I Wrote 785 Thank-you Notes - Here’s What I Learned
More than 10 years ago, I joined an organization called Toastmasters International that helps people build their communication and leadership skills. After working my way through local and regional leadership roles, I was elected second vice president for the entire organization.
As a VP with international reach, I needed to reach people in a way that connected with them personally. I began sending handwritten notes. A lot of them.
Seven hundred and eightyfive, to be exact.
It might seem old-fashioned to send handwritten notes — it is. But there’s something valuable about receiving a thoughtful card. It makes the recipient feel special, much more so than a friendly email.
Hand-written notes are a great way to connect with your colleagues, your mentors, and your friends. Here’s why they should be part of your communication repertoire:
1. They’re appreciated. When was the last time someone told you how much you’re appreciated? Many people don’t hear about their good qualities enough. With a card, you can put a spotlight on your recipient’s talents, thoughtfulness, leadership, or anything else you’d like to praise.
2. They make you feel good. You might think that writing 785 cards was a burden. In fact, doing so taught me a lot about myself. I tell my clients, “You can’t become it if you don’t see it.”
If you want to improve yourself, you need to recognize the qualities you wish to emulate in other people. Writing cards helps you focus on the traits and values you’d most like to develop.
3. They’re affordable. You can accomplish all of this with a box of cards for just a few dollars. I suggest choosing your cards thoughtfully — hopefully, your encouraging words will be something your recipient will want to keep. Make the card display-worthy.
With just a few minutes, a nice piece of paper, and a little thought, you can send a bit of magic through the mail that will brighten someone’s day and deepen your relationship.