The Power of a Note

Please visit my new blog: The Career Intensity Blog.

Duct Tape Marketing had a post last week that got me thinking. In the post John Jantsch discussed the power of penning a hand written note to friends, clients or prospects.  I have used this tactic before – mostly to express thanks or to welcome someone to the team.

I decided to try a little experiment.  I went through a couple of weeks of local periodicals and I picked out people that were featured in articles and I send them each a handwritten congratulations note.  I said something to the effect – “I saw the article on your business in XYZ Magazine.  Congratulations on your success.  I’d love to speak with you some time to hear the story of how you got to where you are.”  I sent twenty of these notes. 

I was astonished to receive seven e-mails, two letters and a phone call in return.  Half of the people I sent the note to wanted to take me up on my offer to meet and tell their story! 

This is not only going to be a great learning experience for me, but it will also be a networking opportunity.  The moral of the story is:  If you want to connect with people in your local business community showing a genuine interest in them and their business is the way to do it. A handwritten note is a great way to start.

Please visit my new blog: The Career Intensity Blog.

Comments

[Buzzoodle Ron]

Since your track backs are not working, I will say it in the comments. Imagine what would happen if everyone in the organization did this every month!

[John Jantsch]

David,

Great story. Do you mind if I post about it at Duct Tape Marketing as a follow-up to my original post?

John Jantsch
Duct Tape Marketing

[Dave L]

John,

Thanks. Please do post a follow-up.

Dave

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Great post David. It is amazing how when you reach out to people, they're often willing to reach back. Here's to you continued success!

[Russell]

Thanks for the great tip!

[Daniel Schutzsmith]

I too, have also found the importance in hand written notes. Tell me, have you put much emphasis into the design of your notes or are they usually on normal letterhead and sent in an envelope?

You can see my own posts on Thank You notes at the following URL:
http://www.graphicdefine.org/thank-you-notes-a-lost-art/

[Dave L]

Hi Daniel,

The cards are simple. They have the "logo" from my blog on them (the signature) and they have a blurb inside with what I do.

Other than that, there just plain white cards.

E-mail me directly dlorenzo at dlorenzo.com with your address and I'll send one to you.

Thanks for reading.

Best,

Dave

[Josh Hinds]

Thanks for sharing the idea. For me it was a good reminder to start doing something I used to do more often :-)

I've got some postcards that I like to send out that include my sites' web address on them. While the purpose of the note to people is to send a little praise there way, I've gotten some nice return feedback from folks that have let me know they enjoyed my site. All the best, Josh :-)

[MouroBors]

Hello! I like the way you react to my white shoulders Good joke :) Did you hear about the dyslexic rabbi? He was walking around everywhere saying, "Yo!"