Beyond Birthday Cake: Why Employee Birthday Cards Matter

When selecting birthday cards for my employees, I try to make it easy on myself.  I only set two rules for myself.  First, keep it fun and simple.  Second, go generic.  I do not want to worry about whether a card is too feminine for a guy or to masculine for a woman so I try to pick a birthday card that can be used either way.  I also want to select a birthday design that suits all ages so no one is offended.

Birthday Balloon Bundle Card is one of those perfect examples.  How can you go wrong with multi colored balloons?  The red teal purple and orange balloons with different color ribbons is definitely unisex.  I also like the fact that it is a photo surrounded by a gold frame.

The Birthday Wishes Card also fits the bill and I think that is just what you see when you look at the cover. Red, blue, yellow and green make it a suitable card for all.  Who doesn’t like candles and cake? The detail on the front greeting is entertaining and sure to get a smile.

Birthday Burst Card is a simple but playful card great for everyone.  The flying confetti and Happy Birthday words are done in a hue of colors and are dotted with stars.  When I see this card, I see celebration!

Top 10 Things to Consider When Picking out Personalized Folders

So you have decided to purchase some presentation folders to present your business in the best light possible to your clients. Seems simple enough but once you go online you realize there are more things to think about than you first imagined. Let me walk you through some of the things you should think before placing your first order.

Folder Color – What color best represents your company? If you have colors you typically use whether in your office décor, company logo, business letterhead etc. Consider choosing a folder that is similar in color.

Weight of Paper – Look for a folder with a medium to heavy cardstock to be sure your corporate pocket folder is not flimsy to the touch and able to house your paperwork that you will place inside.

Ink Imprinting or Foil Stamping – There are many, many ink printed folders out in the market place and some are indeed very nice. Consider a solid color with some rich foil stamping it can literally be the thing that stands out amongst a desk full of clutter and gives your client a feeling of confidence in your company.

Ink/Foil Color – Again look to your company colors or the impression you wish to make when making this very important decision.

Pockets – Are the pockets deep enough and roomy enough to put all of your marketing materials inside?

Business Card Slits – Do you need them? You do if you are planning to put your business cards in the folder.

Vertical or Horizontal Business Card – If you are putting your business card in the slits are the silts designed for both a horizontal and vertical oriented business card?

Personalization – Folders look great when they feature your company logo. Consider adding your company slogan, name, address or url.

Personalization Locations – Where you can print information on your folder is definitely something that can present some additional sales opportunities. Why not print important numbers on the inside pocket or your various locations and hours on the back?

Quantity – Typically the more presentation folders you order the lower the price per folder will be so be sure to order an ample suppy if you wish to get the most value for the dollars spent.

Birthday Cards Send a Positive Message to Employees

There is an easy way to keep morale up throughout the year, give employee birthday cards!  Everyone wants to be thought of as being important.  When a company gives you a birthday card it tells you that you matter to them.  That brings a sense of loyalty and helps build passion towards your brand and believe me you want your employees to be passionate about working for you.

There are many different cards to choose from on the internet but do not make the mistake of just getting one.  Vary it up so that you can switch up which cards go to each employee.  Try to keep track of it too; do not give the same cards to the same department.  Vary it up so everyone sees you put in an effort.  Those little things get noticed by employees.

Bring smiles to everyone’s faces when their big day comes around each year.  It is a simple gesture but one that will not be forgotten.  Most employees are so proud to get a card from their company that they bring it home and show it off to their friends and families.  That little gesture then becomes a big deal to everyone involved so make sure to go the extra mile for the ones who go the extra mile for you!

17th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest – Winner Announced!

Congratulations to our contest winner, Nancy Lien! 

To see previous contest winners, please visit our Winners & Finalists page.

Why We Love Card Assortments  And You Should Too

When your friend at work tells you she is going out to dinner with her husband tonight and you make small talk about where and what for, you suddenly find out it is her BIRTHDAY tomorrow! Yowza! How could you have forgotten that!

It seems like just last month was her last birthday.  I guess it feels that way for all of us sometimes.  Often in your life you are just too busy after work to make another stop to get that card you know you really need.  Remembering to get that birthday card has now become a major nuisance!  It is a good idea to keep a few greeting cards on hand so that when an acquaintance at work lets you know it’s their birthday tomorrow or someone else is with the company an anniversary year, you are prepared.

