Last week, I delivered a luncheon presentation to a wonderful group, the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men’s Eating Organization). This is a delightful cohort of more than 100 retired men who gather every week for lunch and a speaker. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience (I mean, really… as I said to them, it’s every girl’s dream to be in a room full of Romeos, right?!) and generated an idea too good to not pass along.
We were in the process of discussing the power of the handwritten thank you note, a topic I hit on frequently. Everyone was in agreement that this is an ancient and important, but dying art! One fellow in particular raised his hand and shared the following:
“My children all live out of town and I don’t get to see them or my grandchildren as frequently as I would like. One way I keep in touch with all of them is to send each of my grandchildren a handwritten letter every few weeks or so. They love getting mail and it gives me a chance to share thoughts, ideas, sentiments and information with them. It makes them feel special and makes me feel great!”
What a cool idea! I believe it can be easily extended to other important people in our lives. Everyone loves getting letters – especially unexpected and happy letters – in the mail. And, what a lovely way to create a series of keepsakes for your loved ones, friends, important colleagues and clients. And, by the way, it doesn’t have to be a lengthy tome. A simple greeting card with a message, “thinking of you,” can work wonders, too!
Who will you send your letter to? How many letters will you send each month? Set a goal, write your letters and reap the sweet benefits of the joy you will create in the hands of your recipients!
I often use the hand-written letter technique. It works like a champ resulting in being remembered for having remembered the recipient (wins all around!).
My letter writing has increased because of new work responsibilities. I drop thank you notes to my vendor/partners after a lunch, or an especially good meeting. Spot on advice in today’s “I shot him an email” world.
I come from this topic from a historical view, and it upsets me that we have gotten away from hand written notes and journals. For a person they can be uplifting, inspiring, bring a smile, be a form of expression in a way that makes you take your time and think…so much more than typing on a keyboard. I do family history research for people, and the information found about our ancestors through letters is amazing. Unfortunately, in rare exceptions, our descendants will not have that. Electronic writings are not the same. People say, oh well I kept my email or I have that saved on a thumb drive…it will last forever. Really? When was the last time you looked at something you saved on a floppy disc?
I had a boss who always took the time to write a personal note to his clients, and It is one reason why his clients stay with him. They feel important because he took the time to write a personal hand written note. It does not take a lot of time to make someone feel important and appreciated, whether it is someone who is family, friend or client.
Great points, Jenn. Appreciate your thoughts – thanks for taking the time to share!