The 15 Minute Guide to Writing Personal Notes That Will Strengthen Your Relationships
In a digital society, writing notes may seem as old-fashioned as churning your own butter. However, it’s the rarity and personal attention that make them stand out more than ever. If you want to strengthen your relationship with someone, drop them a line.
The Basics Of Writing Notes That Get Your Message Across
- Know your purpose. Strike the right tone by clarifying what you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to express your esteem for a colleague who is retiring. If you’re following up on a sales call, being persuasive is a high priority.
- Act promptly. Sometimes speed reduces the pressure to be profound. A brief thank you suffices when you get it out the next day. If you dawdle, you wind up struggling for words.
- Take a good look at your handwriting. The more you type, the more your penmanship may deteriorate. It’s usually okay to use your keyboard if your handwriting has become illegible or messy.
- Strive to be concise. If you lack the time to compose long letters, relax. Many people prefer a paragraph or two rather than ten pages that they’ll have to find time to read.
- Practice on the people close to you. If you’ve grown rusty at anything but texting, brush up by communicating with your loved ones. Your grandmother will love anything you have to say. Kids will be thrilled to find something addressed to them in the mail.
Special Occasions and Personal Touches That Will Make Your Notes Distinctive
- Make people feel like an insider. Share interesting and useful information. Let people know about a great new restaurant in your neighborhood or the latest study on a common medical condition.
- Rekindle old connections. Get back in touch with people you’ve lost track of. They may miss you too.
- Find new friends. Reach out to people you want to get to know better. Ask the person seated next to you at a dinner party for their card so you can send a note and continue the conversation.
- Offer praise. Everyone appreciates positive reinforcement, so send a note of praise to someone. Send a card to the co-worker who stayed late to help you with a big project.
- Follow up. Sometimes a note is just a first step. Pick up the phone and confirm your lunch date.
- Help kids get started. Children who grow up writing notes will have an edge in their business and social life. Turn thank you notes into a fun family activity.
- Shop for stationery. Browse online or visit a local shop for paper that appeals to you. Pick a fun style that expresses your personality or keep it simple and elegant. If you’re the DIY type, look for templates online. You can also recycle greeting cards by tearing off the picture and writing on the back like a postcard.
- Take a multimedia approach. Traditional notes blend well with newer technology. Throw in pictures and videos to get your point across.
- Attach gifts. A note is often all you need, but sometimes you feel more generous. When you add a gift inscription on the title page of a book, your friend will think of you every time they read it.
- Be creative. You can place a note anywhere, so think of creative places to leave messages. Write something endearing in lipstick on a mirror. Post a reminder in your child’s lunch box or use sidewalk chalk on your driveway to welcome them home from camp.
A well-phrased message received at the right time can help you land a job or make a loved one smile. Notes are a quick and inexpensive way to impress people with your courtesy and thoughtfulness.
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