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May 2, 2014

When to Send Greeting Cards to Business Associates and What to Say

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:59 am

Birthday Dazzle Deluxe Greeting Cards by PaperDirectThe greeting card can be an excellent tool for fostering close relationships with your clients and business associates. The right card can transform you from a simple professional contact into a real person, capable of connecting on a deeper level. However, walking that fine line between just personal enough and inappropriate can be difficult; it’s important for your to know exactly when to send greeting cards. The following are a few situations in which greeting cards are appropriate:

“Birthdays”

If you know your client’s business’s anniversary is quickly approaching, it’s in your interest to mark the occasion with a memorable card. Congratulate their # of years with a fun, colorful birthday card. This keeps the tone light, yet thoughtful. Be sure to include a friendly message on the inside of the card — your client will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Christmas

Season's Sparkle Printable Greeting Cards by PaperDirect

When December arrives, business leaders begin sending out dozens of holiday cards. You’ll want to follow suit, for you really don’t want to be the one contact that fails to send a touching message. It’s also important that you carefully consider the type of card you’re going to send, as you run the risk of offending your business associate if you send the wrong message. If you don’t recall your client making references to Christmas in the past, you might want to play it safe with a “Happy Holidays” card. Either way, you’ll be able to share the spirit of the season with the help of a cheerful card from Paper Direct.

New Year’s Day

If you’re willing about the possibility of offending a client during the holiday season, consider swapping your go-to Christmas card for a New Year’s message. The great thing about this type of holiday greeting is that you can harness your creativity, perhaps with a card that incorporates the calendar for the coming year.

Autumn Colors Deluxe Greeting Card by PaperDirectThanksgiving

If you want to break out of the mold and set yourself apart from the competition, there’s no better way to do it than with a Thanksgiving card. Incorporate fall colors in the design and, on the inside of the card, tell your associate that you’re grateful for your continued relationship. This message will stand out, as your contact is not likely to receive many additional Thanksgiving cards.

No matter when you decide to send your best wishes, you’ll be able to find a card that perfectly captures your sentiments with the help of Paper Direct.

March 27, 2014

Why Business Cards Are Still Important

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:23 am

Endeavor Business Cards by PaperDirectIn the digital era that focuses on all things paperless, it might seem like the traditional business card is irrelevant, however it couldn’t be further from the truth.  While the use for the business cards may have changed in recent decades, it’s still an important tool for any business person to have in their arsenal. There are many reasons why business cards are important, and professionals will continue to find them useful in the coming years.

Why Business Cards are Important

  • Business cards make it quick and easy to communicate with new clients. Business cards include a lot of important contact information — and it can be cumbersome to verbalize a business phone number, mobile phone number, fax number and e-mail address. Business cards are the quickest and most efficient way to provide vital information to another business person.Apex Business Cards by PaperDirect
  • Business cards are a visual representation of your brand and allow you to make a strong first impression with another professional. A logo, photograph or keyword can be used on your business card in order to make a statement about your business, your career and your professional goals.
  • Business cards add legitimacy to your position and to your business. If you do not have a business card, another client might think that you don’t take yourself, your position or your company seriously.
  • Business cards are still an accepted and expected part of the 21st century business world. Whether you are going to an out-of-town conference, a networking event or a business lunch with new clients, you will be expected to have business cards on hand to distribute. It may seem outdated and antiquated, but the business card is still important.

Most professionals in the business world come equipped with digital tools, apps and products that simplify their lives. However, while a smartphone is handy and can be loaded up with hundreds of apps that improve efficiency and productivity, it’s simply not Equilibrium Business Cards by PaperDirectas powerful as a small business card tucked into a person’s pocket.

Business owners and managers should still make business cards a priority, and create them for each employee who works for them. Young entrepreneurs should be encouraged to design cards that showcase their personality, their passion and their drive. The business card is and will remain an important part of professional life in the 21st century. To see dozens of business card designs and options, visit PaperDirect today.

March 4, 2014

How to Make a Professional Company Letterhead

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 10:12 am

Debonaire Foil Border Papers by PaperDirectA professional letterhead elevates your business communications and projects your brand. Modern tools and improved printer technology mean that it is possible to make professional letterhead right in your office.

Choosing a Professional Font

There are thousands of free and paid fonts available. Consider your business’s branding and image when choosing the one that is best for your letterhead. For a modern feel, look at fun options like Coolvetica or Abraham Lincoln. More reserved or authoritative brands may prefer classic fonts like Garamond or Bookman.

Look specifically for fonts that have been optimized for print; ones which are geared toward screen display, such as Georgia or Verdana, will not have as crisp and clean an appearance as those designed with print in mind. Limit your design to one serif and one san serif font for a clean, readable and professional look.

