The IPad is a really handy tool

I am fortunate to have a new IPad. I am learning more about it every day as it is a very useful tool. I am an active user of Social Media for business and this new tool allows me to have increased access to Twitter, Facebook, and this blog. In fact I am entering this post on my IPad.

Here is a very amateur video that I took with the IPad. While it is not good quality content, it demonstrates the ease of use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD8KFsAtC1o

I hope to continue finding more ways to be productive with my new IPad. I recommend giving it a try.

Communication continues to change

I have heard it said that we are moving to a post-PC world. The argument can be made that tablets have become more popular than PCs.

That may not be the case yet. However, the tablet device with apps sure make it easy to access informaton and locations on the web that previously could only be accessed through the internet.

It seems to be moving in that direction and the continual improvement of the IPad really helps. That is where this message is being input.

The importance of staying in touch in person

You may remember a TV commercial from several years ago, I believe it was for a major airline, where a manager was addressing his team of employees about losing a major customer.  Their customer had informed the manager that they had just lost touch.

Instead of in-person meetings between this manager's company and the customer, phone, mail, and perhaps fax messages had become all too prominent (this was several years ago.)  Thus, the customer had moved on to seek better care and attention from another vendor/supplier.

That was probably about 20 years ago, if not more.  Now, fast forward to today and add e-mail, Facebook, Twiter, texting, smart phones, voice messages, and more and where do we stand?  For companies having communication problems then, are we better off, worse, or the same now?

Has advanced electronic communication brought us closer to our customers, taken us further away, or has the dynamic stayed about the same?  Are we more in-touch with today's advanced electronic communication, more out of touch, or have things remained the same?

Here is my argument.  While technology has changed communication dramatically and continues to evolve, it is our attitude that remains the critical constraint in effective business communication.  We can, and probably will, choose to use the communication tools available in the current world.  If those tools are used to aid and enhance a great attitude of customer-centric activity, we will be successful..

If we stay focused on the needs of customers regardless of which forms of communication we use most predominantly, we will be effective.

I still believe that face-to-face contact and communication is preferred and most effective.  But, in a climate where we are asked to do more, the latest tools con be the most effective if coupled with the best attitude.

As the manager in that commercial said, I'm going to see that customer that we lost to get reacquainted.  I hope that he sets up an Outlook meeting first.

I like Twitter

I like social media in general because it is a convenient way to stay in touch with people both professionally and personally.  I specifically have come to like Twitter.

Here is why.  I have followed many Tweeters who I think have something useful to say.  Then, each day I scan Twitter for useful posts.  Ironically, I often print the good ones and read them later.  If I had an i-pad or other tablet comuputer, I would have access to useful information all the time.

For this reason, I like Twitter.

Whales, minnows, and ideas about selling

I once heard an analogy about selling that compares selling to fishing.  The story advises sales people to go after the big fish because that is what will yield the greatest return.

After all if you catch a thousand minnows, what do you have, a bucket full?  On the other hand, catch just one whale and you have a ship full.

This story is far from complete though.  First of all, only bait stores would be interested in catching minnows and they probably don't catch them but farm them.  Secondly, consider the cost of catching, transporting, and processing one whale?

A better place to be, especially for a small business, is somewhere in the middle.  For example, for a single fisherman or a crew of two or three, catching hundreds of a variety of edible fish seems to make sense.  If you depend on whales, what happens if you don't catch any?  On the other hand, if you fish for a variety of fish, your chances of success seem greater.

Selling requires a lot of common sense, just like fishing.

Let It Snow

To all who dislike winter in Northeast Ohio, I am happy for you that this has been a mild winter so far.  For those of us who love winter sports, it has been a challenging winter thus far.

We are very fortunate to have a ski resort right here in the region.  They have done a fantastic job of keeping the place open during these warm conditions.

I know that we still have a lot of winter left here in 2012 and I hope that it brings you the kind of weather that you like.  At any rate, I hope for a safe winter for all.

A Cleveland Treasure

Every area of the United States has something of beauty to offer its residents.  Of course, both oceans offer beautify scenery as well as magnificent sunrises and sunsets.  The Rocky Mountain region is majestic in its terrain and views.

The Cleveland area has the benefit of a real treasure that is our Metroparks.  If you like woods and wildlife, we have it.  If you like scenic hiking trails, we have them.  We have our great views also.

They call it the Emerald Necklace because it is draped around Greater Cleveland like a beautiful piece of natural jewelry.  It is complete with rivers and streams, hills and valleys, and beautiful scenery.  It also has great hiking trails for all to enjoy.

When you get the chance, check out the Cleveland Metroparks anytime of the year.  Each season has beautiful landscapes to offer.  And, it is free.