Today I have the privilege of giving a presentation on business etiquette at the DC chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives. As I’ve been preparing for the lecture, I’ve been reminded what etiquette and manners are. As Emily Post put it, “Manners are a sensitive awareness to the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.”

This reinforces for us that etiquette was designed to always put the other person first, to elevate them. In a digital age when we are often so preoccupied with our voice mails, emails, text messages, tweets, Facebook posts, LinkedIn connections…. it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own world and forget those around us.

One important way that we can express to others what they mean to us and elevate them over ourselves is by the simple act of sending a handwritten thank-you note. This one from Paper Lovely Press is perfect. It’s understated, yet the letterpress gives it a finished elegance.

When writing a thank-you note, always include the date and a salutation.  State what you are thanking them for and then add something specific about it. “Sally, Thank you so much for our lunch date the other day. I really enjoyed hearing about your trip to Paris — it sounded fabulous!” Thank them again and close with a signature line (informal sign off’s include Best wishes, Warm regards, Best…) and your name.

Thank you!