Digital communication has largely replaced traditional communication, but putting pen to paper still holds deep and timeless meaning. The simplicity and sincerity encapsulated within a handwritten letter are unparalleled, transcending the boundaries of modernity. Despite instant messaging and emails, handwritten notes are a remarkable way to convey kindness, encouragement, and the desire for genuine connection.

In this episode, Steve talks with Elizabeth Cottrell. Elizabeth is the award-winning author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes That Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. Elizabeth's career has taken her from published leprosy researcher to stay-at-home mom, community leader serving on nonprofit and corporate boards, ham radio operator, writer, editor, and blogger. Her expertise and passion for note writing came at just the right time to touch a pandemic world desperately in search of connection. 

An experienced technical and nonfiction writer and editor, Elizabeth talks with Steve about the simple yet often underutilized communication method of handwritten notes. She shares stories about the power of handwritten, heart-spoken notes and reveals her note-writing formula to inspire others.

Key Takeaways

• [02:39] - What inspired Elizabeth to write the book, HEARTSPOKEN.

• [05:46] - How HEARTSPOKEN connects with the practice of writing notes and messages for others.

• [10:14] - Why the advisor and people business is not a money business.

• [11:58] - The power of handwritten notes in sales and advisory practices.

• [15:52] - What it takes to write a note.

• [17:39] - Elizabeth's secret notes formula.

• [20:38] - How handwritten notes compare to technology-delivered notes.

• [22:19] - Elizabeth's recommendation on how often to write notes.

• [25:07] - The advice Elizabeth gives when writing notes.

• [30:39] - What drives Elizabeth to pursue her passion every day.

Quotes

[10:33] - "We need to get our customers or prospects to know, like, and trust us. But until we treat them as people and we interact with them and cultivate that human-to-human relationship, that kind of relationship is not going to happen." ~ Elizabeth Cottrell

[15:28] - "If you get a note from somebody you've done business with, that unexpected touch makes you stand out and can help develop those relationships over time." ~ Elizabeth Cottrell

[31:26] - "When I can empower somebody, and I can see the light go on that they realize that this pen and paper are a powerful, effective, and inexpensive connection tool that they can use to spread their own kindness and their own encouragement and their own connection, then that completes the circle for me. It's a circle of connection. It's good for me, and it's good for business." ~ Elizabeth Cottrell

Links 

• Elizabeth Cottrell on LinkedIn

• Elizabeth Cottrell on Twitter

• Heartspoken

• HEARTSPOKEN by Elizabeth Cottrell on Amazon

• Bruce Herbert

• Douglas Conant

• Campbell Soup Company

• All the Best by George Bush

• 25 Inspirations and Prompts for writing HEARTSPOKEN Notes and Letters

Connect with our hosts

• Steve on LinkedIn

• Buckingham Strategic Partners

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Disclosure

For informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Certain information is based upon third party data which may become outdated or otherwise superseded without notice. Third party information is deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Some analysis presented is based off current economic information and may become outdated or irrelevant without notice. Individuals should speak with their qualified financial professional based on his or her unique circumstances. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor any other federal or state agency have approved, determined the accuracy, or confirmed the adequacy of this podcast. © 2022 Buckingham Wealth Partners, LLC. Buckingham Strategic Wealth, LLC and Buckingham Strategic Partners, LLC (collectively, Buckingham Wealth Partners)