Not that I would claim to have extra time on my hands, but I had a moment this morning where I was thining about some old friends, owners of small businesses or media agencies, with whom I'd love to keep in better contact. (or, that I wish would keep in better contact with me...two way street, sure, but you send me info first...come to think of it, I am communicating with you, read my damn blog)

I was also thinking about all of the companies that I've done business with in the past year that I'd like to have relationships with. You know why I had to think about these people, because they've made me. They've made me think about them, which takes energy, because they don't have good email newsletters (OK option) and they don't have RSS feeds from their sites. (if they had a damned feed, or newsletter, I'd be forced, albeit by my own choice, to hear about them on a semi-regular basis)

Now, granted, I'm not a customer now (was formerly, not at present) but I will be a customer again. Please, give me something to work with here people. Communicate with me regualary. I want that!

They are breaking a very simple rule.

If you're not communicating regulary with your customers and those who have been or could be your customers, rest assured that your competitors are!

I'd have thought that we'd be leveling the playing field by now. Meaning that every company would have at least one way for customers to 'opt in' to hearing more from them. Just one!

What the hell people? Are companies not confident that people want to hear from them? Do you not have anything to say? (what the hell are you doing every day?) Damnit, just one opt in! That's all I need...AT LEAST GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW YOU TO JAM INFORMATION DOWN MY THROAT!

Action creates information and ideas. If you're company is doing anything but standing dead ass still, you're creating something of value that can be shared with past, current and future customers to show them a bit of life!

I guess we must go to the same church, Dana. Certainly we're singing from the same hymn-sheet. In this long tail world you're always playing the percentages. This time round a few of those micro-niches may spot your message and click, the awareness of your brand goes up a notch. So provided the way you do this does not turn-off any potential clients, it should be a no-brainer.

I'm guessing that the companies that need to hear this message are not the people reading your blog.