The problem is that lots of people are doing it wrong, and therefore wasting the opportunity altogether.

Today I got two handwritten pieces of mail. The first was from Olivia Newton-John (let me pick up that name I just dropped on the floor) – it was a letter that one of her representatives had typed up, and she had personally signed it at the bottom. The letter was completely personalised and I could tell it wasn’t templated in any way. Winner.

What made the experience even more impressive was that it came with another note (again very personalised) from her representative saying that Olivia had asked her to pass the first note on to me. Again, it was completely written for me and developed from scratch.

The next piece of mail was from an author who had sent me their latest book. A lovely gesture, but it lost some of its sheen when I got to the handwritten card which may as well have been an advertisement for the book. There was no emotion conveyed or personalisation at all – it was just ‘here’s my book and this is what it is about’.

The best part of a personal note is the message that comes with it. If you go to all the trouble of sending a card or parcel, take the time to make it personal and make it count.

Mistake number one: Leaving a message without referring to what you want.

Here’s how it goes: “Hi Emma, it’s Ben here. I’d like to have a chat with you – please call me back”.

Now Ben. If I don’t know you that well, and if I don’t know what you want to speak with me about there’s a high chance I’m not going to invest my time in calling you back. In fact, it’s rude that you’d even ask me to!

At least have the courtesy to briefly explain the reason why you’re getting in touch so the recipient can be prepared when they call back.

Mistake number two: Not having your contact details in your email signature.

I see this one all the time and it’s a constant source of frustration. Particularly when the person says in their email “call me about this”. Well I would if I knew your number!

Make it easy for people to communicate with you (even if you deal with them every day).

Mistake number three: Not doing your research and wasting people’s time.

I get this one a lot. People don’t take the time to research my businesses and come to me with questions that my team could easily deal with. Respect people’s time and show that you’ve done your research first.

Mistake number four: Not introducing the people around you

Ever had this one? You’re standing there and a person you know walks up with someone you don’t know. Your mate starts talking with you, but regrets to introduce the person they’re with. Awkward. The first rule of any social situation, if it involves people who haven’t met, is to take control and make the intros.

Mistake number five: Messing up the handshake

Say goodbye to bone breaking handshakes now. No one thinks you’re better because you’re strong. A lovely firm handshake will do the trick – no pain required. Perhaps the only thing worse than a much too hard handshake is the dead fish handshake. You got to find a happy medium. If you’re not sure if your handshake is doing the trick, get practicing on a friend.