As a professional speaker who travels around the world, I often hear people lamenting what technology is doing to us. Many complain that people are spending so much time on social networking services like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and others that they are losing track of being with real people. I’ve heard business owners complain about people putting too much time into Twitter, Facebook, etc. and not enough time into business.
I can appreciate that concern. However, I have a different perspective that you will find interesting. Keep reading and I’ll explain more later.
The quote at the top of this article is from the classic, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. I read that book yesterday morning in my study time and it was amazing. I had heard about it for years but had never read it. What a great book! It’s a story about a father and son riding a motorcycle across America years ago. They did it to experience what they couldn’t just by flying or even driving in a car. Throughout the journey, Pirsig explained how in life we have two opposing forces in us and how the ancient Greeks discussed much of what is happening to us today.
The quote above about technology seemed appropriate as it relates to people today with Twitter. Actually, Pirsig was talking about telephones back then but the same principles apply. Today many businesses are in a quandary about what to do with employees who use Twitter all day and don’t get their work done. Yet they don’t want to ban Twitter fearing that they will fall behind others and not be on top of the latest and the best.
So, what is the solution? How does this relate to the important topic of Relationship Marketing? What does it have to do with “Twitter Maintenance?” What does it have to do with Facebook, LinkedIn and any other function in business?
As with most questions like this in business, we have to go back to the basics. What is it that we are supposed to do? Well, my ole buddy Peter Drucker would tell us that the purpose of a business is “to create and keep a customer.” (I refer to Peter Drucker as “my ole buddy” even though I never met this genius — I just read a lot of his material and admire the sage advice of this legend – hence I consider him “my buddy.”)
If we filter every activity and every business decision through the prism of “creating and keeping customers” then we gain a whole new perspective on how to perform maintenance on Twitter – or any activity.
Like email was a few years ago when it emerged from the damp and dreary dungeons of academia to spring forth into life in businesses around the world, the Social Media channels all have their purpose. You shouldn’t ignore them anymore than you would ignore email.
Yet, if you spend all day, every day on email, you aren’t usually going to get a lot done (unless answering email from customers and keeping them happy is your primary job). And that is the key. Make sure you stay in touch with people. It is people who matter most in business. Drucker’s statement has within it the inherent emphasis on “customer” – the person. Focus on people. Connect with them and help them solve their problems. This is Relationship Marketing.
If you use personal face-to-face meetings to help customers, that’s great. If you do it over a telephone, wonderful! If you are making customers (paying customers, that is) giddy with glee that they are dealing with you and your company – I’m High-Fiving you across the digital frontier! Good for you!
So, as a manager of yourself and leader of others, constantly ask how you’re helping customers. Remember the emphasis is on paying customers, not just “opportunities.” Don’t rationalize here. If someone is a “potential customer” they are on trial. If they emerge as a paying customer within a reasonable period of time – that’s wonderful. If not, put them into a back-burner mode where you can stay in touch (they might become paying customers in the future or recommend you for someone else). However, your emphasis has to be on paying customers – if you want to stay in business!
This is the best way to enjoy “Zen and the Art of Twitter Maintenance.” Focus on making customers giddy with glee, and build your bottom line.
Somehow, I think both my buddies Peter Drucker and Robert Pirsig would be smiling at us and nodding with approval.
About The Author:
Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who works with businesses to generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at http://www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: @TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock
Good info. Lucky me I found your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what
I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any suggestions for novice blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
This post offers clear idea designed for the new visitors of blogging, that in fact how to do blogging and site-building.
whoah this weblog is magnificent i love studying your articles.
Keep up the good work! You know, many people are looking around for this info, you could help them
greatly.
I go to see everyday a few web sites and sites to read articles,
however this web site gives feature based posts.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
Very helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you
and good luck.
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who wants to understand this topic.
You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a
brand new spin on a subject which has been written about
for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your website is useful.
Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo
News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get
there! Many thanks
I have learn some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how a lot attempt you put to make this sort
of great informative website.
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Cheers!
Hey very cool blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..
I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
I’m satisfied to seek out so many helpful info here in the submit, we want develop more strategies on this regard,
thanks for sharing. . . . . .
I simply couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I actually loved the
standard information an individual provide for your visitors?
Is going to be back ceaselessly to check up on new posts
My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong
none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites
for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into
it? Any help would be really appreciated!
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some
stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
Great post. plenty of fish natalielise
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article
or vice-versa? My site covers a lot of the same
subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
Good write-up. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
natalielise pof
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am
waiting for your next post thank you once again.
I have read so many articles or reviews regarding the blogger lovers however this post is actually
a pleasant article, keep it up.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
It will always be useful to read articles from
other authors and practice something from other websites.
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant post.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I
could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and
was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and
I look forward to your new updates.
viagra wholesale [url=https://viagenupi.com/#]generic viagra reviews[/url] viagra brand name generic viagra reviews women viagra https://viagenupi.com/
hydroxychloroquine otc https://azhydroxychloroquine.com/
Yes! Finally something about g a.
Can I just say what a relief to uncover a person that
truly understands what they’re talking about on the web.
You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
More and more people should check this out and understand this
side of your story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular since you surely have the
gift.
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working
hard in support of his web site, since here every stuff is quality based stuff.
My brother recommended I would possibly like this blog.
