In previous posts we’ve discussed the value of being personal and of responding with a personal thank you. Nothing replaces the value of being one-on-one with someone and the hand-written and posted note is the start (or conclusion) of that great meeting you had (or will have).
I was recently reminded of the value of hand-written notes, particularly Holiday and Christmas cards with this story (http://tinyurl.com/yzvoryk from Walletpop.com). While it is keeping the US Postal Service in business, that’s not our key aim here: being remembered is.
Being top of mind is importnat in any relationship, either personal or professional. With the blurring of that line these days, we all need to think about the key component of either type of relationship: courtesy. Being polite trumps just about any other motive, simply because we should be honorable to our fellow human beings. If someone bought us lunch, thank them. If someone agreed to meet and then did, thank them. If you met someone for the first time and they were gracious enough to spend time talking with you, thank them. It’s the polite thing to do.
By doing it with a hand-written note, you extend the memorablity factor as well as the thoughtfulness quotient. A hand-written note says you took the time to sit down, unfold a card or sheet of paper, and carefully choose a few words and put them down in your own hand. You’ve made an investment in that relationship. What would that say to you?
Relentless
