I miss the effect of hand-written communication on personalized stationery sets.
Writing paper has been used for 500 years. Since the 1830s, stationery has been a requirement for well-mannered people and professionals. It is referenced in etiquette books, newspaper advice columns, business articles, and their online counterparts. But, electronic media has both increased and threatened the industry that makes and sells stationery.
Whether in business or personal situations, I also miss things like good table manners, a gracious vocabulary, and hand-written, snail-mailed thank you notes. So why not consider an updated reason to return to stationery and handwritten correspondence?
Personal Branding with Paper
My grandfather’s letters always arrived in his beautiful flowing script on personalized stationery with his name, address and monogram. Penmanship and quality paper was important, even though that ordinary, small town farmer was not a wealthy man. You knew by Grandpa’s handwriting and paper who the writer was. You remembered the writer actively and favorably when you saw it, smelled it, touched it, and read it. You eagerly watched the mailbox for more.
Today we’d call that “personal branding.” In terms of marketing and business rationale, that one item left at least five impressions on its audience. When trying to generate 17 mental impressions to be retained as memorable to your customers, personalized stationery and hand-written notes pack an efficient marketing wallop! Imagine people waiting eagerly for something from you, instead of saying “Oh, crud! Another blah-blah-blah email from him!”
Finding Matchless Stationery – the Paper Chase
Paper products are carried at stationers, card stores, printers, and office supply houses. Well-known brands are Crane & Co., Stationer’s Company, and American Stationery, and there are eco-friendly and discount providers as well.
Customize stationery through:
- Paper. Paper can be unique, especially if handcrafted. For business, a 25lb, cotton bond is standard. Personal paper can span onion skin to banana skin, or wood to silk.
- Monograms. Many stationers have patterns to print or emboss initials on paper. Some will let you design an original pattern, or engage an artist to do it.
- Ink and Color. Dyes and inks can be mixed, to get a completely exclusive look. You can usually choose from a wide selection of existing colors, but to create something original may require contacting a printer.
- Quotes and Mottos. Wise quotes and sayings can customize a set of personalized stationery. Add your motto, instill a thought, or encourage someone else by adding a quote, such as: “There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” ~ Booker T. Washington
Bring Personal, Paper Communication Back!
Make stationery your signature gift. Stationery is appropriate for men, women, and children of all ages. People should personally correspond about career moves, birthdays, graduations, weddings, communions, bat and bar mitzvahs or other transitions.
Through the early 1990s, traditional giving of personalized stationery gift sets to graduates and newlyweds was expected. How else was a person with manners supposed to send an appropriate Thank You note, resume, letter, or invitation?
Students receiving personalized stationery set in the 21st century may not know what to do with it. They communicate electronically and rarely think to use paper. Include with your gift, a list of usage ideas. It will help them learn to be grateful, have successful careers, and develop a sense of grace and skill in communication with others.
Start small. One idea to get personalized stationery sets for kids. One idea is to include them in party bags that hold party favors at children’s events. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive for small children, but can be signature colors or fun blank cards. Most kids want to play with the items in their bags so you have a teaching opportunity. Companies like partybagstogo.com (party bags 2 go) that prepare and deliver ready-made favor bags will be a good option for your.
There are online sites advertising for discount personalized stationery and even free personalized stationery, but remember the wise saying, “You get what you pay for.”