Make a Lasting Impression With Your Customers

Hallmark Business Expressions Offers Tips for Strengthening
Business Relationships

(KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Feb. 13, 2007)" With e-mail and instant messaging becoming the norm in business today, communication is moving at a furious pace. As a result, business communication becomes more impersonal with every passing day. The superficial interactions that regularly take place in a professional context can sadly leave customers feeling unimportant and disengaged.

When it comes to business communication, a personalized greeting card goes a long way in a world filled with e-mail, phone calls and text messages," said Marc Wagenheim, product marketing director of Hallmark Business Expressions. "There are daily opportunities in which you can let the people who matter most to your business know they are important."

To help you know when and how to send a greeting card to strengthen customer relationships, Wagenheim offers the following tips:

Say 'Thank You' Often. Do you have a great customer? Then be sure to thank them. Sending a thank you card to express how much their time, a referral or their loyalty means to you and your business, will definitely keep you top-of-mind.

Follow Up with Prospects. Attracting new business means making a lasting, favorable impression with your key prospects. Review your business contact list and make sure you include key decision makers. A well-placed, "I hope we can meet again soon to continue our discussion" puts the ball in the recipient's court without being too pushy. Also, be careful not to say or offer anything you can't deliver.

Make Special Occasions Special Again. Everyone appreciates having a special day acknowledged. Remember specific days and events throughout the year, such as work anniversaries or milestones, birthdays and holidays. Or, send a congratulatory card for achievements such as a promotion or a big sale, or life events such as a marriage or the birth of a baby.

Keep in Touch Regularly. It doesn't have to be a holiday or special occasion for you to recognize how much a customer means to your business. Send a card to stay top of mind with customers and prospects. Maintaining positive business relationships means keeping in touch regularly, even if there's nothing urgent to discuss. "There's never a bad time to send a greeting card to build or strengthen a relationship with a customer, "according to Wagenheim.

Offer an Incentive. Greeting cards are a great vehicle for delivering a special offer or incentive to your customers. Re-engage and retain customers with a Hallmark Business Expressions greeting card and include a special offer or invitation to try a new product or service, attend an open house or seminar, or visit a website.

Keep It Professional. Business rules are less forgiving than social ones when it comes to card sending. The three day rule strongly applies, so send your card within 3 days of an event or meeting. Your card should reflect your business relationship. Remember to use the appropriate level of formalityonly use first names when you are 100 percent confident the recipient will be comfortable with it. When in doubt, use Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., or the appropriate formal or professional title. And always, always spell the recipient's name correctly.