Play Santa: Send Some Holiday Cheer To Your Clients

It was about this time last year when I reached into my mailbox and pulled out some early-arriving Christmas cards. In the bunch was a card from one of the editors I’d done a few stories for throughout the year.

Considering how very busy most editors are—and she definitely fits the bill—I was very touched by this kind gesture. And while her publication is not a particularly high-paying one, I continue to work with this editor because she is great to work with, we have a good rapport, and I really enjoy the work that she sends my way. It meant a lot that she took time out to let me know she was thinking of me—not just when she was waiting for me to turn in an assignment.

I also remember a few years back when I was an editor at a reference book publishing company, there were a couple freelancers who always sent cards and cookies to me and other editors around the holidays. Now, I can’t say that I sent those freelancers more work because I liked their peanut brittle or sugar cookies. But I did have a special spot in my heart for those independent contractors who cared enough to nurture our business relationship by taking the time out to send me a card or some holiday treats.

If you’re in business—no matter what kind of business—sending a holiday greeting is just a nice thing to do. After all, your clients are helping you keep food on the table, your lights on, and your mortgage paid throughout the year. Why wouldn’t you want to take some time out to thank them for their continued business?

So when I was out and about yesterday, I bought some holiday greeting cards. And even though I’m swamped with deadlines for the rest of the week, I will be taking time out to send my editors and clients holiday cards to thank them for their business this past year, and also to extend well wishes for 2009.

It may seem like a small gesture. And with all the other holiday planning tasks and deadlines on my plate right now, it would be really easy to talk myself out of adding one more thing to my to-do list. But something as simple as a holiday card can really brighten a harried editor’s day.

And isn’t that what it’s all about? Spreading some cheer and brightening someone’s day?

So if you decide to play Santa this year and send some cards to your clients and editors, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keep it holiday neutral. Remember that not all editors or clients celebrate Christmas. So when you’re shopping for holiday cards, go for the generic Happy Holidays greetings instead of the overtly Christian holiday cards that say “Merry Christmas” or have a crèche scene on the front of them.

• Keep it short. Don’t write a tome in the holiday card. Your point in writing the card is to let your client know you took time out of your day to think about them. A holiday card is not the place to try to impress an editor with your literary skills or hit them up for more work.

• Keep it professional. There is no shortage of holiday tackiness out there. So if you’re going to go to the trouble of sending cards, make sure they don’t look like you paid $1 for a box of 30 at the dollar store. And unless you know the editor or client well, it’s probably smart to stay away from cards that attempt humor. A nice, classy holiday greeting is your best bet. Think of the card as an extension of your business stationary or business card. Keep it professional.

• Keep it simple. Now while I certainly enjoyed those Christmas cookies that freelancers sent me every year, I’m not sure I’d be sending edible items through the U.S. Postal Service. Your editor might have an allergy to nuts or might be on a restricted diet of some kind. Or worse, a stray cat or dog hair might find its way into the cookie dough. Your editor or client will definitely remember you, but not in the way you want to be remembered. Stick to cards—that’s my advice.

So did I leave anything off the list? What do you do for your clients during the holidays? Drop me a line below—I’d love to hear from you!

-Jenny

Photo credit: bandita (Flickr)