The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~ Mark Twain
Did you get through all the names on your Christmas card lists – personal and business? Me neither. But this time, I’m turning that minor failing into a game plan for the New Year! While holiday hellos to your grandparents and Great Aunt Mabel are a must, business acquaintances won’t hold a little lapse against you. So I’m going through my client and colleague list and prioritizing who to call when. That’s right… I didn’t say text, Facebook, or e-mail. I intend to pick up the phone and call!
Even if I end up leaving voicemails for half the people, a friendly, no-sales-pitch, Happy New Year/President’s Day/Spring/Summer/Fourth of July/Halloween, just-want-to-see-how-life’s-treating-you message will make me stand out from the crowd. People like to know they are actually being thought of, and are not just the recipient of a generic communication blast.
And if I get through just a few each week, that’s still something! Like Mark Twain said, the secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Retailers and real estate agents do this kind of warm-fuzzy thing when they send those automatically mailed cards for client birthdays. Some vets even do the same with the birthdays of your dogs now. But I think I’ll try the old-school route and actually make that voice-to-voice connection.
Will I have time for this after the first few weeks? Will my great intentions peter out? I’ll let you know how it goes. In fact, send me your phone number and I’ll give you a call!