When you are new to IM, the field can seem very intimidating, particularly if you have no prior knowledge of the field. As you browse through forums and articles, you’ll discover all kinds of lists about what you should do to be the next big thing. The items on these lists probably all appear conflicting. One list will state that becoming successful in IM is all about exercising patience. Another is going to tell you that you need to have lots of business savvy. Still, another will tell you that creativity is what will get you ahead. And don’t forget about all of the pages telling you that the software offering there is what will help you become the next big thing.
The truth is that all of these things are essential to your success (well, perhaps not all of those software packages, but the other stuff). You have to be persevering and smart about business and creative if you wish to succeed. Of course, if you can’t clearly communicate with buyers and clients, none of the rest of it will actually matter.
Good communication involves more than just setting up a kick-ass sales page. You can get a highly skilled copywriter to take care of that for you. There is more to effective communication than putting up a beautiful website that has an extensive FAQ. A seasoned designer and writer can do those things. Being good at communication takes learning to handle interpersonal communication as well as your copy and site. How do you get that?
1. Answer each and every email you receive within 24 hours of it hitting your inbox. This is not a joke. You don’t have to write a long note for each mail. All you have to do is write a quick note that says something like “I received your e-mail and will be sending you a full response shortly.” It is a good idea to include a reference to something they’ve written when you do this. This helps the person emailing you tell you apart from the auto responders that everybody else uses.
2. Answer your phone. Don’t screen your calls. If your phone rings, answer it by the third ring. You need to do this even if the Caller ID tells you that the call is from someone that you truly do not want to talk to. There is, however, an exemption to this rule. Don’t worry about being near your phone 24/7. Instead, just set definite “business” hours during which you plan on being available to talk on the phone. Put these hours up on your website and state them in your voice mail message. And, of course, return your phone calls.
3. Follow up with people to be certain that your messages and emails have truly been delivered. This will indicate to the person that you truly care about keeping in touch with them. It will help your clients and customers trust you further if you genuinely take the time to ask if they have any questions about your messages so that they can ask you to clear up anything they need clarified.
Victor C.Franco writes about Internet Marketing along with Father of the Groom Speech.To know more about Father of Groom Toasts Click here.
