Today’s Friday Favorites is all about connections and courtesy. When was the last time that you received a hand written note in the mail? It’s probably been a while. But, when you find a special note in between all of your bills, how does it make you feel? I know that it makes me extremely happy! For me, it’s all about the simple things in life.

Back to Basics
I am a big believer in writing personalized thank you cards. Every time I have a meeting with a new client or a media interview, you can be sure that they’ll receive a thank you note from me. Emails and phone calls are great, but there is something to be said about a personalized note. A journalist recently told me that the thank you card I sent her has always stuck in her head. Why? She said, “It was thoughtful and nobody does that anymore.”

I recently worked with another public relations professional in Minnesota. She needed some media assistance in my market, so I gladly helped her out. Not only did she send me a nice email, but guess what came in the mail? A very thoughtful thank you card. That made my day.

So before you text, email or call –  go a step further and write them a short thank you note. It will go a long way!

Connections…So Many Connections
Speaking of personalized notes, I’ll be sending a lot of them out to my recent connections on LinkedIn. I’m going to be honest. Before I started my own business, I thought LinkedIn was boring, real boring. Come to find out, I wasn’t using it effectively or connected to the right people.

Through some great advice, I joined public relations, social media and marketing groups. I also connected with people in my industry and professionals who share the same goals and passions as I do.  I began publishing my blog posts on my page and to the groups’ pages.

By staying connected to experts, I’ve learned so much in my industry and in other professions. I have been inspired by business leaders in places as far away as Romania and Australia. I NEVER would have made these connections if it was not for LinkedIn. I NEVER would have been published in the Public Relations Institute of Australia if it was not for LinkedIn.  I NEVER would have gained the knowledge from reading well written articles if it was not for LinkedIn. I also NEVER would have thought that LinkedIn would be one of my favorites.

If you don’t currently use LinkedIn, I strongly encourage you to do so. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, you’ll find similar people and will learn more than you thought.

Enjoy your weekend and go write some thank you cards!!