What to Include

Blue Elegance Foil Letterhead by PaperDirectWith all of the points of contact modern businesses have, it can be hard to decide what to include on your company’s letterhead. When deciding how to make a letterhead for your business, include the options your clients are most likely to use and those that best display your firm’s strengths. At minimum, include the company name, logo, street address and phone number. You can also include an email address and the company URL if you have room.

Valuable Online Tools

Not a designer? You have nothing to fear. There are a number of tools online to help you create the perfect letterhead for your business. When learning how to make a letterhead, look at examples online from other businesses and take note of features you like. Then, use online design software or handy free templates to put your vision into action.

As you design your letterhead, think about the paper that best represents your business. PaperDirect offers a number of options, from earth-friendly recycled stationery paper to thick and creamy parchment. Come to us for paper worthy of your business image.

February 24, 2014

Punctuation Rules for Business Letters

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:43 am
Pristine Foil Letterhead by PaperDirect

While business letters can often be compelling and even fun to read, they should also showcase proper punctuation. Punctuation rules for business letters are fairly straightforward, but you can mess them up as early as the salutation.

Salutation and Closing

Business letters can feature one of two types of punctuation based on the punctuation marks you use after your salutation and closing. Mixed punctuation uses a comma after the salutation and a comma after the closing:

  • Dear Mr. Robert Edmunds,
  • Sincerely,

Open punctuation omits any type of punctuation after the salutation and closing:

  • Dear Mr. Robert Edmunds
  • Sincerely

Body of Letter
Tattersall Letterhead Papers by PaperDirect

The body of the letter follows standard punctuation guidelines, which it never hurts to review. A big change over the years has been the use of one space, instead of two, after a period. Semicolons are used when you’re combining two independent clauses. Example:

  • It was a pleasure meeting you on Friday; we look forward to working with you.

Commas have a reputation for being tricky, but two main rules can help you use them properly in business correspondence. The first is to use a comma before a short conjunction when you’re combining two independent clauses. Example:

  • It was a pleasure meeting you on Friday, and we look forward to working with you.

The second comma rule is not as strongly set in stone, and it involves the use of the comma when listing three or more items. It even has a special name: the Oxford Comma. The rule depends on whom you ask, with the AP Stylebook omitting the Oxford comma before the conjunction. Example:

  • We are ready to set up our website, launch our product and begin our first marketing campaign.

Your other option is to include an Oxford comma before the conjunction. Example:

  • We are ready to set up our website, launch our product, and begin our first marketing campaign.

Both options are technically correct, and the latter can be helpful if omitting the comma changes the meaning of the sentence. Example:

  • Our company picnic will feature hot dogs, macaroni and cheese.
  • Our company picnic will feature hot dogs, macaroni, and cheese.
Swish Letterhead Papers by PaperDirect

Once you’ve mastered the punctuation rules for business letters, you’re free to be as creative as you like with your business letterhead or decorative border paper. The whole properly punctuated package will confirm your professionalism and perhaps even make for a fun read.

Looking for new stationery or letterhead? Check out the selection at PaperDirect.

January 22, 2014

How to Improve Your Business Communication Skills in 30 Days

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:46 am

Business communication is tricky. Whether it is B2B or B2 community, effective communication enables a small business to build trust and earn respect; it creates a productive work environment where creativity and problem solving can flourish. But here is the thing: despite the fact you are conducting business in the information age, an age where messages are sent, received, and processed at the speed of light, much of what you try to communicate to others is misunderstood. If you want to better connect with clients and businesses, you need to learn how to improve business communication skills.

1. Text messages, emoticons, and “likes” –in the age of instant communication and 140-character tweets, formal writing is falling by the wayside. Formal writing, however, is key to good business communication. Whether you are writing an article, preparing a report or giving a presentation, good vocabulary, grammar, and word context will enable you to get your message across.

2. Business isn’t just what product or service you are selling; it is the presentation of that product or service. There is a visual aspect to communication that should not be taken for granted. If you want clients and businesses to pay attention to your brand, then you need the right displays, boards, flyers, and mailers. Envelopes and letterheads say a great deal about your business, so make a good first impression when it comes to formal communications.

3. Yes, the bottom line is important. However, forging positive and meaningful relationships with clients and companies is the heart of good business. So how do you forge those relationships? You listen. Communication is a two-way street, and in order for it to be effective, you need to understand and empathize with what the other party is telling you.

4. There are numerous online communication tools at your fingertips. For example, Hootsuite enables you to manage your social media campaign by scheduling daily posts, tweets, and messages. Do you need to streamline your email marketing system? MailChimp makes it easier to create, edit, and manage email campaigns and newsletters. Finally, a conferencing tool like Skype is perfect for new contacts or conducting international business.

To discover other ways to improve your business communication skills, visit PaperDirect.

