We've tried handwritten custom notes, and it can work but seems random. The amount of time and research is too great unless it's the exact business you want and don't have a contact in your network to make a warm intro. Persistence, does work but haven't found this to be efficient on a large scale. I bet there's a formula, but don't know it. Like everything else, the costs have gone up but the problem is at a disproportionate rate. You don't want to be lumped in with ValPak or other mailers that are tossed immediately. We tried printed letters with a hand written notes. And tried postcards with a hand written note with limited success. It's difficult to confirm what's actually delivered to the decision maker as well.

Not more (or less) effective than email. A good genuine email, from a non-spamming approach, professional email address directly to the owners inbox with a captivating subject line and clear CTA is more effective than pure handwritten mail. But still not as effective as confident cold calls.