1%-er Action: Handwritten Notes

I suggest staying in touch with your prospects, clients, colleagues, family and friends in a way that most people simply do not do. It used to be common practice, at least when I was a kid, to send a thank you note when I received a gift, got to do a fun activity or even received $5 from my grandmother for my birthday. Handwritten notes have fallen by the wayside and have been replaced with emails or even (be still my heart) a text message.

While that's fine for your competitors, if you're reading this, you most likely want to do what 1%-ers do so you can earn what 1%-ers earn (hint: it's usually in the 7-figure range). I send about five notes a day, for a variety of reasons:

• in gratitude for things others do for me (such as buy lunch, refer new business, hire me or send a gift)
• after meeting someone for the first time (leaves a powerful, positive impression and opens perhaps otherwise closed doors)
• to start to bridge the gap with acquaintances from "friendly" to "friend," thus increasing the likelihood of future business*
  
• to recognize someone for a personal or professional achievement
• to offer condolences on someone's loss
• or just to say hello and enclose an article or other piece of important information

I've found the solution for those of you who feel your handwriting is less than stellar and even illegible. Fontifier.com turns your handwriting into a font that you can use just like the ones that come standard on your computer. You are 7 quick steps and just $9 (!) away from having your handwriting available to you, just like Arial or Times New Roman is right now. Combined with your personalized notes, you can send notes that have that magic personal touch without the stress of wondering if they can read it.

Here is a great stationery resource. My recommendation is to have notes with your name and business address (without your business name). This elevates the relationship to personal - which is crucial for business success. In perfect or imperfect worlds, we do business with our friends - people we know, like and trust. Sending notes is one of the best ways to begin and continue that process.