January 13, 2014

5 Important Things to Include on Your Brochure

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:46 am
Green Medallion Foil 3 Panel Brochures by PaperDirect

A brochure can help your company or school attract new customers or students, or draw attention to an upcoming event your business is organizing. Your brochure is only as good as the content inside of it. People won’t feel compelled to work with your business or school, or seek you out, if you don’t give them reason to. Remember these five things to include on your brochure:

Compelling Image

Your brochure needs something to grab someone’s attention, and an image is often what does the trick. Choose pictures that give a person a clear idea of what your business, school, clinic, or center is offering. Pick a photo or image that’s clear and good quality.

The Purpose of the Brochure
Escape 3 Panel Brochures by PaperDirect

A brochure shouldn’t present a person with a mystery. They should be able to figure out what its purpose is, and what your company’s or school’s purpose is, right away. Decide what you want from the brochure before you start designing it. For example, are you letting people know about an upcoming event or are you trying to convince people to switch schools pick your school instead? Highlight what makes your business or school stand out from the rest.

Contact Information

Include every possible way to contact your school, clinic, center, or business on the brochure. For example, list your phone number, email address, and street address. Don’t forget to include your social media profile information, such as your Twitter handle or Facebook page. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to reach out to you.

Time and Date

Let people know when the specific event is or when your school or business is open. If you’re strictly online, note that, so that people feel comfortable visiting your website at all hours. Include the year on the brochure or pamphlet, too, if you’re creating one for an upcoming event. You don’t want a person finding your brochure a year later and getting confused.

Call to Action

Put a call to action somewhere in the brochure so that people feel compelled to do something. Examples of a call to action include, “call us today” or “send in the coupon below for a free consultation.” Make the call clear and convey to the reader what will happen if they act.

When designing your brochure, make it as readable as possible, using easy-to-see fonts and big print sizes. Put the most important information, such as date and time of the event, right on the front of the brochure. When in doubt, keep the content short, sweet and to the point.

Double-sided Golf themed brochure

Ready to design an eye-catching brochure for your school or business?  Visit PaperDirect for all of your brochure printing needs.

January 8, 2014

5 Punctuation Rules that are Made to be Broken

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 11:43 am

Stardust 3-Panel Brochures The only people who do not find punctuation sticklers to be, well, just plain annoying, are the nitpickers themselves. Although we do need punctuation rules simply because misplacing a comma or period can create serious miscommunication issues, some punctuation rules are made to be broken. Here are five of them:

1. Comma dilemma over whether to use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. For example, punctuation fanatics insist that this sentence is correct: The play was over, but everyone wanted an encore. What makes the difference if a comma is placed after the word “over?” The sentence implies the same idea without the comma and it is one less thing for the writer to worry about when writing items like brochures or award certificates that need to be informative and meaningful. Break this rule!

2. Oxford commas, or putting an unnecessary comma (again) in a sentence because Oxford University says to do it. This only applies to sentences listing least three items, i.e., She detests broccoli, spinach, and peas. Notice the “Oxford” comma after the word “spinach”. However, omit the comma and the sentence reads the same. Break this rule!

3. Are semicolons really necessary? Do two independent clauses really need connected by a funny-looking dot with a tail? Why not just put a simple period in between independent clauses like this: Sharon worked hard to finish the essay on time. Consequently, she missed her favorite television show. Break the rule!

4. Punctuation police hype the hyphen as a necessary evil that should join two words serving as one adjective. However, does anyone care if there is a hyphen between “chocolate” and “covered” when describing raisins? Ask anyone if “chocolate covered raisins” and “chocolate-covered raisins” mean the same thing and you will get an across the board answer–yes Break the rule!Pristine Invitation Papers by PaperDirect

5. Last punctuation rule everyone should break deals with the number of spaces expected to separate a period, exclamation point, question mark or colon–two. Why? When you need extra space for inclusion of more important words (information on business cards or invitations, for example)–break that rule!

Want sensible advice on punctuation etiquette for printed paper communications that can contribute to establishing your company’s brand name? Get it and more by visiting PaperDirect for all your designed paper needs.

November 29, 2013

5 Steps to a Genuine End of the Year Thank You Letter

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 10:38 am
Snowy Splendor Specialty Border Papers by PaperDirect

As another year draws to a close, it’s time to look back and think about the role your clients and customers played in supporting your business over the past 12 months.

An end of the year thank you letter sent to customers will let them know how much you appreciated working with them over the last year and how much you look forward to working with them in the future.

You want your company’s thank you notes to come off as sincere and genuine, not forced. Here’s how to do exactly that.

1. Hand Write Your Notes

Pick out festive Christmas thank you notes and fill them with handwritten sentiments.

