2009's Best Social Media Marketing Tool - TheTelephone

Before you post a comment about the telephone not being social media, let me offer an alternative title:

2009's Most Often Forgotten Marketing Tool for Small Business - The Telephone.

The last few years have seen a lot of press coverage about  using social media to market business. When I am asked by clients to help them with their website or internet marketing they all want help with social media. I'm not complaining, the work helps pay the bills, but there seems to be a lot of grasping at straws, and the latest straw is social media.

Companies should not forget the power of one to one contact, especially with existing clients. Many times it is not possible to see every client in person. The best tool for one on one contact is the telephone.

Current Clients
They deserve a phone call.

• Ask them how business is?
• Ask if there is anything they can use help with?
• Ask about future work.

If you are feeling brave do a little market research on your company.

• Ask them what they like about doing business with you. 
• Ask them what service they wished you offered.

If you are feeling really brave:

• Ask them what you could do better.
  

Past Clients
They deserve a phone call to find out why you haven't worked with them lately.

• Ask them if business has slowed down for them? Has it slowed a lot.
• If so, ask if that is why they have not given you work lately. Maybe their business model has changed.
  
• If not inquire why you are not getting any work from them.
• If appropriate ask them if you can visit them, and reestablish a working relationship with them.

Remember the telephone can be your friend.