Break the rules at your peril. People will say mean things about your dog, your wife, your girlfriend, or all three.
In case your Mother or Governess never told you, you’re from Utah, or you were stoned all seven years at Choate, let us remind you to never thank anyone for something truly important–a meeting, referral or a dinner–with anything but a prompt handwritten thank-you note. No valid excuses exist for not doing it. Too few of us practice gratitude–in either business or our “other” lives–enough. Some say the practice of saying thanks is good for the soul. Others swear it’s good for revenues, too.
Many, many business people and some lawyers with the highest standards taste (i.e., wear socks to meetings or court) think that no written thank-you note means no class–as harsh and low-tech as that may sound.
Typed is okay–but handwritten is better. Even if you are not convinced that thank-you notes are noticed and appreciated (they are), pretend that we know more than you (we do), and do it anyway (thank us later).
Good stationery. We suggest Crane’s on the lower end, or something better, like stationery from Tiffany’s, or a Tiffany-style knock-off, on the higher end. A “studio card”, maybe. Just make it plain. Simple. Initials on it at most.
If you get personalized stuff, have a return envelope address to a home or business–but without the business mentioned. It’s personal. Leave Acme Law Firm off it.
