was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have When was the last time you received a hand-written piece of mail? Better yet, when was the last time you thanked a client or prospect or referral source by taking pen to paper and actually writing a sentence of two of gratitude in your own handwriting?

Thanks to technology, we enjoy faster communication than ever before. A direct mail piece can be designed, printed, mailed and in your prospects’ hands in a week or two. Most of us have mailboxes clogged with electronic newsletters. An email can be sent in seconds, and forgotten or ignored just as quickly.

I have found that while print and digital communications have their place in a well-thought-out marketing plan, that the most effective (and cheapest) form of marketing I have done is to take five minutes out of my day to write a sincere note to a client or potential client.

First, I think about what I want to say – “thank you “ alone won’t do the trick. If I am thanking someone for time spent in a meeting, I explain why I felt the meeting was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have t

Thanks to technology, we enjoy faster communication than ever before. A direct mail piece can be designed, printed, mailed and in your prospects’ hands in a week or two. Most of us have mailboxes clogged with electronic newsletters. An email can be sent in seconds, and forgotten or ignored just as quickly.

I have found that while print and digital communications have their place in a well-thought-out marketing plan, that the most effective (and cheapest) form of marketing I have done is to take five minutes out of my day to write a sincere note to a client or potential client.

First, I think about what I want to say – “thank you “ alone won’t do the trick. If I am thanking someone for time spent in a meeting, I explain why I felt the meeting was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have

t in seconds, and forgotten or ignored just as quickly.

I have found that while print and digital communications have their place in a well-thought-out marketing plan, that the most effective (and cheapest) form of marketing I have done is to take five minutes out of my day to write a sincere note to a client or potential client.

First, I think about what I want to say – “thank you “ alone won’t do the trick. If I am thanking someone for time spent in a meeting, I explain why I felt the meeting was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have

ve minutes out of my day to write a sincere note to a client or potential client.

First, I think about what I want to say – “thank you “ alone won’t do the trick. If I am thanking someone for time spent in a meeting, I explain why I felt the meeting was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have

was productive. If am thanking someone for referring me to a new prospect, I tell them that I have met the prospect, or am scheduled to meet the prospect and that I will keep them posted on how things go. I remind the referrer (and myself), that they have trusted me with the name of a friend or colleague and that I will respect that trust.

Finally, I sign the card, and slip in a business card (always), and make sure to handwrite the address on the envelope. How many times have you seen a laser printed envelope and tossed it, anticipating some kind of sales offer? Handwriting the address on the envelope greatly increases your chances of having someone open it.

A word about card selection: keep it simple. If you can afford to have your name or logo printed on your own note cards, that’s great. But if that isn’t in your budget, a tasteful store-bought card will work, also. Keep a stash of stamps around and hand-stick the stamps to the card for that homemade touch.

You’ll be amazed at how pleasantly surprised the recipient will be. I frequently find people thanking me for thanking them! The old fashioned handwritten note really works! It’s a small gesture that shows you made that most valuable investment: your time.