Christmas tidings of goodwill can help spread comfort and joy all year round for businesses

Businesses warned that cutting Christmas card list is false economy

[ClickPress, Wed Dec 13 2006] ‘Tis the season to be jolly – jolly disappointed if you are one of thousands of businesses planning to cut costs this Christmas by not sending cards!

Leaving someone off your company’s Christmas card list could be more than a little embarrassing – it could actually lead to a loss of business.

With just days to go before the last recommended posting date for UK mail (December 19) one of the country’s leading networking companies is urging businesses to make the most of the season of goodwill.

“Christmas cards are great opportunity for companies to say thank you for business and favours in general,” said Amanda Kremer, Managing Director of Thrive for Business, one of Scotland’s leading networking companies.

“Christmas cards are an important part of the networking process. They remind people you exist and they convey the message that you appreciate their help or custom.”

However sending the right message can be a tricky business, warns Amanda, as sending cards of poor quality can make a business look cheap and damage a reputation almost as much as not sending a card at all.

”It is important that any cards sent out in the name of the business are tasteful and communicate the brand messages of your organisation – a naked Santa isn’t funny or appropriate to everyone”.

With the advent of ecologically sound E-cards making contact need not result in adding to the waste paper mountain. Companies that want to show their goodwill during the festive period could send E-cards and give the saved postage fees to their chosen charity.

But it’s not just Christmas cards that are a potential minefield for companies as the festive season springs into life and business merges with pleasure. Its worth while remembering that this special time of year comes with its own particular rules of etiquette.



“Networking at Christmas is different. It is a special time of year and I always advise our members not to drink too much, it sounds obvious but the temptation is there,” said Amanda.

“With all the office parties and events on at this time of year, competition for a good turnout is tough. My advice would be to host an informal drinks evening, anytime from 5pm at an exciting city centre venue early on in the season. That is easiest invitation to accept and your clients and contacts will thank you for it as they can drop in for an hour or so to say hello without forsaking their families for the whole evening.”

Other festive networking tips include putting out your invites early for a better turnout. It’s good practice to be appreciative of the hospitality and goodwill around at this time of year and make your own contribution.

“Giving invites to your team will ensure that your company is represented even if you can’t make it. If you go in two’s to an event make sure you separate and work the room properly,” said Amanda.

“Remember it’s a great time of year to use the social aspect of the event to get closer to your clients on a more personnel level. A little effort now could bring joy in the form of new and increased business throughout the rest of the year.”

Ends



For more information please Amanda Kremer at Thrive for Business on 0131 271 4419. More information on Thrive can be found at www.thriveforbusiness.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Thrive For Business is a series of networking clubs designed to help businesses grow by creating the opportunity, atmosphere and motivation for success.
Thrive clubs meet twice a month at a regular venue. Thrive AM for breakfast, Thrive PM after work and Thrive Noon at midday.
Thrive was founded in 2005 by Amanda Kremer and now has six clubs:
Thrive AM Diadem (breakfast club in Edinburgh)
Thrive Noon Meissa (lunchtime club in Edinburgh)
Thrive PM Sabik (evening club in Edinburgh)
Thrive Noon Vega (lunchtime club in Edinburgh)
Thrive AM Atlas (breakfast club in Glasgow)
Thrive Noon Phaet (lunchtime club in Glasgow)
Thrive Noon Chara (lunchtime property club in Glasgow)
Thrive Noon Haedi (lunchtime club in Glasgow)