Enchanted Christmas Specialty Note Cards by PaperDirect

Writing your thank you letters by hand shows your clients that you really do appreciate their business and that you’re taking the time to let them know. Who knows, they might be impressed enough that you took the time to actually write the note that they tell their friends.

2. Address Each Client by Name

You’re taking the time to hand write the notes. You should also take the time to write out individual customer names on them.

Instead of a simple “Hello” or “Dear Customer,” write “Dear Mr. X.”

3. Say Thanks

The whole point of a thank you letter, of course, is saying thanks to your client. Say “thank you” first thing in the letter, before you move on to discuss the reasons why or to write about the highlights of your company’s year in business.

4. Give a Reason for Thanks

Address each client individually in your thank you notes. For example, if a customer has been buying from your company for five years, write “Thank you for choosing us as your supplier for five years.” You can also list other reasons for saying “thank you.” If the client referred other customers to you over the past year, state that in the letter and say thanks.

Tiffany Personalized Thank You NoteCards by PaperDirect

5. Talk About the Future

Close the letter by briefly mentioning your company’s plans for the coming year. Mention that you hope your customer or client will decide to continue to work with your business in the years to come.

Remember to sign the letter with your name before sending it off to your client.

Taking the time to write thank you letters might seem like a big task, but it is one that will pay off in terms of continued customer or client loyalty.

Shop for Thank You cards at PaperDirect.

November 27, 2013

How to Write Warm Christmas Greetings for Your Valued Clients

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 2:51 pm

Star Tree Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectWhen you’re the one put in charge of writing the Christmas cards for the holiday season, it may seem to be a bit of an overwhelming task. You want to write warm Christmas greetings for clients and you don’t want to come off as sounding phony or impersonal. The best way to handle it is to start off with a great, high-quality card, such as the ones we offer, and then personalize it.

  • Pick a design that works with your holiday message, whether it’s religious or more neutral
  • Keep your language natural
    • If you sound stilted or too formal your message becomes impersonal
    • Write to your customers in the same way that you would speak to them
  • Thank your customers for their business over the past yearCrimson Thank You Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirect
    • Tell your customers clearly how important their business is to you
    • Express your desire to continue working with them
  • Take some time to talk a bit about your company
    • Let customers know what you’ve done during the year
    • Give them some information on what you hope to accomplish in the new year
    • Point out any big changes or improvements you may have made during the past year
  • Include a separate sheet on Christmas paper with cards that are too thick to work in your printer
  • If your business is small, mention customers by name
    • If you name some customers you should name them all
    • If you have too many customers to mention individually, don’t name anybody
  • Offer customers your wishes to them for a wonderful holiday season and a great new year
  • Use cards that are either professionally printed with your company name or signed by hand
  • Place your cards in high-quality envelopes – foil-lined envelopes usually impress customers
  • Cards can be heavier than regular letters, so check the postage before you send them
  • Get your cards to the post office in plenty of time to get to your customers before Christmas

Snowy Day Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectRemember that while you may not have time to write an individual Christmas greetings for clients, to keep things warm and friendly your greeting should be relevant to all of them. Avoid focusing on events that many of your customers won’t know about and instead talk about those things that impact most, if not all, of your customers. Don’t forget that your customers’ very first impression is the card that you use; make it a great one.

November 13, 2013

How to Write a Personalized Christmas Message on Behalf of the Boss

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , , , , — PDWriter @ 12:31 pm
Carefree Christmas Border Papers by PaperDirect

Christmastime is just around the corner and, on top of everything else you must do, your boss has assigned you the task of writing a personalized Christmas message. To add to the challenge, you’ve never even met the recipient. This scenario might be a holiday nightmare to some, but with a little bit of creativity and genuine effort, you can write a personalized message that your boss and the recipient will love. Earn a little extra praise and spread Christmas cheer with these tips for writing a personalized Christmas message on behalf of your boss.

  • Find Out the Particulars. In order to write a personalized message that sounds sincere and leaves the recipient feeling that your boss wrote it, you need to know a few things about the person receiving it. Is it a customer, vendor, or personal acquaintance? Do your boss and the recipient golf together or meet each week for lunch? Knowing a few particulars allows you to mention them in the message.

  • Consider Your Boss’s Style and Personality. 
    Noel Collage Border Papers by PaperDirect
    Keep your boss’s personality and style in mind throughout the writing process. Remember, you want the letter to sound as if it was written by your boss, not you. Imagine how your boss would say things, as well as whether his or her style is serious or humorous.

  • Know Your Boss’s Intention. In addition to sending out a Christmas greeting, it’s likely your boss has other intentions. Find out if the message will include customer incentives, a “thank you” for business, or anything else pertaining directly to future business.

  • Incorporate a Christmas Theme. There are many ways to give a personalized message a cheery, holiday look. One simple, yet effective, method is to use Christmas border paper to instantly add color, fun, and Christmas cheer to the message.

