Want to be startled? Don't send a holiday card to one of your clients, but ask him, a week after New Year's, "Did you get my holiday card?"

"Why, sure," your client will say. "Thanks for that." What else can he say? He got dozens of holiday cards from vendors. He figures he got yours, too, but it didn't stand out in his mind, because....vendor holiday cards never do.

This year, save your money. Don't send holiday cards to your clients at all.

Do this instead: pick a DIFFERENT time of year to send cards to your clients. Pick a holiday that makes sense for your business (buy a copy of Chase's Holiday Guide at any bookstore to search for a relevant holiday) or make one up. Send a card that says, "Today is national [here's where you get creative] day, and I was thinking about you."

Or, send your clients a card on their birthdays. That'll stand out. You can use Plaxo to find our your clients' birthdays. Or send them a card on the anniversary of the day you met them. Or send them a card on the anniversary of their founding date! That will be appreciated.

Do something different. Don't let your standard holiday card end up in a pile of recycling. Take the opportunity to put your own stamp on the holiday-greeting thing - and make an impact.