People don't care about how much you know, they just want to know how much you care

[Brian Anderson-SendOutCards.com]

The Value of Handwritten notes

Using Hand-Written Notes
to Build Your Business
Guest Article: by Kristine M. Lewis



Recently, I attended a networking event for my company. The speaker that night spoke about good networking practices. One of the practices she referred to was making sure to follow-up with everyone you meet at these events. She aptly referred to it as 'pinging'.

The word 'ping' takes its name from a submarine sonar search -- you send a short sound burst and listen for an echo or a 'ping' coming back. So, in networking terms, when you send out a ping, whether with an email, a phone call or a hand- written note, you’re inviting that person to 'come back' and communicate with you thus beginning a relationship with that person…one that will hopefully benefit you both long term.

A hand-written note differentiates your business from every other business

I always make it a practice to send out hand-written thank you notes to everyone I meet at these events. I like hand- written notes, because they’re a physical manifestation of your company (your brand) to that potential client, strategic partner or referral source. A hand-written note sets the tone for your company. Hand-written notes also differentiate you from most other businesses. Ask yourself when the last time you received a hand-written note from someone you met at a business setting was?

Quite simply, hand-written correspondence is a wonderful way to build your business. When I say build your business, I am not just referring to acquiring new customers. I am also referring to keeping the customers you have!

Customers and clients want and need to be appreciated, remembered and thanked

According to a study conducted by the Technical Assistance Research Project in Washington DC, 68% of customers leave because of 'perceived indifference'. In other words, customers don’t think you care about their business. As Sir William Jones said, 'The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated'. Our customers and clients want and need to be appreciated, remembered and thanked.

Another great advantage in sending a personal note….people tend to keep these cards. Whenever I receive a nice note from someone, I display it one my desk for awhile. Every time I see the card, I am warmly reminded of that person or business.

So, when should you send a hand-written card to someone? Here are a few suggestions:

Every time you meet someone new and get their contact information (i.e. a networking function, a business meeting, a training session, on the plane, a social party, waiting in line at the grocery store, etc.)
When a customer makes a major purchase from you or sends a referral your way.
When you embark upon a joint venture with a new company.

[Brian Anderson-SendOutCards.com]

Funny that you wrote me today, as I was going to call you. I've been talking to Nick about using SendOutCards for his Personal Training clients. Maybe you and some of the other trainers would be interested in an account. Sending a card is just one out of many ways to show someone you care. There are many reasons and occasions that come up in other people lives where they need to hear from us and we need to acknowledge that they are important to us.

It's easy!

The question is, Am I making a difference? I just recently asked this of myself.

Talk to you soon,

Brian