Stand Out in Business the Write Way
by Lydia Ramsey
Published on this site: April 19th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a business
associate? It may be that it was too long ago for you to remember.
On the other hand, if you have gotten one lately, you know exactly
who sent it and when. Handwritten notes have become almost extinct
in the business world. So if you are looking for ways to stand from
the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting
pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse.
There are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or
a note to someone with whom you do business or would like to. Most
people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and
effort. Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently
and follow these tips:
- Have writing supplies close at hand. Store stationery
and stamps in the most convenient place in your desk. When
you need to send a note, all you have to do is reach for
your stationary, dash off a few lines, address the envelope,
put the stamp in place and mail it.
- Keep your message brief. These are notes so you only
have to come up with three or four sentences. If you attempt
to compose more than a few lines, writer's block is liable
to set in and you will never get past "start."
- Develop a system. Before you head out of the office to
a business meal or function that someone else is hosting,
address an envelop to your host. It will be a breeze to
jot down your short message when you return.
- Use the appropriate professional stationary. Both single-sided
correspondence cards and fold-over notes with the company
name or logo imprinted on them are business-like and will
represent you and your organization well.
- Poor penmanship is no excuse unless your handwriting
is totally illegible. The person who receives your note
will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will not be grading
your handwriting. If your penmanship does not meet your
standards, it is never too late to improve. There are numerous
resources at
your library or on the Internet to teach you to write legibly.
- Use any occasion to get noticed with a note. A few of
those instances are when...
You have received a gift
You were a guest in someone's home
You were hosted to a meal
You received a business favor
You are replying to an invitation
You are sending condolences
You want to offer congratulations
You need to apologize
- Make your message timely. Whether you are sending a note
of appreciation, congratulation or condolence, do it as
quickly as possible. A thank you should go out within 24
to 48 hours. However, don't forgo sending a note because
you think too much time has elapsed. There is no definite
statute of limitations on appreciation.
- Understand that e-mail is not a substitute for the personal
handwritten message. The Internet is fast, efficient and
remote. If you are corresponding by e-mail immediately following
a meeting with a business associate, include your expression
of gratitude, but don't let that stop you from sending a
second message by ground.
Successful people pay attention to the details and look for ways
to build better business relationships. When you take the time to
send handwritten notes, you will stand out from the crowd for all
the right reasons. Your next big sale or job promotion may came
about as a result of your doing business just a little differently.
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional
speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL
- ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted
or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily,
Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more
information about her programs, products and services, e-mail
her at [email protected]
or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com
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