Email and texting have taken over much of our communication.
It’s been awhile since most communication occurred by hand.
Handwritten notes.
I guess even the telephone took over much of that communication.
Now, I’m not saying any of that technology is bad. In fact, I use it all the time and think it’s improved and encouraged more communication.
But there are benefits to handwritten notes and letters. And since not as many people are doing it there’s an opportunity to stand out.
One interesting case study followed a car salesman and his habit of sending handwritten notes to his client list. He found that this gave him better relationships with his clients than that of his colleagues and their clients.
A handwritten note takes more time. It takes more thought and effort. Therefore, to most people it means more.
It turns out that writing by hand also improves learning, storytelling, focus and memory.
Those are pretty good benefits.
But what are some ideas for writing handwritten notes and letters?
I’m glad you asked…
Here is a running list of ideas to give you a reason or reasons to write notes to someone.
- Thank you
- Compliment
- Congratulations
- Book Suggestion
- Ask For Advice
- Tell A Joke
- Anecdote
- Long Story
- Reminiscing
- Happy Birthday
- Happy Holidays
- Thinking Of You
- Anniversary
- Encouragement
- Get Well
- I Love You
- Miss You
- Sorry
- Sympathy
- Reminder
- Invite
- Recipe
- Instructions
- DIY Tip
- Romance
- Gratitude
- Respect
- Offer
- Update
- Ask How They’re Doing
- Ask What They’re Struggling With
- Check-In
- Express Concerns
- Doodle
- Provide Assurance
- Motivate
- Inspire
- Apply
- Resign
- Persuade
- Influence
- Keep In Touch
- Share Excitement
- Alert
- Share Anticipation
- Fear
- Optimism
- Boredom
- Surprise
- Gift
- Ponder Life
- Opportunity
- New Facts & Research
That’s not a bad list. Some probably overlap.
The point is that there are many reasons to write someone a handwritten note. And while handwritten notes do take a little time they don’t really take that much time.
I’m guilty of it myself. I don’t write enough letters. One probably doesn’t even need fancy stationary or pens or things like that.
Just some regular paper or note cards. Some small envelopes and a Bic.
I know what’ll be on my shopping list this weekend. It’s time to start writing some more notes. I now have a pretty good list to start with…