Like the plumber with the leaky pipes, I’ve neglected
writing for myself lately. But that means I’ve been busy writing for clients,
which is good.
Despite my best intentions I rarely get around to updating
my website or penning a blog on the hot communications topic of the day. Today
I’m pondering those pithy questions about the most effective ways to build one’s
image and reputation.
If I stop blogging altogether, will people forget I exist?
If I freshen my website, will that translate into new business?
If I devote [more] time to social media, will I attract more
business partners and prospects?
Those are questions with no easy answers. PR people survived
for years without social media. Our ancestors did lunch, coffee, networked and produced
solid results. Exceptional performance led to more business. Relationships were
built over time and founded on trust.
The other day, as we were discussing a particularly thorny
issue, a client said to me, “I appreciate being able to talk to you about these
things. It really helps to get a man’s point of view.” In this day and age when
men are often vilified in the workplace and accused of marginalizing women, it
was refreshing to be reminded that ours is a business relationship founded on
mutual respect.
We communicators are in a “people business” that warrants
face-to-face interaction—or at the least picking up the phone when you have
something to say. I’m not going to abandon blogging, my website or social
media. But it helps to be reminded that great partnerships will always fuel
success.
I believe a person can work hard at social media and use the
latest apps but it will only take them so far. It still comes down to
cultivating relationships with a personal touch.
Do you leverage social media to bolster your reputation and to
attract and retain clients? Has it replaced personal interaction to any degree
for you? Let me know.