In this electronic day and age, sending your boss or former boss a holiday e-card/social media greeting instead of a traditional “snail mail” card might seem perfectly normal and appropriate. However, there are several reasons why sending an electronic greeting might ultimately be a bad idea.
For starters, many senior managers are older and reflect an “old school” mentality. A card or greeting sent via electronic means might be regarded by them as inappropriate or even cavalier. Such greetings also tend to lack the “personal touch” of a card mailed individually to the boss’s door – e-cards and social media holiday greetings are often sent en masse, or (in the case of social media greetings) can be done as spur-of-the-moment responses to a comment seen on Facebook or similar social media venue.
While it’s possible that executives in high-tech industries might appreciate the use of cyberspace for holiday greetings, it’s usually best to error on the side of caution by using a mailed card. You aren’t likely to go wrong with thoughtful, traditional holiday greeting cards that can go a long way in making a good impression or fix a bad impression with all your business contacts.
However, does there remain any benefit to sending out holiday greeting cards in an age where most recipients are unlikely to even respond in kind?
There are 5 good reasons why your traditional greeting card is still well advised:
- Connecting with your boss (or former boss) will help keep you top-of-mind in their awareness, translating to possible future support or opportunity.
- Sending your boss (also former bosses, colleagues, suppliers, etc.) a card demonstrates a personal touch to accompany your business relationship.
- Staying in touch with bosses and colleagues via a holiday card is a subtle yet highly effective form of networking. (It’s also less expensive than taking them to lunch, and won’t violate corporate edicts if sent via personal mail.)
- Staying in the favor of your prospective employment references (particularly former bosses) is critical to your future employment success. The reference-checking firm of Allison & Taylor notes that approximately 72% of reference checks they conduct reveal negative input from the references. Consider that a greeting card could prove to be a small, but critical, investment in your professional future.
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships with your boss, co-workers and former bosses will ultimately be a cornerstone of success in your career.
Cultivate good relationships today during this holiday season – and help ensure your professional success tomorrow.
