The idea behind business development is finding a way to standing out from the rest. Today with the Internet there are many ways to do that. But just as the Internet has become the most powerful tool of this century… email has become an avalanche that we need to deal with on a daily basis.

• If you want to send a heartfelt message, DO NOT send an email. Send a handwritten note! Today I came across a blog post from Gerry Riskin who points out that people SAVE treasured handwritten notes. I bet that right now you could put your hands on a handwritten note YOU have received. Need I say more?
• If you want to build more meaningful relationships… pick up the phone! Have a conversation. An exchange that gives both of you more insight into one another.

Yes, it’s easier and faster to shoot off an email. But is speed always what is needed? I don’t think so. Building deep relationships… being top of mind… and connecting to our humanity is often more important.

Black Pearl: How do we get our email under control? Read The Hamster Revolution. It will give you a system to deal with the avalanche… better yet go on-line and take the course. Learn strategies that can save you 15… yes… 15 days a year. What could you do with an additional 15 day a year?