Share a ‘Mail Moment’ with Someone, And Leave a Lasting Impression

November is National Writing Month. Does that excite you or terrify you? I suspect that it’s the latter, not the former, for most of you reading this. I know, writing is hard, and it takes time and no small amount of thought to write something, whether that’s an essay or blog post, or even a thank-you note. Believe me, I know this first-hand.

But I also know that writing is rewarding, to the writer and the reader. Writing opens our senses and gives us a chance to say something important. This is especially true for hand-writing. There’s a big difference between typing an email on your computer and putting pen to paper to write a message. Do you remember the last time you wrote a letter to a loved one or sent a postcard from your favorite vacation spot? It made you feel good, didn’t it? More important, it showed the recipient that you cared, were thinking about them and took the time to say so.

There’s a big difference between typing an
email on your computer and putting pen to
paper to write a message.

Writing and mailing a note creates an emotional connection between two people that makes a lasting impression. It is a great way to communicate and build and renew relationships. I like to send out personal thank-you’s after a conversation with a new prospect, for example, to let them know how much I appreciate their time. And when my mom passed, I treasured each card that was sent to me. I would read them repeatedly, because it helped me to know that someone was willing to take the time to send me a personal message, and I felt less alone.

Creating these “mail moments” is very simple to do and takes little of your time, but the impact is worth the effort. At a recent postal council meeting, we handed out prepaid postcards to attendees and asked them to send a message to a colleague and share a moment from the event. I received one the next week, from a good friend I don’t get to see much, that simply read, “Great event and was so good to see you.” That made me feel great! Another of the attendees, whose first grandchild was due to be born at the time of the event, sent her card to the baby saying, “Welcome to the world!” The simple thought behind that card will be appreciated for a very long time.

Writing and mailing a note creates an
emotional connection between two people that
makes a lasting impression.

So, I encourage you this November to put down your laptop, take out pen and paper, and send someone a nice hand-written note. I promise you, this brief task will create your own “mail moment” that will make a lasting impression.

Judith E. (“Judy”) Antisdel is Founder and President of AT Direct in Baltimore, Md. She has earned professional designations ranging from US Postal Service Non Profit Specialist to US Postal Service Mail Manager. She is a frequent guest speaker at symposia and workshops offered by the federal government and various non-profit organizations. Connect with Judy.

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