By Marc C. Shaffer
As a financial planner, I’ve always believed in the power of personal connection. Years ago, inspired by Brian Buffini’s real estate coaching, I embraced the practice of sending handwritten notes. The impact was immediate and profound – clients, friends, and even strangers responded warmly to these personal touches.
However, my perspective on personal notes underwent a significant shift when I met Brenda Perkins, an Affiliate and Senior Manager with SendOutCards. Initially skeptical about moving away from handwritten notes, I was intrigued by the potential to streamline and even enhance my outreach efforts.
Over several months, Brenda demonstrated the capabilities of SendOutCards by sending me personalized cards that left a lasting impression. These weren’t just generic messages – they included photos from my recent trips, celebrated my professional achievements, and even featured my LinkedIn profile photo in a mock newspaper article. Many of these cards became treasured keepsakes, preserving memories and moments I hadn’t thought to print myself.
Convinced by the quality and personalization options, I decided to give SendOutCards a try. With Brenda’s guidance, I set up my account and opted for the unlimited cards plan, given the volume of notes I typically send. As I delved deeper into the platform, I discovered its true potential.
A turning point came when I read “Promptings” by SendOutCards founder Kody Bateman. This book revolutionized my approach to personal notes, inspiring me to actively seek opportunities to share joy and gratitude. Today, a reminder on my computer screen prompts me to send 10-15 personal notes each week.
The impact of these notes has been remarkable. While generating new business isn’t the primary goal, the genuine connections fostered through these messages often lead to new clients feeling comfortable engaging our team for financial planning and investment management.
SendOutCards offers a wide variety of templates for every occasion:
- Holiday greetings
- Thank you notes
- Well wishes
- Love and appreciation
- Celebrations
- Birthday cards
- “Just because” messages
I’ve curated a collection of favorite designs that I use regularly, making it easy and enjoyable to spread positivity. The platform also allows for easy inclusion of gifts – I often send brownies, sea salt caramels, or Starbucks gift cards along with my notes.
Last year, I even used SendOutCards for our family’s annual holiday cards. The response we received – and continue to receive months later – has been overwhelmingly positive, far outweighing the small investment in fostering these connections.
If you’re intrigued by the potential of SendOutCards to enhance your personal and professional relationships, I highly recommend reading “Promptings” by Kody Bateman. Alternatively, I’d be happy to introduce you to Brenda, who can guide you through the next steps. In my experience, embracing this approach to personal connection is a decision you won’t regret.
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions, which may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by others in the firm, and are meant for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. is not compensated by this vendor, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.