(This is NOT a politically charged question about the terminology of this time of the year, so get that P & R thought out of your mind.)
What are your experiences with sending Christmas/Holiday cards at this time of the year? I'd like to do a few more projects to close out the year on a high note (big surprise, I know) and wonder if they have ever brought you any work (long term or even one) by sending cards (with a business card included) to people/lawyers/title people/bankers/real estate/contractors in your community that might occasionally need your services, but might not know that you were in business.
The cards are inexpensive, the cost is mostly in the postage. I know that house location/mortgage surveys are mostly gone from closings, but it sure would be nice to get a few for a new solo operator.
Thanks in advance for any and all answers/suggestions.
Carl
I am afraid I believe that recipients would treat them in
the same manner as I do...... Place them on a sill until after Christmas.
RADU
I am afraid I believe that recipients would treat them in
> the same manner as I do...... Place them on a sill until after Christmas.
>
>
> RADU
Well....maybe. I think sometimes this sort of advertising has a much more subtle impression that you don't see in dollar-for-dollar income. Being friendly, sending Christmas cards, showing a genuine interest in peoples personal lives, smiling and asking people how they are, may well be the difference of keeping you in business and having people call you when they need some of your work. I am not sure how you track that.
On the other hand, you might just try to make it on price alone, or if you actually have quality that is substantially above your competitors that brings in business because everyone else is so bad. Make sure you aren't simply narcissistic, however, if you are going for that angle.
Just some thoughts.
Tom
Don't send 'em. A waste of time, effort, and money.
The ones that we get always look trite and NOT sincere at all.
HUMBUG!
How did penguins get to the north pole? Polar bears and Santa are northerners.
I know, picky picky picky ...
> Don't send 'em. A waste of time, effort, and money.
>
> The ones that we get always look trite and NOT sincere at all.
>
> HUMBUG!
I agree.
If you want to make an impression pick your top 3 clients and send them a $50 basket of goodies. Address it to the person who makes the calls on ordering surveys. Hand write a note and hand deliver the basket. Tell them thanks for relationship and you look forward to another good year. At the end of the day service sells. People do not value a holiday card.
I am afraid I believe that recipients would treat them in
> Well....maybe. I think sometimes this sort of advertising has a much more subtle impression that you don't see in dollar-for-dollar income. Being friendly, sending Christmas cards, showing a genuine interest in peoples personal lives, smiling and asking people how they are, may well be the difference of keeping you in business and having people call you when they need some of your work. I am not sure how you track that.
>
> On the other hand, you might just try to make it on price alone, or if you actually have quality that is substantially above your competitors that brings in business because everyone else is so bad. Make sure you aren't simply narcissistic, however, if you are going for that angle.
>
> Just some thoughts.
> Tom
Tom,
Your answer is exactly what I was looking for. We have some fine surveyors in this area, along with some not-so-fine... So I am just looking for a way to snag two birds with one stone sort of deal. I am going to send Holiday cards to people and businesses that I have a long standing relationship with, and then send cards along with business cards and/or magnets to a newly expanded list. There is no narcissism in it at all, I'm just trying to get the word out that I am in business, fill a certain niche, and I hope that they have a wonderful holiday season. Pure and simple.
That's what I'll be working on on Thanksgiving I think...
Well....I don't know and am no expert. Maybe both.
But I will more than likely eat the candy and use the water-bottle sent by "mega-bucks engineering/surveying firm" and hire the local surveyor who has a good reputation, and with whom I exchange christmas cards and (who) knows me by name.
If you don't see the irony of attempting to use Christmas cards to get business and make money, I'm afraid I can't help you. I guess Christmas IS about commercialism anymore, however, anyway, so go ahead and do whatever you need to do, man.
> If you don't see the irony of attempting to use Christmas cards to get business and make money, I'm afraid I can't help you. I guess Christmas IS about commercialism anymore, however, anyway, so go ahead and do whatever you need to do, man.
Al... I never really thought about it that way... But, I can see what you mean.
Good point
Send Christmas cards to existing clients, colleagues, and friends simply in the spirit of the Holiday. Wit until after the first of the year and send out company fliers with a 1 page letter introducing yourself.
Given the head color, wing shape, and tuft of feathers just above the foot, it looks more like a penguin. Artistic license, I suppose, but there needs to be a BOR for those licenses.
Good point
I am with Evan. Wait til the new year...have a message that matches...New Year / New relations. Is this a significant year in business, use it as part of your message.
Celebrating 10 Years?! etc
> (This is NOT a politically charged question about the terminology of this time of the year, so get that P & R thought out of your mind.)
>
> What are your experiences with sending Christmas/Holiday cards at this time of the year? I'd like to do a few more projects to close out the year on a high note (big surprise, I know) and wonder if they have ever brought you any work (long term or even one) by sending cards (with a business card included) to people/lawyers/title people/bankers/real estate/contractors in your community that might occasionally need your services, but might not know that you were in business.
>
> The cards are inexpensive, the cost is mostly in the postage. I know that house location/mortgage surveys are mostly gone from closings, but it sure would be nice to get a few for a new solo operator.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all answers/suggestions.
>
> Carl
My holiday card list for the last 20 years has included current clients. I look at sending holiday cards as an opportunity to offer good wishes and thank yous.
Wait until after the holidays to send out boilerplate cards/brochures.
FWIW, at best you can expect about a 3% response from mass mailings...
Good luck and happy holidays!