Why I Still Send Snail Mail: What This Small Ritual Taught Me About Connection, Leadership, and Branding
By Cameron Jay Harrelson, Founder of Defined Campaigns
The Power of a Handwritten Note in a Digital World
When I was growing up, my grandmother kept a box full of Hallmark cards tucked away in her living room. She had one for every occasion—birthdays, condolences, congratulations, and just-because notes. I once asked her why. She smiled and said:
“Because there’s nothing like opening your mailbox—in a sea of bills and ads—and finding out someone was thinking of you.”
That moment stuck with me.
Now, I send handwritten cards all the time. After client meetings. To celebrate wins. To mourn losses. To remind people they matter. It’s become one of the most grounding practices in both my personal and professional life.
What Snail Mail Taught Me About Marketing and PR
This habit shaped the way I lead Defined Campaigns, a relationship-centered marketing agency in Athens, GA. While digital communication is essential, we’ve learned something powerful: the best marketing feels personal.
Whether we’re guiding a nonprofit through a rebrand or writing a press release for a new initiative, we always come back to the core question: Will this make someone feel seen?
Our agency’s work draws on values reflected in leaders like Bernadette Jiwa—who reminds us that storytelling isn’t just about what you say, but how it makes people feel. Snail mail taught me the same thing. It’s not flashy. It’s not scalable. But it’s real.
Nonprofit Strategy Rooted in Humanity
Through our work in nonprofit strategic planning in Athens, I’ve found that organizations often move too fast. They focus on output, forgetting the why behind their message. But the truth is, people don’t support what you do—they support why you do it.
That’s where storytelling comes in.
We help nonprofits develop brand strategies that go beyond mission statements and into real, resonant language. Whether we’re creating messaging guides or building out awareness campaigns, our goal is always to reflect the heart of the organization. We draw inspiration from models like Big Duck and Mission Minded, who emphasize authenticity over polish and connection over perfection.
What Makes Defined Campaigns Different
There are plenty of PR firms in Athens. What sets us apart isn’t just the quality of our work—it’s how we work.
We show up with care. We remember the small wins. We believe in strategy, but we also believe in soul. Our clients aren’t just looking for publicity—they’re looking for alignment, clarity, and momentum that lasts.
We’re especially passionate about working with nonprofits, local leaders, and community-focused brands. If you’re trying to tell a better story or make your message matter more, we’d love to help.
A Small Challenge (And a Big Reminder)
Here’s something simple you can do this week:
Send a handwritten card to someone.
Pick one person—a mentor, colleague, client, or friend. Write a few lines. Seal it. Stamp it. Drop it in the mail.
Then, pay attention to how it feels. And when they call or text to say it made their day? You’ll understand why I still believe in this small, slow ritual.
At Defined Campaigns, we try to bring that same intention to every client, every message, and every strategy we shape. If that resonates with you—if you're looking for a marketing partner who values story, strategy, and heart—we should talk.
About the Author
Cameron Jay is a seasoned nonprofit strategist and founder of Defined Campaigns, dedicated to empowering mission-driven organizations with agile strategic planning, innovative digital marketing, and creative fundraising solutions. Connect with him at cameron@definedcampaigns.com
