The Real Bruce

I like to go back through my files and look at old posts. This is one I wrote a long time ago, but I still find it useful.

In this world of social media, communication can become very impersonal. Instead of picking up the phone, you can just send a message on Facebook saying, “Hi.” Rather than taking the time to let someone personally know your exciting news, you can just post it on Twitter and let all your followers know at once.

However, as impersonal as social media allows you to be, it can also be your greatest tool for connecting with your clients in a one on one way. If you just take the time to pay attention to various social media tools right in front of you, you can find out when someone’s birthday is. You can learn what books they like to read or even what motivates them at work.

Never before have we had such a database of information about our clients available at our fingertips! Yet most of the time, I see clients using their Facebook or Twitter accounts to bombard their followers with marketing messages about what they are doing. (I won’t lie. I have been guilty of this as well.)

Why not take a minute to listen to your followers or friends and make it personal again? Send them a card when Facebook tells you their birthday is approaching. Take them to lunch at a place that serves their favorite food. Give them a call when you see their son won the championship game. All this information can be found if you are paying attention to your social media tools.

Personal relationships drive business. Use your social media tools to complement your customer interactions. Simply take a moment to make communication personal again.