The Nine Rules of Greeting Card Etiquette in the Business World

You haven’t given out the first piece of Halloween candy yet, and you can’t even think about Thanksgiving dinner.  Nevertheless, it is not too soon to consider those holiday greeting cards–the ones you plan to send to your business clients and associates. Starting the process now will save you time and stress later. Here are my nine rules to guide you through the etiquette of holiday greeting cards in business.

1. Buy quality cards. Start with a high quality greeting card to show that you value your clients and colleagues.

2. Update your list. Make sure your list has current names and addresses.

3. Sign cards personally. Even if you have preprinted information on your card including your name, you need to add your personal signature and a brief handwritten message.

4. Hand write the address.  Don’t use computer-generated labels. They are impersonal and make your holiday wishes look like a mass mailing.

5. Consider whether to mail to the home or the business address. If you have a close relationship with the client or colleague, send the card to the home. If your relationship is more formal, mail it to the business address.

6. Use titles. 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 that “John and Mary Doe.”

7. Be sensitive to religions. Find out which holiday the recipient observes. Don’t send a Christmas card to the person who observes Hanukkah.

8. Avoid the mail rush. Mail your business greeting cards in time to arrive for the designated holiday. If you find yourself addressing the envelopes on Super Bowl Sunday, keep the cards until next year and send out a note thanking people for their business during the previous year instead.

9. Don’t even think about sending an e-card in business.  You might save time and money, but you’ll lose the personal touch.

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.