Business birthday greeting cards are an essential part of maintaining business relations. Whether it is with your employees, clients or associates. The birthday cards meet a number of aims.

1 - Loyalty between you. This is important to survive in the world of business.

2 - They make up part of a bigger networking plan, keeping your brand in the front of the business market.

3 - They are a great form of advertising.

4 - Acknowledgment is important in business. Birthday and greeting cards are acknowledging the real person themselves and not the business.

A poor design of business birthday greeting cards can actually do your business harm though. So what guidance should you be following when choosing an appropriate design?

1 - Remember not to offend. Whilst you may think the comical man with his pants round his ankles is funny. One of your employees, clients or associates may find it highly offensive. Play it safe and stay away from any nudity, money  or religious jokes cards.

2 - The card is representing your business so think of the message that you want to send. If you can not find a design that suits your ideas then consider having a design professionally made up. Do you want to send a message that you are a family business, or is your message one of peace on earth to all men.?

3 -  If your company is heavily into protecting the earth, then consider getting recycled cards made up as a way of proving your company's dedication to this cause. Attending a conference in support of protecting the earth and then spending hundreds on new cards, just lets people know that you have double standards.

4 - Your logo and company website is not the focus of the card but it should be in a prominent place. As well as celebrating a special occasion, it is also about advertising your business.

5 - If it is a greeting card and you have a special company promotion then remember to include that in the card. For example a Christmas party could be advertised in your Christmas cards.

6 - Buying in bulk may save you lots of money however if people receive the same card for the fifth time in a row, it can send a bad message out that your company is only doing it because it is expected.

7 - Don't be tempted to sacrifice quality for the sake of saving a few dollars. Poor quality cheap cards send the impression that your company is in financial difficulty.

8 - Remember that other companies will also be sending out cards so you need to make sure your card stand out. Personalizing cards, using embossing or foil decorations is one way to do this.

The last tip when it comes to business birthday greeting cards is to be consistent. Sending cards on one occasion but not the next is a message that the business relationship is not important to you. Be consistent and you will always be in the mind of that person when they think of the market that you are networking in.