Thank you - it goes a long, long way!

I was invited to add my comments to an on-going discussion regarding the "place" writing thank you cards has in our society today. Throughout the forum, people were saying it "was a good idea." However, I often wonder how often "good ideas" go un-done!

Here was our response:

It sounds unanimous that we agree hand writing notes has value because it is a novelty now, to receive a card or stationery in the mail.

We write thank you notes to our clients and cards to seminar attendees when they leave a business card. Most people react by saying, "I don't have time to do all of that." One tip we give to the executives we coach is to keep a small stack of cards with stamped envelopes in their briefcase.

You'd be surprised how much time can be found, when you're looking, to write a quick personal note. Meetings start late, a client is stuck in traffic, flights are delayed. It happens all the time. If you're prepared, you can take advantage of this "lost time" and really connect with people.

Comments

[Kim]

I take it one step further. If I read an article featuring someone doing something interesting or a book I really enjoyed, I write a note to the subject of the article or the author. I have gotten 57 responses from the 65 cards I have sent. Most of them hand written notes back, full of appreication and a few lunch invitations!

[Edward Vielmetti]

Thanks for the reminder, Jason.

A postcard helped me get my current job - after a conversation with the owners I sent a card describing what I would do with them, and a year later after I was hired they handed me back the card which they had saved.

[Dwayne Melancon]

Jason, I write those notes all the time and swear by them. It's something I learned from one of my mentors about 3 years ago, and it has made a huge difference in the quality of "connections" I make.

I also advise picking notecards that have some personality - I use superhero cards, cards with pictures of the Pacific northwest, etc. - I find they stand out and make it easier for people to remember you.

[Priscilla Palmer]

You have been tagged for The Personal Development List. (See my site for details), I would love for you to participate.