noteinsider.com

Eddie Speed is a long-time contributor to the NoteWorthy Newsletter and the note brokering industry in general.  He is the founder of NoteSchool, which is hosting the just-announced Kick-Off Breakfast at the NoteWorthy Convention, holding an optional class entitled “Seller-Financed Notes: Phenomenal Growth, Incredible Opportunity” ($99, click here to download the sign-up form or call (800) 487-1864) and hosting a workshop entitled “Breaking News on Notes–and How to Profit from Them“ (free with Convention admission).

When was the last time you received a handwritten note? Unless you’re a bank teller involved in a robbery, it’s likely been ages.

There was a time when handwritten notes were commonplace. Then along came the mass-produced greeting card, the typewriter, and now the computer. Even preprinted names on holiday cards have become acceptable substitutes for handwritten signatures. Photocopied holiday letters are gaining such popularity, there might soon be a central production source for those, as well.

All these timesavers have reduced the handwritten note to near extinction. That’s a shame, because nothing stands out like a handwritten note. And nothing gets remembered like it, either. After all, Hallmark does pretty and witty, but it doesn’t do personal.

Neither does your keyboard-not like a pen gripped between your fingers.

For your business mailings, you might lack the time and the digital stamina to handwrite messages to all your prospects. Still, you should at least consider writing a brief thank-you note to the few people who respond. You might also handwrite addresses on your envelopes. (Did you know that 60-70% of direct-mail envelopes are tossed, unopened? That’s because they’re so impersonal!)

Even a Post-It® note with a hand-scribbled word or two (”Thanks” or “Call me!”) can add a simple yet personal touch to your computer-generated, mass-produced letter. At the very least, hand sign your letters-or make them appear to be hand signed.

Make note to handwrite your notes! You’ll more likely be remembered by the note owners on your list. In return, they’ll hand it to you-their business, that is-for paying special attention to them!