Even one time there was a lottery winner! That called for a congratulations card!  And when a baby is born, Grandma is so proud.  When it’s time to celebrate someone or something you just might have an appropriate card on hand, and not have to run out.  This is why here at my office we love card assortments, and you should too! 

17th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest – Round 9 Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to our Round 9 Finalists!

Why Should My Company Start Giving Anniversary Cards?

Ever wonder if the tradition of giving Anniversary cards to your employees is worth it for your company? Here’s a few reasons for the hype.

It makes your employees feel appreciated and valued. Taking a few minutes to ready a card shows your employees that you care. They’ve given years of their time and effort to your business. The least you can do is say thank you.

It should be obvious, but grateful employees work harder than workers who feel neglected or unimportant. Even though it is such a tiny gesture to give a card, it will speak volumes to your employees. You could even put in a small gift card as an added bonus to look forward to. You want your employees to feel like they matter because they will want to work for you.

The Gallery Collection has dozens of Anniversary cards to choose from. Find a card your employees will look forward to receiving. Many companies get a different design for each year their employees have been there. You could also use the imprint line to congratulate them, thanking them for their “___ years” of service. It’s a small detail that will make all the difference! Many employees cherish these Work Anniversary cards and collect them year after year. Start this thoughtful tradition in your office!

Why Sympathy Cards Are Important

It can be difficult to know what to say or do when a friend or relative loses a loved one. And that difficulty can be compounded when the one suffering a loss is a co-worker; someone you spend hours a day with but aren’t necessarily close to.

Sympathy cards are important because they allow us to acknowledge a deeply personal experience as unobtrusively as possible.

Sympathy cards allow us to express what we might feel too awkward to say in person. Sometimes it’s hard to know the right words, or the right time. Sympathy cards perfectly sum up the sentiment we hope to convey, offering messages of comfort and compassion that can be read whenever the bereaved is ready.

Death shouldn’t be treated like a secret or something ‘we don’t talk about’ and it can mean so much to those who are mourning to know they’re being thought of with kindness, that their loss matters and they’re not alone.

While it might be hard to read early on, the thoughtful words of a sympathy card can provide comfort as time passes and there are many who save and re-read notes of sympathy whenever they’re in need of that comfort and connection.

As a business it’s important to respect your employees as individuals. Acknowledging such a profound personal event with a thoughtful sympathy card speaks volumes about your business and how it values its employees. Gallery Collection offers a wide variety of beautiful, high-quality sympathy cards and messages of compassion that perfectly convey your offer of support and comfort during a difficult time.

Mark Twain said, ‘It’s never wrong to do the right thing’ and sending a sympathy card is a gesture that will be appreciated at a time when kindness and consideration are needed most.

17th Annual Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest – Round 8 Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to our Round 8 Finalists!

Should I Purchase Presentation Folders?

Owning a small business can be tough. Often a small business owner is working countless hours out of his or her home, reaching out to friends and family to establish a circle of clients or customers and looking for ways to extend their reach. My best friend has a photography business and while she loves the memories she captures for her clients, it’s been a struggle to increase her client lists. She is very active on social media, showing off what she can do for her clients. My suggestion to get to the next level? Presentation Folders. The old saying, “You have to spend money to make money” is still relevant in the digital age. Presentation folders can be a smart investment for any small business.

Often a small business invests (either in time and effort or money) in an eye-catching logo for advertising purposes. My friend has a beautiful logo for her business, but there are not many opportunities for her to use it. Getting a folder to give to her clients with that logo printed on the front will help keep her and her business in mind whenever her past clients are in need of a photographer.

When she’s on location, in a park or at a party, having a few folders pre-set with samples, pricing, and available options would be perfect for when passersby see her at work and consider hiring her as well. A business card alone is nice, and can work for networking events, but they can get lost very easily. That presentation folder can have a much greater impact. Add in a business card placed in a special slit in the inside pocket of the folder, and she’ll look just as professional as her competition. One of the reasons why a customer chooses a small business is the personalized service and attention to detail that is not the hallmark of large chains.

Large companies use custom folders for informational packets. Schools get custom folders for students and staff to use. Wouldn’t your business benefit from such an effective marketing tool?