Always “Connected”?: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Clubhouse, Instagram, texts, various messaging/communication apps…there’s no doubt we’re connected. But…are we really? We “like”, maybe comment, post pictures, write and share stories, share, answer texts and messages at dizzying speeds. Sometimes (I’m guilty too) it feels like we’re “liking” a post or comment just for the sole fact of liking it. It keeps us “busy” or perhaps it makes us “feel good”. But again…does it really?
Being Social: On the other hand, having a presence on social media for one’s business (I feel) is important. It is a place to learn, share ideas and opinions, get the word out about events, classes, etc. It’s a wonderful way to reach out to many people at once.
Being Human and Remembering Others are Human: Over the past 18+ months, social media, Zoom calls/meetings (and other similar platforms), and webinars have kept us connected, learning, and growing for which I am grateful. Like many, a personal touch (metaphorically and actual) for me is even more relevant now. Sure, I’ve posted on social (mostly on Linkedin) about voiceover- and business-related topics, and if interested, here’s a shameless plug, https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyfossumvoiceovers/detail/recent-activity/.
But a couple of months ago I took perhaps a more “uncommon” approach when I reached out to voiceover clients and to those I hadn’t contacted in a while. Rather than sending out a bulk email or even personalizing an email through a CRM, I typed and sent out individual, personal emails one by one. You see, clients (businesses) are at the core…people. They are people with lives, feelings, bills, and ups and downs in life. The overarching goal was simply to reconnect with those folks I do and have worked with. It was to say “hello”, to wish them well, and to maybe spark a smile (I included a picture of summer flowers from our garden).
Did it take extra time? Yes. Did people respond? A few of them did. Was it worth it? Yes.
I feel, now more than ever, it’s about letting people (businesses you work with) know that you are more than your business. And also acknowledging to them that you value them as a person, and more than just a “like” on their social media post. In essence, the value of acknowledging and honoring people and our humanness.