Handwritten Notes and Showing Up In-Person (Better than a text???)

A good friend of mine mentors a college student. The student had interviewed for a job, but the company had not responded to her after the initial interview.  She was curious what to do, so my friend recommended writing a handwritten note and hand-delivering it to the person she had met with a few weeks earlier.

For a digital native the idea of handwritten note and an unexpected physical visit to the company seemed like advice from Mars.  But, she trusts her mentor, and instead of sending yet another email she showed up with her note.

Her is the email she sent my friend:

Dear "Mentor"-

I wanted to thank you for your advice last week to write a hand written thank-you note and to hand deliver it. Going there unexpected was one of the scariest things I've done so far but I feel like it was probably one of the most effective things I could have done. The lady I interviewed with explained how the next person that was supposed to contact me hasn't reached out yet because they have been out sick with strep throat. Here's to hoping I hear from them soon; it is a dream opportunity.   

    Thank-you again; I think I really needed that push out the door. This first year after school has ironically been one of my steepest learning curves. 

All the best

"Mentee"

Even in our text and email world, the personal touch goes a long way.  I applaud this Millenial for going the extra mile.  I hope she gets the job.

There is often a lot of debate about the power of the handwritten note and the personal touch, but it still works.  I think that many who argue against this "old school" approach are simply not wanting to put in any effort.  Too often people think "how do I streamline my actions to make my own life easier".  This is selfish thinking.  Instead, it might be smarter to think "how can I put myself out and do extra work that might make me uncomfortable, yet shows the other person they are worth it".

What do you think?

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Tech Industry Leaders Write Handwritten Notes... Do You?

Walking around downtown Palo Alto we stumbled upon a paper and stationery store called Letter Perfect.  This long standing independent shop has been around for over 30 years, and you can see why... it is great.

Since I proclaimed 2014 as "The Year of the Handwritten Note", I have taken a special interest in great cards, pens, etc...  While many turn up their nose at the idea of writing cards and letters, there is clearly still an interest in this important form of communication.

While browsing the amazing selection of cards and gifts I met the owner of the establishment, Gwen Gasque.  We had a delightful conversation about the power of a handwritten note.  While she did not name-drop, she assured me that some of the Silicon Valley's most successful people actively write notes by hand and order unique and interesting stationery on a regular basis.  They also encourage their employees to do the same thing.  

Interesting -- In the heart of where much of the world's technology is born, those at the top realize the power of pen and ink.

Many make excuses to avoid sending notes.  They rationalize being "busy" means they need not ever put in the effort involved to write by hand.  Others believe that a Tweet or text is more effective (it is not) in communicating their feelings. However, Gwen assured me that CEO's and top Venture Capitalists all send handwritten notes regularly.  

Makes me wonder... Do these people write by hand because they are successful?  OR are they on top because they know the value in sending notes to people?  I think it is the latter.

If you are in Northern California... go to Letter Perfect and get some personalized stationery.  If you are not, find another option to get some note cards and them put them to use.  2014 still has 3 1/2 months to go... it is not too late to embrace "The Year of the Handwritten Note".

Have A Great Day

thom singer

The Handwritten Note - Never a bad idea

A friend sent me a link to an article on The Huffington Post about reasons to send Handwritten Notes.

"7 Reasons to Bring Back Back Thank You Notes" by Brie Dyas did a good job of reminding us all why the handwritten note is special.  I liked the article (afterall, I am the guy who deemed 2014 "The Year of the Handwritten Note").  There were only a few comments on this post (it is hardly controversial), however, what stood out to me were the comments on this post that ridiculed the idea.

Maria Rosa wrote: "This is so 1950's ------NO THANKS."

Mike G wrote: "I say thank you in person - or on the phone - preferably in public or at least usually one other person hears it but that's not required but it spreads good will. I don't need to actually write a note. Personal contact is even better."

I find it interesting that people take the time to argue against sending handwritten notes. To their points, just because we did something in the past does not mean it is wrong now.  And in person verbal appreciation is great, it is not the always seen by the other person as you making a real effort. 

To Maria and Mike I suggest the next time they recieve a note in the mail from a friend who wants to say "Thank You" or another wish for life, that they call the person and tell them to "Go To Hell".  They should ridicule their friend for a note that was dumb and useless.  They can add that they now think less of them as a human because they sent a handwritten note.  Maybe spitting on the floor to add punctuation.  

Nobody would do that after getting a handwritten note (Gosh, I hope nobody would do that!).  The reason they would never do this is because getting a note shows that the person who sent it cares for the recipient more than a text, email or call.  

So while Mike and Maria are not obligated to send notes, why would they argue against them?  