A New Office Christmas Tradition

Little St Nick Border Paper by PaperDirect

Your expertise at writing a personalized Christmas message might earn you the position of annual holiday letter writer. In addition to being a nice gesture, writing these messages on your boss’s behalf is an important part of acknowledging clients and vendors. A simple Christmas message can also prompt customers to call in with their next order or choose between your company and another due to the personal touches your boss sends. As stress-inducing as the task might be, your boss must trust you to help with company progress by writing his or her personalized holiday greetings.

November 12, 2013

Customer Christmas Messages That Show You Really DO Value Their Business

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 11:20 am

Customer Christmas Messages Cute Christmas cardsWhile the primary purpose of a Christmas message should always be to bring good tidings, whether those tidings are personal or professional, business Christmas cards and messages often serve a secondary purpose. The holidays are the perfect time of year to relay to customers how much you appreciate their business. Every other card your customers receive will wish them season’s greetings, goodwill, peace, love and joy, and most businesses will thank them for their business. When you want your customers to truly know how much you appreciate them choosing you for their business needs, stick to the basics.

Be sincere

Are your customers really the wind beneath your wings? While there is something to be said for waxing poetic on the interior of a Christmas card, there is no need to get carried away in over-the-top wording. Bigger isn’t always better when you really just want to say “thank you”. Sincerity rings truer than fancy words. Keep customer Christmas messages simple and to the point. If you “sincerely appreciate” your customers or have “deepest gratitude” for their loyalty, just say it. Don’t make them try to decipher what you mean. Try the simplistic –

“Without customers like you, we wouldn’t be in business. Our sincerest gratitude this Christmas season.”

Other phrases you might consider:

  • “Thank you for your loyalty and continued patronage…”
  • “We know our customers are the basis of our success…”

Be specificCustomer Christmas Messages Seasons Greeting Card

How have your customers helped you over the course of the year? Has your business grown? Has the company recovered from a difficult time? You don’t want to drop a load of unnecessary information on your customers during the holiday season, but it’s quite all right to provide customers with some insight into how exactly they have benefitted your company over the past year. As a new business that has had a successful first year, consider a message such as –

“With deepest appreciation for trusting us with your business, we look forward to serving you in the future.”

While greeting cards may be the most common means of conveying a business Christmas message, keep in mind that there are also plenty of options for sending holiday greetings. At PaperDirect, we have a wide variety of greeting cards, Christmas note cards, Christmas postcards, Christmas stationery, Christmas newsletters and more to help you capture your message in a distinctive, unforgettable way.

November 11, 2013

7 Habits of Highly Effective Christmas Card Messages

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 11:41 am

Christmas Card Messages Santa Card Creativity is appreciated when it comes to Christmas card messages, and a combination of sticking with tradition and tossing in a couple of unexpected surprises comprises the 7 habits of effective Christmas card messages.

Tips for Christmas Card Messages: 

  1. Get Personal
    Don’t be shy about personalizing your card to include an authentic message straight from the heart. People are tired of pre-printed message cards, and opting to select premium Christmas cards and personalized a handwritten message shows integrity and authenticity.
  2. Be Reverent
    Regardless of religious beliefs, there’s something about Christmas that most people Christmas Adventure Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirecthave a sense of reverence for, so keep your message within that tone.
  3. Show Optimism
    Be optimistic and hopeful; offering well wishes to the recipient and their family.  Tough times can get to the strongest of the strong; a bright message may be just what they need.
  4. Keep it Meaningful
    You don’t have to be a Poet Laureate to concoct your own special message.  Sharing that message with others helps others gain insight into your true self.
  5. Keep Timeliness in Mind
    Take into account the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx are all incredible busy during the holidays. Make an effort to get those effective Christmas messages and gifts out at least two weeks prior to Christmas. Late cards and gifts make a negative impression, particularly if you are dealing with business associates.
  6. Choose Compelling Graphics
    A picture’s worth a thousand words, making the photo you choose to grace your holiday cards of utmost importance.  Choose one that highlights the message you want to send. PaperDirect offers a wealth of address labels, envelope seals, Christmas party invitations, and an entire line of holiday stationery to suit your every whim.
  7. Include your Logo
    If your recipients are primarily business associates and acquaintances; consider Dazzling Sparkle Printable Greeting Cards by PaperDirectsealing your cards with custom printed logo seals. You can have your company logo custom imprinted by the stationery experts at PaperDirect, and complete those cards in style!

Regardless of your style and the effective Christmas card message you want to get across, choosing to rely on PaperDirect for all of your holiday gifts, cards, and custom printing is a surefire way to save money, alleviate your to-do list, and you can do it all by ordering from PaperDirect – the one-stop shop for your Christmas needs.

