This morning I dropped a note in the mail, thanking a client for hiring me. Okay, I’m a little late, since I’m mid-way through the job, but better late than never. Even though email has all but replaced paper mail, a hand written thank-you card is an important business tool. Need more convincing? Here are 5 good reasons to send a thank-you note.

It’ll make everyone happy- Thankfulness is a transforming quality. It can morph my mindset from shriveled curmudgeon, to a lighthearted …er, um… thankful person, in no time flat. Take a look at that last sentence; I can think of 10 synonyms for someone who complains, but how many names do we have for someone who’s thankful? I can’t think of any off hand, except those that are usually used with a little sarcasm, like Pollyanna. Language tells you a lot about a people, what does that say about us? Sorry, I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent, but I think that’s interesting. In any case, a thank-you card can lift the mood of the receiver and the sender.

It might keep them coming back- Sometimes it’s the little things that will get you repeat work. Special attention to detail, going the extra mile, and the personal touch will go a long way toward winning clients. A thank-you note does all three.

It’s quick- It only takes a couple of minutes write a thank-you note. If a note card seems too intimidating, even a post card will suffice for the graphophobic. 3 or 4 sentences, and voila, it’s finished.

It’s cheaper than a two-martini lunch- Thank-you cards are a very economical way to connect with clients. Yes, you can go the expensive route. Elum, Jack and Lulu, and Egg Press all make unique thank-you cards, if you want to spend the money. Better yet, Vickery has a wide selection of reasonably priced cards that are made from recycled paper. Though not as earth-friendly, you can buy cute, inexpensive cards at Target. Michaels is another store that always has great cards for $1.00 (full disclosure: I work there). Please, whatever you do, don’t buy a mega-box of greeting cards at an office supply store. 1) They’re ugly. 2) They’re printed on low quality paper. Is that how you want your client to remember you?

It’s fun- Sometimes it’s difficult to find creative outlets in your job, unless you work in a creative field. Thank you notes are a great way to nurture your creative side. Take a walk through your local craft store and you’ll find oodles of stickers, papers, and stamps you can really have fun with. I think that as long as you send something that looks good, you can stretch the boundaries of what’s deemed “professional” in a thank-you card. Even if you’re not creative, you can still send a creative card. Sites like Etsy, and Moo will add a personal touch, without requiring any talent on your part.

Thank-you cards can be sent after an interview, after a job, as a “nice to meet you,” or for a job well done. They can be sent to co-workers, assistants, and bosses alike. Heck, why not leave one for the building-maintenance crew? (A good maintenance guy is worth his weight in gold.) Think of a time when you received an unexpected thank-you card, and what a good feeling it was. It’s cheaper than a latte, and the buzz will last longer.