Send handwritten notes. That applies whether you're a guy or a gal. It's not about being touchy-feely, it's about maintaining good business relationships with the people you know and the prospects you meet.

Think about this. When you get your mail, what's the first envelope that gets opened? For most people, it's the envelopes that are genuinely handwritten (not the direct mail "fake" stuff we all get).

Your contacts feel the same way too.

A hand written note sends a unique message to the receiver. Primarily that you cared enough to take a few minutes to sit down and write in this day and age of instant communication. An email just doesn't pack the same punch.

Quick survey -- how many of you have emails standing up on your bookshelves? Probably none. But I bet you have at least one personal note you've received from someone up there or saved in a file somewhere.

It only takes a few minutes each day to write a note, two or three sentences will do. Make it a habit and you'll be truly memorable to other people because so few do it. It's a great way for your business to stand above the crowd.

Denise O'Berry helps small business owners take action to grow their business. Find out more at http://www.smallbusinessmatters.com