Let's counteract these people who roll their eyes.  Go send a note to someone in your life who matters. The person who helps you in a time of need or that new person you just met at a networking event. Ms Dyas is correct, a handwritten note has many reasons to come back in style.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Send Your Notes

I dubbed 2014 as the "Year of the Handwritten Note".

Sending notes shows you care.  In a world of easy digital communication the effort of putting pen to paper will allow you to stand out from the crowd.  Physical notes make people feel good. Share that feeling!

The US Postal Service is raising rates on January 26, 2014 (up to 49 cents for a first class letter).  My advice is to stock up on the "Forever Stamps" now (at 46 cents) and then start using them (each letter will feel like a bargain).

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Send A Sympathy Card - Handwritten Notes Have A Lasting Impact

Following the recent passing of my father I received many sympathy cards in the mail.  If you have been reading my blog recently (or other social media) you know that I have been focused on the topic of sending personal notes.  In our "social media crazy world" all personal communications have a way of standing out. 

I have been especially high on "Thank You Notes".... but was reminded of the power of a sympathy card.

If you know someone is is going through a rough time, your short handwritten words have amazing power to touch their heart and soul.  All of the cards that we received were special.  Some people did not know my dad, but shared their caring for our family.  Others included a personal story of their memories of his life.

(To be clear... I am not dissing the digital communications, as we also got many emails and other social media messages of condolence.  They also are special, important, and appreciated.  But there is something about a tangible card in the mailbox that make one stop and feel.  There is a lasting impact in a handwritten note).

I have declared 2014 as the "Year of the Handwritten Note" (help spread the word, as right now only about three people know about this important proclamation!!!).  Show people you care by writing to them, placing a stamp on the envelope, and giving it to the postman!  The art of the handwritten note is lost in our society, but when you send a card, people notice.

Have A Great Day

thom singer 

Handwritten Notes

The Handwritten Note.  Much is said about this little gem, but few people take the time to unleash the power of showing their appreciation, gratitude, etc... with pen and paper.

We now live in a social media crazy world where many people constantly seek productivity shortcuts.  The idea of going "Old School" to actually write a letter, place a stamp on the envelope and then mailing it to someone seems antiquated. However, the extra effort is always noticed and appreciated by the recipient.  Have you ever received a note in snail-mail, opened the envelope, felt the joy of great stationary, and said "DAMN THEM...they should have sent email or better yet.... a text!"?

If the situation that causes you to reach out to someone to say "thank you", "congratulations", or "nice to meet you" is all about self, then of course you want to take the easy path.  However, if the motivation is about the other person, then it means more when you take the extra effort.  When deciding if a handwritten note is the proper way to express your feelings (instead of email or text) you only need to ask the question "Is the recipient worth a few extra moments in time?".  If not, why are you reaching out at all?

Some argue against the handwritten note (I am shocked this is a debatable topic).  In March 2012 I wrote a rebuttal on this blog to a dumb article on Business Insider (by an author who was hoping for such rebuttals, not really for creating great journalism) that belittled the idea of a handwritten note after a job interview.  The truth is that if you don't want the job, then take the easy path.... but there are few situations where the tangible letter would not be a good idea. 

There is a lot of buzz each year about "Gratitude" (this comes up all over the internet and traditional media every Thanksgiving) and this brings with it all the advice about sending more handwritten notes.  I do not think that many people listen.  I suggest that less people send notes via the US Mail now that in the past. Since others are not doing this.... doesn't it sound like a great way for you and your company to get noticed?  Doing what others do makes you a commodity. 

Douglas Conant, the former CEO of Campbell's Soup has written over 30,000 notes to employees and others throughout his career (he mentioned it in 2011 in an article on the HRB website).  That is a lot of notes, but not hard to accomplish if you write regularly.  If the CEO of a major company can write so many notes, then the lame excuse of not having time gets tossed away.   I send about 5 notes each week to people I meet, clients, friends celebrating something cool, or those who refer business.  Simple math shows that over a 25 year career this equals over 6500 notes since I began the process of writing letters.  Even if some weeks I didn't do it, I bet the number is well over 5000.  I am gaining on you, Mr Conant.  

The excuse of bad handwriting is also not going to cut it.  I have rotten handwriting, but I can write slow and make it legible.  We can fabricate a million excuses, but the real point here is to put the attention of your effort on the other person.  Even doctors can write better if they try.  

In 2014 I am promoting "The Year of the Handwritten Note".  I am challenging people to pay attention to the people in their life that are worthy.  When I speak at events I often talk about the power of notes and after my talks there are many people who come and tell me how they agree that a handwritten note made them stand out from the competition.  They have been hired for jobs, selected as vendors, etc.... because of a note.  

If you have a great story of a handwritten note you have sent or received, please write about it on my Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/ThomSingerSpeaker.  I want to hear how notes make a difference in your personal and professional lives.

Have A Great Day

thom singer