Work At Home Adventures

By now it should be clear that one way to stand out in business is to write notes by hand to clients and colleagues.  In today’s hectic world, out of sight is often out of mind.  Anything you can do to remind people that you are around and available is valuable.

A handwritten note will do that because it is a tangible object that keeps your name in front of others.  It is something that your contacts can feel, touch and even keep.  After all when was the last time you printed out an e-mail message, looked at it on your desk from time to time and said to yourself, “How nice.”

If you didn’t already have enough good reasons for writing notes, add these to your list.

Personal notes are your very own marketing and sales tools.  They are your creation, crafted by you and delivered in your special handwriting. Never mind how it looks.

Notes can build relationships.  They give you the opportunity to express something on a personal level to a business connection in a way that stands out.  They tell the client that you care enough to go to some extra effort.

Notes raise your visibility.  When your special message, whether it is congratulatory, appreciative or just thoughtful, is noticed so are you.

Notes will give you the edge over your competitors because chances are they aren’t taking the time to pick up their pen and paper.  When it comes time to decide with whom to do more business, your clients will remember you.

And notes get read.  In a stack of typewritten envelopes or computer-generated labels, hand-addressed mail stands out. It not only says, “Read me;” it says “Read me now.”  Think about it.  You know that it won’t take long. It’s not like a letter that you are likely to put aside until you have more time.

Use notes to connect with people whom you can help and with people who can help you.  Consider them as part of your networking activities.  You can’t have too many connections in business if you want to be successful.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert who travels the world teaching etiquette and manners.  You can learn more about her at http://www.mannersthatsell.com.