November 8, 2013

Christmas Messages for Clients Made Easy, Not Cheesy

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 12:19 pm

Christmas Messages for Clients Made

Sending clients and business associates seasonal tidings is a nice way to let them know how much you appreciate their business or partnership!

The messages in boxed Christmas cards can be a little on the sappy side, though, which may not feel like a good fit for your company. Opting for customized cards gives you the freedom to say what you want to say.

If you want to send holiday greetings that sound a little more “you,” try swapping out commonly cheesy phrases with these phrases in your Christmas messages for clients:

“From our family to yours…”

One popular phrase that appears with frequency in holiday messages is “From our family to yours”. While it’s a lovely sentiment, for some, this wording may fall short.

If your employees don’t really mesh with that “family” vibe, try “team,” “clan”, or “gang” instead.  The 2 phrases basically mean the same thing; the latter simply eliminates some of the formal sentimentality.

“May the season bring you…”

Maybe it’s the lights, the decorations, or the joyful music playing everywhere, but most people will readily admit the holiday season brings about a different feel for a while.

Still, phrases like “May the season bring you peace, joy, and love” feel a little heavy-handed sometimes. So, forget about the season. You’re the one sending the message. If you want your customers to have a joyous holiday, let them know with “Wishing you…” It’s just as festive, but a little more personal, and not so corny.

“Warmest regards and thank you for your business”

Your customers make your business, and the holiday season is the perfect time to say “thank you.”  It is perfectly all right, though, not to declare the temperature of your regards. If “sincerest” and “warmest” feel just a little overblown, keep it simple and just say “Thanks!”

“Wishing you the happiest of holidays. Thank you for your business.”

frosty-park-trees-holiday-greeting-cardIt may not be earth-shaking, but if simple is more genuine, simple it should be.

Before choosing the right words for your company Christmas cards, you have to pick the right card. The calendar cards at PaperDirect feature a full calendar for the upcoming year and are designed to be personalized with your company’s name and logo.

They provide a simple, classy way of reminding recipients that your company remains at their service throughout the year.

September 10, 2013

Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business: Now’s the Time to Order

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , , , — PDWriter @ 7:44 am

Peridot Stars Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectSending out holiday business cards is a simple way for business owners to express to clients and employees how their impact on your company is truly appreciated. However, many people are unsure what to say when sending out holiday cards for a business. As a business owner, you want your message to be impactful, yet simple and sincere at the same time.

Here are a few simple holiday card sayings that are perfect for any business; yet customizable to suit your needs and the needs of your company.
10 Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business

1. Warmest holiday greetings and best wishes for the New Year

2. Wishing you a happy holiday from all of us at (your company name here)

Colorful Globes Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirect3. Sending you sincere thanks for your loyalty and business this year. Happy holidays and best wishes in the coming year

4. Best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year

5. From our family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season

6. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year

7. Seasons greetings and best wishes to you and yours

8. Wishing you a year of peace, love, and hope. Merry Christmas!

9. ‘Tis the season… Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

10. Wishing you good tidings, from our family at (your company name here) to yours.
Berry Tree Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectWhatever message you send, your efforts are sure to be appreciated by everyone who receives your holiday card.

Now is the perfect time to order your holiday business cards; before the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season takes over. Too often, waiting until the last minute forces us to scramble to order and get cards out on time. Don’t let that happen this year; order your customized holiday cards today!

August 21, 2013

Nothing Says “Professional” Like a Sleek Set of Business Cards

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 7:37 am

Ambassador Business Cards by PaperDirectYou only have one chance to make a good first impression in the business world. Nothing works better for fulfilling that purpose than business cards.

A business card forms an important part of building your brand identity. It offers a snapshot of your business to clients, vendors and investors alike. Your bottom line hinges on making a good impression with these people. Creating a sleek set of business cards will showcase your brand in a positive light.

What essential elements should your business card include? Contact informationRoyal Business Cards by PaperDirect is the most important thing. Include the current address, phone number, email and website for your business. This will make it easy for people to know they can reach you and that you will be available to answer questions or take feedback.

Your business card should also include key parts of your branding strategy. It can be designed with the same logo, graphics and color scheme you use on all marketing materials related to your business. You can also include the slogan you typically feature in your branding message. These little touches will help people remember your company and Metro Style Business Cards by PapeDirectalso influence them to tie specific products or services to your brand.

A set of business cards makes you look and feel more professional. They are perfect to hand out at trade shows and conventions. A good business card is also a great conversation piece. It can spark additional interest in your company and get people asking more about what you do. There is no way you can afford to do business without including business cards in the picture.

Check out PaperDirect to see the latest selection of business cards. We offer dozens of business card designs to fit your needs and your tastes.

