My family returned from a fabulous weekend trip at a friend’s lakeside country cottage this weekend in Galena, where we swam, boated, fished, swam some more, gazed at wild turkeys, cooked great meals, race walked, antique shopped, read books from an incredible home library and relaxed in a wonderfully comfortable setting. Since returning, I have considered many ways to show my appreciation…and the first and simplest action came from a suggestion in my inbox this morning! I subscribe to GasPedal from the Word of Mouth Marketing Association.

We’re convinced that if more people sent thank you notes, the world would be a better place. In about two minutes — for the cost of a postage stamp — you can create a personalized, memorable experience for a customer that they’ll tell the world about. This simple trick alone is one of the big reasons Zappos sold a billion dollars in shoes last year.

I’m embarrased to admit that my stash of thank you notes is about two years old. They should have been sent to many generous and kind friends and colleagues many moons ago. I’ve resolved this summer to use all of my thank you notes by September. Perhaps I’ll strengthen a friendship, surprise a prospective marketing and PR client,  warm the heart of my mom, husband and sisters, and put on a written display of thoughtfulness.

That means I’ll have to send about one a week. Do you have someone you know who deserves your handwritten thank you in a nice card? Do you think they’ll like/love you even more when they see how thoughtful and gracious and grateful you are? Do you think your business partners might have fonder thoughts about you upon receiving your note? Don’t you think the world would be a better place if we all wrote thank you notes and muzzled that “I just don’t have the time” excuse?

Give it a try, and let me know how it makes you feel! I feel like  a better human being just placing a stamp on the envelope and walking it to the mailbox a few minutes ago.