Tag Archives: holidays

The Holiday Professional

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October is gone and so was Lydia. Did you wonder, “What happened to Lydia and where is my newsletter?” Some of my readers, including you, may have. As the pace picks up this time of the year, you may, like many of us, have a hard time believing it is already November. Labor Day seems like ages ago. Halloween just passed in a flash, and we are now looking at turkeys, cornucopias, holiday wreaths and New Year’s promotions. It all seems to move faster than Disney World’s “Space Mountain.”

October was a very busy month. I was consumed with two significant projects. I managed to publish two, not one, but two, books. The first is an eBook on holiday etiquette for business people. The second is a book, available in hard copy and electronically, that I co-authored with Bud Bilanich, “The Common Sense Guy.” All this while traveling from coast to coast to offer business etiquette programs to a variety of clients.

Here are a few tips to guide you:

  1. Plan to sign each business greeting card personally and add a short hand-written note.
  2. Attending the holiday office party is not a choice. It is a business requirement.
  3. Know how to make proper introductions at business events, in and out of the office.
  4. When entertaining business guests, give your client the seat with the best view.
  5. When toasting, the person being toasted remains seated and does not raise a glass.
professional speaker

Photo from Savannah magazine

Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.

Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions.  Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.

Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.

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Holiday Greeting Cards: It’s That Time of the Year Again

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When it comes to holiday business cards, to send or not to send is not the question. If you want to enhance your current business relationships, attract new customers, remind old clients that you exist and show appreciation to those who have faithfully supported you during the year, prepare to mail. However, proceed with caution and follow the rules of business etiquette. What is intended as a well-meaning gesture can actually offend when it is not done properly.

Start with a good quality card to show that you value your clients and colleagues. Skimping on your selection may be taken as a sign that your business is suffering or that your clients aren’t worth the extra investment.

Make sure your list is up-to-date with correct names and addresses. If you do this on a regular basis, it does not become a dreaded holiday chore.

Sign each card personally. Even if you have preprinted information on the card such as your name and that of your company, add a handwritten signature. The most elegant cards need your personal touch.

Take the time to hand write the address as well. Don’t use computer-generated labels. They are impersonal and make your holiday wishes look like a mass mailing. You may save time and even money, but turn off a client or a business associate in the process.

You may mail your greeting to the home if you know the business person socially. Include the spouse’s name. The card is not sent to both husband and wife at the business address unless they both work there. Whether you are addressing the envelope to an individual or a couple, titles should always be used. It’s “Mr. John Doe,” not “John Doe,” or “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, rather than “John and Mary Doe.”

Be sensitive to the religious or cultural beliefs of the people to whom you are sending your cards. Make sure your message is appropriate for each individual.

Mail your greetings for a timely arrival. If you find yourself addressing the envelopes on Super Bowl Sunday, keep the cards until next year and send out a high-quality note instead thanking people for their business during the previous year.

The best way to avoid the last minute greeting card rush is to have all your envelopes addressed before Thanksgiving. If you start now, you can relieve some of the usual holiday stress and can rest assured that you have taken one more step towards growing your business and building relationships.

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