One of the best 'personal branding' tools I've ever used is the personal note. A well composed, yet brief note to someone saying something like "thank you", or "good luck" or "nice article in the journal" or whatever. Personal notes do wonders for building relationships and getting through to people.

The best way to do a good note is on good personalized stationary. Something with your name, your contact info, and your brand. I recommend Levenger's personalized 3x5 cards as the best way of doing this. Order them by the thousand and send them for any occasion (sounds like a pitch, but really, I just use these things and love them)

They're also a great personal branding tool. For one thing, they set you apart by simply sending a note, but they're also custom stationary, which makes another statement entirely.

Check em out.