As I grew up, I saw something my mom did, but never
really thought about it until now. I've been asked quite a few times
by grandmothers with many children and grandchildren how to organize
a way to get birthday and anniversary cards sent out on time. At
the rate I've been going lately I decided to write about what my
mother does and put it into practice.
My mother has so many friends and relatives to keep
up with that she used to buy many cards all year round. She started
forgetting where she had them every once and a while and would have
to go out and buy another, only to find the orginal one after the
date had passed. She saved up quite a collection this way. As a filer
by nature, mom thought to put them in a file. Usually after she would
see a card, purchase it and bring it home, she'd fill it out after
everyone had gone to bed.
Here's a simple way to get started:
- Set up a filebox and label the file folders January - December.
- Keep one empty file in front for stamps, the cards, and your
list of Special Occassions so you have a reference when making
out your cards.
- Keep another list of Special Occassions, in your planner so
when you're out and you see a card you like, you can reference
your list.
- Pick a quite time to sit down and write out your cards. You
can try doing everyone in the first six months of the year in
October and everyone in the second six months of the year in
March. Set up a schedule that will work best for YOU.
- When you finish a card, address it.
- Up in the corner where the stamp goes, put the date that you
want to "mail it" and file it in the month to be mailed.
- At the beginning of each month, or when you do your bills,
go into the file, take out the cards to be mailed within the
next week or two. Put the stamp on them if they're ready to be
mailed or leave the stamps next to them if they need to be mailed
in the next week or two.
- Next, either mail them or put them in your purse or planner
so when you run your errands you can drop them off (My mom takes
them out at the beginning of each month when she does her bills.
You can also leave the ones that have 2-3 weeks before they need
to be mailed and some stamps in a pretty box next to the front
door. As you walk by you can see them and be reminded to mail
them when the time is right. In my case they would go in the
front pocket inside my planner. My planner is in my purse and
I always see those papers in the front.)
So you see, there are many variations. You need to
find something that will help you manage to send out your special
occassion cards.
When my mom got her computer with Card Shop on it,
she started making MOST of her cards on that. You see, like mom,
a lot of people don't just go out and pick a card, any card. When
they're out, if they see a card and think of someone, they'll usually
buy it in advance. They key here is remembering where you keep the
cards you purchase in advance. Some forget that they bought the card
in the first place and rush to the store (usually too late) to buy
another one. Others remember that they bought a card for this person,
but then have to spend a lot of time searching for it.
What matters most? Relationships! They need to be
nurtured. Don't forget those around you who love you most. Take some
time today to write to a friend or family member you haven't heard
from in a while.
Copyright © 1999 Susie Glennan
Susie Glennan has been happily married since 1982, is mom to 3 teenagers,
and is a Home Maker, Nurturer, Teacher, Author, Professional Speaker,
Toastmaster, President of The Busy Woman, Inc., DBA - The Busy Woman's Daily
Planner®. She teaches time management seminars, offers FREE consultations
with your order, and will help you set up a schedule that's right for you.
800-848-7715 www.thebusywoman.com
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