Good letter writing is a lost art in today’s society. With the onslaught of email, voicemail and faxes, good letter writing has gone the way of the dinosaurs. And yet, a well-written, personalized thank you note can do wonders for your business relationships. Here are a few tips for giving your thank you notes maximum impact:
- Be warm and personal. When was the last time you received a handwritten note of thanks? You were probably honored that someone cared enough to take time from their hectic schedule to sit down to think about you. The best thank you notes are personal and take time and thought to create. When a person receives a well-thought-out note, they feel your appreciation even more.
- Timing is crucial. Get the note out right away. We recommend sending them immediately after a closing or other event, but absolutely send them within 48 hours. As time passes and note-writing sinks to the bottom of your to-do pile, your feelings of gratitude may fade. The sooner you write, the easier the writing will be. Try keeping a supply of thank you notes and pre-stamped envelopes on hand for quick and easy mailing.
- Less is more. Try to be succinct when writing your thank you note. Droning on and on or padding the note in an attempt to make it seem more substantial may cause the note to come off less sincere. Open with a thought of gratitude, include something personal and informal and end with a reiteration of appreciation. It doesn’t take much more than that.
The hand-written thank you note has tremendous value in the workplace. While it is customary to send one for gifts and special favors, perhaps the most powerful thank you note is the one that’s unexpected. People will remember your gratitude long after they have forgotten what they did for you.