The Most Valuable Letter You Can Write. © 2002 Jeffrey DobkinSimple: it’s a thank-you letter. The first reason a thank-you letter is so valuable is obvious - it makes
recipient feel good. This elevates you from silent majority who never expressed their appreciation in a letter.
A phone call just doesn’t have impact of a letter. In a day, whatever you said on phone fades into horizon like sun. But not a letter. A letter has time to sink in. It can also sit on recipient’s desk as a lasting memento of your appreciation. A phone call just doesn’t compare to lasting goodwill generated by an appreciative letter.
The Most Valuable Letter
So, most valuable letter is to thank someone; and time you ALWAYS write it is when you receive a business referral. “Thank you for opportunity and privilege to be of service to your colleagues.” A business referral is not to be taken lightly or casually, it’s utmost show of trust a client or friend can display in you. It’s leap of faith that you’ll perform exceptionally well. “Thank you so much for your referral and your trust.” The person who recommends you puts their own name and reputation on line for you. Does it deserve a letter? You bet. This letter is least costly AND most effective piece of advertising you can write, bar none. Least costly? AND most effective? Hummm…
Did you notice how casually “Thanks for your kind referral” letter has now become most effective piece of advertising you can write? It’s no longer in “I’ll just dash off this thank-you letter” category.
Why is it so effective? And what can you do with a “Thanks for your referral!” letter that makes it so effective? For one thing, you can make person feel comfortable with their recommendation of you, because you’re going to do very best job you possibly can for their friend. You’re going to lean over backward to look good, and to make them look good for giving a referral of someone so conscientious. You can’t make them feel like this with an ad, but it’s easy to do with a letter.
