"The Etiquette Advantage" is a free monthly online publication from 1^st Impressions, Inc.  It is geared for those who want to enhance their self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass their competition.

This free subscription publication should come to you only if you have requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia Whitaker or her business, 1^st Impressions, Inc.  

Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com

Even in the business arena, there are lots of reasons for sending holiday cards. You might want to enhance your current business relationships, attract new customers, remind former clients that you exist or show appreciation to those who have faithfully supported you during the year. Unfortunately, this well-meaning gesture can actually offend the people you want to impress when it is not done properly.  Here are a few tips to make sure it's done right:

• The first place to start is with a good quality card to show that you value your clients and colleagues. Skimping on your selection can be interpreted in a number of ways. Your recipients might take it as a sign that business has not been good or that they aren't worth a little extra investment on your part.

• Be sensitive to the religious and cultural traditions of the people to whom you are sending your cards. If you decide to go with one card and a single message for all, choose a generic one that will not offend. "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" are both safe choices.

• Sign each card personally. Even if you have preprinted information on the card such as your business' name, you need to add your handwritten signature. The most elegant cards should still have your personal signature and a short handwritten message or greeting.

• Mail your greetings in time to arrive for the designated holiday. The best way to avoid the last minute greeting rush is to have all your envelopes addressed before Thanksgiving. Then during December you can leisurely write a short message - one or two lines are all that is necessary on each card, sign your name and have them in the mail with a minimum of hassle.

Make Note of It

**Special TEA newsletter coming by December 1^st : "Tips on Correctly Addressing Envelopes."

Our staff is also working on having etiquette e-books available for holiday gift giving!

We hope those of you in the Richmond, VA area can join Patricia in one of the upcoming classes:

Small Talk Skills…Going Beyond "Hello."

Dates Offered: Tuesdays, November 15^th and 22^nd

 

Registration information.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Quote for the Month

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

1^st Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops and private consultations for business owners, employees, and individuals on professional presence, business protocol, effective communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. A unique program designed especially for teens, Skills 4 Success, is also highly recommended.  

1^st Impressions, Inc. provides the polished finishing touches that help you project a lasting impression of power, poise, confidence and professionalism.