The Power of the Handwritten Note

It’s been ten years and I still have it. I will always have it, hold on to it, and cherish it. It is meaningful, enduring, and permanent. It is a reflection of great leadership and true friendship. What is it? A handwritten note I received when my dad passed away.

While the handwritten note is welcomed and cherished the speed and convenience of digital messaging continues to grow.

• We receive up to 105 emails a day and send 40 more.
• By the end of 2015 there will be 3.8 billion text messaging accounts and 3.9 billion social networking accounts.
• Text message users send or receive an average of 41.5 texts per day, 109.5 for young adults between the ages of 18-24.
• 78% of internet users are active on at least one social media site.
• The typical home receives one piece of personal correspondence once every seven weeks.

“How long a time lies in one little word.”

—William Shakespeare

In this age of digital messaging, you will increase the impact of your communication by using the power of the handwritten note. The written word is powerful, persuasive and enduring. The handwritten word is welcomed and cherished. Few things deliver encouragement, inspiration, sympathy, thanks, and love the way carefully selected words created with pen on paper do.

What makes a handwritten note (HWN) so powerful?

• Personal: The written word is more concrete. The words have to be carefully thought out and selected. There is an element of permanence that is undeniable and personal. It shows you are paying attention and taking notice of the people and events going on around you.
• Intimate: Most of the communication we receive has multiple recipients and even if we are the only recipient it is easy to copy, replicate and post to social media. A HWN is truly individualized and the recipient knows the message was crafted specifically for them. HWNs build connection and forge stronger relationships.
• Expensive: HWNs are perceived as more valuable. They require an investment of time and money that is recognizable and tangible.
• Unique: A HWN stands out! Any expression of thanks, encouragement, inspiration, sympathy, appreciation, or acknowledgment will not get lost in a digital inbox or get filtered into a junk file. A HWN is memorable.

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

—Theodore Roosevelt

Stand out from the crowd. Put the power of the handwritten note to work today. What kind of impact could you have on the people who matter most by writing one note a week? Show them how much you care!

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