This is typically the time of year when I write a post about why I love print. I did it last year and the year before that.

But most of you are involved in the print industry – and we’re pretty much all on the same side with regards to print. Why state the obvious?

Instead, I choose another focus for this last post of 2015. One of the most important things about this season is keeping in touch. With holiday cards for friends and family. With visits to share meals and give gifts. With phone calls, texts, and emails to wish people well.

The holiday season gives us a built-in excuse to reach out to business people we count on…people who’ve stood by us in times of need, people without whom our jobs wouldn’t have been possible – or as much fun. I find it more and more meaningful as I get older.

Sending handwritten holiday cards means something to me. I am no fan of e-cards at the holidays. Where’s the personal touch in that? Where’s the heart?

If you keep in touch on a regular basis with your customers via an enewsletter or other communication, your year-end message will have special significance. It will be that icing on the cake. It’s the natural time to thank customers for their business and their loyalty.

I encourage you to reach out to customers this holiday season as you do with family and friends. Write something direct and sincere. It can be short and sweet, as long as it’s from your heart.

A holiday message that resonates with customers will strengthen the bond you have with them. They’ll appreciate it and look forward to your staying in touch year round. And there’s zero downside to it, because everyone likes to be acknowledged.

So thank you for reading these posts for however long you’ve been with me. That there are thousands of you means I can’t send you handwritten cards, but my appreciation is no less genuine. Enjoy your own holidays, and here’s to keeping in touch throughout 2016.

(c) 2015 Margie Dana