Money Man.

Once a year I make a visit to my investment manager.

Sean and I began working together before his first child was born  and he was a newcomer to the company.

 Now his little boy is six and a fan of “America’s Funniest Videos” — and Sean has been named partner.

(When Sean’s son turns seven, I’ve promised Sean he can bring him to see the show because he’ll be old enough to sit in the audience.)

We always talk about the importance of ‘thank you notes’.

 Sean said it was “drilled into him”  by his parents and grandparents,

and even though he didn’t love doing it, he remembers writing notes when he was young.

Before we talk investments, we catch up on the last year.  He asked if I’m still doing my blog, and I told him it’s still my passion.

He’s also a proponent of the ‘lost art’.  We chatted about it for a few minutes.

Sean told me, “When we look to hire new individuals, very few take the time to write a note after the interview…. the ones who do, really stand out.”

He went on, “What the candidates don’t understand is when they send a real letter, it makes a difference.”

 He admitted he usually deletes e-mail “Thank You’s”.

“Do you get a lot of those?” I asked.  He said not everyone  takes  time to send an e-mail, let alone a real card.

We agreed it was a sad state of affairs and not a good commentary on how kids don’t understand the importance of gracious follow-up.

I asked, “Do you use company stationery or your own?”

He told me he got Brooks Brothers cards with his name embossed in navy blue, and he uses those because they’re more personal.

And it’s the personal touch that he wants to imbue, over all.

Because ultimately, the relationships that are the most successful — whether it be with an investments manager or any business partner —

depends on the strength of the personal rapport.  

Sean followed up with his own note to me… and I guess our missives must have passed each other in the mail!