I just read an article in USA today about how Sprint sent 470,000 hand-written thank you notes to their customers. I think this is a brilliant way of helping a large corporation like Sprint feel, well, human.

It is very rare that you actually get something that is hand-written in the mail.  When you do, it makes an impact. It shows that the sender took enough time out of his day to actually take out a pen (something that people used to use to make marks on paper) and write a note.  The recipient, in turn, feels special and appreciated.

Humanization is just as important for small companies.  For the past few months I have been sending a handwritten welcome card to new Purlem users.  I couldn’t tell you how many times I received a phone call or email back from people I’ve sent these cards to.  It shows, or at least, I hope it shows, that we are not a fly by night company.  When your company is 100% online like Purlem is, you very rarely meet with prospects or clients.  It is extremely important to show then that you are real.

Humanization is a lost art, and when you integrate it into your marketing efforts, it stands out and makes an impact.

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