Modern communication is cheap and easy. That is the way it is designed to be. And, it certainly has its place. But there is still a place for a hand written note.

I spent half of my career as the executive director of a non profit organization. In that role, raising money to support the mission is a key responsibility. It was there that I learned the power of the hand written note.

When you take the time to hand write a note to someone more than just the content of the message is communicated.

You are valued

Not many people print out an email and display it on their mantle. Receiving an actual card feels really good. Seeing reminds you that someone cares for you. You also know that someone thought enough of you to use something of value to express their appreciation. Once I read an email or text message it is immediately deleted or archived in an folder never to be seen again. However, it is not uncommon for me to hold on to written notes or cards for years. A hand written card costs something to purchase. I recommend spending a little bit of money and having some personalized stationary printed.

You are worth my time

In the course of a normal work day it is nothing for me to bang out 50-100 emails. When you factor in the other work that is happening at the same time you realize how little thought goes into each message. Note cards are different. To write one I have to stop everything else I am doing and concentrate on the message. (Which by the way is one of the reasons we write so few.) When I receive a card I am reminded that someone paused long enough to write it out. Even if it’s just a few sentences.

Getting started

Here are a couple tips to get started.

1. Keep your supplies together. Cards, envelopes and a nice pen are all you really need. Keep them easily assessable where you do your work.

2. Add stamps to your grocery list. With more and more people paying bills online, chances are you may not have stamps just laying around. Most grocery stores have stamps available at the register. Pick some up next time your run out to get milk. If you don’t keep stamps handy you will never consistently write notes.

3. Set a goal. It doesn’t really matter where you start. Just get going! If you are in a service business this is easy. Make it a practice to give each of your customers a personal thank you. It will take about 2 minutes a piece, but the ROI is huge!

What’s the most meaningful note or card you’ve ever received? Share your memory in the comments if you like.