It's the same routine, we grab the stack of mail and flip, flip, flip, bill, bill, pre-approved credit card, bill, pre-approved credit card and then, there it is, in all its glory: the Holy Grail of snail mail - the handwritten note. It's the real thing. Blue cursive writing, a familiar name in the upper left hand corner, and a genuine, US postage stamp!

 

You smile with anticipation as you slowly open the envelope and pull out the note card. It feels great. You can't really explain why - it just does. Technology and the speed of communication in the 21st century have made the personal note, a dying art. Most of us have to think really hard to remember the last time we got one. There is good news though. In this void, your simple, handwritten note will stand out.

 

Your customers will remember you. They will associate you with the good feeling they received when they pulled your note out of their stack of junk mail. With just a little extra effort, you can connect with future prospects, strengthen your business network, and build stronger personal relationships.

When you send a short, handwritten note, you tell the recipient that they are important and you create a positive emotional experience that let's them know you care.

1. Be Prepared: Develop the habit of carrying note cards and stamps with you at all times. Set a goal of sending three to five handwritten notes each day.

2. Time is of the Essence: Note cards should be sent within 24 hours if you are thanking the recipient for something specific. Make it a habit to send a handwritten, thank you note after every meeting with a customer or prospect. Write the note before your next appointment. Drop your notes in the mail box at the end of the day.

3. Personalize: Go to your local printer and invest in stationary with your name on it. You don't have to break the bank to get a quality print job. Keep it simple. Use good paper, a conservative font, with your name engraved in black ink, and don't forget the envelopes. Your unique, personalized notes will send the message
that you are willing to go the extra mile in everything you do.

4. Ping Your Network: Develop a correspondence schedule, ensuring customers, friends and your network are "touched" several times each year. Something simple like: "Hi John, Happy New Year! I came across this article that highlighted a new initiative over at the Expressway Authority who I know you've been pursuing as a client. Thought you may be interested. Enjoy Warmly, Benjamin." Don't forget to include your business card, in fact, include two, one to keep and one to pass along.

 

5. Let Zingy Do It: Ok so you are looking at your schedule, your blackberry, the 300 new emails you haven't answered yet, and the sales report you owe the boss and thinking to yourself "Yea right, like I have time to mail note cards!" Well here is some good news. The internet comes to your rescue again. There is a great new service called ClientZing that helps you announce products, set appointments, say thank you, and express yourself with REAL NOTE CARDS to your prospects and clients.

 

This really cool and convienient service was built by salespeople who get it. ClientZing is a web-based card mailing service that helps you keep in touch with your business contacts. In less than a minute you can pick a fun message and card, add a personalized note, and "zing it" to anyone! Here is the amazing thing - ClientZing prints the card, puts it in an envelope, and sends it to your client via first-class mail. If you are busy ClientZing will save you time. And they will let you send your first card FREE  - no credit card, obiligation or strings attached.