"To most people, an anonymous brochure received in the mail is merely junk. A personal, handwritten note on attractive stationery will get someone's attention. Why? Because you took the time to write it. It makes the recipient feel special. And that's how he or she wants to feel." - C.J. Hayden, business coach and author of Get Clients Now.

It can't be overstated how important and effective personal handwritten notes can be in setting you apart from the crowd. In today's hectic world - what with billable hours, family commitments, just finding time to get through all the emails and other clutter that impacts our lives - there is little wonder why we overlook a forgotten method of communication that can truly make a difference.

You can receive recognition, promote good will, build customer loyalty and make a memorable impression with a simple three or four line handwritten note. The handwritten note has been around for hundreds of years yet it is still the most powerful tool in business. Deciding to write someone by hand is a decision to connect with a person in a unique way. The handwritten note, among the form letters, magazines, invoices and solicitations, announces to your reader that he matters to you.

Because it's not routinely sent, it stands out and touches the reader in a way no other form of communication does. It doesn't interrupt the reader at an inopportune time. He can decide to read it immediately or put it aside to enjoy when it's convenient.

He can save the note, re-read it, think good thoughts about you and the other details you wrote about. Positive remarks made during a conversation or during a telephone call cannot be recalled in that way.

Each handwritten note is unique. It is private; addressed and received only to the person intended. It can be saved forever or it can be destroyed.

But why don't we use this tool more often? Well, the telephone is quicker (and definitely better than nothing) and, of course, there is always the faster and quicker e-mail. But there are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or a note to someone. Most people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and effort. Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently and you give it a little practice.

If you're not convinced yet, here are some more benefits of handwritten notes posted by John Jantsch:

1. Stand out from the crowd (nobody does this anymore and that's what makes it so powerful) 2. Say, I care enough to take the time to do this 3. Can't help but write something that is personal in nature (computers stink at that)

4. Make a connection with another form of communication (email, phone, web site, blog, note - you need them all)

5. Have the ability to make the person who receives the note feel special (if you can't figure out why that's a good marketing thing, I can't help you)

6. Will begin to receive more referrals (your clients will tell people about your unique habit)

Also timage from studentl.inc posted some reasons to use handwritten notes in his Handwritten Notes Give A Little Extra And Get A Big Response post: 1. They are personal. When a person receives a handwritten note, they immediately know that you took the time to write specifically to them. Oftentimes, it's easy to copy and paste emails or text. Handwritten is original most every time. As I was thinking about this, I realized that we all have unique penmanship (much like our different fingerprints, different DNA). Our writing is our own. When we write something to someone, we are offering them a word of encouragement in a way that no one else can. 2. They take a little more time and energy but speak volumes. You may be able to type 100 words a minute and can spit an email out in 30 seconds. You may have bad penmanship. But taking the extra minute (we're not talking about writing a book by hand) to write out a couple of sentences will mean more than pecking it out on the keyboard. 3. People who receive them have a strong tendency to hold on to them. I have written notes to some of my student leaders and seen them hanging on their bulletin boards the next day. I have a file folder that I keep of encouraging notes that have meant the world to me. These things have a long and strong shelf life.

4. They convey a sense of relationship. If I'm going to write you an encouraging note, it means something. The note that's written says that you are a significant person, worth the extra time. It is something that I am doing because I care about you and I care about our relationship. They convey a higher level of sincerity.

5. They are encouraging. This may seem redundant, but I can't emphasize it enough. Handwritten notes that are meant to be encouraging ARE encouraging. Unless you have incorporated sarcasm, ridicule, or some form of an insinuation that can be easily misunderstood...this works.

Successful people pay attention to the details and look for ways to build better relationships. When you take the time to send handwritten notes, you will stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Your next big sale or job promotion may came about as a result of your doing things just a little differently. So how can you apply this? John Jantsch suggests: Go to your nearest print shop and get some A-6 size note cards and envelopes, printed with your name tastefully at the top, and get in the habit of writing notes of thanks, congratulations, saw you in the news, did you catch this, hope all is well, what else can we do - everyday, or at least every Friday - and watch how the level of communication you enjoy changes.Also every single day find someone who is doing something good and grab one of your index cards, write a quick note and hand the card to them. Then watch their expression, it's priceless! So what are you waiting for? Start Handwriting Notes!