When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a business associate?  It may be that it was too long ago for you to remember. On the other hand, if you have gotten one lately, you know exactly who sent it and when.  Handwritten notes have become almost extinct in the business world. So if you are looking for ways to stand from the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse.

There are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or a note to someone with whom you do business or would like to.  Most people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and effort.  Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently and follow these tips:

1.  Have writing supplies close at hand.  Store stationery and stamps in the most convenient place in your desk.  When you need to send a note, all you have to do is reach for your stationary, dash off a few lines, address the envelope, put the stamp in place and mail it.

2.  Keep your message brief.  These are notes so you only have to come up with three or four sentences.  If you attempt to compose more than a few lines, writer’s block is liable to set in and you will never get past “start.”

3.  Develop a system.  Before you head out of the office to a business meal or function that someone else is hosting, address an envelop to your host.  It will be a breeze to jot down your short message when you return.

4.  Use the appropriate professional stationary.  Both single-sided correspondence cards and fold-over notes with the company name or logo imprinted on them are business-like and will represent you and your organization well.

5.  Poor penmanship is no excuse unless your handwriting is totally illegible. The person who receives your note will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will not be grading your handwriting.  If your penmanship does not meet your standards, it is never too late to improve.  There are numerous resources at your library or on the Internet to teach you to write legibly.

6.  Use any occasion to get noticed with a note.  A few of those instances are when…

You have received a gift
You were a guest in someone’s home
You were hosted to a meal
You received a business favor
You are replying to an invitation
You are sending condolences
You want to offer congratulations
You need to apologize

7.  Make your message timely.  Whether you are sending a note of appreciation, congratulation or condolence, do it as quickly as possible. A thank you should go out within 24 to 48 hours.  However, don’t forgo sending a note because you think too much time has elapsed.  There is no definite statute of limitations on appreciation.

8.  Understand that e-mail is not a substitute for the personal handwritten message.  The Internet is fast, efficient and remote.  If you are corresponding by e-mail immediately following a meeting with a business associate, include your expression of gratitude, but don’t let that stop you from sending a second message by ground.

Labels :

It has been quite a while when ‘paperless office’ was conceptualized. Said concept is positive that paper can be discarded in doing business. Nevertheless, none of the businesses today use said concept. The reason is that the present era is not ready yet. Lots of business transactions can not be had without paper around.

Still, paper is crucial to businesses. Perhaps, the concept of paperless office is possible but not at this present time. There are still special considerations to deal with and one of it is the legal matter like issuing a signed receipt in paper.

Since paper is indispensable, we have to make sure that we choose the best quality that it can offer. First things first, paper is made of cellulose pulp from wood chips. Essentially, it is used for writing, printing and wrapping.

Paper is classified into several types one of it is business paper. The latter is further classified. The first type is the economy paper. This paper is printer-friendly. Any printer or copier will do. This can be used for memos and other documents. This is also good for laser color printing.

Another type is the inkjet paper. This paper has good printing results when it done in an inkjet printer. However, this is not suitable to laser color printing.
Copy paper is another type. This is best for photocopying business needs. However, this may be a little costly than economy paper.

Laser paper, on the other hand, is designed to give high-quality results when printed in laser printers especially when you are quite meticulous in preciseness of colors. This type is one of the expensive papers in the market.

Wove or laid paper more popularly known as bond paper, is designed specially for important business correspondence. This type looks more elegant and highly professional. It is available in several colors. Aside from white, grey and cream is also available. This type of paper is also used in some online printing four color printing needs in and out of office.

Finally, there is also what is called all-purpose paper. This is designed for general business printing. This type of paper may be more expensive than most papers.