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Want more business? Take Note

By Calie Waterhouse

Education & Training

June 11, 2007 02:09 PM

Thank You From Decorated To Sell

Want more business?

How about more referrals?

Then consider the power of a hand written note.

I am almost fanatical about writing notes. Right after an appointment with a perspective client, I send them a note expressing my appreciation for their time. When someone says something complimentary about me or my business, I'll send a note with a token gift card. Send me a referral? Yep - you're going to get a hand written Thank You card and a gift card. Any other reason I can think of - I send a note.

Haven't heard from a Realtor in a while? Send a hand written note.

Just finished a job? Send a hand written Thank You note.

Just met with a perspective client that you would really like to work with? Send a note.

The power of the hand written note is grossly under rated.

Only second in power to home staging ( :-) ), the ability to connect with another human being is an incredible marketing tool that can be utilized with a minimal investment.

If you don't have personalized cards, visit vistaprint.com (The cards pictured are cards that I have created using vista print. Simple and relatively inexpensive. Sign up for their newsletter for better deals)

What do your cards look like?

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Calie Waterhouse

Chandler, AZ

Community Builder

Wooo Hooo Janie - You go girl! Good customer service - I bet you're a favorite in Florida! Any other helpful hints you'd care to share?

Jun 11, 2007 02:58 PM

Sheron Cardin

California Moods Inc - Selma, CA

ARTIST - A Home Stager/Sellers Best Friend!

Great advise Calie...very wise.

BTW - RESA has a discount for Vista Prints.

Jun 11, 2007 03:38 PM

Provadus Home Loans

Provadus Home Loans - Marietta, GA

Technology bringing you home.

Great post! A hand written note will always get a look and in this case a smile. A simple but great tool people often overlook.

Jun 11, 2007 04:00 PM

Kaushik Sirkar

Call Realty, Inc. - Chandler, AZ

Great suggestion. I have not gotten into using the personalized touch nearly as much as I should have by now...will keep this in mind!

Jun 11, 2007 04:50 PM

Tina Furtado

Moving to Marana - Tierra Antigua Realty - Marana, AZ

Realtor Tucson, AZ

What great advice from a fellow Arizonan, Calie! Vista Print is a fantastic company. I design and get my business cards, postcards, magnets, and notepaper from them! I like that I can customize so much! Prices and turn around time can't be beat! I considered Send out cards initially. But seemed to "computerized" and impersonal, even with the facsimile printing of my own signature.

With so much e-mail and standardized printed cards, a little handwritten note stands out and says a lot!

Jun 11, 2007 06:43 PM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I agree, hand written notes are better than impersonal pre printed notes.

Jun 11, 2007 11:03 PM

Kathy Nielsen

http://atlantahomestaging.net - Marietta, GA

Atlanta Georgia Home Stager

Great post,

I sat out one day and made 24 handmade cards. When time permits, I'll have to take some pictures and post them.

I've also used Vista Print for notecards. You can't beat the price and they're incredible. Quick question - the Thank You notes you've included in the post; are those homes you've staged? And, more specifically, were they of the homeowners home you had staged?

Kathy

Jun 11, 2007 11:07 PM

Jo-Anne Smith

Oakville, ON

Hi Calie ! I love your name. I completely agree with you- notes are powerful !

I love the cards you designed, they're very beautiful. Thanks for the info.

Hope you are having the kind of day you most enjoy,

Jun 11, 2007 11:20 PM

Steven Shewell

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. - Ephrata, PA

The Mortgage Maverick

Good information. The handwritten note has almost gone the way of the horse and buggy. That may play a part in why it is so powerful when you do send one.

Keep up the good work.

Jun 12, 2007 12:35 AM

Pamela Roberge, Connecticut Home Staging

Connecticut Home Staging - Farmington, CT

Hi Calie,

What a wonderful post. and the pics are beautiful too! Thanks for the etiquette reminder.

Jun 12, 2007 01:28 AM

Sue Argue

Staged First Impressions - Hampton, NH

NH Home Stager

Beautiful! Well done. Thanks for the kick in the butt today.

Jun 12, 2007 02:48 AM

Marci Toliver

438-4642 - Mauldin, SC

Anderson SC, Spartanburg,Greenville SC, Home Staging

These are absolutely gorgeuos! We do hand written notes too! Great idea!

Jun 12, 2007 02:59 AM

Julie Dana

The Home Stylist - Buffalo, NY

ASP, Staging for Buffalo, NY area

I also always do a hand written Thank you note.

In fact, I make it a personal policy not to deposit their payment unless I have the thank-you note in the mail. It helps me to make sure I send the note out.

I also include at least two business cards - one to keep and one for them to give away.

Jun 12, 2007 03:56 AM

Gina Dougherty

Fusion Design Consulting - Redondo Beach, CA

Home Staging Redondo Beach, CA- FusionDesignConsulting.com

Calie, your notes are really nice. I always send handwritten thank you notes. You are so right how special they are, too bad we see them so rarely.

Jun 12, 2007 04:06 AM

Maria Lechner

The Added Touch Home Staging - Meridian, ID

Home Stager Boise ID

What if you have the worst hand writing? would you still do it ? maria

Jun 12, 2007 04:23 AM

Christine Craig

Designology Interior Design - Santa Barbara, CA

Allied ASID & NKBA

I do that as well and I agree it's a really good ideanot to mention just all-around a nice thing to do. Mine are just plain thank you notes for now and I include a business card but at some point I will step it up. ;)

Jun 12, 2007 04:39 AM

Wendy Casey

A-List Home Staging & Decor - Surrey, BC

Thanks so much for the tip! Handwritten notes are a lost art, but a great way to show superior customer focus.

I'll check out the site today.

Wendy Casey

Jun 12, 2007 05:47 AM

Anthea Click

Fresh Perspectives - www.InsideNashvilleHomes.com - Franklin, TN

Nashville Home Stager - Selling Nashville, TN homes quickly!

Calie,

So true about the handwritten note. In our day of "high tech" many people are craving the "high touch". Those who focus on that are light years ahead of the competition.

Jun 12, 2007 07:00 AM

Karen Hubert

Center Stage Design-real estate staging, Ancaster/Hamilton - Ancaster, ON

Home Stager

Thanks for the tip. I 100% agree. Karen

Jun 12, 2007 08:28 AM

Maureen Maureen

Orangeburg, NY

Callie - Do you ever send a handwritten note if someone leaves a really nice comment on your blog. *wink*

This is one area where I fail miserably. I never send hand written notes. A hand typed email, maybe. It really is a great way to grow your business. Who doesn't like getting a hand written note, especially in our email / instant gratification culture. Thanks for the reminder.

Jun 12, 2007 09:05 AM