When it comes to communicating with your clients, subscribers and leads, your motto should be:
No Method Left Behind!
Once someone discovers the power of the Internet, sometimes they forget everything they learned about building relationships.
It may be a digital world, but it’s still populated by real, live people.
Here are 6 methods of communicating that you would do well to have in your toolbox.
Tip of the Day: Develop the skills needed to maximize each method!
Email: An Internet Lifeline
The standard for anyone doing business on the internet, and a very effective online communication skill, connecting via email is convenient and inexpensive. When someone subscribes to your list, respect the connection and follow up!
On the up side, it is relatively easy to automate your email campaigns, broadcast messages and newsletters. On the down side, it’s very impersonal. And the open rate for email marketing messages is notoriously low.
Video: Give Your Followers the Option
Communicate via video? You bet! Create a PowerPoint slide show of your message and post it on YouTube. Put a link to it in an email, embed it on your website or within a blog post. Get your message across to those who prefer watching and listening.
Text Message: Latest Marketing Method
While you may think of text messaging as something the kids do (how do their thumbs move so fast?), it has actually become a means of mobile marketing.
The U.S. is lagging behind Hong Kong, the Philippines and other Asian markets with this one. But don’t worry. It’s catching on worldwide at an amazingly rapid rate. SMS (short message service) is now being offered with subscriber options, so folks can keep up to date with whatever interests them.
And you can use your online communication skills to create a subscriber link to your text messaging service.
If this is new to you, check it out.
You think the rise of the internet was fast, this puppy will seem like it has launched its way into your life overnight.
Snail Mail: Cards are Opened and Read
Yep. Good ol’ postcards and greeting cards. While “snail mail” is considerably slower than electronic mail, there is a distinct advantage. Well over 90% of cards received via the postal mail are opened and read.
And inside, there’s your message, with maybe a picture of you and certainly your contact info. Chances are good that card will be kept for future reference. And you’ll get high marks for taking the time and trouble to send it.
Phone: Live Conversation is a Stronger Connection
The telephone superseded electronic mail by several decades. And guess what? It’s still a fantastic way to do business. In fact, for long distance relationships – which is common for internet marketers – the phone is a mainstay.
Far more personal than an email, a telephone conversation can help solidify the connection. If you develop this offline skill, your online communication skills will improve as well. Do yourself a favor. If you’ve got their phone number, give them a call!
In Person: The Ultimate Relationship Builder
Face to face communication remains at the top of the heap. It is still the best, most personal method of establishing a business relationship that lasts.
While it’s just not practical to meet everyone with whom you do business on the Web, do take advantage of opportunities when they arise. And for those loyal clients and customers, it’s worth going a bit out of your way.
Business is all about relationships. Don’t be fooled by the packaging. Just because you’ve set up shop online doesn’t make it any different.
Popular online mentor Curt Johnson and I are in complete agreement on this one. Listen to what he has to say about creating multiple streams of communication: Coach Curt Johnson
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