The Art of saying Thank You: Send a Handwritten Note by 'Snail-Mail'

Close your eyes for a minute. Think back on the last time you received a snail-mail thank you card ... If you’re like me, you’re smiling at the memory. I am so grateful to have received thank you notes over the years—for gifts, for advice I’ve given, for introductions, for helping someone through a tough patch, and for things I didn't even know I did at the time. My heart still smiles at the gesture— and I can't quite put my finger on it, but it feels different when someone has intentionally set aside time to share their appreciation ...

I’ll admit though that I need to be more diligent about sending handwritten notes to people who have done something for which I am grateful.

So, I’m embarking on a 30 day mini challenge of writing 5 thank you notes per day for 30 days. I’m inspired to do this by John Israel who I met last year and who completed his own 365 day challenge. Read on | Pin it for later

Well, you might say to yourself, do I even know 150 people? Chances are you do…My notes will go to family members, to colleagues, to employees, to clients and to random people who do something remarkable. Do this and watch magic happen. You will feel good, they will feel good and gratitude spreads like wildfire!

Need some ideas on how to get started? 

Send thank you notes to people who:

• have been doing business with you for a long time
• just started doing business with you
• referred your services / products to others
• you consider 'engines'
• make it possible for you to do what you do (it always takes teamwork!)

Keep in mind that the best thank you notes have 3 characteristics:

1. They are specific—be sure to mention the specific thing you are grateful for, how/where you met.
2. They are succinct—enough words to connect the dots and (hopefully!) make the person smile. Less is more and also more memorable.
3. They are personal—let your personality and your own style come through. Find special stationary that you only use for this purpose — get a fun pen to write with ... whatever it takes for you to look forward to writing these, and to feel proud of your notes when you do send them out.

[But Nancy, my chicken scratch is illegible — handwritten notes are best. So, slow down, practice mindfulness and feel your gratitude and let it spill out on the paper, if you do that, your handwriting will be just perfectly legible to your reader]

Here is some inspiration for phrases to use to show gratitude and appreciation:

• I really appreciate what you did.
• You made it possible for me to ...
• You’re the best! You are always x, y, z for me, and I want you to know I really appreciate that...
• I'm wearing the smile you gave me.
• I’m humbled and grateful.
• I’m touched beyond words. / I'm touched by your gesture. / Your kindness is touching.
• Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will treasure. / I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
• You went above and beyond and I am grateful.
• Use words like Generous, Generosity, Useful, Perfect, Thoughtful, Appreciate, Grateful, Much Needed, Always Treasure.
• Thanks for all your help.
• I owe you big time.
• You made it easier for me to...
• Thanks for being there.
• I'll never forget your kindness.
• Thank you for being my biggest supporter. I couldn't do it without you.
• I can't thank you enough, so please accept my flowers as a small token of my appreciation.
• I am so grateful for all you do, I can't thank you enough.
• Thanks for your patience, your loving words, your kindness, your friendship
• When the whole world left, you were there with open arms. Thank you for being a true friend!
• You were there for me when I needed you the most! Thank you for your support, I truly appreciate it.

[Want to dig deeper? Read: Hallmark article | The Blossom Shoppe Florist article]

Thank You Notes also have 6 basic components:

1. Salutation—Rule of thumb: if this is your first correspondence be more formal than informal.
2. Your reason for writing—This should be in the first few sentences. Be succinct
3. Make it personal—Remind the person how and where you met. Mention the specific occasion.
4. Connection— Open the possibility for reaching out again
5. Be enthusiastic—have positive tone throughout
6. Valediction (i.e. closing at the end of the note) —consider the following:

• Lots of love
• You rock!
• I appreciate you
• My heart is happy  
• Grateful / With gratitude / With a grateful heart
• Warmly / Sincerely

So… are you ready to take up the challenge? 5 notes per day for 30 days. Let me know what happens in the comments or post using #HER30Challenge to share what you're up to and inspire others to take time out to show gratitude too. Can you imagine the impact we could have? Let’s do this!

My mission: to coach & mentor women entrepreneurs in developing their business through connections, creativity, & courage. If you are interested in certification or in coaching for scaling or transitioning your business, I invite you to get in touch at [email protected].

Want more information like this? Let us know what you want to hear about in the comments and subscribe to our YouTube Channel here --> WBDC of FL Tuesday Toolbox.

Related: Changing the World One Act of Kindness at a Time by "Paying It Forward"