Tips & Trends

Using email as a means to retain networking contacts is attractive for a few reasons: it’s quick, timely and easy and many people use mobile devices on which they can read your email almost immediately. However, I love to use snail mail.

I try to send thank yous in a handwritten notecard as often as possible. I like to cut out actual articles from magazines and newspapers and send them to relevant contacts, as opposed to sending the email link. I do this because of the emotion it can evoke. Think of the last time you received hand addressed, stamped and handwritten correspondence at your business address and think of what went through you mind when you opened the envelope. Probably something like, “Oh! I wonder who sent me a note?” with a bit of anticipation attached to the thought. And then remember whether you spent a moment glancing at the material. Now think of how much email you get and the emotion associated with another message. And that’s why I like snail mail.