Is this "kissing up"?

[Scritzy]

I have recently become acquainted with a potential client. I really, really REALLY want this man's business.

I am considering sending him a Christmas card, modifying it slightly because I don't know what holiday he celebrates.

Would that be too much of a kiss-up thing to do? I just don't want him to forget about me.

What thinkest thou, Ehellions?

[Shoo]

I have recently become acquainted with a potential client. I really, really REALLY want this man's business.

I am considering sending him a Christmas card, modifying it slightly because I don't know what holiday he celebrates.

Would that be too much of a kiss-up thing to do? I just don't want him to forget about me.

What thinkest thou, Ehellions?

Yes, it's kissing up. 

Nah !  Not really.  It's called networking, and it's a perfectly acceptable business practice.  Go ahead and send him a generic Seasons Greetings and include your business card in case he misplaced the one you've (no doubt) already given him.  Mention that it was nice meeting him. 

[Chocolate Cake]

Just so long as you don't delude yourself into thinking that a card is going to get you the business, I don't see anything wrong with sending one.   If you want the business, it's the quality of your services, the price, and what benefit it could bring to him (or his business) that will seal the deal.

[DottyG]

Yes, it's kissing up. 

Nah !  Not really.  It's called networking, and it's a perfectly acceptable business practice.  Go ahead and send him a generic Seasons Greetings and include your business card in case he misplaced the one you've (no doubt) already given him.  Mention that it was nice meeting him. 

I agree with Shoo completely.

[audrey1962]

I agree with Shoo that it's a form of networking. I also agree with Chocolate Cake that it won't gaurantee you a sale (if only!). But it keeps your name/business top-of-mind.

Is sending holiday cards typical in your industry? If it's NEVER done, than it may come across as kissing up. But in my experience there's nothing wrong with it. At my current job we use the cards to thank people for their help/business/input, etc throughout the past year and to wish them success in the coming year.

[Scritzy]

I'll answer everybody at once:

Yes, sending cards is pretty standard in the industry. We creative types like to show off our creative holiday cards.

I know I can't guarantee a sale, but he already has samples of my work and therefore knows what I do and how. So I just want to give him a little noodge as far as remembering who wants his business.

I'm going to get the card in the mail this afternoon. No use letting grass grow under my feet (or holly and ivy, either). 

[Deetee]

I vote, yes for a greeting card, but I'd leave the business card out of it.

[Balletmom]

What's wrong with kissing up?

But no, this isn't.

Kissing up is only for superiors in positions of authority over you.

This has been reinforced repeatedly to me by my youngest, who says, "Everybody hates a suck-up, Mom" when I suggested we bring a little something to ballet class to yes, kiss up after a round of complaining by her classmates brought on a workout that involved a copious amount of Motrin for the muscles afterwards.

Trust me, it passes her "suck-up" test, so you are fine.

In fact, I think you'd be amiss or maybe remiss not to--

[gjcva1]

Scritzy, a noodge is a good thing.  he already has examples of your work.  you're just reinforcing your presence, and your incredible talent.  i really hope you did indeed send that card earlier today!

and no, it's not sucking up.  not at all.

[Scritzy]

The card is in the mail! 

[audrey1962]

The card is in the mail! 

WOO HOO!!!!! I hope you eventually get his business!*


*Even though there's no guarantee the card will do that