When was the last time you sat down with pen and paper and sent someone a handwritten note? The power of a handwritten note can make you look more influential at work, in business and in your personal life. In today’s world of instant communication through emails, social media, and text messages, receiving a handwritten note in the mail is rare. Research shows that 81% of individuals find handwritten notes more meaningful than emails and text messages. When you receive a handwritten note, it touches your emotions in a way that instant communication tools can only dream about. Do you want to stand out and get noticed? Then, begin today and bring back the art of handwriting your notes instead of sending off a quick text or email.

Strengthen Your Relationships

Handwritten notes provide a level of intimacy unlike e-communications because it reflects our genuine feelings. The note establishes a connection by showing you care and your willingness to take the time to write. People like to know that they are valued and thought of.

People remember the notes they receive. They often display them on their desk or on their bulletin board in the office. Every time they look at the note, they are reminded of your thoughtfulness. As a result, there is no better way to stand out from the crowd! The handwritten note works like magic!

TIP: Try to send your handwritten note within three days of the occasion or accomplishment being acknowledged.

How to Effectively Use the Handwritten Note

A few suggestions on how to effectively use the power of a handwritten note in your professional and personal life:

• After a job interview, seal the deal with a handwritten thank-you note.
• Express appreciation to a former boss who wrote a recommendation for you.
• Offer a note of encouragement to a colleague who performed well on a work project.
• Show your appreciation to a family friend who made a professional connection for you.
• Send a thank-you note to the parents of your roommate who treated you to a nice dinner on their last visit.

Build a Correspondence Kit

How do you get into the habit of writing handwritten notes? By having personalized stationery and stamps on hand! I suggest to build a Correspondence Kit that you keep in your desk drawer and car ready to be used at a moment’s notice. The Correspondence Kit would include:

• Correspondence Cards (also known as a flat card)
• Fold-Over Cards
• Pen in Blue and Black Ink
• Postage Stamps
• Return Address Labels

It’s important to purchase good quality stationery that looks professional and refined. You have the option to choose boxed stationery cards that are solid in color or feature your initial, name, monogram, or the words “Thank You”. There are a variety of online retailers that you can customize a set of correspondence cards or fold-over cards such as Joy Creative Shop or American Stationery

TIP: When writing on a correspondence card, only write on the front of the card. In addition, you may want to type or handwrite a draft of what you want to write to avoid making a mistake that you can’t erase and should not cross out.

Some Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, writing handwritten notes has nothing to do with wealth or where you came from; it has to do with how you want to convey yourself. When you handwrite a note, you are basically creating a memory. When you write a note on a computer, all you create is a file.

My greatest triumph is when you triumph! Until next time, work on those handwritten notes and create magic!

Your partner in success,

Cathi

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