The Joy of Snail Mail
You receive several e-mails in your inbox daily. Some junk, some social, some work related. You deal with them, respond and delete.
Your mail box at the end of your driveway delivers you a steady stream of bills, insurance renewals, share statements and the like. These might litter your kitchen bench top for a few days before you get around to making the payments and filing the paperwork.
What if amongst your snail mail there was a brightly coloured envelope with handwriting on the front? It is clearly not a bank statement or a letter from your accountant and your birthday was six months ago. Imagine the excitement and anticipation to open that envelope first. Someone has sent you a card, there is even a real stamp on it, you haven't seen a real stamp in months!
Not only do you immerse yourself in the excitement of opening that envelope but once you do open it and enjoy the gorgeous card and personal note, it is then proudly displayed and you are reminded of it as you walk past it several times a day.
An e-mail is a quick and convenient way to communicate but does it pack a punch? An e-mail will deliver the message but it will be read once, maybe twice and then deleted amongst an ocean of other messages. Snail mail will deliver impact and sincerity. The recipient will think "wow, he or she truly values me". They will continue to be reminded of you as they keep seeing that card.
Snail mail is a wonderful way to convey appreciation and fondness to family and friends. It is also an extremely effective marketing tool in business.
8 ideas to start embracing snail mail today:
1. Who has helped you out recently? Show your appreciation and send them a card thanking them for their efforts. Tell them what a difference they make.
2. Tell your loved one what they mean to you. In our hectic lives, it is easy to become complacent. Stay connected, send a love letter!
3. Be grateful for gifts. I was brought up to write individual letters to everyone who brought me gifts for my birthday and Christmas. I believe it is rude not to. That person spent their time and money choosing a gift specifically for you. A thank you note is essential.
4. Have you just met someone who would make a good business alliance, supplier, referrer or mentor? Send them a card telling them how nice it was to meet them and learn about what they do. This will make you stand out.
5. Thank your clients. If you are in business, your clients are your bread and butter. They pay your wages, they put the food on your table. Thank them for their business. Showing gratitude with a card will keep your relationship strong and keep them coming back to you.
6. After a job interview, send a thank you card to the interviewer for the opportunity. This will set you apart. If they don't find you the most suitable applicant for that role, they will see you as a creative and motivated candidate and consider you for other openings.
7. Who is your rock? Who has helped you get to where you are? Be it financially, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually there will be someone in your life that has always believed in you and supported you. Send a card to that person, convey your gratitude, tell them how awesome they are.
8. Sending a simple handwritten note when you have received exceptional service. You will make their day, their boss will be proud and they will be tripping over themselves to serve you with excellence next time too.
Although quick and convenient, e-mail is not always the most effective way to send a message. Get into the card sending habit and set yourself apart as someone who cares. Make people smile and make them feel special. Create a lasting impression.
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