Business Lunch Etiquette Tip - Handwritten Thank You’s

Business Lunch Etiquette Tip - Handwritten Thank You’s

Posted on 04. Feb, 2009 by Craig Peters in Uncategorized

Earn extra business etiquette points—aka social capital—by doing something a little different after a business lunch. In these digital days, the handwritten note is a dying art. Darrell Zahorsky agrees in his About.com article:

In today’s hyper social networked age, the simple act of sending business thank you notes to your customers is often overlooked. Saying thank you is a forgotten act and done by so few. It’s the reason why a thank you note leaves a strong impression, reduces customer remorse and builds referrals.

After your next business lunch, why not deliver a handwritten thank-you note to your client?

I actually came across this simple business etiquette tip earlier tonight in the Plain Dealer Living News - Cleveland.com (something about that name makes me smile, but I don’t know what). The short article lists different times when it’s appropriate to deliver a handwritten thank-you note, including the business lunch.

They mention writing a thank-you note when the other person pays for your business lunch, but I think it’s as important to thank someone even if you paid. While you may have paid with money, they gave you something, too - time, conversation, ideas, connections…

I didn’t expect to go this deep into the subject, but I found an article called Writing a Thank You Note at DailyWritingTips.com and How to Write a Thank-You Note from The Morning News on how to actually write a business thank-you note. If you’re really curious, you can find guidelines and examples there.

Now, like I’ve said before, a framework is more important than a bunch of tips (the first section of The Power Lunch training video lays out a framework). With that said, I’m not against talking about tips. In fact, truth be told, I like talking about tips. It’s useful and, well… kinda fun.

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3 Responses to “Business Lunch Etiquette Tip - Handwritten Thank You’s”

  1. Charles

    05. Feb, 2009

    That’s a great idea, thanks.

  2. Carolyn Davis

    05. Feb, 2009

    Yes, I couldn’t agree more about hand-written thank you notes. It goes a long way and I love receiving them myself. It adds that extra special touch, makes you stand out, and keeps you in your client’s head. It might even be a way to follow up on a subject you discussed at the business lunch.

  3. Liz

    03. Mar, 2009

    Nice tip… definitely agreed that nowadays with digital this and that, we as people seem to have lost the art and penmanship when it comes to writing on paper and sharing the gift of thanks.

    I’m sure even for those going on job interviews, seeking investors and that next business deal, that a hand written “thanks for the opportunity”, would help set them apart from the clutter of resume’s and names on paper.

    Good stuff,

    will check out the articles you mentioned as well.

    - Liz

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