On Monday, we blogged about gift-giving etiquette in the workplace. Even if you can't fit expensive gifts into your budget this holiday season, there's a simple, less pricey alternative: business greeting cards. Hallmark Business Expressions estimates that between 50 and 60 percent of all businesses will choose to send out greeting cards this season. "A holiday business greeting card done right will strengthen the personal relationship with each customer and also reflect the company's brand, values and culture," said Marc Wagenheim, product marketing director for Hallmark Business Expressions.
 
Here are five of their tips for using your holiday cards to make a lasting impression:

• Be the early bird. One of the best ways to get attention is to be first to send your holiday greeting.
• Choose carefully. Choose a message that sounds like something you’d say to your customers, but keep messages brief and secular unless you are certain of the recipient’s religious faith.
• First class all the way.  Mail cards first class to ensure cards are delivered or forwarded to the correct location. Also, use postage stamps to prevent your card from looking like it was part of a mass mailing.
• Send to individuals. In addition to sending one greeting card to an entire company, consider sending cards to the individuals you work with directly. This lets each person you work with know you value him or her as an individual.
• Business or personal? If you’re sending holiday wishes to business associates, it's most appropriate to mail the card to a business address. However, if you are friends socially or have met the recipient’s spouse or significant other, you can send the card to his or her home.

Click here to read the rest of their list of helpful holiday card hints.