It's Your Call

In a business communication culture of texts, email, social media, and twitter there is still one decidedly old school method that your sales team should not forget.

The phone call.

Think about it. When was the last time you actually talked to one of your customers? Not communicated, but talked. With your voice. Your outside voice.

I know that I can fall into the electronic trap - emails and texts make it so bloody easy to communicate, reach, and stay in touch with customers. They are quick, efficient, and a great communication tool (I'll save the virtues of email marketing campaigns for another day).

But what electronic communication gains in speed, efficiency, and reach, it loses in intimacy. With the simplicity of electronic communication these days, it almost seems as if you earn phone calling status with a customer...that you are worthy enough to merit a real conversation. Which makes the old fashion phone call such a powerful way to communicate one-on-one with your customers.

A phone call can break you out of the Joe Friday "Just the facts, ma'am" mode with a customer. With a call, you've got the opportunity to literally hear the voice of the customer...and their tone. Let's face it, the 160 character limitation of a text can make it difficult to dig deep.

So try this before the week is out, call one of your key customers and talk to them. You may need to use email or a text to let them know you'll be calling, but nonetheless fire up the Blackberry and push the call button. Ask about something non work related - their family, holiday plans, their favorite college team. Take just a minute to make a personal connection before you get down to business.

Don't worry, you can always follow up with an email summarizing the call!