LESSON 12 · KEEP CUSTOMERS AND WIN REFERRALS

Handwritten Notes Still Win

Practical ways to use handwritten notes, an old-fashioned touch that stands out in a digital world.

Few people write by hand. That is why it works.

10 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

10 tips that really help

These ideas come from The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Raving Fans (Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Few people write by hand
TIP 1

Few people write by hand

A handwritten note stands out in a world of email and feels truly personal.

TRY THIS
Try one.
Photo for the tip: Buy simple, quality cards
TIP 2

Buy simple, quality cards

Good paper makes a good impression.

TRY THIS
Order a box.
Photo for the tip: Keep them on your desk
TIP 3

Keep them on your desk

Visible supplies make the habit easy.

TRY THIS
Place them.
Photo for the tip: Write three notes a week
TIP 4

Write three notes a week

A small, steady habit builds large goodwill.

TRY THIS
Schedule time.
Photo for the tip: Mention something specific
TIP 5

Mention something specific

A personal detail shows sincerity.

TRY THIS
Recall one.
Photo for the tip: Write clearly
TIP 6

Write clearly

Neat handwriting is easier to enjoy.

TRY THIS
Slow down.
Photo for the tip: Keep them visible
TIP 7

Keep them visible

You will use them.

TRY THIS
Place.
Photo for the tip: Keep notes short
TIP 8

Keep notes short

Three or four lines.

TRY THIS
Practise.
Photo for the tip: Handwriting stands out
TIP 9

Handwriting stands out

It shows effort.

TRY THIS
Try it.
Photo for the tip: Buy simple, nice cards
TIP 10

Buy simple, nice cards

Quality matters.

TRY THIS
Order.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

NOTE

“Thank you for choosing us.”

PERSONAL

“It was a pleasure working with you.”

WARM

“Wishing you every success.”

SHORT

“Thank you again.”

CLOSE

“With appreciation.”

SIGN

“Your name.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Buy nice cards
DAY 2
Keep them on your desk
DAY 3
Write three notes today
DAY 4
Keep them short
DAY 5
Mention something specific
DAY 6
Post them
DAY 7
Review

Further reading

  • The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer)
  • Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
  • Raving Fans (Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

More lessons in “Keep Customers and Win Referrals”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Remember Birthdays and MilestonesNext: Make Onboarding Easy →

  1. Why Most Sales Are Lost in the Follow-Up
  2. Follow Up Within 24 Hours
  3. The Five-Touch Follow-Up Plan
  4. Give Value in Every Message
  5. Use Phone, Email and Messages Together
  6. Say "I Am Checking In" Better
  7. Follow Up With a Helpful Link or Idea
  8. Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
  9. Respond Faster Than Expected
  10. Surprise Them With a Small Gift
  11. Remember Birthdays and Milestones
  12. Handwritten Notes Still Win
  13. Make Onboarding Easy
  14. Fix Problems Before They Notice
  15. Listen First, Fix Second
  16. Say Sorry Without Excuses
  17. Offer a Solution, Not a Speech
  18. Follow Up After the Fix
  19. Learn From Every Complaint
  20. Turn a Bad Review Into a Good Story
  21. Know When to Escalate
  22. Review Accounts Every Quarter
  23. Ask "What Else Could Help?"
  24. The Gentle Upsell
  25. Cross-Sell With Care
  26. Find the Next Department or Branch
  27. Renewals Without Panic
  28. Celebrate Customer Anniversaries
  29. Ask at the Moment of Joy
  30. A Simple Referral Script
  31. Give Customers an Easy Way to Share
  32. Thank Referrers Beautifully
  33. Referral Partnerships
  34. Collect Reviews the Right Way
  35. Build a Personal Brand
  36. Keep Learning Every Year
  37. Protect Your Reputation
  38. Balance Work and Life
  39. Teach Others What You Know
  40. Your Ten-Year Selling Plan
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