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Q: What’s a simple way to make myself memorable?

A: I’ll confess, this question has been sitting in my “question queue” for a while. I wasn’t sure how to respond or where to start.

That’s because “simple” subtleties in the following areas could have immediate and long-lasting impact:

Your attire, networking and conversational skills, eye contact, word choice, reading habits, continuing education, attitude, listening skills A “list” like this may never end!

However, I think I’ve discovered an answer to your query, over the past few weeks.

Since being inducted into the National Speakers Association’s Hall of Fame, (on Aug. 4 in New York City), my voice-mail, e-inbox and postal mailbox have been jammed with messages, letters, cards and notes from friends, peers and family members.

Some messages have been spoken. Many were typed. Lots were handwritten.

Here’s the first thing, I now know. When others who matter to you, take the time to offer congratulations and kudos (in any form) it grabs you. Fast! It captures your mind.

Yet, it really tugs at your heart.

Some sentiments are serious. Others funny. All are meaningful.

Those who called, e-mailed or wrote, already had “memorable” places in my life. Yet now, they achieved a new level of memorability. Their outpouring of love and emotion has truly surprised me.

And, it surprised another 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, best selling author and speaker, Jeffrey Gitomer. Gitomer has been a close friend since 1995. The only thing I know that’s bigger than Gitomer’s personality, is the size of his heart.

I am proud to call him a friend.

The other night, Gitomer called me to yak about stuff. And one of the things he mentioned was, “I can’t believe the calls, cards and letters I’ve received.” Gitomer and I have both been called, “direct and honest.” On occasion, even “cynical.” Yet, apparently, we’ve each got a “softer” side!

Point... To be memorable, when there’s reason to say “yeah,” send a personal note; fire off an e-mail or call a prospect, customer, client, decision influencer, friend or family member.

My family and I, returned from New York City on Aug. 6. On Aug. 7, a box with my new note cards arrived. Couldn’t wait to use ‘em.

To say “thanks” to those who said, “bravo,” “way to go” and “congrats.” Or, to those who in some way, had a positive influence on my career during the past 26 years.

My friend Jim Meisenheimer, (another talented speaker and author, who just sent me a personal note scrawled inside one of his cool quotation books), would often extol the virtues of using a fine writing instrument, (he prefers a fountain pen), on quality paper. Jim seemed to describe it as some visceral or sensory enhanced experience.

He’s right!

Now, as my carefully selected pen, with its thick-flowing black ink, glides across a note card it’s fun. A handwritten note gives you/me an impacting opportunity to show gratitude, attitude and personality.

And every time, a note card is written, inserted in the envelope, addressed and stamped there’s this goofy sense of accomplishment.

It has been great getting these calls, cards and letters.

But shhhh, don’t tell anyone, it may be even more gratifying to make or send ‘em!

E-mail or a phone call bring you speed. They’re great ways to quickly convey a thumbs-up and a pat-on-the-back.

While a note card or letter, a stamp and snail mail, (whether you’re sending or receiving), make it worth the wait.

Yet, whenever you’re classy, in cyberspace, on the phone, in a typed letter or handwritten note, you are memorable!

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Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.