In the midst of all of the emails, tweets, texts and wall posts of
today’s electronic world, I ask you: Is the handwritten note dead?
If you answered “yes,” I will inquire further:
Why?
We may argue that today’s world is too fast-paced and that “snail mail”
is too slow. But I wonder if these are excuses. True, there are times that
necessitate rapid responses from the recipient and require us to take advantage
of speedier ways of communication. At the same time, I contend that there are a
few times that always call for a handwritten note, no matter how busy we may
be.
Life
is not so short but that
there
is always time enough
for
courtesy.
-
Ralph Waldo Emerson
1. Expressing Gratitude
Both ladies and gentleman should use handwritten notes to express
gratitude. In addition to thanking people for gifts, handwritten notes should
be used in business to thank people for their time. I had a professor in
graduate school argue that the handwritten note is actually a sign of a
successful businessperson: No matter how “important” you may become, there’s
always time to write a note.
2. Communicating Sympathy & Condolences
We should also use note cards to communicate sympathy and condolences.
In these situations, a handwritten note indicates that the recipient is
sincerely in your thoughts – enough for you to take the time to sit down and
write it down on paper.
So, yes, a handwritten note may take longer to get there. But along with
the "memo," the recipient receives a momento. Your handwriting
automatically makes the message more personalized.
Similarly, your choice in stationery design and paper quality is another
way to express yourself in a tangible way.
Redd carries premium stationery cards.
I also recommend Crane Paper and
Caspari
When was the last time you wrote a personal note? When did you last
receive one?
