When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a business associate? It may be that it was too long ago for you to remember. On the other hand, if you have gotten one lately, you know exactly who sent it and when. Handwritten notes have become almost extinct in the business world. So if you are looking for ways to stand from the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse.
There are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or a note to someone with whom you do business or would like to. Most people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and effort. Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently and follow these tips:
1. Have writing supplies close at hand. Store stationery and stamps in the most convenient place in your desk. When you need to send a note, all you have to do is reach for your stationary, dash off a few lines, address the envelope, put the stamp in place and mail it.
2. Keep your message brief. These are notes so you only have to come up with three or four sentences. If you attempt to compose more than a few lines, writer's block is liable to set in and you will never get past "start."
3. Develop a system. Before you head out of the office to a business meal or function that someone else is hosting, address an envelop to your host. It will be a breeze to jot down your short message when you return.
4. Use the appropriate professional stationary. Both single-sided correspondence cards and fold-over notes with the company name or logo imprinted on them are business-like and will represent you and your organization well.
5. Poor penmanship is no excuse unless your handwriting is totally illegible. The person who receives your note will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will not be grading your handwriting. If your penmanship does not meet your standards, it is never too late to improve. There are numerous resources at your library or on the Internet to teach you to write legibly.
6. Use any occasion to get noticed with a note. A few of those instances are when...
You have received a gift You were a guest in someone's home You were hosted to a meal You received a business favor You are replying to an invitation You are sending condolences You want to offer congratulations You need to apologize
7. Make your message timely. Whether you are sending a note of appreciation, congratulation or condolence, do it as quickly as possible. A thank you should go out within 24 to 48 hours. However, don't forgo sending a note because you think too much time has elapsed. There is no definite statute of limitations on appreciation.
8. Understand that e-mail is not a substitute for the personal handwritten message. The Internet is fast, efficient and remote. If you are corresponding by e-mail immediately following a meeting with a business associate, include your expression of gratitude, but don't let that stop you from sending a second message by ground.
Successful people pay attention to the details and look for ways to build better business relationships. When you take the time to send handwritten notes, you will stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Your next big sale or job promotion may came about as a result of your doing business just a little differently.
(c) 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.
Blogging for your business can be tedious, exhausting, and something you dread. It can also be exciting, thrilling, and something you look forward to with anticipation. What makes the difference? The degree of passion you have about your topic. If you are truly passionate about what you are writing, the words will flow and you will look forward to the process. You will also be able to make money and turn your blog into a profit generating tool much more easily. Here are some suggestions for figuring out what you should be blogging about, so that you can maximize your profit while writing from your heart.
1 - Take a good look at your life experiences, interests, and passions. Think about what people come to you for help or advice with. Find the topic that can encompass as much of what you love as possible, while also being an area that you can monetize easily.
2 - Spend as much time as you need doing the research that will be required to find out what information and help people need and want from you. You will want to read other blogs, discover which words and phrases these people are using to search for information, and see what other products and services are already available in this area.
3 - Begin blogging about your knowledge and expertise in your chosen niche. Give as much quality information as you can so that your readers will view you as a resource instead of a vendor. This will serve you well as you continue to build an online business over time.
4 - Treat your blogging like the business that it really is. Make a schedule and a calendar to decide in advance what you will be writing about. You may want to have a book review every Thursday, or a guest blogger once a month. This will add value to your blogging and give your readers a more concrete idea of what to expect from your writing. They will also be more likely to visit your blog and sign up for updates, because they will not want to miss anything that you are providing.
5 - Ask your readers to comment and to give you other feedback that will enhance their experience as well as yours. The best blogs continue to be the ones that allow the readers to become part of the conversation, and recognize their knowledge and point of view on the topic of the post.
As you write about your passion in your chosen niche, the words and ideas will flow and will find that you have created a joyous and printable experience for yourself and others. Your blog will bring you prospects and clients, and you will have a way to monetize your online business.
Both Lydia Ramsey & Connie Ragen Green are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lydia Ramsey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Etiquette and Real Estate. Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur,. Lydia Ramsey's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.