Let's talk about that "R" in CRM for a moment!

Let's talk about that "R" in CRM for a moment. As you all know, the "R" is for "Relationship." We all know that, but sometimes we don't stop to think about it! Talk to any marriage counselor, clergyman or master sales manager and they will tell you that good communication is a key to a good relationship. Many people first installed ACT! to help them stay in touch with their contacts. Read any book on sales and you will be told to stay in touch, communicate, with your contacts to nurture a positive relationship. However, this often deteriorates into one of those things you know you should do - but just don't seem to find the time to do!

So, let's talk about one way you can help with this problem - social web sites. I will be writing more about these in coming weeks, but I wanted to get things started with this little note. Social web sites like LinkedIn and Facebook are powerful tools, once you figure them out! For now, let me suggest that one way to treat these systems ia as another communication channel that you can use to interact with your contacts. A key difference with communicating by letter or email id that your prospects have more control over how you interact with them. They have to register at the sites and choose to interact with you; but that's part of the beauty of these systems.

I have added a section on Social Site Support to my review process. So, I am urging all of the CRM solution developers to get with the program. If you have yet to try one of these systems, I would suggest getting an account at LinkedIn or Plaxo. If you are already using these sites, feel free to share your success stories or questions with me. If you want to communicate with me, see:

On LinkedIn, you can find me here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/richbohn

On Plaxo, you can find me here: http://richbohn.myplaxo.com/

On Facebook, you can find me here: http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard_Bohn/1131546173

On MySpace, you can find me here: http://www.myspace.com/richbohn

On Twitter, you can find me here: http://twitter.com/RichBohn

Stay in touch and Sell More Now,

Rich