In this increasingly digital and virtual world, it’s easy to send mass emails and send bulk LinkedIn InMails to try and secure meetings. Every day over 350 Billion emails are sent! That’s about 4 million emails sent every second. The reason this is relevant is you can be assured that many emails are getting filtered out, dismissed, not even looked at, and just deleted. Add in LinkedIn, and collaboration chats (teams, slack, WhatsApp) and you can see how prospective customers can get overwhelmed with their digital communications.

At Prospecting Prowess, we try and provide the most relevant and timely content on how you can get more meetings with your prospective customers. We have recently seen a great amount of success with securing meetings with this long-standing prospecting method.

The Handwritten Note:

I know what you are thinking…Really!? We are going to talk about sending hand-written notes to prospects? My answer is yes…and here are the 5 benefits and things to think about with this method.

1. Increased Response Rate:

   • Handwritten notes tend to stand out in a sea of digital communication. When prospects receive a personalized, tangible note, they are more likely to notice it and respond.

   • The novelty and effort put into a handwritten message often lead to a higher response rate compared to standard emails.

2. Building Rapport and Trust:

   • Handwritten notes create a sense of authenticity and sincerity. They show that you’ve taken the time to craft a personal message.

   • Prospects appreciate the effort, which can lead to a stronger initial connection and build trust.

3. Memorability:

   • A well-written handwritten note leaves a lasting impression. Prospects are more likely to remember you and your message.

   • When they encounter your name or company later, the positive association from the note can influence their decision.

4. Timing and Context Matter:

   • Consider the timing of your note. Sending it after an initial interaction (such as a networking event or a brief conversation) reinforces your connection.

   • Use handwritten notes strategically—for example, after a successful phone call or when following up on a proposal.

5. Personalization and Relevance:

   • The effectiveness of handwritten notes depends on their relevance. Customize each note to the prospect’s situation.

   • Mention specific details from your previous interaction, an initiative you know they are working on, or if they have recently been mentioned in a news article, make note of that.

PRO TIP: In the past, I have sent a handwritten note, with a book, and gift card to a coffee shop near them. Combining a small gift with a very personal note, you will get many more responses than sending a cold email.

Remember that handwritten notes are just one tool in your sales arsenal. Combine them with other communication methods for a holistic approach. And most importantly, be genuine and thoughtful in your outreach!