Holiday Greetings

Late Friday, I received an e-mail inquiring whether it’s appropriate to send holiday cards to people who had helped the inquirer undertake a career transition. My reply: Not only is it appropriate, it’s also a darn good way of building a personal relationship with someone who has in the past, and may again in the future, provided professional assistance.

If your office provides holiday cards, grab a great big stack of them. If your office does not, make the investment and buy several boxes today. Then, here’s how you make the most of holiday greetings:

• Plan on sending a holiday card to anyone with whom you have established a business relationship. This is an easy and inexpensive way to connect with business contacts and build personal relationships.
   
• At the very minimum, sign each and every card. Your signature need not be elaborate.  It may be as simple as, “Happy Holidays!  Mary.”  With especially important contacts, add a personal note.
   
• Cards sent to business contacts should be sent to their business address. If you have established a personal relationship with a business contact, they may be sent to the contact’s home address. In the latter case, the card should be addressed to your contact and their spouse or partner, if one exists.
   
• Hold off on sending any family newsletter detailing little Johnny or Judy’s accomplishments to all but those with whom you have established very personal as well as business relationships.

Now you’re set. Pick up your best pen and go!!!

Related Things You Need to Know

Developing Allies at Every Level

Allyship may be the “missing link” that can help organizations ensure inclusion actually occurs.

When You Need to Get to "Yes"

Because of covid-19, many employers will have a unique opportunity to discern how well their summer hires manage conflict. My contacts indicate that this year’s summer associates and interns have been assigned to group projects. Disagreements are inevitable when any team goes through the process of forming, storming, norming and performing. Additionally, since most summer hires will work from home, they will need to negotiate with family members or roommates over who gets access to the best printer, the extent to which background noise needs to be minimized during Zoom calls, and who and when someone can just walk into their workspace for a quick chat.

Proving You're a Professional During a Shortened Summer Program

Because so many summer associate and internship programs have been significantly curtailed, the students who will participate in these shortened programs must avoid unforced errors. Like never before, summer hires will have very few opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. How they handle one or two assignments will create critically important impressions.

Learn More

Order Mary'sbooksto learn the 100 things interns, new hires and summer associates need to know to succeed.

Let Mary Know

Do you have questions or want to see Mary speak at your school/employment? Reach out to Mary for more info.

Contact Mary