The impact of a piece of paper
…okay, two pieces if you count the envelope.
On Monday I had my first appointment with my new doctor. I was impressed by him, quite a bit actually, and felt good about my choice.
Today, Wednesday, I got this in my mail:
It is a hand-written “welcome to the practice/nice to meet you/thank you” note. It was on nice paper, with a hand-addressed envelope.
The doc wrote both. I know because I have compared the writing to the notes he gave me to take home after our meeting. He also referenced some of the non-medical things mentioned during our meeting. It was, in other words, a lovely, personal note.
When was the last time you had a doc send you a note like that? When was the last time any of your professional service providers did this?
More importantly, when was the last time you wrote such a note to one of your clients?
January 21st, 2010 at 4:05 am
Yes, it’s lovely to receive a personal note … , as long as the handwriting is legible.
I must admit I have a beautiful and fairly legible one but if the note is relate to business I type the text and start the note with a handwritten Dear …, .
You never know.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:35 am
I actually began this practice when you reminded me several years ago about what my mother taught me when I was 8 years old. With this recent reminder I wrote two notes this morning. Thanks!
January 21st, 2010 at 6:40 am
Paolo: this note I got is barely legible, but if it had been “typed” it would not work half as well! What you are doing would, to me, look too impersonal. Europeans, generally, are more formal, esp. in their business habits, and “typed” may be better there, but the personal touch of handwriting is better over here.
-Leslie
January 21st, 2010 at 8:17 am
Hand-written notes always catch my eye. I tend to look at the mailer longer, and I usuallly feel the need to respond because the sender appeared to take extra effort. Of course, there’s the balance between the extra time spent and the “return”, and the jury’s still out on whether it’s always worth it. I think it’s best for a smaller or more occassional mailing. Nice post, Leslie!
January 21st, 2010 at 8:47 am
I’ll be the first to admit that my handwriting’s not the best. Matter of fact, I could give doctors a run for their money.
That being said, I am in the habit of sending personal notes on the backs of postcards showing my photography. And, since my handwriting quickly degenerates into illegibility, I keep my notes short -n- sweet.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:14 am
Great post Leslie. It’s amazing in these days of texting, email, twitter and facebook how refreshing a good old fashioned handwritten note is – not to mention thoughtful and considerate.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I’ve even received handwritten notes back from clients after sending them one. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s great to get. Sending a note is part of my business practice – yes Mom taught me well…
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:57 am
There’s nothing like a “duh” to wake us up once in a while. People keep hand notes but trash emails. And yes, it is two pieces of paper because the envelope completes the branding.