I’m a big believer in hand-written notes. If you’ve ever heard me speak in person you’ve heard me say it, and if we are close friends you’ve probably experienced it. I know when you head to the mailbox today to retrieve your mail, if there are a number of things in the mailbox and just one of them is a hand-written note, I’m pretty sure I know what you’re going to open first.
It’s the hand-written note, right?
And most likely you’ll read it more than once.
When Your Writing Goes Unread?
This past week I had two hand-written notes that were”returned to sender.” I’m pretty sure the new term is “not deliverable as addressed” but that’s beside the point. (I’d love to see the “next Elvis” write a song using that terminology). The point remains the same; My message didn’t get to the intended recipient.
My choices once the letter had been returned? Research and determine why the letter I sent didn’t make it to it’s intended target or simply spit and move on.
If I would have taken it personally (like much earlier in my career), maybe I could have justified that their headquarters moved? Maybe my intended target has been replaced or moved on? Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me “they just don’t want to hear from me.” Even if you’re not selling anything, sometimes people just don’t want to be bothered.
The message was sent…but the message not received.
Another Letter or Another Name?
I guess I could keep sending stuff to the same address or the same person, but after a while, it might just be easier to start telling my story to a new audience member. Someone that might pay attention to what I’m saying. Someone who might be on the “same page” of the book I’m reading…or trying to write. Someone who might someday have a need for what I have to share, offer, or sell…or know someone who does.
The people who aren’t listening, the people who refuse to answer, the people who just don’t get what you’re saying? Your message isn’t for them. Quit talking and trying to make it make sense to everyone who hears you.
Act like a busy barber with a full waiting room and an empty chair…
“Next!”
Just keep writing those letters, sending those texts, dialing that phone. Sooner or later, someone will open, respond to, or answer your inquiry at the right time. The conversation will continue, the answers will be addressed, and the next steps will be determined.
Remember…we don’t need to reach everyone. We only need to connect with enough of the right people who want or would benefit from knowing us. If we can keep building relationships, solving problems, and having fun, the details usually seem to take care of themselves.
Write someone a note today. Write someone a note tomorrow. Keep writing someone each day because until you get a note “returned to sender,” you’ll know you’ve made a positive impact on someone.