August 9, 2013

Time to Golf! Hosting a Tournament is Easy

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 10:33 am

Tee Off Casua Invitations by PaperDirectA golf tournament is one of the best ways to get the community involved and for golf enthusiasts to show off their golfing techniques. With the summer sun, clear blue skies and manicured greens beckoning, this is the perfect time for hosting a golf tournament.

Putting together a golfing event is a piece of cake especially if you use the helpful, creative and innovative products available at PaperDirect.com. From casual invitations, colorful banners and place cards, to golf brochures or tickets with a golf design, PaperDirect.com can handle all the “paper work” from the first hole to the last.

Once a theme for the tournament is selected, peruse the many products and choose the items needed to ensure a successful event staring with the invitations, envelopes and address labels with golf scenes. Add informative cool flyers and golf brochures to your advertising campaign and get the word out about tee time and tournament day events.Back Nine Vinyl Banners by PaperDirect

Let everyone know there’s a tournament going on with colorful golf-inspired banners. These heavy weather resistant signs are easily installed and available in medium, large and extra large to fit any sized venue.

Every good tournament has awards and trophies for participants, and golf is no exception. From crystal paperweights and engraved plaques to acrylic stars and stone medallions, you’ll find the perfect awards for winners and runners-up.

Best Ball 3 Panel Brochures by PaperDirectAs a thank you gifts for tournament sponsors and volunteers, fill a decorative tote bags with an assortment of items such as a key ring, calendar, motivational pen, bookmark, themed Post-It notes, coffee mugs and specialty pins.

Make your tournament a hole-in-one by ordering online at PaperDirect.com, where service and quality products are on par for success.

April 5, 2013

Cover Letter Dos’ and Don’ts–Some Common Mistakes

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 7:45 am

Linen 32lb Letter Papers by PaperDirectWhen it comes to writing cover letters, there’s simply no room for error. In this highly competitive marketplace, if you have a mistake on your cover letter, or if you have included information that does not belong in a cover letter, then you’re going to be quickly eliminated from the running. Your cover letter must not only be perfectly composed and error-free, it must stand out from the rest and get you noticed. But, most importantly, your cover letter has to be helpful to the person in charge of hiring. Check out these tips PaperDirect has compiled to help you.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters

Here are some cover letter do’s and don’ts Environment 100 Percent Recycled Papers by PaperDirectand some of the most common mistakes people make.

  • Do address your letter to a specific person; you must do everything you can to find out who will be reviewing your resume and cover letter and include that person’s name on the letter if at all possible.
  • Do send an original letter for each position you apply for
  • Do use a neutral salutation and avoid “Gentleman,” “Madam,” and other sexist salutations
  • Do speak to the specific job requirements
  • Do keep your cover letter brief and to the point
  • Do quantify and give examples of why you are more qualified than the other applicants
  • Do answer the question, “Why should I hire this person?”

Don’ts:

  • Don’t use cliches like “Enclosed please find my resume”; the person reviewing the cover letter will see your resume
  • Don’t send a cover letter with typos or other mistakes
  • Don’t send a resume without a cover letter
  • Don’t depend on the hiring manager or employer to act first. Request action such as an interview, and tell the employer that you’ll follow up to see if that’s a possibility. Then do so. Don’t promise to take action and then fail to do so.

Most Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Environment 100 Percent Recycled Papers by PaperDirectSome of the most common cover letter mistakes are sending out a cookie cutter cover letter for numerous jobs and not addressing the cover letter to a certain individual. Starting off weakly with something like, “I am applying for…” will cause your reader to immediately lose interest. Instead, start your cover letter with something more dynamic like, “Your need for an experienced Web developer is a good match for my six years of experience in…”

Another common mistake is that people make their cover letters too long. Limit all cover letters to two short paragraphs for emails and 3-5 short paragraphs for a faxed cover letter. A very common cover letter mistake is that people summarize their resume. You don’t want to do this as it wastes the hiring manager’s time. Focus on the parts of your background that are directly related to the job and note any relevant accomplishments, classes or certifications.

Don’t forget to include your contact information and make sure it’s accurate. Inaccurate contact information is actually a common mistake on cover letters and resumes. Failing to proofread is the most common mistake.

And remember, if your cover letter has one typo, you will most likely be omitted from the pool of applicants.

Be sure to order resume paper from PaperDirect for all your cover letter needs this year.

March 25, 2013

Business Cards Do’s and Don’ts

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 2:27 pm

Ambassador Business Cards by PaperDirectAs Forbes puts it, the business card can be the “entrepreneur’s best friend.” Business cards represent an inexpensive, yet powerful, marketing tool that puts your information out into the world — and into the hands of potential customers, employers, business partners, and other movers shakers in your network.

That is, when it’s done right.

