Writing a Thank You Note 101

Grandma might not say anything to you, but she is probably disappointed how people today have lost their manners. I'm not here to step on a soapbox, but I do want to draw your attention to showing appreciation - to your family, friends and business acquaintances. I just found out that many adults are dropping the thank you notes... WHAT?!? And an email just won't do it!

Did you know that when you send a thank you note, that the gesture improves the frequency and quality of the gifts you receive. J People like being appreciated, and if they feel you actually notice the nice things they do for you, they’re more likely to give an encore performance. Wouldn’t you want a client/customer returning for service or product… or better yet, referring you to another client/customer? Of course!

Writing thank you notes are easier than you remember. Get yourself some stationary, note cards or a selection of postcards... or try sending notes with our card-sending tool, SendOutCards and add photos of the gift, event or person for a special touch.

I'm just a mom trying to keep the art of thank you notes alive for our children. I am not Miss Manners, but do belive in sending heartfelt cards... for thank yous and lots of other occasions.

Need help writing, just include these six steps:

 

1. Greet the Giver

2. Express Your Gratitude
3. Discuss Use of Item or Time You Had at Event
4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future
5. Grace (say thanks again – it’s not overkill)
6. Regards

Sounds easy enough, right?!? Now get it in the mail. And remember, if trying to get to the store or post-office is your excuse for not sending thank you note, go to our site. You have no more excuses using SendOutCards and by sending notes of appreciation and kindness, we’ll help you change a life… one card at a time.

As always, thank you for following my blog and our Facebook page. We appreciate you! --Danielle

Just the Facts... on Greeting Cards

Hi Friends - In the past couple days, we've fielded a lot of questions regarding our business with Send Out Cards.  The fundamentals of 'how to get started, the history and mission, the future, and more.' In the conversations, we've also talked about Netflix and how Send Out Cards is often compared to Netflix.  And they are a good comparison - what if you knew about Netflix ten years ago and you could make $ on each DVD sent out... well, the time is here with Send Out Cards and the the chance to make $ with each card or gift that is sent out.  We usually ask you to message us for details because I do believe in the relationship with those we sponsor. We don't just *sign* someone up for SOC.  We get to know you, your need and what package will fit you best... do you need it for business, personal, or both... give us a call or email to start OUR conversation.

In one of the conversations, we were asked about the greeting card company.  We did some research and found some facts.  (Thanks Laurie Delk!)

U.S. consumers purchase approximately 7 billion greeting cards each year, generating nearly $7.5 billion in retail sales. The exchange of greeting cards is one of the most widely accepted customs in the U.S.

The average person receives more than 20 cards per year, about one-third of which are birthday cards.

Greeting cards range in price from $1 to $10, although counter cards typically cost between $3 and $5. Cards featuring special techniques, intricate designs and new technologies are at the top of the price scale.

Women purchase more than 80 percent of all greeting cards.  *And although women are more likely than men to buy several cards at once, men generally spend more on a single card than women.

There are two categories of greeting cards -- Seasonal and Everyday. Total card sales are split approximately 50/50 between the two types.  The most popular Everyday cards are Birthday (60%), Anniversary (8%), Get Well (7%), Friendship (6%), and Sympathy cards (6%). The most popular Seasonal cards are Christmas (60%), Valentine's Day (25%), Mother's Day (4%), Easter (3%), and Father's Day (3%) cards.

Nine out of 10 Americans say they look forward to receiving personal letters and greeting cards because cards allow them to keep in touch with friends and family and make them feel they are important to someone else.  Although e-mail, text messaging and phone calls are valued by Americans for helping them communicate with family and friends, the majority of Americans say they prefer the old-fashioned handwritten card or letter to make someone feel truly special. 

More than 90 percent of all U.S. households buy greeting cards, with the average household purchasing 10-30 individual cards in a year, but have a NEED for 70 greeting cards a year.

Why don't people buy these other cards? It's more expensive, it's inconvenient, it's time consuming, and they forget.  Well, we have a fix for all the above - Hopefully we can help you... and then you can help the next person looking for a great system for keeping in touch. 

You can do this too... Always here for you - Danielle

Stay Connected with Others

We are all busy with our schedules and often forget about enriching other people's lives. Making time to reach out to loved ones and strengthen connections is good for all of us. Connecting with friends & family is a simple gesture that has the most impact when it comes to showing someone how much you care.

One of those simple gestures is sending a greeting card to remind people someone is thinking about them.  A recent survey by the Greeting Card Association found that almost 9 out of 10 Americans believe they are as close or closer to their friends and family than they were one year ago.  Sometimes one person connecting with another will set off a boomerang effect of reaching out!

Did you know that 62% of people feel inspired to send someone a card if they receive one from that person?

How do you stay connected and in touch with family & friends?  (1) Set some time each day to reach out to others. Reaching out doesn't take a lot of time, but it can be very meaningful to those we touch. A simple phone call, e-mail or card reminds our loved ones how much we care. (2) Take time to reflect on what is important and of value in your life. See my blog entry about my gratitude journal. (3) Do it now!  Don't wait for a reason to connect. Send a "thinking of you" or "just because" card can be one of the best ways to show someone you care – and we believe in celebrating people and milestones NOW and not in their eulogy.

Hold on to these connections through memories. One of the best ways to keep our connections top of mind is by holding on to a physical memento or keepsake. Reflecting on old letters and cards helps us to remember our most special connections… and your card – with your words, photos and handwriting will be cherished. Promise.

I know we appreciate you – as our friend, follower and fan.

Wishing you Mohr memories and success. -Danielle