The Importance Of Giving A Sh*t

Let me start off with a quick story about Chris Brogan. And, no, this is not an ass kisser post, although it might seem that way. 🙂

Chris and I have met at several different events. The first time, though, that we really hung out was at an Izeafest event in Orlando, FL. We ended up going to dinner with several other people, but a small enough group where we all had a chance to talk for awhile. My friend from Vegas, Warren Whitlock, was there, too. It was a great meal.

It was at this event, though, that Chris met me. And, an inside joke formed. I don’t even quite remember how it started, but now I’ve got a nickname of “handsome Dave” from this thing.

Yeah, I’m just THAT sexy.

Anyway, let me get to the point of this…

In the times I’ve interacted with Chris since, I’ve always been impressed that he remembered my name quite well. More recently, Chris and I hung out at a bar in LA for Blogworld and it was more like catching up. He even complemented how I do things here on DavidRisley.com. 🙂

I’m not the only person who has had this experience. Chris Brogan has always impressed me with how well he remembers names. He’s freakin’ uncanny at it. He’s very personable. He’s likable. He has a sense of humor. And I think it is no coincidence that he is as well known as he is.

I told you this story to make a point…

People want to feel important. They want to feel acknowledged. They want to feel like you care about them.

When you do that, they will remember you. They’ll go to bat for you.

How can you apply this to your online business? Your blogging?

Well, here’s a few ideas:

1. Make a point to reply to blog comments whenever you can. Try to acknowledge people in your comments.
2. Make a point to reply to your emails from your readers. Don’t become a snob who outsources your email to a VA and has no way for people to contact you without a middle man. This is a people business we’re in here.
3. Interact with people on social media. Reply to tweets. Reply to wall posts.
4. Be super-cool. Be real. Don’t write like a professor. Write like a real human being and treat your readers like friends.
5. If you’re selling something, consider personally emailing people to THANK THEM after they’ve bought from you. This means so much more to people than an automated thank you email from your shopping cart. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even send them a letter in the mail.
6. When you can, address people by name. Sometimes it is hard. Online, it is easier because you often have their name in front of you. Offline, harder. I personally SUCK at remembering people’s names unless I really get to know them better.
7. Include your personality with your content.

I’ll throw out another name for you. A friend of mine. His name is Pat Flynn. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. 🙂

Pat is another guy who I think does a great job of keeping it personable. In fact, he’s done a great job of scaling it up as his SPI blog has grown. People are fond of Pat because he just keeps it real. And keeps it personable. And he’s super cool.

Being personable is important.

It starts with GIVING A SHIT. This is a people business.

And don’t you forget it.