Face-to-face time can feel like a luxury in our plugged-in, 24/7, global work environment. Many of us work virtually in a way that embodies the modern, global, tech-fueled workforce. So when we take the time to attend a networking event, take a client out to lunch or hold a brainstorming meeting, how can we use those in-person events to forge stronger working relationships? One way is to acknowledge the other person’s time with a business thank-you note. It may sound quaint, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to follow up with work colleagues and let them know that we value their efforts.

Here are some tips and tricks for writing a business thank-you note for just about any work meeting or event.

A job interview

No matter if you walked away loving the job even more, or if you’ve concluded it’s not for you, thank the person who interviewed you for their time. Let them know you enjoyed the conversation and learned a lot — perhaps list one or two things: “I enjoyed learning about the new editorial process you’re planning.” If you want the job, this is also a chance to reiterate one or two reasons why the job is a terrific match for your skills. Close strongly by telling them you really want it.

A productive meeting

Always be sure to write up minutes, highlights or action lists so that the meeting team’s work can be captured and shared, and that any action items get assigned and followed up on. When sending that summary, thank attendees for their time and for sharing their insights. Remind the attendees of the ultimate goal of the project and let them know their work will help achieve it.

A business lunch

If you’re the client, and your vendor took you out to lunch, write a brief thank-you note: “Thanks again, Elaine, for lunch. We made a lot of headway. I think your work will help us meet our deadline.”

A networking event

Networking events and mixers can sometimes bring you home with a pocket full of business cards and lots of new energy and ideas. It’s not necessary to thank speakers and panelists (unless you actually organized the event), unless you specifically would like to connect with them on a business idea or to continue the conversation. As to the other attendees, look back at the evening and think about who you’d like to stay in touch with. Inviting them to connect via LinkedIn is very effective. Or try a quick email, or a folded note with your business card tucked in. “It was so fun getting to know you at the Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday evening. Good luck with your business expansion. Here’s that PR firm I mentioned to you. I’ve had good results with them. I’d love to take you up on the offer to grab some coffee in the next month to brainstorm branding ideas for my new company. Let’s make a date soon.”

A business referral

Did someone refer a new client or customer to you? That’s pure gold. Don’t hesitate to write a thank-you note. Word of mouth marketing is powerful, indeed. Your prompt and warm acknowledgment may help encourage more future referrals as well.

End-of-year holidays

The end of the year is the perfect time to thank people — coworkers, clients, bosses and other work colleagues — for a rewarding and successful year together. A simple “Thank you for a wonderful year — we hit it out of the park,” can do wonders. If you want to get specific and point to certain achievements or projects the person worked on that caught your notice, that’s effective too.

For some of these situations, an email or text might be sufficient. But if you really want to knock their socks off, use beautifully crafted business stationery, with your name, title, company and address. Here are two of our favorites.

Your Logo Folding Note – Raised Ink. Print your company logo, personal artwork or design in one of our 11 raised ink colors. A classic look featuring your design on thick, folded notes and color-matched envelopes

Your Logo Knightsbridge Frame Note – Embossed. Boost your professional image with an elegant embossed border on double-thick paper at a price that fits your budget. Choose an optional return address or hand-inserted envelope lining paper to create impressive stationery.

California Classic Frame Monogram Note updates the classic embossed monogram with a punch of color.

Embossing, which is a little like printing, but without the ink, makes stationery or napkins special.  Nothing says, “style, class and tradition” more than an embossed monogram or name on a piece of stationery.

That’s why embossed items make memorable and heart-felt gifts.

In this process, paper is squeezed between two molds, or dies, to create a raised impression on the paper.

How can you tell high-quality embossing from poor-quality embossing?

• Look at the front of the paper. The edges should be crisp. This crisp quality is harder to achieve with thicker paper (but, of course, we’ve got that figured out.)
• Now, look at the back of the paper. You should see a deep texture change in the embossed area. The paper should have been squeezed up and into the embossed pattern or lettering. If there’s just a shallow impression, then the embossing is inferior.

Giftin24’s Damask Note is one of our finest examples of embossed stationery.

Fine Printing Since 1978

GiftsIn24 and its parent company, Embossed Graphics, have been embossing stationery since 1978. Needless to say, we have perfected our technique over the last 36 years. In fact, we create the highest quality embossed personalized stationery out there.

One other thing you should know about our process, according to Richard Pauling, owner of GiftsIn24: We take the time to get the embossing done right. “Our operators have no quota to perform each day,” says Pauling. “They spend as much time as they need to on an order, even on the most demanding embossing projects.”

So, if you want to send a gift that says “wow” to someone special, consider these five embossed products, recommended by Richard. Pride and craftsmanship go into every product:

Classic Frame Monogram Note. A traditional border expertly embossed frames a gracefully winding monogram. Matching envelopes included.

Banner Card. The embossing stands out on this creamy, triple-thick paper. Matching envelopes included.

Blossom Note.  This note features a combination of exquisite embossing and raised ink printing. Matching envelopes included.

California Classic Frame Monogram Note. Your choice of six colors will give a modern spin on the traditional monogram card. Matching envelopes included. 

Damask Note.  The embossed pattern on these notes is truly a work of art. Names appear in ink. Matching envelopes included.