The Governess, 1739, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin (1699-1779)
In case your Governess never told you, you’re from Utah, or you were stoned all seven years at Andover, please remember that when thanking anyone for something important–a meeting, referral or a dinner–do it and do it promptly with a handwritten thank-you note. We all fail here from time to time. Yet no valid excuses exist for not writing short prompt notes.
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 business people and even some lawyers with real standards (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. 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.