Persuasion

Send daily thank you notes

I came across this tip a few years ago and have found it useful.  It's very simple.   You make it a practice to send out 1 thank you note every weekday.

You select a new person each day and send a personalized thank you card to them.  Yes, you actually send them a physical card via snail mail.

Using the postal system is best

The standard reaction from people when I suggest this is a response like, “but it's much easier to send emails.”  Of course it is, but that's the whole point.  Emails are fast, easy, and require little thought.  Nobody cares about thank you emails.  If you ‘re anything like me, you read the email and delete it two seconds later.  Handwritten cards sent through the mail last much longer.

Make it a daily habit

Paper based cards are really simple to use.  Try to find cards that are blank inside, so that everything is handwritten.  Just buy cards in bulk and have a roll of stamps.  Each day you sit down for two minutes and write out a card.  Then you drop it in the mail.  It is simple to do, but I can't tell you how many people tell me that this is impossible.

I recommend making this a daily habit, because taking the time to appreciate those who help you is good for your soul.  A daily two-minute writing makes the recipient feel good, and it puts you in a good frame of mind for working.

People remember cards

Think back to the last time you received a card (birthday, thank you, etc.) from a friend or a business acquaintance.  You probably took some time to look it over and read the personalized note (hopefully there was one).

Most people then take the card and and put it on a shelf where they forget about it for a few months.  The next time your contact needs someone in your line of work they will be more likely to call you.

This is one of those tips that only 1 in 1000 people will follow up on.  It's too bad because this seriously works.

5 reasons why you should write thank you cards

1. Nobody takes the time to write hand written notes anymore.  By personalizing the message, you will stand out from everyone else.  It WILL be read.

2. People are too lazy these days to send out notes in the mail.  Sending cards proves you are action-oriented.

3. Notes are cheap.  Some people say letters are too expensive to mail.  Of course, those are the same people who don't mind spending $5.00 at Starbucks every morning.

4. Your letter will endure.  Hopefully your letter will sit on their desk or bookcase for a couple of months.  Then, they will think of you at the right time.

5. Follow Up.  I found I usually get a phone call from the person to thank me for sending the thank you card.  🙂

p.s. when they call don't say, “it was nothing.”  Say, “Hey, I just really appreciated your help.”

Plan B: If you don't want to send paper thank you notes, try using email or phone calls.  It's not as good in my opinion, but better than nothing.