2019: Attention to the other
Last year, I wrote that the year went by so quickly. The year 2019 went no differently. It was an extraordinary year. A year of learning, revising, trying out and growing.
Last year we worked with great customers and equally with great partners. From training on LinkedIn and Sales Navigator for sales and account management to advice on lead generation. From providing inspiration sessions for sales teams to set up a marketing department. In 2019 we worked with fine people.
I'm proud of my family; my children and my wife Ilona. Together we experience beautiful adventures, got advice and constructive criticism on my ideas and above all, we enjoy each other.
Sincere and personal contact, with attention for the other, is firmly anchored in the DNA of Social Sales. This year we have given special attention to the A from DNA: Attention.
We spent a lot of time talking, training and guiding our customers in person. Although we also maintain many contacts by phone or online via Gotomeeting, we prefer to be on location. Where we can really make contact, we prefer to be there on the spot.
Data is everywhere. The collection process is largely automated. Everything is measured and presented in various dashboards, not only for customers, but also for Social Sales itself.
We know who's in our network. What they do, how active they are and what keeps them active. We try with sincere interest to discover the person behind the human being. All those data and the people in the network are nice and interesting. What really mattered this year was the A of Attention.
The focus was not on growth, not on profit maximization. We wanted no more reach, no more commitment or more likes. We have paid attention to the most valuable people in our environment: People.
Attention to people also means that we do something that has nothing to do with our business. Every year we do something for a good cause, which we hold in high esteem. This year we have chosen to support Join the Pipe: The ambition of Join the Pipe is to build the longest water pipe in the world and to tackle plastic soup at its source. We have 200 bottles of Join The Pipe We have also distributed a number of drinks bottles to business contacts, customers and network members. In order to do something not only nationally and internationally, we have also sponsored a local hockey team with drinking bottles
Team IJssel JC1 drinks from Social Sales bottles during the competition.
It's not about whether you have a large network with thousands of connections. It does not matter if you are in touch with a lot of people. The connection line you have with someone is empty without personal and sincere attention. The most important thing you, as an individual, have to offer is attention. The line, the link alone is not enough. It's about what you share across this line with someone. How you care about the other and what you care about to the other. What you share makes all the difference.
The line, the link alone is not enough. It's about what you share across the line with someone.
In our conversations, we often talk about the "human dimension". With the advent of various possibilities to automate and digitise processes, the "human dimension" is often overlooked and forgotten. With the fact that everyone provides the same kind of product or service, with the corresponding superlatives, you don't make the difference by wishing for more of everything.
You make a difference by making the real connection, by making real contact. By being genuinely interested in the other. That makes you unique as a person.
? Will we ever?
? Meet again? (Meet again?) ?
During our trips to customers we listen to podcasts and music. One song that in our eyes is just about the other, the unknown is "Goodbye Stranger" of Supertramp. Besides being a nice number in the car, we think it's also about discovering strangers.
Find out who the other one is. Consider what you know about someone else. Or what you know regarding someone else. Try not to sell or to be busy with your product or service.
Take up the conversation and make personal contact. In 2020, let us use personal and sincere attention as a standard and make a real connection.
I wish you, also on behalf of Ilona and the children, a Merry Christmas and a good and personal 2020.
Special thanks to the team of DRD Support for the "Happy 2020 Social Sales" animation!
