!: Saved Gold Envelope Seals: October 2011

!: Holiday Cards Inspire Company Teamwork

The holiday season will be here before you know it and sending holiday cards to clients and business associates can be a fun activity that inspires company teamwork. By sending holiday cards, you are promoting the company's name and goodwill and sending messages of thanks for successful partnerships, while encouraging customer loyalty. The process of sending cards to all customers, friends and business associates can be time consuming and labor intensive, but here are some ways to get the job done cheerfully and to promote office teamwork at the same time.

1. Pre-planning. Just as Santa has checked his list twice, so should you. Confirm all contact names and mailing addresses with every department in the company. Be sure the list is as up-to-date as possible and that all new contacts have been added since last years list. Also delete those that you'll not be remembering with cards this year for whatever reason. A correct list is a significant time saver later.

2. Proof. The cards have arrived. Have several team members look them over to be sure they were imprinted correctly and that the cards received match the order placed. Double check the quantity of cards and envelopes so there are no last minute rushed reprint orders which can prove costly.

3. Assemble. If your card has multiple parts, like ribbons to tie around layered cards, gather a team for hands on help. Make it fun. After all, this is one task you can do while you discuss your holiday shopping plans or what to wear to the annual office party. Put one together as a sample before doing them all. Keep hands and work areas clean and keep the group small so the work actually does get done.

4. Addressing. This is the most labor intensive part of the operation but doesn't have to be overwhelming. A handwritten address is much nicer than stuck on labels. Attractive cursive handwriting is the key. Divide the list and find several with nice penmanship to help as it is not necessary for all envelopes to be addressed by the same person. If you can't handle it all internally, hire outside help for a portion of the list. Hopefully the return address was preprinted.

5. Personalize. Throw a signing party. The holiday cards are imprinted with the company name and logo but if you can, add a short note or sign your name for a truly personalized card. Break your list up into manageable batches and do a few at a time so the handwriting will be recognizable towards the end! Depending on the size of the company or the size of the list, you may not want to sign every card. Do try to sign cards for those you work with directly for a special, personal touch. Go ahead and put the personalized card in the right envelope!

6. Seal and stamp. You're almost done! This is another step that can be fun, since it can be done while visiting! Gather a group that doesn't normally interface for an office networking opportunity. Seal and stamp each envelope in assembly line fashion. Have someone at the end check each card off the mailing list. The holiday cards are ready for mailing and the team enjoyed the experience of getting them done together. Next year you'll have employees volunteering to help in the process!