John Grigg - Parnell Chapter, New Zealand

Recently I received a birthday card from my daughter in London. It was a musical card with Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy birthday to you". Although we had also spoken on the phone, that card held pride of place in the family room for several weeks till it eventually got displaced by something else.

It got me thinking how much a card is appreciated by the recipient, and what a long "shelf life" it has. So next time you think nice thoughts about a client, supplier, BNI colleague, friend, neighbour or family member, why not send them a hand-written note on a card? Not a "with compliments" slip or a letter; while these are well-received, what can they do with it? - it quickly ends up in the bin! So make sure it's a real folding card, hand-written with a personal note, and you can be sure it will survive at least a few days. If you're in insurance, it could be a birthday card; if you're in travel, a "welcome home" card; for real estate an anniversary card, or simply a "thank you" for excellent service or a great referral - the possibilities are endless.

Try to send at least one card a week - and maybe you can support a charity at the same time by buying your cards from a school or other fund-raiser. And always, always enclose your business card as well.