Rancho Santa Fe, CA— Even the busiest, most successful people recognize the value of a handwritten note of appreciation. Mary-Ellen Drummond, president of Polished Presentations International, and a frequent note writer, has received letters and handwritten notes from Herb Kelleher (president/CEO of Southwest Airlines), Harvey McKay (author of many best-selling business books), Katie Couric (co-host, The Today Show/NBC), and Carol LeBeau (KGTV-TV news anchor) whose note stated "your card made my month!" Clients have told Drummond that a handwritten note is worth ten times more than an E-mail message to them. And, the media approximate that a personal letter from a viewer represents the sentiments of 200-250 people.

"Personally expressing your gratitude and acknowledging the goodness in someone through a handwritten note can strengthen, repair or build relationships far faster than the speed of an E-mail message, " says Drummond. "Don’t misunderstand me. I love E-mail, but when I want to reach out in a significant way, it’s best to do it in a personal note or even a postcard," continues Drummond. "It shows you personally took the time to think about the other person." Even Tom Peters in his book In Pursuit of WOW encourages more handwritten notes because frankly the average person does not do it.

Need a reason to write a note of appreciation? March 10^th is Employee Appreciation Day and a perfect opportunity to write your employees a personal thank you for their dedication and hard work. It doesn’t need to be long or fancy, just a simple "thanks for your great work" can speak volumes and put a smile on someone’s face.

Mary-Ellen Drummond, author of Fearless and Flawless Public Speaking, creator of Twenty-one Ways to Write WOW! and A Woman’s Way to Success in Business (Fall 2000), inspires action through excellence in communication, and provides programs and products designed to bring out the best in others.

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