Increase Sales Blog

With the explosion of mobile devices through improved technology, staying connected through email, social media and texting is the new “Can you hear me now” behavior.  In fact being able to use a keyboard has the Indiana Department of Education no longer mandating cursive writing in schools.  Possibly we will go back full circle to “X” as one’s official mark or jump forward to thumbprints or retina eye scans?

Beyond losing cursive writing, my observations suggest we are losing the human touch.  Somewhere along the path during the last few years, there is an impression that people bite and it is better to communicate through technology than pick up the phone to make a real contact.

Last year when driving to an out of state speaking engagement, I was listening to Delilah give some advice to a young lady caller. This young person could not reach her boyfriend and he would not respond to her numerous text messages.  Delilah’s simple answer was to pick up the phone and actually call him. What a novel concept and how sad this thought was so far removed from this young woman.

Maybe it is this culture of embracing vampires and werewolves from the TV, books and movies such as the Twilight series.  Or maybe it is still negative conditioning from “Don’t talk to strangers” to “Don’t go where you are not wanted or invited.” I am not sure as to why the aversion to verbally speaking to people.

One of my colleagues, Michael Sleppin, who is an absolute delight not too mention a great salesperson has never met a stranger.  He speaks to everyone from those at the airport to standing in line at the store.  Michael continually demonstrates that people don’t bite. And the additional value to this attitude is Michael continually realizes his goal to increase sales.

This is why I find events such as Northwest Indiana Tweet Up and other business to business networking events so enjoyable.  You actually get to converse with real live human beings and not thumbs or fingers texting “OMG.”  Of course, there are always those present texting away as you speak with them.  Maybe a course on social etiquette is also required.

In business and especially in sales, people must know you and trust you if you wish to increase sales.  Marketing through social media or more traditional vehicles such as speaking or paid advertising is the first place to start.  However, to make that real connection, especially if you believe in relationship selling, then reach out and touch someone beyond those ivory letters on your keyboard.  Who knows?  You actually may expand your influence and network not too mention make a few friends along the way and even increase sales.

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