Change Our World - 1 Handwritten Note at A Time
What would you think if you got a handwritten note from someone in your professional network? What conclusions would you draw? I’d be willing to bet it would make you feel special, valued.
Communication formats like text, email, social media, and Zoom have taken over the professional space and created the illusion of connection, an illusion we often fail to recognize until the moment when we open a handwritten note from a colleague or contact.
So what is it that makes handwritten notes different?
Taking a cue from Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why, let’s explore the basics and power in handwriting notes.
Why Handwritten Notes Are So Powerful
A handwritten note provides a level of intimacy not found in these other mediums. It immediately conveys thoughtfulness, care, and connection. The author, maybe this is you, took time out of a busy day to share sentiments in a unique and enduring way. The act of writing requires the author to pause and focus on the receiver.
THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE’S SUPERPOWER NO.1
While I don’t have any statistics to back this up, I think we can all agree that in the business, a handwritten note is a differentiator.
Individuals who handwrite “Thank You” notes after interviews stand out, and may actually be more likely to receive a job offer.
After a networking event, a “Pleasure to Meet You” note can lead to a client referral and revenue generation.
Another great example is this story of a CEO who writes 9,200 employee holiday cards every year.
THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE’S SUPERPOWER NO.2
The second reason to handwrite notes is the effect created for the person receiving it.
Put yourself in the role of the receiver…
From the moment you open the mailbox and notice that along with the regular junk mail and maybe a bill, there is an envelope with your name and address handwritten on it.
That special feeling I mentioned before is the result of the four “happy” hormones - dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins - that have started to bubble up inside of you.
Especially in the business world - to counter the stress and anxiety - we all need more “happy” hormones in our lives.
If you can be the person who contributes to the spread of happy hormones, people will be much more likely to remember (know you), like you and trust you!
And it’s no secret that the "know, like, trust" factor is vital to networking success!
So why handwrite a note?
Imagine what our world would be like if we were all balanced and pumped full of “happy” hormones. Share your thoughts and feelings with your colleagues and clients. It will make their day!
Objections To The Handwritten Note
“Angelique, that all sounds great, but…”
I’M TOO BUSY.
Ok. We all have busy lives.
But let’s get real, how much time do you think it takes to write out a quick note?
I challenge you to find out. Try it. Write a note and time yourself.
I think you will discover it takes maybe two to five minutes. After all, it's really quite simple. Just sit down, share your thoughts on paper, place the note in an envelope, add an address and stamp, then put it in the mailbox for pick up.
IT COSTS TOO MUCH.
Hogwash.
Stamps are currently $0.55 a pop, and letter envelopes are roughly $0.11 each (there is no need for fancy stationery).
That’s $0.66 folks. Surely there are people in your network whose business or referrals or trust and admiration are worth $0.66. If not, you might want to consider building a new network!
Of course, if you feel someone is worth more than $0.66, consider using a blank greeting card. Inexpensive greeting cards and packs of note cards are available at retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Target, and Michael’s.
PAPER MAIL ADDS MORE WASTE TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
I get this objection.
But consider this…
Chances are you have paper products around your home or office that can be creatively repurposed for a handwritten note!
Some examples are:
that paper bag from the store
the cardboard box from an Amazon delivery
How To Write A Handwritten Note
Letter writing is a lost art, so here are three strategies you can use to keep it simple:
THE ABC’S OF CONNECTING
A dear friend of mine - Wanita Neuhaus - who is a marketing and communications goddess uses this model:
A - Appreciation – acknowledge in writing the specifics of an action or gift and thoughtfulness of the person to whom you are writing. Include the impact on you.
B - Being a Bridge Builder – introducing different parties in your network to each other through a card or letter. Share a resource, tool, template – something of interest to the recipient – attach a note that says, “thinking of you” and mail it off.
C - Continuous Clear Communication – sending notes regularly enhances your connection with the people who receive your gift of a letter.
THE PERFECT “THANK YOUR” NOTE
The second strategy is for Thank You notes. Compose your message with this formula:
Thank you for ________________ (notice it - include details).
Infer the motivation behind the gift. (Ask yourself/wonder what had the giver think of this gift for you.)
Finally, invent, create, accept, and share the difference the gift will make for you.
GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES
The third strategy, and my personal favorite, is inspired by my friend, international bestselling author Michele Neyers’ book Three Lines for 30 Days: Unleash Your Inner Poet.
A handwritten note can be as simple as three lines that show appreciation, celebrate an accomplishment, and express pleasure. This model works for any occasion!
Conclusion
Now that I’ve convinced you how easy, affordable, and impactful handwriting notes can be, it’s time to put this practice to work in your business!
You’ll need:
Stamps from the Post Office – This item is the one thing that is the most challenging to find when you do not keep them on hand. I store stamps at my desk, in my wallet, and my backpack. I find having stamps readily available provides the incentive to write a note in the moment – no matter where I am.
Paper – You choose what works for you: fancy personalized stationery, blank cards with matching envelopes, pre-designed & pre-messaged greeting cards, a piece of printer paper, a cocktail napkin, a flap from the cardboard box of your last Amazon delivery. Anything you can write on is workable.
Pen – I am rarely without a pen. However, I've asked friends and strangers in a variety of situations and locations to borrow one.
Envelopes – Should you choose some of the paper suggestions above, an envelope will probably be included with the purchase. And if you decide to be more creative, you may consider keeping plain white envelopes on hand. A box of 100 costs about $10. Or create your envelope by recycling items in your home like those brown paper shopping bags.
Mailing Address – Most of us have a mailing address for our friends and family, some of our colleagues, and our clients. Consider making it a habit to ask for the best mailing address of the people in your life.
And then, of course, you’ll need to practice!
Regularly, take a few minutes out of your day, pick someone in your life, and jot down your thoughts on paper. Share your love, appreciation, acknowledgment, connections, resources, pleasure, celebration, inspirations - your heartfelt communications – in a card, letter, or note. – and mail it off.
You will not only lift the spirits and the health of the person who receives it; you will position yourself as an extraordinary professional worthy of trust and high-quality referrals.
About the Author
Angelique brings over 20 years of cradle-to-grave federal contracting experience.
“Bridging the gap between the often drab administration and the allure of scientific exploration to make way for innovation is what I do best. Strategically guiding my clients through creative conversations allows them to develop the streamlined systems and power partnerships required to achieve optimal results.”
~ Angelique S. Dimmick, Founder and Strategist
