Five Benefits of Handwritten Communications & How a Serviced Office Center Can Help

In an increasingly technological world, handwritten communication is becoming very rare. From phone calls and text messages on telephones, to social media and email on the Internet, (both also available on cell phones), our ways of reaching one another in the 21st century are almost limitless. With any of our technological devices, we can get in touch with virtually anyone in the world in an instant.

Although this might seem like a great advantage, and it certainly is for many reasons, it is also becoming more and more of a disadvantage. We are seeming to lose some of our communication skills as a society and have lost the major benefits that handwritten communication may bring.

What Makes Handwritten Communication So Special?
There are several reasons why handwritten communication can be seen as more valuable than electronic communication. Some of these reasons include:

• Handwritten notes are worth more than electronic communications. Although we perhaps cannot put an actual price tag on them, they require more time, more effort, and potentially more thought than their electronic counterparts. First off, there may be drafts involved, as you cannot simply “backspace” if you make an error. Even if there are not drafts involved, hand writing a note takes more time than typing one. You must go through multiple steps that require effort and commitment, especially if you are mailing a note, card, or letter to someone. You choose stationery, a writing utensil, and a stamp, and then you take a trip to a mailbox (all tasks which require actual currency as well). In this scenario, you have given much more value to your choice of communication than you would if you just took out your phone or computer and spent a couple of minutes typing out your thoughts.
• The value of handwritten communication is also higher than electronic because of the likelihood of your message being a positive one. When we take the time to write something out, it is often a recognition of gratitude, appreciation, or celebration. Rarely do people choose to spend more effort than necessary on discussing adverse situations or asking someone for something.
• The effort shown by the choice of a hand written note goes hand in hand with deeper investment in a person or situation. The mere fact that time was taken to specifically advise someone of some point or fact will emphasize your focus and devotion to the individual and task at hand. These notes might come after a conversation, with a gift, or maybe just because the thoughts were lingering in your brain for a while. Whatever the reason, taking the time to craft this type of note shows an investment to a person, business, or idea.
• Handwritten communications inherently have more of a permanent quality than electronic ones. It is common to keep a note or card as a sentiment. This means it physically lasts in our lives potentially forever. Although this permanence may also be true with many electronic forms of communication, like email, the tangibility of hand written works makes them much more memorable.

What Happens When We Receive a Handwritten Note?
We usually have positive feelings when we are on the receiving end of written communications. Particularly in a day and age when it does not happen as often, we certainly remember those who take the time to sit and write out their thoughts. We realize all of the steps that go into choosing to handwrite something, as we have likely been in those shoes ourselves. Thus, we feel appreciation for the person who chose to go that route.

Whether someone decides to go handwritten for personal or professional reasons, it is a choice that carries sincere meaning. This helps us build better relations of any kind. It also helps establish the writer’s reputation in a positive light.

Ways a Serviced Office Center Can Help
How can these major benefits of handwritten communications be utilized for positive change in an office environment?

1. Written Inter-Office Thank-You Notes
   Within an office setting, employers and employees often have exchanges regarding business matters. If an employee does something favorable, the employer might send a quick “thank you” email. By changing this simple act from electronic to handwritten, employers can create better relationships with their employees. If they dedicate a few extra minutes to putting a pen to paper, they demonstrate real value and appreciation through their effort.
2. In-Person Meeting and Card Exchange

The availability of quick office exchanges via email and inter-office chat services often take away the necessity of having in-person meetings. Although this might be beneficial for quick tasks, meetings are a great way to exchange ideas about larger projects and make sure concepts are understood. By sitting together and talking, as well as writing out how each person understands the task at hand, more room is opened up for full comprehension and to make sure the entire office is on the same page. Take the time to write out a short, personalized note on a business card or brochure that is branded with your company information. This will make your presentation and meeting more memorable to the client or your fellow workers.

1. Write Out Important Memos

When something pops up in someone’s mind regarding business tasks, they should opt for the post-it note over the phone or tablet note. Electronic notes can often pile up like emails and become forgotten. By choosing to write that note down on paper (even better if that paper is kept visible), they are more likely to remember and follow through with the idea. Use prepared business stationery to do so. It makes an impression with your peers and supervisors.

1. Personalize Client Notes

A serviced office center can help you with personalizing note cards to clients. Rather than just sending a business card, you can draft and have a hand-written note on stationery or a card prepared for your signature. If you do not want to do the draft, the center’s assistants have the skill sets necessary to do so.

1. Call-Backs and Letter Follow-Ups

Instead of e-mail or some other form of electronic communication, send a personalized card with a note to your new and existing client base after a visit. An office center can help you select the right card that will make your client feel appreciated and special.

Conclusion
For both personal and professional reasons, a hand written note has more value, takes on more meaning, and has more permanence than an electronic one. It shows that we care and appreciate another person enough to put in our time and effort. This in itself is growing more meaningful every day in our instant-gratification-driven world.