Actividades: Everyday, people get hit with approximately 3,000 advertising messages: pop ups, e-mails, leaflets, advertising in magazines, hoarding, television, etc. Before such an avalanche of messages, how can you make your communication stand out? Companies intend to surprise their target through increasingly sophisticated online media and tools. However, some have begun to see huge success with the 2,000-year-old tool that has none of the sexiness of an online message but has proven to be highly effective: hand-written notes. Hand-written messages have a special magnetism. There is a feeling that hand-written notes create that draws people in. It has been proven that people do not discard a postcard or a hand-written note before reading it. So, it is worth investing the time in writing notes by hand to your clients or invitations for guests to an event, to make a special note. Here are some suggestions to get a 50 per cent response rate on your hand-written invitations: Personalise your message Every message must be personalised: it is much more effective to begin the note with your guest’s name instead of with a generic greeting. Handwrite them It is advisable to write your message by hand or take advantage of the available technology to duplicate your handwriting. A computer-generated note does not get the same response compared to a hand-written one, which gives a more personal touch. Text that teases Give a reason for the guests to call you - "There is something very special happening at the event. Make sure you come and discover it for yourself! See you very soon, Paul". The power of images Use a postcard or paper with images, visual motives or other elements, as well as textures, colours, etc. to attract people’s attention (they may also put it on their notice board as decoration!) —a picture, however, is usually the most effective way to grasp the guest’s curiosity. Envelopes written by hand As your note, complete the effort by handwriting the envelopes too instead of using labels. Labels give the impression that the same letter has been written to hundreds of other people. And even if it is true, make it as personal as possible! Retro is back A fun suggestion: as retro is back, why not send out “flippies” as invitations? For those who do not remember what flippies are, they are small books with drawings, which when flipped through quickly with one’s thumb, it creates an illusion of movement of the image. You can use it to send a message in a fun way —it will surely surprise your guests and make them remember your event right from the invitation. In the beginning of the 21st century, traditional communication is back! Use it effectively to grasp your guest’s interest and to increase the response rate on your mailing. Hands on!