Oh, the power of a personal note.  It need not be elaborate–just a few phrases handwritten on a nice note card and dropped in the mail.  What an easy yet high-impact tool for making a good impression and keeping connections strong.  Because very few people write personal notes nowadays, doing so will help you stand out from the crowd.

A few days ago I returned from the spring meeting of the International Law Section of the ABA.  I ran into old friends and acquaintances, some of whom I had last seen six or more months ago.  Many of these acquaintances had heard from me via a personal note or an email since we last saw each other.  Who appreciatively mentioned my correspondence?  The people who had received personal, hand written notes from me.  Overwhelmingly so.  Those personal notes made a big impression.

Taking the time to jot a few lines on a note card and mail it to a client, colleague or new contact makes an impact.  Although doing so takes little time, it requires more time than a common email.  And so, writing a note shows that you value the person enough to take the time and care to give that individual some personal attention.

For an even bigger impression, write with a fountain pen and use good quality card stock like Crane’s.  Some people won’t notice the difference, but those who value nice quality writing paper and instruments will be impressed.

Personal attention like this also makes a big positive impact across miles and cultures.  Because you can’t see your contact face to face, a hand written note provides a critical personal touch. Sophisticated international businessmen and women will appreciate the gesture, regardless of culture.

If you have an interesting article to forward to your contact, do so and attach a hand written note–not a typed one prepared by your secretary.  It’s a great rainmaking tool.

If you move to a new job at a law firm and your new employer sends out a formal announcement about your joining, include a short personal note inside the announcements that go to your contacts.  Most of those announcements look very similar.  Distinguish yours with a note.  My friend Lance Schuler did this when he recently became a partner at Andrews & Kurth, and his personal gesture has always stuck–very favorably–in my memory. 

So…write on!