A Roadmap to Writing the Perfect Thank You Note

Let’s be real, a thank you note isn’t going to change the course of your life. But in a world of digital communication, receiving something tactile and personal creates a warmer, more authentic, and more memorable interaction. And although you may be in the habit of penning a handwritten note only in the event of births, deaths, new jobs, and retirements, they are just as powerful in the event of business.

Whether as a follow up to a client meeting, networking event or one-on-one coffee with a fellow entrepreneur, a hand-written note can go a long way. We have created this roadmap-to-the-perfect-thank-you-note, with a professional application in mind, to get you started.

Be authentic – consider your stationary

• The entire purpose of a handwritten thank you note is to stand out and be different. Therefore, the paper on which your note is delivered, should be different too.
• Custom stationary is a great way to be authentic on paper a few favorites can be found here, here and here

Be thoughtful – consider your audience

• When you sit down to write your note – you may immediately be overwhelmed by the simplest of things – a name! When in doubt, you should take up your inquiry with the late, great Emily Post – the final word in modern day etiquette.
• Use this guide whenever you get stuck addressing your recipient on the inside or outside of your note.

Be strategic – consider a rough draft

• Don’t let your first pass be on your nice stationary. What a waste!
• First go free style on scrap paper.
• Then, cut a slip of paper or draw a box the exact size of your thank you notes. Use this to practices spacing and size of your writing.

Be aligned – consider a ruler

• Many of us have sloping handwriting which is why most paper comes lined. Consider breaking out the straight edge if your script tends to slope.

Be legible – consider your penmanship

• If the recipient can’t read your note, it may as well have never happened.

Be colorful – consider your ink

• Depending on the tone of the thank you, your ink choice can vary.
• For formality, stick with black or blue. In the case of a more laid-back note, let your personality shine through in a color that suits you best (just make sure your ink never bleeds through and reads well on your paper stock).

Be prompt – consider your timing

• Send your note ASAP after your meeting or event.
• If a job offer is on the line, consider a very prompt thank you email followed by a hand written note.

TIP! Take your thank you notes and draft with you to the interview. In a coffee shop on the block, sit down, write your email and drop it back off with the mail room or front desk.

Be brief – consider time

• No one has time to read a novel of your personal thoughts – get to the point and leave it at that.

Be specific – consider your meeting

• Always refer to something specific from your meeting or interaction. A little detail goes a long way.

Be sincere – consider your sign-off

• Best? Sincerely? XO? Use Peggy Post as your guide if you are truly at sea with your sign-off.

Be different – consider your postage

• A little extra credit goes to those who go mind their postage. Many sites out there offer custom stamps that can set you apart. One of our favorites is Zazzle.
• Custom postage isn’t necessary by any stretch – just make sure you aren’t sending out notes in June using “Happy New Year” stamps!

One of the ways that Allieway Marketing uses the power of a thank you note is when following up after a meeting with a perspective client. By going the extra step to show our interest in them, we are displaying the value we can bring to their business – dedication, determination and attention to detail.

Do you have a particular approach to writing the perfect thank you note? We would love to hear about it!