Featured photo of me taken by Autumn Ranae / Cards courtesy of Artifact Uprising
There are so many things on my holiday to-do list, and I thought I’d get Christmas up by November 1 but it’s looking more like mid-November but who knows with me! I might clear the schedule and say, “Make way for Christmas!” because I tend to say I will get to it next week and then I find my second wind and I get it done that day!
When I worked in corporate marketing I learned a LOT. I am so thankful for my five year marketing job experience I had where I was able to learn so much about marketing – from the importance of handwritten cards, marketing materials, professionalism, conferences, marketing terms and acronyms, I know that experience polished me for the entrepreneur life.
I ordered 50 holiday cards for my business – these will go out to active clients and “used in the last 2 years but not in the last year” so old contacts can still get that one last reach this holiday season to see if I can remind them I’m around for 2019!
I used to use Access as my CRM but I don’t need a huge database really, I use excel to keep track of my projects and every year I go down the list.
Here’s some business advice I’d love to share with you and what I do for my own business that might help you with yours!
TIPS ON SENDING CARDS TO CLIENTS
- Send cards to clients who gave you work or referrals. I say send “up” like in my case, PR, account managers, marketing. If you are a photographer you don’t have to send to your clients but you send to say, wedding venues, wedding planners, those kind of referrals.
- Consider sending cards to those you didn’t work with this year (but want to next year). If you haven’t heard from someone within 2 years I say they go off the list but you can always email (and should be keeping in touch) throughout the year.
- Pick your top 5, 10, 20 depending on how large your list is and send a gift. I pick my top by how much money/projects they gave me that year. You can create different levels, custom gifts and think about a product that can be reused often so when they see you, they will think of you! I once had a makeup artist send me an adorable leopard print bag (thanks Lauren Snow) and every time I used it, which was nearly every day, I thought of her! Your gift doesn’t have to be that expensive either! Anything is thoughtful.
- Consider handwriting the address on the envelope for personalization – depending on the size of your list. I don’t think this is necessary though, last year I did pre-printed since I liked the way it looked.
- If there’s room, sign the back of the card.
- Don’t forget to thank anyone who has given you a referral too! They are just as important to your thriving business as the ones who regularly send you business.
- Remember everything you send should be “on brand” – from the colors you pick to the item you send!


CLIENT GIFT IDEAS
- Carmel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – mark this its perishable on the box. I have sent these out before in my corporate job and also to my own clients.
- Last year I sent customized Birdytell boxes to clients which can also send to your out of state clients too.
- Cheese plates, wine openers with coasters, I went to a boutique store called UrbAna and they have adorable things and I customized a gift basket to send.
- Branded coasters – they will use it every day at their desk and think of you. I did this last year.
Remember not everyone has to get a gift, but a card is thoughtful. I am certain if you sent one out you would already be way ahead of your peers.
Here’s a peek into an example of a box you can design and order with Birdytell –

If you are concerned about cost, remember it’s a marketing write off and I believe in being thoughtful, generous and thankful this season. After all, I would be nowhere if it weren’t for those who repeatedly send me business and I’m so thankful for it! I also believe in sending gifts to people who refer business to you. I have heard of businesses getting annoyed when they send someone thousands of dollars of work to not get a gift or anything ! Don’t be that person, I know you’re better than that! Even sending a small coffee gift card is a kind gesture.
So whatever you do, I hope you take time to thank those you network with, and spread some holiday cheer through cards and gifts! xx
Lisa Morrow says
Thank you for including us at Birdytell. xx