As long as this year has seemed to last, the holiday season will be upon us before we know it. And it will be a very different-looking and -feeling holiday season from years past, as our country continues to focus on reducing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Even though our lives have been disrupted, there are safe and effective ways to show holiday appreciation this year. For those in your business networks, such as your employees, clients, customers, and potential leads, but also for those in your personal life, here are some things to consider right now to position yourself for success for the holidays:
1. Don’t wait until the last minute – Set aside time on your calendar to make sure all of your holiday affairs are in order, now. You will avoid creating additional stress for yourself as holiday season creeps ever closer.
2. Start collecting and updating addresses now – With social distancing recommendations still in place, the best way to show holiday appreciation this season will be by sending a personal note or gift through the mail. With so many people now working from home, changing jobs, or relocating homes, start reaching out to your contacts now to make sure your address list is up to date.
3. Don’t send perishables – Even if you have been diligent about updating addresses during the pandemic, there is still a risk that perishables may become a rotten gift by the time the recipient actually receives the parcel. Simple gifts that cannot decompose, like a gift card or a bookmark, are much better gift ideas for this year.
4. Send a handwritten note – We are all craving a personal connection during this year of social distancing and staying-at-home. Sending a handwritten note is a way to stand out from the impersonal e-cards and easy-to-send photo cards. A handwritten note demonstrates to the recipient that you took the time to carefully craft a meaningful and personalized message because they are important to you.
While you are at it, start thinking about how you can show appreciation to those in your networks in 2021. Have you thought about sending a thank you or recognition letter for Earth Day, the Fourth of July, your business or client anniversary, the First Day of Fall, or any other holiday that means something to you? A simple note of appreciation can go a long way in building and solidifying meaningful relationships, both personally and in business.
Rick Elmore is the Founder and CEO of Simply Noted, an automated handwritten letter company founded on the idea of making it easy to create simple, scalable, powerful, and meaningful real penwritten communication. Learn more at SimplyNoted.com
