Posts Tagged ‘business development’

I’ve had similar conversations with business friends and colleagues for several months now.  It seems everyone is trying to figure out what to do next and how to attract business in this “new normal?” Last week I had coffee with someone who is doing something about it and she shared her strategy with me.

With the explosive growth in on-line marketing and social networking, it has often seemed overwhelming to me to create something that would attract people.  I know I spend a lot of my time deleting all the on-line pitches that come in every day. And frankly, I didn’t want to contribute to all the noise out there, didn’t want to create e-junk that people delete or put in the spam folder!

So last week when I had coffee with Kristen Schuerlein, partner and co-founder of Design Duo, a Seattle graphic design/branding firm, I was immediately intrigued by her idea.  She’s getting back to basics and using 19th century technology:  the telephone!

Kristen has been reconnecting with colleagues, business friends, and clients, people who already know her and/or have done business with her in the past.  And here’s the fun part, she’s not pitching them on anything.  She’s checking in, finding out how they are, and whenever possible and appropriate, offering ideas or referrals.  That’s it!  She’s been having fun with it and her phone is starting to ring again and business is coming back.

So I’ve taken the plunge and so far, so good.  People who I haven’t talked to in a while are genuinely glad to hear from me. Sometimes the communication involves e-mail, but generally it’s old fashioned phone calls.  And if nothing else, it’s fun. It takes a little time and some discipline.  And I have found that when I’m taking a step, taking action, I no longer feel stuck, and everything starts to move again.  So you may be hearing from me soon, I’m looking forward to talking with you.

So thank you, Kristen!  I’m glad you reconnected with me. And I hope by sharing your good ideas, people will remember us both when they need excellent graphic design/branding services or a excellent speech coach.