STEP 10

ROUTINELY UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

It is essential to keep contact information up-to-date, including information on how others can contact you. People move around a lot these days, so it takes a little more effort to stay in touch. You’ll need to maintain good records of the contact information for those with whom you’re building relationships. Whether you use database software or an old-fashioned notebook, use your contact information (mail and e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers) at least twice a year, so you can verify which information remains current and update information as it changes.

Also, make sure that your own current contact information is always available to people who want to stay in touch with you. If you are really on the move, think about getting a post-office box or voice-message service in addition to your e-mail address. Whenever you do move and your contact information changes, let everyone in your contact universe know at least twice. Send a postcard, leave a voice-mail, send a fax, and send an e-mail. Twice.

Now try out

the following worksheet.

Use the next worksheet to make a plan for reaching out to a decision-maker who can help you.