Monday, April 20, 2015

Showing Up

Below is a great post written by Kenny McDonald, CEO of Columbus 2020.  We are all guilty of just sending an email instead of making that face-to-face visit.



There is no substitute for face-to-face reporting and research.
-Thomas Friedman

Face to Face
 
Who are your very best customers? Who are your very best prospects? When was the last time you went to see them and sat down to discuss their business?

There are so many reasons to not take the time to meet face to face. Technology makes it easy to email, or text, or have a web conference. Technology is great and it has a place. But, it does not replace what you can gain by showing up. This Harvard Business Review article reminded me of that.

First, clients care that you take the time and effort to come to them and have a discussion. It shows you value their time and relationship, and shows you are willing to learn more about their operations. Second, you learn things when you are face to face that you cannot learn any other way. You can see the client in their home environment, check out their facility, see the people who work there, and experience the company culture. You’ll better uncover opportunities and you’ll be able to provide more meaningful proposals.

Who will you go see first?
-Kenny McDonald 

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