The Power of The Handwritten Card
When was the last time you opened your mail box and found a hand written card? What emotions did you feel as you looked at that card? What could the card possibly say? Did you even think about how the card would impact you in the future? What is it about receiving a hand written card that moved you so much? These questions are here to help you understand the impact of writing on such a simple piece of paper and ways you can put into practice this simple art.
In a world where many of us receive what feels like thousands of junk emails daily, robocalls pouring in on our phones, advertisements and bills that arrive via snail mail, and texts that are as shallow the impressions they leave behind, we all long for more personal connections yet we struggle to connect those dots. Handwritten cards are quite literally the solution.
So let's start off by getting one thing clear. There's a serious difference between writing a card and sending a card. One requires little or no effort, while the other one often requires intense thought. Can you guess which is which? I'll give you a hint.
Cards people send include:
- Birthday Cards
- Holiday Cards
- Anniversary Cards
- Get Well Cards
- Thank You Cards
- Graduation Cards
Sending these cards with your signature at the bottom is as lazy as it gets. Writing a real cards that makes an impact often starts with writing on a blank card and expressing thoughts and emotions into words. If you believe in the soul, you're literally sharing a piece of it on this small piece of paper with the potential of really leaving an impact on its' receiver. A successfully written card connects the writer to the receiver, it builds emotion, and it leaves a lasting impression. Our lives are built around impressions, many of which we may not control, but this is one that you can.
So when we talk about leaving impressions, how long do each of these communication methods last:
- Text - Seconds, maybe minutes?
- Emails - Seconds
- Calls - Minutes, maybe hours?
- Printed Mail - Seconds
- Handwritten Cards - Days, Weeks, Months, Maybe Years.
When someone reads a handwritten card, where do they place it? On their desk, nightstand, coffee table, alter, refrigerator. They may pass that card numerous times a day without ever reading it, but when they see it, they encounter real moving emotion. That's where a handwritten cards true power lies. It's the opportunity to truly impact an individual well after it has been read.
So what's the key to writing the perfect card? Well there's no such thing as the "perfect" card, but I can give you some ideas.
- Write each and every card individually. Yes it will require some effort.
- Come from gratitude. It's not about you, it's about them.
- Take a piece of your heart and place it in the card.
- Write it on a slant.
- Don't be afraid of making a mistake. Mistakes build authenticity.
- Never bring up business. No sales pitches.
- Mentions specifics about the reader.
- Think and convey your message.
- Be honest.
- Get it all out there.
I find writing cards to be almost therapeutic. I find it to be a great way to strengthen my positive attitude. As someone who beat cancer, I'm often reminded that life is short and that anything can happen tomorrow. So when I write a card, I see it as an opportunity to share with others how much I appreciate them and how lucky I am that they are in my life. What better way to leave a legacy than with the power of your words, which may live on for years or even decades or centuries. Writing a great handwritten card has the power to move mountains. Take advantage of this very special opportunity and make a point to write a card as often as possible. You'll be surprised by the types of responses you receive.
Written by Sean Sassoon