If you’re like me, nearly every e-card you receive this year will either end up in your Spam folder or all of the images will be blocked by your email client (I use Outlook). Instead of downloading images and dealing with the various “cyber-security” issues associated with these emails, I usually just note who sent the mail and then send it to the trash.
I have no idea how many clever Photoshop examples, flash games or silly photographs I’ve missed over the years. But what’s more interesting is to think how many of these senders think they’ve made a positive impression on me when, in fact, they’ve made no impression at all.
This may be one of those times when going “old school” is the best rule.
Alan Underkofler writes a blog dedicated to “following up” with customers, prospects and the other people who are important in your business life. Throughout the month of December, he’s been trying to reinforce the importance of sending Holiday Cards to your contact base. In fact, last week, Alan reminded us that it’s still not too late!
If you happen to be one of those thinking “it’s too late to send holiday cards at this point” or “does sending holiday cards really make a difference in my business?”, I would encourage you to consider recent research by Hallmark: Hallmark found that businesses say they use greeting cards as a “kind of investment in their business… They’re investing in customer relationship with the hopes that it will pay back”. The company has conducted research that found at least half of customers who received holiday cards from businesses say they are more likely to continue doing business with that company versus another one.
Alan recommends using an online service called SendOutCards which allows you to upload a contact list, select a card, type in a personal message and then have your cards in the mail the next day.