When it’s done wrong, well… the entrepreneur’s BFF can turn into his worst enemy. OK, that might be a bit dramatic, but think of it this way: Often your business card represents your first — or maybe your only — chance to make a good and lasting impression. So, although no one wants a boring business card, the alternative may be even worse. Who knew these little pieces of paper were so important?

These “do’s and dont’s” will help you get your business cards just right.

Business Card DO’s

Your card should include your essential information, such as:

  • Full nameRoyal Business Cards by PaperDirect
  • Title
  • Business Name
  • Email
  • Phone Number/s
  • Website or online portfolio
  • Physical Address

Additionally, follow these tips for business card DO’s:

  • Whatever a potential client, employer or networker would need to get in touch with you should be on your card.
  • Keep your card design simple. Left align tends to look less cluttered and is easier to read than center or right-aligned designs. Pick a simple, classic font and stick to it; at most, use two complementary fonts.
  • Use color, but keep the palette to three or — at most — four tones that work well together. Choose darker colors as they’re easier to read and use larger font sizes because, again, they’re easier to read.
  • Include your business logo and other branded materials. Your business cards should match the look and tone of your company’s website, storefront and other marketing formats.
  • Tailor your business cards’ overall look and theme to your industry. In banking or law? Choose a conservative, dignified theme. In design, art or fashion? Choose a theme that reflects your innovative style.
  • Finally, use high-quality cardstock and a professional printer to create your cards. After all, they represent you and your business!

Business Card DONT’S

Metro Style Business Cards by PaperDirectWhile including your essential contact info is essential, avoid including too much information. After all, this isn’t your resume or your portfolio, so you don’t need to list all of your skills and experience. Packing your card full will also make them appear cluttered and unprofessional.

Stick with your company’s established branding. You want a cohesive, memorable look, and using too many different colors, fonts or themed elements just distracts from the overall message.

Similarly, avoid using generic clip art on your cards. It looks cheap and unprofessional.

Finally, avoid using untraditional materials, such as chocolate or soap. Yes, it’s cute and creative, but once it’s all used up, so is your message — and your contact info.

For professional, custom designed business cards that will create a lasting positive impression, browse the huge selection at Paper Direct!

August 27, 2012

Best Resume Paper to Get Noticed

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Gilt Edged PaperIn tough economic times, job hunting can be a daunting task because of the sense of urgency that accompanies the job search, but with the right “stuff” and a stellar resume, you will get noticed by employers. Printing your resume on the best resume paper in the business will show companies hiring that you have got what it takes to be an asset to the team.

Best Resume Paper–PaperDirect

With so much competition out there in the job market, you really do have to stand out and make sure your resume gets moved to the top of the pile and not the trash can. While the type of resume paper you choose may not seem like a big deal, when all employers have is the resume to decide who gets the interview, yours must be the very best. PaperDirect is your resume paper headquarters and provides a huge selection of colors and everything from plain linen to colored parchment.

Some of our best sellers are the Perfectly Plain 28 and 38 lb letter paper, Linen 32lb Letter Paper and Earth Tones Letterhead Stock.

Arabesque Business CardsPaperDirect has so much more than resume paper to help get you prepared for the job market. If you need high quality envelopes, we have those, and if you need business start-up tools like business cards and such, PaperDirect has a huge selection of professional business cards for all types of budgets.

February 27, 2012

Creative Business Card Designs

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Casino Business CardsBusiness cards are a must to get your company name out there. The PaperDirect blog has posted a lot of information to help you design or choose the business card that perfectly represents you and your business. Creative business card designs will get the recipient’s attention and make him/her more inclined to do business with you.

The ideal business card has the perfect combination of professionalism and creativity. PaperDirect has numerous creative business card designs from which to choose, and our Interior Designs Business Cardsconvenient online shopping makes it easier for you to take your time and find the one you think is best for your needs.

Even though business cards must include contact information and often have the company logo on them, they can still be jazzed up to make them more creative. The more artistic and creative your business, the more creative your business card can be. You can choose different materials to have your business cards created from or use standard white business cards with black text. Your business cards can be portrait or landscape format, folded,  or two-sided, but we recommend you keep them the standard size so they fit easily into business card holders that many people carry.

Cocktail Server Business CardsPaperDirect even has “print your own” business card templates allowing you to download our designs and print any time you like. Whether you need ten or a thousand, these easy-to-use templates will surely produce the creative business card design you want. An 8.5″ X 11″ sheet of paper you choose prints 10 cards per sheet in full color for a one- or two-sided design. It’s that easy. With no waiting for delivery and with our selection of business card verses to use, you will have as many business cards you need in no time at all. All you need is a computer and printer, and the rest of the supplies come from PaperDirect.

For more ideas regarding creative business card designs, read “Make a Good First Impression with Eye Catching Business Cards.”

Just imagine the creative flair you can add to your business cards yet still keeping the message professional and informative. Why not order online today at PaperDirect?

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