Everything Matters in Internet Marketing by Rodney Loges

Last week while visiting my grandpa in Panama City, Fla., I accompanied him on his daily ritual — the errand run.

First, we needed cash. We zoomed past the ATM, parked, and marched through the lobby straight to Julie, his favorite teller. Next, we needed stamps. We drove to the post office and once again, headed for “real people” because as grandpa says, only real people can laugh! Following a friendly encounter in the post office we made our way to the grocery store. As we entered, a teenage employee greeted us with a “Hello.” and “How are you today?” Once inside, another employee inquired, “How can I help you?” To top it off, the woman behind us in the checkout line asked whether we had a shopper’s card and offered us hers. We saved $1.91 upon checking out.

That day I was overwhelmed with southern hospitality. It made me consider how fantastic it would be if social media, or as I prefer to call it, online relationship building, followed the lesson of the simple errand run.

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn — and a thousand other similar applications are merely tools. The challenge for us all is to use these tools effectively.

1. Engage people often.
2. Learn about them.
3. Laugh with them.
4. Look out for others.
5. Share your good energy.

And remember as grandpa told me years ago, “You can’t email a handshake.”

I welcome you to share your favorite customer service experience!