Holiday Cards--HELP!
Labor Day passes. I return to the office after traveling and being on trial for the better part of a month, and I return to a Law Practice article (September 2005) on holiday cards. Six full pages on holiday cards. I run hot and cold on cards and gifts. Many clients cannot accept gifts, and most receive so many cards that no card stands out. I've favored contributions on behalf of our clients, and then felt that contributions didn't really communicate appreciation. This year, the Hurricane Katrina disaster makes cards seem even more trite than normal. But I do want my clients to know that I appreciate them. So here I sit, yelling HELP!! Is there a right answer on this one?
Patrick,
Great blog. I'm glad I found it. Here's a suggestion to the holiday card program. First, you're right we all get flooded with the seemingly obligatory holiday card, and they all arrive within a month or so of each other.
And the ones I receive are usually pretty, uh, corporate. Don't get me wrong. I like the fact that people are thinking at least thinking about me. But if I got that card on Halloween, April Fool's Day, or some other holiday--like my birthday, that would make an impression.
Keep up the great work.
What about sending cards for Thanksgiving that gives thanks for being clients? Get 'em out early in November and be specific about what you're thanking them for (business, referrals, friendship, or just for being who they are). Just a thought. Good luck!
Great question, Patrick: IS there a right answer? I find people are extremely strong in their opinions on this matter.
I agree with you entirely that a contribution made by the firm does not show a client that you appreciate them. In fact, I find that the promotion of a contribution to "market" oneself to be somewhat distasteful.
I liked Thanksgiving cards until EVERYONE started doing them. Now they don't stand out that much either. But the occasion is more appropriate than for holidays if your clients are a religiously diverse group.
Personally, I lean toward New Year's greetings. I like thanking for the success of the year past and wishing greater prosperity, peace, etc (whatever is important to the person) via a heartfelt personal note in the card.
Maybe we can get Hallmark to make an official "customer appreciation day" for us to celebrate. Heck, there probably already is...