Thank You. The Old Fashioned Way.
There is no question that I'm a big proponent of digital marketing and social media. I've seen how (if harnessed the right way) it can improve our lives both personally and professionally as business leaders.
But sometimes things deserve to be done non-digitally. For example, when thanking someone it's so easy today to say thank you via text, tweet, Facebook wall post and/or email. We're all time starved and mobile enabled so why not? I have to admit I've done the same thing myself many times where I've thanked people 'digitally'.
There is certainly nothing wrong with it and many people accept 'thank you' being delivered digitally without a second thought. But sometimes sticking to the basics is a good thing. What do I mean?
Not long ago I met with a senior executive and he told me to this day, he still takes the time to send out hand-written thank you cards where warranted. Whether it be with friends, current clients or prospective ones. The reason was because it stands out amongst the crowd. People remember it.
I have to admit I always get a smile to my face when I receive a hand-written thank you card. It just shows a touch of thoughtfulness and class.
I recall on my birthday, I was blessed to get many considerate friends and family emailing me, texting me and posting messages on my Facebook wall wishing me a happy birthday. But if I'm honest with myself the one that stood out the most was a person who gave me a "Superman" birthday card with a hand-written message.
So I started thinking when was the last time I sent someone a hand-written thank you card? It was eons ago. So I decided with a couple of key people I wanted to thank for some very considerate help, I would send hand-written thank you cards. So far the response to them from the recipients was very positive and very well-received. Go figure.
Indeed it is the thought that counts. I would never begrudge someone who said thank-you via digital means in our increasingly digitally and socially connected world but sometimes sending a thank you (the old fashioned way) is still a very nice touch.
Sulemaan Ahmed
@sulemaan