The Power of Personal Connection–Phone Calls and Handwritten Notes DO Matter

Imagine it’s the end of the day and you’re heading to the mail box to gather its contents. You open it and find it full of all sorts of paper. Visualize yourself sorting through every piece and what do you notice?

If you’re like me, you have a few bills, a coupon mailer, an ad for lowering my insurance, catalogs and a promotion for Direct TV.

Every now and then I receive a “Golden Ticket” in the mail box just like Charlie found in the candy bar in the movie Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. The “Golden Ticket” in the mail box comes in the form of a personal handwritten note received from a friend, family member or colleague. Whether it’s an encouraging word or a thank you, the impact of those handwritten words is profound.

The other day, one of my Facebook friends posted this question on her wall and I re-posted it to mine. She asked, “When was the last time you sent a handwritten note through the U.S. Mail?”

The responses to this question on her page and mine were numerous, confirming that handwritten notes really do matter!

What I know for sure from this Facebook scenario and my work as a coach and facilitator is that there is power in a personal connection. We are meant to be in relationship with others and hanging out on the surface doesn’t cut it for the long-term. Bottom line: We want more connection because the superficial doesn’t sustain meaningful results in your life or in your business.

As I think about receiving a personal note from a fellow business owner, it’s a gift to know that my referral matters. Quite frankly, receiving a handwritten thank you inspires me to send more people to you. Receiving a phone call, and yes even a voice message if I can’t be reached, does make a positive impact to know that the caller is thinking about me.

What about you? What impact does a thank you note or phone call have in your life?

In my time management formula for business owners, I suggest that 10% of your time should be spent on “super service”. This time is used to go above and beyond doing exactly the things I’ve mentioned—picking up the phone and making that call and/or writing your thoughts in a note card and sending it in the mail.

I’ll take this a step further. Reciprocation, in other words responding to the note or call, is also just as important. Why? Because it’s the beginning of communication flowing between two people which is essential to nurturing the relationship.

What do you think? Will you take a moment to reciprocate and share your comments? Share them at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

If you want to have an increased impact in your life and business you can start today, just by making a phone call or writing a note. You don’t need a fancy strategy or the latest technology. This is one of those times when the “good old fashioned way” of connection will produce great impact with minimal efforts.