If we supply anything meaningful, by that I mean a product or service that requires an emotional buy-in from a potential client, look to engage human to human early on.
Our proposition doesn’t have to be massively expensive to them or vastly profitable for us, it just needs to be something “a bit special.” Everyday commodity items don’t tell a story or have the same attachment.
Following up an enquiry for a couple of Bic biros will frustrate all parties. However, negotiating a new commercial contract or project, requires human interaction at a much deeper professional level.
Often, social media replaces conversation with photos, emojis and text soundbites. Unfortunately, the relationships that are built are shallow because there is no substitute for conversation to build authentic relationships.
Raising awareness is a phrase which is probably overworked, but at least it is descriptive. People know we are out there but that is all. We need to go deeper and open up some dialogue: face to face (the best way), the phone (always a good starting point) and Zoom (in between the two).
There are options available to us, not only in our professional lives, but personally too.
I sense a change is underway. The skills of creating a conversation and nurturing and maintaining it to keep a relationship alive have been undervalued, especially by people who mistake the number of associates they know, or online followers they have, for genuine relationships that provide the opportunity for growth and shared wisdom and knowledge.
Nothing replaces the connection experienced through face-to-face conversations and experiences of value to both parties.
“Face to face conversation unfolds slowly. It teaches patience.” – Sherry Turkle.
Thank you for reading.
