National Stationery Week is the perfect time to give yourself permission to buy some beautiful stationery!

I have lost track of the number of ” We love notebooks” conversations I have had with small business owners.

It seems although we also love technology and wouldn’t be parted from our smartphones, nothing quite beats the look and feel of real paper.

I think there is a direct connection between the brain and the hand holding a pen and touching paper.  It brings a more satisfying sense of touch than a keyboard, and in my experience people write better.  They are more relaxed and better able to access the whole of their brain.

Paper has gone out of fashion so has far more novelty value.  A lovely notecard or letter – maybe with your own initial – is a memorable way of staying in touch with clients.  Most people I talk to love the feel of the paper, and also enjoy having a card to put on the mantelpiece.  Especially if you are a service business and you like your clients writing cards can be a real pleasure.

Jacqueline Rogers of The Athena Network sent me a card yesterday which was a real pleasure to receive. She told me

” I love writing cards of thanks to the members in my groups.  Each card is different and it is a real pleasure to write, not a chore.  Plus a beautiful image helps me to feel even better about it.”

Another idea is to send a card or note with your own or a relevant initial.  A more relaxed version of a logo which could help to contribute a feeling of exclusivity .  WolfandInk have some special designs for National Stationery Week and a competition to win a notepad.