It’s no secret that we live in a world shaped and defined by technology. Communication is faster than ever, but also more impersonal.

Emails have replaced handwritten notes, which are now looked upon as rare and curious relics from a bygone era.

Which, in an ironic twist of fate, is how those humble missives have gained newfound status to a generation unfamiliar with – yet at the same time, intrigued and inspired by - the simple act of sitting down and scrawling a quick note of thanks on a piece of nice stationery.

Statistics Behind the Stationery

A recent survey of 2,000 American adults revealed that millennials not only appreciate writing more but are, surprisingly, more likely to keep hold of handwritten notes than those in their fifties.

And this same survey showed that nearly nine in ten millennials value handwritten notes more than alternative means of communication (i.e., texts and emails).

Yet for all that, handwritten notes continue to be extremely rare compared...

How do we earn repeat business and referrals?

Loyal clients - or at least highly satisfied clients - are the ones more likely to buy from us again, refer others to us, and spread good word of mouth about our business.

Implementing the three strategies below (or reviewing how you're already executing them to determine if there’s further fine-tuning required) will help you in this endeavor.

1. Express appreciation

It’s so simple and yet so often overlooked. Beyond our most basic physiological needs such as food and water, human beings also crave emotional sustenance such as love and affirmation. Love can be described as a sense of connection, and affirmation includes respect and recognition. So, finding ways to communicate to your clients (both existing and prospective) that you appreciate them and celebrate their positive qualities goes a long way to meeting that psychological need we all possess.

Whether you demonstrate your appreciation with a thoughtful gift or kind...