them during the holiday season is a meaningful way to end the year just passed, and build a better and stronger relationship for the new year.

Select a card that expresses your gratitude for what they contribute to your business. Add a personal note, and sign each card by hand. Those little touches will make a big difference in the impact your card will have.

How about and card and a gift?

If you have only a few partners, or if you have many and a generous budget, consider sending your holiday cards along with small holiday gifts. Something as simple as a chocolate assortment or a pen set transforms a season gesture into something more meaningful.

Sending a gift in additional to a holiday card is a meaningful way to let your professional associates know how important they are to you throughout the year.