Show ’em Some Love
- April 1, 2013
- Posted by: Rochelle
- Category: Client Relationships
Have you gotten a call or an email from someone you haven’t heard from in years who suddenly wants a favor? Or maybe the shoe was on the other foot. It was YOU who dreaded picking up the phone because you let your connections run cold.
Neither one feels good.
And while we all have a handful (or two) of people we would help without question if they suddenly appeared on our doorstep, do you really want to trust that your relationship is in that category?
It’s never too late to reconnect.
And with all the social media technology at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever.
In case you need a little inspiration, I’ve worked with some consummate people-connectors and here are a few of their best moves.
A recruiter of seasoned lawyers offers up career advice to early and mid-career lawyers. Many will never become her clients. But they remember her generosity and always take her calls. She also tends to make the top of their referral lists. Social media: she avoids Facebook and Twitter like the plague, but once she has spoken with someone, they are in her LinkedIn network. For life.
An author numbers Washington insiders and marquee media folk among those who will take his calls. How did he do it? He never forgot anyone with whom he resonated. Working across geographies and industries, he simply folded his new posses into his existing network. Social media: while he uses them all to push content and make new connections, his art form is the personally crafted stay-in-touch email.
A former big-firm rainmaker was known for how he appreciated and valued ALL he worked with, regardless of title or favors to be granted. He never had a bad word to say about a fellow human. When he left that world to run a small consulting practice, most everyone took his call. Social media: LinkedIn is his go-to platform, with a small presence on Twitter and Facebook.
The beauty of their approaches? They can be adapted across your social media platform(s) of choice.
Go ahead—show your network some love today.
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Thank you for the mention. People who know me well (like you) will recognize that your first description is of me.
For a recent addition to the “modern is not all there is” viewpoint, I recommend “8 Business Principles That Never Go Out of Style”, http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/8-timeless-business-principles.html, and perhaps my own most recent blog, Back to Basics at http://victorls.com/blog/.
I used to know this quote well; but can only paraphrase it here. “Be careful how you treat those you meet on your way up the ladder. They will be the people you meet again on your way down the ladder.”
Great advice.
The key I found involves sharing info that might be of interest; I do not use a mail service — several of which are out there but I name none — but I developed and maintain lists around certain topics. When National Health care was big and in the legislative process, I shared information I received with folks interested in the topic and/ or working in or support the field. I maintain other lists, including for labor and other policy matters.
I view twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn as second shots to supplement that info.
I also try to strategically attend meetings and functions where I will see people to keep the in-person relationship wherever possible (short of flying across county — albeit if I will be somewhere I look to meet with those relations).
As to the media one uses, it becomes something that fits your personna and brand; sometimes you decode it fast; sometimes a pro (think Rochelle) gets you there; sometimes a bit of both.
Thank you K.C., Ed and Corey–you are each superb people-connectors and I’m thrilled to add your comments to the mix!
In this world of “virtual friendships”, I truly appreciate a personal call from an associate to network, assist, or request assistance. Direct communication, regardless of the reason, is becoming a lost art that we must work to preserve.
Just my thoughts.
Calvin
Thank you Rochelle! I always enjoy your posts. I agree with you 100%. I also believe that to show love it requires a real relationship, not just a virtual one. The practice of collecting names (think LION) and creating huge email lists may make it difficult to connect at a relationship level. I try to know my connections beyond the simple invitation to connect and try to establish some common ground with each.
What are you thoughts on this??
Thanks for your add Marcelino! Your point about real relationships is spot on. I have found (and witnessed) many different approaches to building virtual relationships, depending on the platform–Facebook for instance is much different than LinkedIn. Email lists are also important if you want to maintain a direct line of communication. But I think some are tempted to think of it as a fan base vs a tenuous “permission” to communicate…that permission can be pulled at any time, so respect is critical.