He was once entirely right. This post actually made my
day. You can not imagine just how a lot time
I had spent for this info! Thank you!
cephalexin 500mg capsule https://keflex.webbfenix.com/
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
careprost bimatoprost ophthalmic solution https://www.jueriy.com/
I have been browsing on-line more than three hours as of late, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours.
It is lovely value sufficient for me. Personally, if all site owners and
bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the internet can be a lot more useful than ever before.
cheap cialis online without prescription https://www.wisig.org/
Howdy would you mind letting me know which
webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and
I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend
a good hosting provider at a reasonable price?
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Here is my web site purtier placenta
It is in reality a great and helpful piece of info.
I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you ever been blogging for?
you make blogging glance easy. The total glance of your web
site is great, let alone the content material!
Nice Post
does walmart carry generic viagra https://viatribuy.com/
Saved as a favorite, I like your website!
My web page – blog
Highly energetic post, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part
2?
My webpage; more helpful hints
It’s in fact very complex in this active life
to listen news on TV, thus I simply use web for
that purpose, and obtain the most up-to-date information.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It will always be interesting to read through articles from other writers and practice a
little something from their web sites.
Do you have any video of that? I’d like to find out more details.
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A small number of my blog readers have complained about my website
not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?
Quality content is the key to interest the people to visit the web site, that’s what this web page is providing.
Also visit my web page – big black cock enter’s rajapandi’s tender asshole
I visited several web pages except the audio quality for audio songs current
at this web site is in fact marvelous.
sitagliptin 100 mg tablet http://lm360.us/
cialis for sale http://cialisoni.com/
hydroxychloroquine tablet price in india https://webbfenix.com/
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield
this increase.
Also visit my webpage – order backlinks cheap
What’s up friends, its impressive piece of writing on the topic of cultureand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
bookmarked!!, I like your site!
Feel free to visit my page – דירות דיסקרטיות
Peculiar article, exactly what I wanted to find.
Look at my blog … Resurge review 2020
I’m now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic.
I needs to spend a while finding out more or working out more.
Thanks for excellent info I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
my blog post; stem cell rejuvenation supplements
Everyone loves what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to our blogroll.
Feel free to surf to my web blog; clickbank affiliate marketing tools
whoah this blog is magnificent i like reading your posts.
Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are hunting round for
this info, you can aid them greatly.
Here is my web page alex debelov
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes
it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to
create your theme? Outstanding work!
Also visit my homepage :: alexander debelov
Hi there, I found your site by means of Google while looking for a similar subject, your website came up, it
looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, just turned into alert to your blog via Google,
and found that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Many other people might be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
My web site; gordon ramsay masterclass price
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have
read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.
My web-site – gordon ramsey master class
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
my web site; chef ramsay masterclass
Great blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
My blog … gute rezeptfreie schlaftabletten
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a
new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
my webpage … schlaftabletten ohne rezept kaufen
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice at the
same time as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for
a weblog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your
broadcast offered vibrant transparent concept
my website … rezeptfreie schlaftabletten die wirken
Nice response in return of this issue with firm
arguments and explaining all concerning that.
Feel free to visit my website – garage door installation Los Angeles
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or tips.
Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
I wish to read more things about it!
Also visit my web blog – beste schlaftabletten ohne rezept
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always interesting to read content from other authors and practice
something from other sites.
Here is my blog: starke schlaftabletten online bestellen ohne rezept
Awesome blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like
Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m
completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Cheers!
Also visit my homepage rezeptpflichtige schlaftabletten ohne rezept
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this website daily, this web site is truly
fastidious and the users are genuinely sharing good thoughts.
Also visit my homepage Shincheonji Corona
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!!
I certainly loved every bit of it. I have you book marked to check out new stuff you post…
Also visit my page; Domino QQ
Thanks very nice blog!
Here is my blog post; marquee
If some one wishes to be updated with most up-to-date technologies afterward he must be
pay a quick visit this site and be up to date daily.
cheap flights 3aN8IMa
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your site by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved it for later!
Feel free to surf to my web site; Slot Indonesia
Howdy! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask.
Does operating a well-established website such as yours take a lot of work?
I’m brand new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary daily.
I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any recommendations or
tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
Stop by my web page Slot Deposit Ovo
Somebody necessarily help to make critically articles
I’d state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far?
I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual
put up amazing. Wonderful task! cheap flights 32hvAj4
Your way of explaining everything in this paragraph is truly fastidious, every one be
capable of without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot.
My blog post – click here
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly comeback.
Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit
once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may
you be rich and continue to guide others.
Hello There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is an extremely
neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll definitely comeback.
Feel free to surf to my site: garage door screens Houston
Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity
in your post is simply cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to
date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.
Also visit my blog :: modern garage doors Houston
Hi there colleagues, how is all, and what you would like to say
on the topic of this paragraph, in my view its actually remarkable designed for me.
My blog post overhead door Houston
azithromycin for sale https://azithromycinx250.com/
sildenafil citrate http://droga5.net/
Generally I do not learn article on blogs, however I
would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it!
Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice post.
My homepage :: suadiye escort
Hi there colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to say on the topic of this paragraph, in my view
its actually remarkable designed for me.
Also visit my web-site; mattress
It’s actually very complex in this active life to listen news on TV, so I just use the web for that reason, and get the most
up-to-date information.
Also visit my web site; best mattress