PETER SHANKMAN
| POSTED ON January 28th, 2010 | 21 COMMENTS | + ADD YOUR COMMENT |
I got to wear the 1986 New York Mets World Series Ring and hold the trophy today, in a parking lot of an Embassy Suites, in Omaha, Nebraska, because Ed Hearn, a former NY Mets player, sent me an email asking for advice about publicity.
1986 Mets World Series Ring and Trophy
I get a lot of questions from people who see me speak, are on HARO, have read my book, or have seen me on TV. Email is probably 60% or more of my time.
I’ve been told over and over to outsource my email. I will never do it.
If someone takes the time to email me, the least I can do is email them back, even if it’s just to say “no thanks.”
My rule: Always answer the first email, always take the first meeting. Why?
Five reasons:
5) You never know when someone you meet will lead to work – either now or in the future
4) It gets you out of the house/office and forces you to see things in a new way.
3) Every second of every day in life should be a networking opportunity
2) You get to meet truly amazing people when you least expect it, and get a window into their lives.
1) It’s good Karma.
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so happy you answered my first email. what a great friend charlie and i cherish! |
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No doubt! I follow that advice, and it’s gifted me some of the greatest adventures, friends, and opportunities. Nice Trophy by the way :) |
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I love the new format for viewing your blog/site via PDA. I love the advice in this post as well! Thanks, Peter! |
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Very good advice. Reminds me of something that was told to me by the CEO of a local company here near Sacramento. He told me “allow yourself to be recruited.” This works for everything in life. |
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Great post. I frequently get people who want to meet and sell me something. Aside from qualifying how I spent my time wisely, I remind myself that everyone is just trying to make a living. |
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Lucky for people who listen to The Career Clinic radio show, you answered my eMail. Thanks again for a great program–whose host, by the way, was born and raised in Omaha! |
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Good Karma! It doesn’t take long to respond to someone and it’s a mutual courtesy to others. I especially like #3, it’s about actual human contact…what a concept! |
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Perfect advice! I once met with a person who none of my competitors would meet with because they felt she could not provide them business. I had a nice breakfest meeting with her, learned more about her and what she needed for her business/career to succeed. She is now my biggest supporter in a company that my competitors are struggling to get to. Not only that – I made a great friend. That’s as you say … good karma. P.S. – Thanks for friending me on facebook! ;) |
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On my way to answer that first e-mail now. You know, the one that I trashed earlier today. |
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Love this. Thanks for the simple reminder to show common courtesy and let someone know you’re listening. |
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This is so true – even if you do have to ultimately say – no thanks. It’s so easy in an overwhelmed world to say no or hit delete, but I’ve found it so much more rewarding to say YES to possbilities, at least the first time around. |
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Hey there, Peter! |
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The rule “first impressions count” has been forgotten by many. Glad to see you writing about the pleasures of what happens when you, as a business owner, makes a great first impression. With relationships being so important, I’m glad to see more and more folks answering their own emails. |
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Well said! My whole career depends on answering that first email…and the next, and the next, and the next! And who couldn’t use good Karma! Thanks for the short sweet reminders. |
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Applying the same rule to phone calls (at least returning them, even if you’re not interested in another pitch) is another way to get some Good Karma! |
PETER TO SPEAK
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