Articles and Best Practices
| Whatever works I recently sent out an e-mail asking friends and colleagues how they are planning to keep in touch with clients and prospects in 2010. Are they planning to try any social media for the first time? Will they be expanding their networks in any new ways? One overseas friend is adjusting his priorities to keep his client communication efforts cost effective. In his case, this means changing how he uses media. “I will be blogging more in 2010, tweeting less and getting into using Skype. I will also be producing more podcasts,” said Tim. On this side of the pond, Scott says he will “continue to leverage LinkedIn for professional relationships.” He mentions a mutual friend who allocates between 30 and 60 minutes a day to LinkedIn work, dropping little notes to stay in touch, following up on prior requests, and establishing new contacts. Although Scott admits that his resolve “might go the way of some of my other new year's resolutions, I'm thinking of 30 minutes at the beginning of the day.” Yet, one friend appears to be steering clear of media and sticking with some fundamentals. Zane is an experienced – and now semi-retired – consultant who is a consistent supporter of communication basics. He cited some examples, including comprehensive relationship management programs and well-targeted newsletters that provide value for the recipient. Yet, he points out, “What works every time is effective networking. I've found that very few businesses take advantage of the multiple networking opportunities offered by Chambers of Commerce. They should. It takes some work, but the payoff is there if you're diligent.” Then there’s my friend Buzz. When I wrote him with my request, his response was “I’m on e-mail overload. Feel free to phone me!” Now there’s an idea. What are you doing in 2010 to stay in touch? Share your thoughts below. |
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