What your mom can teach you about business development

by | May 4, 2015 | Monthly-ish tips

This post is part of our Weekly Tips series.

If you’re anything like me, you had a mom who insisted that you send a hand-written thank you note any time you received a gift. Oh how I dreaded sitting down to crank one of those out. It was, simply put, a chore.

Decades later I’m ever-grateful to my mom for having me do something so many times that it’s now easy and comfortable. Why? Because a hand-written note is a striking differentiator in today’s low-touch, technology-driven world.

A handwritten message is also versatile. It’s a great way to:

  • Tell an existing client something you appreciate about them
  • Share with a new acquaintance something that struck you favorably about your first meeting
  • Let a past client know they’re on your mind
  • Brighten the day for someone in a support role.

It’s all the better if you have to make a little extra effort to track down a good snail mail address; they’ll know it really mattered to you that they get your communication.

Here’s an added bonus: The brief time it takes to express yourself is time spent present to gratitude rather than everyday stress. I don’t know anyone who can’t benefit from that.

Make It Real

This week, send three hand-written notes of thanks or appreciation.

Tips: I like to have a stack of assorted stationary on hand in my office. I also tuck a few blank note cards into my travel folder—they’re a great way to fill time during takeoff and landing. And if your mom wasn’t as fervent as mine, I just found some handy tips for how to structure your note online.

Learn More

TAfieldbook

Learn more about the difference gratitude makes from our friends at Trusted Advisor Associates, or read a story of how a hand-written note sealed a deal in Chapter 11 of The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook.

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Andrea Howe

As the founder of The Get Real Project, I am the steward of our vision and our service offerings, as well as a workshop leader and keynote speaker. Above all else, I am an entrepreneur on a mission: to kick conventional business wisdom to the curb and transform how people work together as a result. I am also the co-author, with Charles H. Green, of The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook (Wiley, 2012).

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