Do you want to learn the best way to grab someone’s attention?
You can send them a note of appreciation by mail.
In our business, my team and I always say “thank you.” We have found that sending an initial email to inform people about our work and linking to more information is one of the most effective ways to promote business. If they click on the links, we send a thank-you note.
Human nature is usually consistent. People appreciate being thanked for taking the time to do the things you ask.
Old-School Magic
We were recently in a meeting that was held with a client and one of our clients from our marketing division. We discussed another technique we use. Thank you cards with personal touches. This is something I have written about before, and it works. Yet, in the digital age, so many people hear it is an excellent way of communicating with older audiences over 40. It is almost magic. But they never actually try it.
Follow-up on Job Interviews
I’m aware that Millennials believe that putting pen on paper is the worst thing they can do. It’s almost like going to the dentist. Maybe even worse! Not too long ago, however, I was told about a Millennial who interviewed a manager in his 50s. He knew that acknowledging an excellent interview was a must. He didn’t send an email, as we would expect in this day and age.
Instead, he wrote a note on a card that was professional and took it to the UPS office. He then sent it overnight. The personalized note card was received by the manager, and the candidate was offered the job within a few hours.
He was a skilled candidate, so why did he get the job?
The manager informed him that he had given the card to him personally and that he had gotten the job. Because he did it creatively, the candidate outperformed other qualified and talented candidates.
It showed that the job candidate was severe.
This personal note was sent to UPS and set the candidate apart. It also showed that the candidate was willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Generation X grew up receiving mail from the postman, not emails. The manager informed the candidate that he believed the job demonstrated his understanding of what resonated with him. The job was in sales, so the candidate showed that he understood what motivated him and didn’t limit himself to his own preferences.
Biggest Business Mistake Millennials & Generation Z Make
Because I have noticed something, I am going to mention Millennials and Generation Z. This is not a problem that only their generation has experienced. Others have done it before. It’s not uncommon for the “thanks” to be lost. Forget about the note in the mail. It’s incredible how many times candidates have come to meet my managers, but they don’t follow up in any way. This simple act can make all the difference. It is so tiny, and yet it often goes unnoticed.
A successful business professional was able to network with people who were in need of money. She met someone who impressed her not too long ago. The successful professional met the young Millennial to start a new business. He was intrigued by the platform that the young entrepreneur created for students. The senior professional was intrigued by the young entrepreneur’s enthusiasm and asked for two or three contacts to whom she could introduce her and who might be interested in investing in her venture.
Within a matter of hours, the young Millennial sent a quick message to the senior executive. The rest was a text exchange. “Looking forward to meeting the two people that you’d like to introduce me to!”
That was it.
Senior professionals waited, expecting to hear a simple thanks. The young entrepreneur left no other message, not even a thank you, after waiting for two days and a week. The senior professional did not introduce the Millennial owner to his business.
Why?
The young professional was not proficient in the art of thanking someone. Not to mention the personal touch that goes into a personalized note. This didn’t impress the networked professional. No.
Business professionals who are successful understand the importance of building relationships. If you’re able to connect with older professionals and you wish to impress them, always end your conversations with a thank you.
