Thank you notes - what should they say?

               For a little inspiration, I pulled “Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Red Book of Sales Answers” off my bookshelf.  I don’t own many sales books, but do believe that many fundamental sales methods are transferable to excellent development results.

               Jeffrey’s tip #63 about thank you notes caught my attention. He says to make it personal and leave the received looking forward to more.  Make it – short, handwritten, personalized and sincere.  Don’t repeat anything, even saying “thanks again”.  Let them know you will follow through with what you promised.  Make it funny, personal and give them your cell number.

               I would like the idea of making it personal, perhaps would advise memorable rather than funny.  And yes, handwritten – mailed with a real stamp, not run through a postage machine.  So many times in the fundraising cycle, the thank you note is a routine step.  Taking the time to write a handwritten note will distinguish your organization from the dozens of other organizations interested in your donor.