Whether you’re writing a congratulatory note to a colleague or a thank-you note to a client, handwritten notes are powerful. Letters written by hand provide a level of authenticity and a sense of personal connection that electronic communications simply can’t.
There are many different ways to leverage handwritten notes in business. Below, 14 members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss their No. 1 use cases for handwritten notes in professional contexts and reasons why they are so effective.
1. Acknowledge Colleagues And Direct Reports
The handwritten “Caught You Being Amazing” note is an incredibly powerful application. There are so many opportunities to acknowledge your colleagues, direct reports and even those to whom you report for doing something that had a positive impact. And those opportunities are all too often missed. We all benefit from the acknowledgment of our ripples of impact! – David Taylor-Klaus, DTK Coaching, LLC
2. Differentiate Yourself In The Attention Economy
How do you compete in the attention economy, especially with so much noise? By differentiating yourself. One easy way to do this is by sending handwritten notes. In addition to capturing the recipient’s attention, your kind gesture demonstrates your willingness to “go the extra mile.” Since virtually no one else sends handwritten notes, you will be looked upon favorably and remembered. – Brian Bartes, LifeExcellence
3. Thank A Client Or Show A Team Member Appreciation
I use handwritten notes frequently as a thank-you to a client or a way to say “I appreciate you” to a team member. The impact it has when someone feels as if you took the time to handwrite a note to them is huge. I add it to my schedule as a “to-do” and make sure I am writing a note to someone each week. Simple white notecards with my logo on them are super easy. Try it—you’ll make someone’s day! – Jen Croneberger, JLynne Consulting Group
4. Engage With Others On A Personal Level
A great use case for handwritten notes is for building powerful relationships. When you write an authentic, handwritten note, you are engaging with that person on their level. You are creating trust, honesty and integrity by going above and beyond to show someone you truly care. – Jennifer Carrasco, Jennifer Carrasco EOS Implementer
5. Acknowledge Someone’s Hard Work Every Week
Most companies have formal recognition programs, but those lose importance over time. As a leader, recognize a job well done. If someone is struggling with a task, write an acknowledgment of their hard work. Commit to writing one note a week. At the end of the year, you will have written 52 notes. Imagine—52 people who are more motivated, engaged and empowered to do their best work. – Shelley Hammell, Sage Alliance, Inc.
6. Transmit Your Belief In Someone
A primary use case for handwritten notes is to transmit your belief in someone. It’s written out using only 13 letters and one exclamation point: “I believe in you!” How many people, in or out of work, do you think ever hear, see or feel those words expressed to them? Too darn few. – Jay Steven Levin, WinThinking
7. Sustain Relationships With Others
Relationships are best formed when neither party needs anything from the other. Occasionally dropping a handwritten note to let someone know you’re thinking of them is an authentic, unexpected and nontransactional way to sustain a relationship in a fast-paced, digital-first world. – Leonora Zilkha Williamson, Platinum Rule Advisors
8. Enhance The Client Experience
Handwritten notes are now the new, standout option to enhance the client experience, whether you are onboarding someone new or offboarding an existing client. While we have many forms of electronic communication that everyone utilizes, it is a forgotten art to send a handwritten thank-you note or letter. This is truly a standout option to build powerful relationships and networks. – Lauren Najar, Lauren Najar Coaching LLC
9. Form A Personal Connection
People don’t do business with companies; they do business with people. A thoughtful handwritten note is a powerful reminder of that personal connection with another human being—a token of appreciation and a promise of goodwill. So, who will you send a card to today? – Lusia Moskvicheva, The Happy Life Strategist
10. Communicate Thoughtfulness And Gratitude
Taking time to write a note—on a package, on a card or on the outside of an envelope—communicates personal care and reminds the recipient that you see them as a person. Your handwritten words communicate thoughtfulness and gratitude and provide recipients a sense of being seen. – Billy Williams, Archegos
11. Help Yourself Stand Above The Crowd
Sending handwritten notes allows you to stand above the crowd. I use handwritten notes as a greeting to simply say “hello” to clients, prospects and colleagues. Many times people are shocked to get a card or note with no agenda other than to say, “I’ve been thinking of you and wishing you well.” I also use handwritten notes to follow up after a conversation or meeting, whether virtual or in-person. – Lori A. Manns, Quality Media Consultant Group LLC
12. Mark Milestone Occasions And Great Performances
My handwritten notes are a “rainy day” file. I pull them out to remind me of the work I’ve done and the people I have impacted in my career. I recommend sending them on milestone occasions, such as promotions, anniversaries and personal events, and to acknowledge “wow” moments of performance. Some may not treasure them as deeply as I do, but everyone appreciates the novel way of expressing gratitude and giving praise. – Jill Helmer, Jill Helmer Consulting
13. Make Others Feel Special
I believe in the power of the handwritten note. It shows you took the time to make the other party feel special. That is the cornerstone of relationship building. I am always a huge supporter of quality versus quantity. I would rather send 20 handwritten notes a day than 2,000 mass emails. – Michelle Perchuk, MTV Coaching
14. Improve Your Connection With The Reader
I would suggest starting a bit smaller. Write letters on your computer, print them and sign them with your name. Even this smallest detail will improve your connection with the reader, and it even feels more official. Handwriting a note is beautiful if the subject of the contact is very personal. The time you give to it shows compassion and empathy, and it is a great way of saying, and showing, that you care. – Arvid Buit, TRUE Leadership
SAGE Alliance, a Leadership Performance Company; provides executive coaching, team-building, industry leading assessments, workshops and speaking on topics including: building a high-performing team through coaching, developing and optimizing your top talent, delivering commanding communications, creating a lasting impression, making a greater impact through personal branding for executives and high-potentials – for both team and individual leaders.
Shelley Hammell, is the president, CEO and author of You Think You’re Coaching, But You’re Not! available HERE, and is available for book signings and speaking engagements.