Alice Designs - Putting a face on for Christmas

This is a time for giving, and that includes Christmas cards. If you're a skinflint, you'd have already bought yours in the January sales, but that wouldn't be in the spirit of things. But if you appreciate your friends (and customers), why not get some corporate Christmas cards done with a difference.

Getting bespoke cards designed and printed is more expensive than buying them, but then they aren't 'your own' or relevant to your business. They are a great medium for reminding your customers how much you value them, and that you want to continue providing a service for them next year.

There are a number of things you could consider:

* a relevant or well-designed image on the front

* a catchy/easily remembered heading

* a personal message inside

* a photo of you so they remember who you are

* a call to action for the New Year

* a gift or voucher for future business

The inside message could be partially printed with a space for a handwritten comment, a personal touch that could make all the difference.

Don't be afraid of putting your portrait inside; not only does it remind them of the person of contact, it is a friendly gesture and can be good for your customers to have a face to focus on when they make contact again.

A voucher or call for action for New Year business may prevent that 'dead January' syndrome. At least you could be discussing future projects to happen later in the year, and suggestions, ideas and advice could certainly benefit each party.

Go ask Alice (alice@alice-designs.co.uk) if you'd like a Christmas card design, or take another action by forwarding this e-newsletter to other interested parties - all viral referrals are much appreciated.

Kind regards, Alice

Alice's Action #3 - Facing up to Business

Consider where you can publish a portrait of yourself so that your customers, both existing and prospective, know what you look like. How about your business card? The recipient would be able to remember you with the card, help to recognise you at a 1-2-1, or could use it to facilitate that initial contact (email or telephone) when necessary. And make your friendly, smiley face accessible on your website and blog, it's far more welcoming! You are, after all, selling yourself as well as your product/service.