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of sales without meeting each other face-to-face. However, as I explained to them, these examples that they throw back at their old man are few and far between. Most of my transactions are done across the desk, eye-to-eye. Body language interpretation is critical in deal making, as far as I am concerned. I need to see the other party; that’s just the way I roll. I thought that would have ended it, until the lovely things that they really are asked in such a thoughtful way, “Ever hear of Skype or video conferencing?” God bless them, really. “You told us that they installed cameras on your computer at work, right?” they prodded. “Why not just Skype? You could maybe see people more that way, especially the ones who have to travel to see you.” How about skyping? Could that work? It works when we want to talk to my brother on Vancouver Island, B.C. He is my financial advisor (he works at RBC) and we seem to be able to get things done well that way. It works when we want to call my folks when they are in Trail, B.C., Christina Lake, B.C., Italy or wherever else
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they are gallivanting around this world. Makes it feel way more personal than just a phone call. What about Skype (or something Skype-like – we have the latest Microsoft Windows at the office and it has a built-in video app)? I started really thinking about it and I am considering giving this a serious try at work. I just have to send out an email requesting vendors join Skype. How hard can it be? Who doesn’t have a Skype account? I mean, seriously! That is my neatest task at work over the coming months. Send one email to many and let’s see where it goes. The travel time this could save and the fact that I could probably “see” more vendors regularly will be interesting to measure. I know this doesn’t sound revolutionary, but I don’t think video conferencing is being utilized in retail very much at all. In fact, I have never been asked to participate in a video call with a vendor. Only the dreaded phone conference – ugh! I’ll keep you posted!
IHRMAGAZINE.COM • 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PART 1
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