With online social networking opportunities just a mouse click away, it can be easy to forget about the power of putting pen to paper. We shoot off an email, find a new acquaintance on LinkedIn, or tweet that keynote speaker at our conference how spectacular their talk was.

While I do think the internet has opened up a whole new realm for staying connected, I also whole heartily believe in some other more face-to-face (or snail mail-y) methods. Which is why I encourage all young professionals to keep 3 very important items in their desk drawer: BUSINESS CARDS, PERSONALIZED STATIONERY, and THANK YOU NOTES. 

And what better way to encourage yourself to USE said items than to pick out versions you totally love!? My go-to? Basic Invite – the beautiful online stationery shop based out of St. George, UT whose passionate team has been creating the perfect card for every event (and stage of life) since 2006. The site offers a TON of templates and then allows you to customize EVERYTHING.

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail.

Business Cards

If you’re going to exchange emails and phone numbers with a potential client anyways, why not streamline the transaction with a cute card. Hand them out at meetings and conferences, sure. But think outside the box too! (And think inside the box…as in those boxes where you throw in a card and hope for a free lunch. 😉 )

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample so you can see exactly how it will print as well as the paper quality before you ever have to place a final order. This is a great option to make sure the final product is totally brand aligned before ending up with a big bulk amount.

Personalized Stationery

If you want to take that extra step with a client, co-worker, or mentor; jot a few lines and stick a stamp on it! This can be especially helpful if you’re sending out physical product or need to convey information that you would like to stand out (and not get buried in an over-crowded inbox).

Basic Invite is just as colorful with their envelopes as they are with their stationery. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to envelopes so mail stands out even before it’s opened. While I chose to stick with classic white, going for a bold and branded color would be a fun way to stand out in a mail pile!

Thank You Cards

Nothing beats a hand-written thank you card. And honestly, as a young professional, no action or gift or leg-up is too small to fire off a quick paragraph of gratitude. Have a huge stack and send liberally!

If you have to send out a huge batch (think: after a large work event or wedding), you can use Basic Invite’s free address collection service to request addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing. Score!

Those are my three must-haves when it comes to professional stationery, but Basic Invite has a ton of other great uses for your work and personal life. If you’re an entrepreneurial hustler looking to get the word out about an upcoming event or special, they offer designs for promotional postcards. Throwing a party? Design your own custom party invitations or birthday invitations. The options are limitless!

Do you keep a collection of professional stationery in your desk drawer? What’s your favorite way to network? Let me know! And don’t forget to check out Basic Invite for perfectly customized stationery. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight!  

Are you a young professional looking to grow your business? I help clients develop and manage online content.