Pick Up The Phone And Talk To A Customer

It’s a unique time in history. We are all struggling with fear, uncertainty, risk. Physical separation and isolation is becoming increasingly important, both for our own safety, but also for the safety of others.

Unfortunately, this separation and isolation creates social isolation–which is very unhealthy. Human beings are social creatures, we are used to and thrive on day to day interaction with our colleagues, suppliers, customers.

We are used to participating in meeting after meeting (perhaps a silver lining to what we are going through is we will bee more thoughtful about meetings.). We are used to chatting with each other in Starbucks lines, lunches, high-fives, fist bumps, handshakes.

But many of these are gone, whether we are working from home, being more careful about physical proximity.

Many are trying to figure out how to do their jobs, many are feeling isolated or disconnected. People are struggling to make sense of what they are now facing, how they get things done, what they should be doing, how to feel part of something, while they are physically isolated.

It’s time to pick up the phone. No texts, no emails, no social platforms. Pick up the phone and talk to someone. You are probably dealing with some of the same issues that come with physical separation.

It’s not the time to pitch people, it’s the time to show that you care–about them. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but ask them how they are doing, ask how they are keeping engaged and productive, share some ideas.

All of us share in this experience. Each of us is figuring things out. We can learn from each other, at the same time feel more connected.

After you’ve talked to 10 customers, call 5 of your colleagues doing the same thing.

Then call a few family members or friends.

We all share the same sense of unease and discomfort. We are trying to figure things out. We wonder how we can make an impact, we wonder if anyone cares.

Pick up the phone and talk to a customer. You will be amazed at what you will learn and how they will appreciate it.