If you’ve ever attended one of my live presentations or read any of my books (well, just about any of them), you know how much I value handwritten, personalized notes; especially after meeting someone for the first time, doing business with them, receiving a referral, etc.
That’s not to say emails aren’t great; I certainly send a lot of them. However, there’s a time and place for everything. And, in certain situations, practically nothing makes an impact like a handwritten note of appreciation.
My friend, Bob Sommers – “The Likeability Guy” – a very popular speaker and consultant based in Hawaii blogged about a local business woman who sent he and his wife, Susan a letter about something (i.e., someone) very special to them.
Darbee Fisher, a Realtor with Keller Williams, knows how it’s done. Wow, does she! Note what was so special about her letter that provided meaning – and impact – even above and beyond. And then find a way to duplicate her idea.
Read Bob Sommers’ excellent blog post and please share with him – and with us – your thoughts.
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Thank you Bob. I really appreciate you writing about this in your blog. If anyone knows the value of a “Thank You Note” it’s you.
Aloha, Bob
Excellent read, thank you for sharing. 🙂 I still have several hand written Thank You notes that people have sent me in the past. They each have left a long lasting positive impression.
Bob,
This was one of the things I learned from you years ago, and I still make the time to write handwritten notes. It has definitely served me well and allowed me to stand out. Excellent advice.
Keith Grossman
Hi Bob,
This is the exact post I wrote on Bob Sommers blog: “Great post Bob! I am curious though: Would you have the same feelings and opinions if you received the exact same message on a printed card in Darbee’s own hand writing (like send out cards does)? Your answer, and anyone else’s opinion, would really help to provide me with some guidance on this issue.”I would love everyone’s feedback on my question on this blog too 🙂
Joe
Love it, Bob. There is nothing more appreciated than a handwritten note in the age of the cell phone and Internet. It’s a dying art, and one that will make anyone stand out from their competitors. I still remember to this day a handwritten note from a manager (not mine) from the Fortune 500 company I worked for after my first graduation. It was even more notable because it was from a busy executive and a male (no offense, but men rarely send handwritten notes). If you want to be remembered, value the people that other people value. An investment in postage and notecards with a little time is worth much more than all of the advertising dollars one might spend. I still keep all of the handwritten notes that I’ve received over the years. Call me sentimental, but when things are challenging, it’s always nice to have a kind word to read.
Thank you for the reminder…getting back to the basics has a lot of merit these days. I have created a discipline of carrying Thank You cards in my briefcase so that I can write simple notes to people who make a difference….
Hello Bob
You are right on this one. For the past few months the people that myself and my partners have been meeting we make a special point of sending them a card. And as a result they are taking notice of this. It is something different. We haven’t done it with everyone yet but we are growing into it.
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. Love them, as always. I’m also looking forward to getting back to where I can respond to your comments quicker and individually. After the launch of the new book I should be able to do that a lot more consistently.
Bob, you are a diamond-finder. Great blogpost by Mr. Sommers. I commented over there as well and wanted to let you know what I wrote:
“By Michael J. Maher, February 5, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
Bob,
Love this post (and love Maui! – got Maui’d in Maui. =0). Bob Burg pointed me in your direction.
My book, The 7 Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals talks about the 7 Steps to a POWER Note and I encourage you to read it when it comes out – it is right (write?!) up your alley. I love the way you broke it down and recognized the power of writing about, rather than to, a contat you’ve met.
Can’t wait to read the rest of your wonderful blog.
Michael”
P.S. Not-so-subtle plug, but Handwritten Notes IS the 4th Level of the 7 Levels. It is the highest form of asynchronous communication. +m2
Bob,
As always you share great wisdom and insights into things you would think people already do. It is amazing how many of us don’t take time to write a hand-written note because email has become so easy to do. I have found that when I do take the time (which is more these days) it makes such a difference in a relationship. I think the handwritten note is a deal maker for everyone simply because so few people do it.
Have a wonderful day… and thank you for all you do ~ ALWAYS
Heidi Richards Mooney, a fan
I always enjoy reading quality articles by an individual who is obviously up to snuff on their chosen subject. I’ll be following this thread with much interest. Keep up the good work, see you next time