4 tips for a successful greetings card

Sending out your New Year's greetings may seem old-fashioned. But it's more than just a tradition, it's an essential step in building and maintaining your network - and you need to know how to do it with subtlety and professionalism. Here are a few tips to help you write your New Year's greetings.

1/ Who should you wish your best wishes to?

You can present your greetings to employees, associates, partners or suppliers, customers or prospects, investors or former employers. Give priority to people you've already met and with whom you'd like to develop a professional relationship. And above all, don't hesitate to contact people you haven't heard from in a long time: the end-of-year period is the ideal time to renew ties.

2/ When to wish?

In France, it's customary to say that you can send your greetings up to January 31st, but in reality, it's best not to do so after January 10th: you could give the impression that you've put off the task as long as possible and come at the last minute.
However, some people prefer to stand out from the crowd and present their greetings on January 31, on the occasion of Chinese New Year. If you're in contact with foreign partners, be aware that traditions may differ from one culture to another. For example, in England and Germany, it's customary to send greetings before Christmas.

3/ Which media to choose?

Paper cards may seem a little outdated, but they're always more memorable than a standardized e-mail, and less likely to end up in your recipient's inbox. Whether you're sending a paper card, an e-mail or an ecard, remember that while originality is often well received, kitsch is much less so. So, if in doubt, opt for sobriety.

4/ What can I wish for?

First and foremost, remember that the season's greetings are meant for... greetings, and nothing else. Don't send CVs, business proposals or any hint of current or future professional projects. Slipping a business card into the envelope may be tolerated, but nothing more.
In a professional context, you need to maintain a certain distance from your interlocutors. That's why you should avoid insisting on overly personal themes (love, health, happiness, etc.) unless you've established a more friendly relationship with your recipient. For your message, choose a theme that reflects your values, such as success, fulfillment, serenity or adventure. Finally, remember to personalize your greetings to suit the person you're addressing. Don't hesitate to mention the context of your encounter, and to do so by hand.
Here are a few examples from the Institut de la qualité d'expression to inspire you in your greetings:

• Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those who have made our success possible. The Institute wishes you all a successful year.
• The Institute wishes you a prosperous year.
• Ambition, sharing, fulfillment. These are the Institute's wishes for you in 2017.
• We wish your company every challenge, openness and development. May the desire to do and invent be your motto.
• May your initiatives in 2017 see the light of day under fair and favorable winds.

And to thank for the greetings sent :

• The Institute is very touched by your attention and would also like to express its sincere esteem and best wishes for 2017.
• The Institute is very sensitive to your wishes and sends you its warmest greetings.