April 03, 2008
A few days ago, I posted on the difference between strategy and tactics and recommended identifying strategy first and then move to tactics. Selecting effective tactics depends, of course, on the strategy and the ultimate goal. Building relationships almost always comes into play, though. Strong client relationships form the foundation of a healthy practice; strong collegial relationships are a key component of a satisfying professional life; strong professional relationships create openings for a variety of career opportunities. Today, I’d like to share one tactic that I’ve found indispensable for relationship-building.
Think back to the last time you received a hand-written note. They stand out, don’t they? Penmanship catches special attention these days, when even wedding invitations are often computer-addressed. Personal notes are usually a different size and shape from ordinary business correspondence, and when I receive one, I always pause because it’s so unexpected. Have you received a hand-written note this week? No? Well, you aren’t alone — far from it — and there’s your opportunity.
Because it’s out of the ordinary, a note generates attention that an email never will. I like sending notes “just because,” to thank someone for a kindness, or to pass on something of interest to the recipient. Notes create personal connection. Because they’re tangible and reflect energy expended, a hand-written note demonstrates that, at least for the time it took to write and mail the note, the recipient was top-of-mind. It’s nice to be thought of that way, and that thoughtfulness will generate a positive association and begin (or continue) the process of relationship-building. I imagine my clients get tired of hearing me suggest, “why not drop him a note?” But I know, and they discover, the positive results that often follow.
The only downside to note-writing is the effort that it can take. Finding the right notecard, finding the recipient’s address, finding the stamp, finding the time to put it all together, and then remembering the mail the note before it’s long out of date. I’m the first to admit that I’ve struggled with that.
So, I was excited to discover the “Note-Working Success System,” a service that offers attractive and unique notecards (complete with suggested messages and a sheet for tracking the notes and results), sent on a monthly basis and designed for easy use. I’m a fan of easy and effective! I interviewed Vanessa Lowry, who holds the terrific title of Chief Connection Officer of her company Profits in Progress, and got some terrific ideas about how note-writing can fit into even the busiest schedule and bring great results. Vanessa shared some fun stories and useful suggestions, too. Do listen to the interview (it’s just under 40 minutes long, just right for a commute or workout) and see if you get inspired to write some extra notes this month. �
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