What if the most powerful client acquisition tool in your business cost less than $2, took three minutes, and was sitting in a drawer you haven’t opened in years?
We’re talking about the handwritten note and more specifically, a framework called the Power Note.
This week on Miss Biz, we broke down the seven steps to writing a Power Note, inspired by Michael Mayer’s Seven Levels of Communication and introduced to us by Tommy Sandvik from our BNI chapter. Tommy taught this to his chapter and it was so good we had to share it with you.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Handwritten Notes Still Work Maybe Better Than Ever
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Because in a world of automations, funnels, and five figure ad spend, a handwritten note might feel a little… quaint.
It’s not.
The average person receives over 100 emails a day. Email open rates hover around 20–25%. Response rates? Under 5%.
A handwritten note has a 99% open rate. People read the entire thing. And studies show handwritten mail can increase response rates by five to seven times compared to email.
The reason it works so well comes down to something called emotional interruption. A handwritten note is unexpected. It’s rare. It feels human. In an era where automation is the norm, something personal and tangible cuts through the noise in a way no email ever will.
Think about it when was the last time you got a card in the mail and didn’t open it?
The Seven Steps to Writing a Power Note
1. Use an Unbranded Card
This one surprised us too. The recommendation is to use a card with a personal symbol or monogram not your company logo. The reason is that this is a personal note, and branded cards can shift the feel from genuine connection to marketing material.
That said, we’re still testing this one. If you have a stack of branded cards, don’t throw them out. Try both and see what feels right.
2. Use Blue Ink
Blue ink signals authenticity. It’s harder to replicate with printed “handwritten” cards, and it signals to the recipient that this is a real, original note written just for them. It’s a small detail that carries more weight than you’d think.
3. Focus on “You,” Not “I”
Avoid the words me, my, and I as much as possible. Instead of saying, “I really enjoyed our meeting,” try, “You brought such energy to our conversation.” The shift from self focused to other focused changes the entire tone of the note.
4. Be Specific in Your Praise
This is where most people miss it. Vague praise feels like a form letter. Specific praise feels like someone actually saw you.
Instead of “You’re great at what you do,” try “The way you break down complex problems and make them feel simple is a real gift.”
One tip: when you meet someone, take quick notes in their contact card details about their family, their work, what they said that stuck with you. That way, when you sit down to write, you have something real to work with.
5. Use Positive Projection
Identify a quality you genuinely admire in the person happiness, consistency, work-life balance, faith and express that you respect it and aspire to it yourself. This adds depth and humility to your note and deepens the connection.
6. Write with a Slight Upward Slope
Okay, this one is a little unconventional. The recommendation is to let your writing angle slightly upward from left to right. Apparently there’s psychological research suggesting it signals positivity and forward momentum. Whether or not you’re fully sold on the science (we weren’t either), it does add to the authenticity of the note feeling genuinely handwritten.
There’s even a book on it Change Your Handwriting, Change Your Life by Vimala Rodgers if you want to go deep.
7. Always Include a PS with a Call to Action
This might be the most important step of all. Don’t let your note end with warmth and nothing else. Add a PS that gives the reader a reason to respond.
Examples:
- PS — Give me a call. I’d love to hear what a great referral for you looks like right now.
- PS — Reach out when you have a minute. I have an idea I think you’d love.
- PS — I’d love to connect you with some of my contacts. Let’s grab lunch.
Most people will reach out just to say thank you but a strong PS opens the door to a real conversation.
Weak vs. High Impact: What the Difference Actually Looks Like
Here’s the thing most of us have been writing weak notes without knowing it. And there’s nothing wrong with them. People still appreciate any touch point. But if we can level up, why not?
| Weak Note | High Impact Note |
| “Great seeing you. Let’s stay in touch.” | “The way you think about creating value for others is rare. It makes a real difference.” |
| “I really enjoyed our meeting.” | “Your consistency and follow through stand out in a world where most people don’t do what they say they will.” |
| “You’re awesome at what you do.” | “The way you’ve built success while staying grounded is something I genuinely admire and something I’m working toward myself.” |
| “Thanks for the referral. Send more my way.” | “Thank you for trusting me with your referral to Mike. The fact that you put your name behind me means more than you know.” |
The difference isn’t flattery. It’s specificity, sincerity, and making the note about them not you.
One thing worth noting: these notes are most powerful with people you’ve actually met. If you haven’t connected at least once, a deeply personal note can come across as forced. Save the Power Note for real relationships you want to deepen.
The Challenge: 50 Notes in 7 Days
Here’s your action step.
Think about your referral partners, past clients, and vendors people who should be sending you business but aren’t. Not because they don’t like you. Because you’re not consistently top of mind.
Power Notes fix that.
The challenge is to write 50 notes in seven days. That’s seven notes a day, roughly 20–30 minutes. Here’s how to build your list:
- Pull out your business cards
- Scroll through your phone contacts
- Open your email and CRM
- Look at your social connections who are the movers and doers you’ve met but haven’t nurtured?
For each person, write down one specific trait you appreciate. Write one meaningful sentence. Add a PS with a call to action. That’s it.
Your phone will start ringing not because of luck, but because of intentional connection.
The Bottom Line
You don’t get referrals just because you’re good. You get referrals because you’re top of mind and emotionally anchored in someone’s memory.
Power Notes do both.
In a world chasing the next automation tool and the cheapest cost per click, picking up a pen might be your most countercultural and most effective growth strategy.
Don’t just read this. Do it. And when your phone starts ringing, come back and tell us what happened.
Want more strategies like this? Listen to this week’s full episode of Ms Biz wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social at @MsBizPodcast.