I was talking recently with a friend, a very bright business owner.  He’d mentioned that business was slow this year so he wasn’t going to send Holiday Greeting Cards out this year. 

I’m telling you, this guy is one of the smartest guys I know.  I was stunned.  When I finally picked my jaw up from the ground we sat down and talked.

Slow times are the most important times to remind customers that they matter to you.  The fact that they haven’t done business with you in some time could result from a number of factors.

·         Haven’t needed your services

·         Don’t feel they have money for your services

·         Too busy to concern themselves with your services

·         Found someone else offering the same services

No matter what, getting your name, your face, your company in front of them is the key to keeping them as your customer.  The holidays make this easy.  This can be a simple greeting that lets them know they are important to you.  Don’t misread me here though.  This is more than a greeting card.  It is a marketing tool.  To have the opportunity to connect with clients and then not ensure they see your wishes and recognize your business in the process is a WASTED opportunity.

·         Have your company name imprinted on the inside of your cards and then sign your cards personally

·         If possible, write a small note on the inside of the card, personal to that client, start with their name

·         And of course, order cards that help you stand out from the numerous other well wishers

Industry Specific Holiday Cards are a perfect way to do this.  If you’re an electrician and you send out an electrician themed Christmas card your card gets noticed.  A clever card that portrays your industry in a positive way is an advertisement on its own. It creates a buzz and encourages others to see who sent it.

Plus, a holiday greeting card is one of the oldest American Traditions.  Sharing this cultural icon with customers brings the relationship to a more personal level and bonds giver and receiver in a way no other printed piece can match. This personal relationship, with continued effort on your part, tends to evolve into customer loyalty.

Bringing loyalty to your customer base is the way to keep your business afloat in these trying times. 

·         Loyal customers rarely leave over a small change in price.

·         Loyal customers are more inclined to pay you on time.

·         Loyal customers talk about your company favorably with others.

Oh, and back to my friend, he recognized the errors of his misguided greeting card concepts. He decided to order cards after all. Hopefully you’ll do the same.