Ten Tips For Writing & Mailing Effective Thank You Notes

 Over at Hell In The Hallway, (Love that Blog title) Deborah points out the value of handwriting thank you notes and how they can contribute to building a relationship. I'm a long time believer in sending handwritten thank you notes and I do so in spite of the fact that my handwriting is sloppy. Here are some tips that will help you become more effective at getting those handwritten (and legible) notes in the mail.

1. Place a half dozen cards, stamps, and first class envelopes in a quart size baggie Put the baggie in your briefcase. When you are between appointments, at lunch by yourself, or on an airplane, write notes to those people you interacted with that day.
2. To make a more powerful impact, strive to mail the note the same day in the same city. When it arrives on their desk the next day, it boggles their mind.
3. Never ask for anything, including information, in a thank you note. Its sole purpose is to thank the receipient. Nothing more.
4. Mention one specific thing the recipient did that you are thankful for.
5. If your handwriting is atrocious, write a draft on a separate piece of paper. Once you're satisfied with the wording, slowly copy it onto the note focusing on your handwriting, not the content.
6. If your signature is illegible, emboss your name on the cards.
7. Set a goal of writing a certain number of thank you's each week.
8. Either code your "to do" software to remind you to write them, or keep a supply within sight in your workspace.
9. Yes, you can send an immediate e-mail thanking someone. However, a handwritten thank you is still appropriate and more personal.
10. Use a stamp, not a postage meter, whenever possible. Hand address the envelope.

Thank you,

Glenn

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