When was the last time you sent a hand written note to a business associate?
With all the new media these days, we seem to get lost in a sea of emails, RSS feeds, tweets, and Facebook posts. We send electronic invitations, correspond via email about business matters, and even send and sign contracts electronically. But is there still a time and place for a hand written note?
Absolutely! Direct mail has become almost impossible to penetrate because there is just so much there. We lug it all in, sort through to pick out anything important, and the rest goes directly into the recycle bin without being read. A hand written note; however, is guaranteed to get read. And, more importantly, the recipient will remember they received it, the person who sent it, and its message.
Every business professional should keep personal stationary on hand. Dust off that Mont Blanc and use any occasion to send a note that will get read and remembered. Be sure to hand address the envelope as well! Here are just a few opportunities to send a note:
· Anytime there is something to celebrate (a promotion, recognition in the news, an event, a new product, etc.)
· To respond when you receive a gift
· In follow up to a business lunch or dinner
· After you see someone at a conference or meeting
· When you just want an excuse to touch base
Your challenge this week is to send hand written notes to 5 business associates. Are you up to the challenge?
