There is something special that happens when someone takes the time to put pen to paper and leave a thank you for your kindness or business. I was recently a guest at Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia and I left a tip for the housekeeper. (Note: I really am a good hotel guest, I don't leave a mess and my towels are always hung up.) Even though I always leave a tip for the housekeeper something different happened. This time I got a note back from her. I was delighted.
By simply putting writing that note she created the begining of a relationship with me. Do you think I made sure I left another tip the next day? You betcha. I would guarantee that this woman receieves more tips than her counterparts.
But, unless you are in a similar position you might wonder how this might help you and your business. In March I blogged about a Dentist who used handwritten notes to help his business.
No matter what business you are in, your customer will notice when you take the time to write them a note. It doesn't matter if it is on the bottom of the invoice you send, a postcard, a thank you note or a letter. Just take the few extra seconds it takes to write a note.
We have become adept at using technology to communicate in a variety of ways. Twitter, Facebook, E-mails, IM's, text messages allow us to instantly communicate to our friends and our customers. That's great. Instant communication can keep our customers in the loop. But for making a real impact on our customer nothing can beat a handwritten note.
Write someone a note today. See what happens.
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2 comments:
Hey Laurie,
Handwritten notes was one of the suggestion I made at a presentation last week "Creative Thinking for Entrepreneurs" at Detroit Entrepreneurship Institute's(DEI) LunchBiz Club program. If I'm thinking like you're thinking, I know what I'm doing and saying is on track. You are the best. Thanks for "The Power of a Handwritten Note".
I believe in the power of the handwritten note! We write Thank You notes on every order, and had small acknowledgement cards as well as fold-over note cards (with envelopes) printed with our business name and logo. Some are included inside packages for web orders, and the note cards are often snail-mailed - especially to customers who visit our shop. I may not see a customer again until they visit our region the following year, but they will say,'We really appreciated your note." It's relationship building at its finest. And with the economy the way it is, this is no time for customers to be wondering whether we appreciate them or their business!
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