In our hectic lives nowadays, the easiest form of contact between people is e-mail. Coming close in second is the voicemail message. Third place goes to the simple phone call. And in fourth, but lagging behind, is various forms of the in-person meeting.

All of these communication "channels," if you will, are important. What's more, they're not going away. But one form of communication that has been lost in recent years is the handwritten personal note. It's a shame, because writing and sending a note is not only a way to put yourself on a personal basis with someone, but it is less intrusive than a voice mail or phone call.

What's more, you'll definitely stand out in the in mind of the receiver with a personal note, because so few people take the time to write one. You'll also be seen as a caring and giving person, because you were attentive and spent the time to write a note. And as you can guess by the word "personal" in "personal note," writing one is a great way to truly connect with people on a one-to-one basis, and to even take an existing relationship to the next level.

So, when can you write a personal note?

• As a "thank you" for taking a phone call, having a meeting, doing a favor or other action someone has taken on your behalf
• As a "thank you" to anyone who has done anything nice for you -- helped you buy a new car, dry cleaned your clothes, repaired your dishwasher, etc.
• As a way to say "I just wanted to say hello," in an effort to re-connect with old or lost clients
• As a way to get your name and business card in front of someone who isn't easily approached. I've heard of all kinds of doors being opened, due to just one well-composed handwritten note.

A very successful real-estate agent I've heard speak had his assistant place 10 cards and stamped envelopes on his desk every morning. The next day, another 10 would be there. If for some reason he didn't get to his notes one day, he'd have 20 the next day, and so on. The point here is to make it a habit to write some notes every single business day. Ten a day may be difficult for most people, but how about two or three? Once you get yourself in the note-sending mindset, it's pretty easy to do.

Here's some quick tips for writing notes:

• Card shops and stationery stores sell supplies for personal notes. You don't need anything overly complex or flowery. Pick a card (or a box of cards) that matches your personality.
• Buy cards that are smaller, but not too small. You're only writing a short personal note, not War and Peace.
• Stay away from cards provided by your company that has the corporate logo on them. A person receiving your card may think they're getting a direct mail piece from your company, rather than an attempt by you to connect with them on a personal basis.
• Use blue ink when writing cards, because it stands out more on white paper (assuming the writing area in your note cards is white). Plus, I think blue ink is more "personable" than what I call "business-black" ink.

If you're like me and you like to send clippings of newspaper or magazine articles to people you think might benefit from them, put a quick handwritten note on one of your cards, too. And if you're really into forwarding such articles via e-mail, consider printing some of them out -- maybe the more important ones -- and sending them via good ol' snail mail.

One more note: While you may be thinking, "I'll only write notes to people who can give me business," I'd like to point out a truism about people. The father of the waitress who served you lunch may be a big-wig at a company you are trying to sell. The brother of the contractor you hired to fix your bathroom may be the purchasing manager at that huge company your boss wants you to get into.

When you're writing notes, think far and wide. Because when you reach out and touch someone via the written word, you never know who they'll know.