Human Connection

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeI watched a few minutes of CNBC's Big Idea last night. Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks was the guest. He was asked what he attributes their great success with. He essentially said it was the human connection that is felt in their stores. "We are in the service business that happens to sell coffee." He stated in today's society of Internet and instant communication we have lost some of that "human connection" that people crave. This reminded me of my "Automation is killing my business" post in May.

There is no slowing down the Internet. In droves we are seeing services go digital on the web. Companies that are able to translate the "human connection" on the web are going thrive. Why? Because human connection is one of our basic needs, right up there with food and shelter. This explains the wildly popular social networking sites-- for many people this puts a face on the otherwise faceless super highway.

There are many ways to add the "human connection" to your on-line presence:

• Blog
• Forum
• Actual pictures of you/your staff/customers
• Address and phone number on your site
• Testimonials
• Email newsletter to your customers

These are all easy to set up and do. Can't write-- hire a freelance writer to write your blog for you. Engage with your customers and audience and they will engage with you.

Comments Welcomed,
Tim Symchych