Shital Kakkar Mehta tells us ways to spread cheer by sending cards with a personal touch to associates on festivals

While we send personalised greetings to dear ones on various festivals, our business associates should not be left behind, says Shital Kakkar Mehra

Sending gifts, cards, personalised greeting mails are some ways to connect with your business associates, partners, peers, competitors during the festival or holiday season. But there are ways to go the extra mile into building the formal relationship, into an informal one. Our etiquette expert guides us into some pertinent questions.

During the festive season, I send greeting cards to all my clients. Am I expected to sign each card?

To strengthen bonds in business, handwrite the name of the recipient and personally sign each card, even if your name, company’s name and designation are pre-printed. To further personalise the card, add a short customised message for the recipient.

Our corporate policy allows us to receive certain type of gifts from our business partners. What’s the best way to thank the gift-givers?

Handwritten thank you notes are classic and standout in today’s paperless offices. The next best option is to thank the gift-giver over the phone as it offers you a chance to convey warmth. Another way to select the best option for conveying gratitude is to consider the age of

the gift-giver - ‘Baby Boomers’ prefer traditional hand-written notes; Gen X is happiest connecting over the phone while Gen Y appreciates animated e-cards/ text messages. Whatever you choose, do ensure that you thank the gift-giver within a week of receiving the gift.

My wife and I send New Year’s greetings via email. What is the correct way to sign as a couple?

Write your wife’s first name, followed by yours and end with your family name e.g. “Anita and Sharad Joshi”. In today’s progressive world if your spouse has retained her maiden name, sign her full name, followed by yours e.g. “Anita Iyer & Sharad Joshi”.

During the festive season, I receive greetings which are forwarded text messages. Am I expected to respond?

As forwarded text greetings are not personalised, you are not expected to respond. The same rule applies to all email greetings which are not personally addressed to you.

The next best option is to thank the gift-giver over the phone as it offers a chance to convey warmth

View on e-cards

While e-cards lack the permanence of an oldfashioned greeting card, they are eco-friendly, cheaper to exchange and reach faster.