If you have a pen, a piece of paper, an envelope, and a stamp, you can do just that. You can write a thank you note.

In fact, you’ll do even better if you write a dozen thank you notes. And if you make it a daily habit, you might just be amazed at the results.

Even if your business is already doing well, those notes will give it a boost.

Taking the time to send a hand-written note of thanks will set you apart from your competitors, and it will lift you up in the minds of every person who receives one. That’s because hardly anyone does it, and because a hand-written, well thought-out note shows that you actually thought about the recipient – and that you do appreciate whatever they did.

Your notes don’t need to go just to people you do business with, but can be just as effective when sent to people who perform services for you.

Why? Again, because this has become an unusual practice. So unusual, in fact, that people will talk about it. The mechanic who repaired your car might be sitting at the lunch counter visiting with other patrons and start to brag about getting your note.

“Hey, I got a thank you note today – you guys ever get one of those? Mrs. Jones wrote to thank me for getting her car in and out of the shop so quickly – and for not leaving any grease on her carpets like the last guy did. You know Mrs. Jones don’t you? She runs the …. down on ….”

A thank you in person does leave a warm feeling – and you should hand one out at every opportunity. But a written thank you is something people can show their spouses and friends. It’s something that gives them bragging rights along with that good feeling.

Thanking customers and would-be customers…

Remember that there is a difference in thank you notes. A printed card that says “Thank you for your business” and bears your signature is not very special.

A blank card with “Thank You” printed on the front or a hand-written note on a blank sheet of paper is special – but only when it contains a specific thanks.  So think before you write.

What did that person do? Did they give you some of their valuable time to present your product or service? Did they follow your recommendation about something? Did they refer a friend to you? Did they alert you to a problem in your business? (Yes, that one deserves BIG thanks!)

Try it right now – and you’ll be glad you did.

Not only will you feel good right away because you know you’re making someone else feel good, you’ll be activating the powerful law of attraction. That law says that when you feel gratitude and give thanks for something, you’ll attract more of the same. So the more people you thank, the more people you’ll have to thank.

My guess is it happens to you even more often that it happens to me. I’m a copywriter, so I want to know what other people are writing even if I don’t want the product or service. But… since I can’t read everything, I stop quickly when I see there’s nothing to learn.

What’s your criteria? Do you read the letter if it happens to be from your competitor? (You should) Do you at least begin to read it if it is from a person whose services you might want soon?

And what makes you stop? Usually there are three reasons why people don’t read your letters. The first is that they clearly see that you don’t offer anything they want.

Next is that your headline and lead failed to show them how choosing you to do business with gives them a clear benefit. Remember – everyone wants to know what’s in it for them.

Third is style. If your style is boring and hard to muddle through, most people won’t bother. And now, contrary to what your High School English teacher may have said, please realize that “proper” and interesting don’t always go hand in hand.

The best way to write a letter people will read is to make it sound just like you. Use your own voice and “talk” on paper. If you have some dangling particples, so what? That’s how we talk.

I should add a note of caution, however. If you’ve picked up that awful “like” habit from your junior high and high school kids, eliminate it on the final draft. And of course don’t curse!

Because so many people stiffen up when they begin to write, do this: Pretend you’re talking to a dear friend who happens to belong to your target audience. (Yes, do a little make-believe if you have to.) Then start telling your friend how you can help him or her with your services. Be sincere. Forget what getting this client means to your bottom line. Just concentrate on how you will help your friend.

At this point in the process, don’t over-think it. Don’t agonize over your sentences or do any editing. Just write your thoughts. Editing now will block the flow.

When you’ve finished, set the letter aside for a few hours. Then come back and “clean it up” with a little re-arranging, spell-check, and punctuation. Break your long paragraphs into small ones so your page has plenty of white space and so each paragraph contains only one idea. Cut out unnecessary sentences to make it concise.

Add some information about how to contact you, and you’re almost done.

Now read it out loud and see if it still sounds like you – and if it makes good sense. If you stumble somewhere, go back and re-work that section until it flows smoothly.

Keep it up and pretty soon people will be telling you how much they enjoy your letters.

If you absolutely can’t do it – call on me and I’ll do it for you. Real Estate copywriting is my specialty.

Happy writing,
Marte
writer@marte-cliff.com