人們常問我：「要如何與人保持聯繫或者和最近沒有說過話甚至沒見過面的人取得聯繫？」
People often ask me, “how can I stay in touch with people or get back in touch with people that I haven't seen or spoken with recently?”
首先要做出『承諾』來提升這方面，這讓我想到一句非常古老的諺語：『逝者已矣，來者可追』意思就是：明白以往的錯誤已經無法改正，未來的事情卻是現在可以補救的。
Start by making a commitment to improve in this area. There’s a great Chinese proverb that I really like – “When’s the best time to plant an Oak tree? The answer is – 20 years ago. When’s the second best time – now!”
現在有七個策略可以幫助你改進這ㄧ方面：
So, here are 7 strategies that will help you improve in this area – now.
如果你無法做到全部，那就做你上手的吧！
If you can’t do them all – do what works for you.
1、分類名單！
你是無法和「所有人」都保持聯繫。
你必須先問自己，你想和什麼樣的人聯絡並且問自己為什麼想和這些人保持聯絡？
可以分為私人或者是專業導向的名單。
重點在於，創建一張有關聯性的名單！
1. Sort through your list. You can’t stay in touch with everyone. Who do you want to make sure to stay connected with and why? It could be personal, it could be professional, but create a list that you want to focus on.
2、運用溝通軟體！
並不一定是FB或LinkedIn，也可以運用Pinterest 或是其他的社交通訊軟體, Snapchat, What’s App，不論他們使用什麼。
我每個孩子都使用不同的通訊軟體，假如我想跟他們聯繫—我就必須用的溝通模式。
像我最大的女兒，我就得發訊息或打電話跟她聯繫。
像跟我第二個女兒，我就要用what’s app或發訊息。
像跟我兒子聯繫時，我就要用一款叫Steam的線上遊戲才找得到他。
我有一些商業夥伴只能在FB或LinkedIn上和我聯繫。
其他人則是發送電子郵件。
這就是關鍵點：和你想溝通的人使用相同的通訊軟體。
2. Use the system they use! It doesn’t have to be Facebook or LinkedIn – use Pinterest or other programs, Snapchat, What’s App – whatever they use. Each of my children use different systems. If I want to connect with them – I need to go where they are. For my oldest daughter, it’s texting or a phone call. For my second daughter, it’s What’s App or texting. For my son, it’s an online game called Steam. I have some business associates who only reach out to me on Facebook or LinkedIn. Others are strictly email. The key here – is to go where the people you want to talk to, hangout.
3、使用社交平台
除了單獨的與人聯繫外還可以運用FB、LinkedIn、Twitter來分享你的訊息和透過點閱率來提升你的優勢！社交媒體真的很棒！下通電話的開始，不用再說：「最近好嗎？」而是可以直接說：「wow～你剪了個新髮型。」或「你換了新工作呀！」
3. Use social media platforms. Use Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter to your advantage by sharing news and reading updates without having to reach out to people on an individual basis. Social media is fantastic. Instead of starting your next call with, “What’s new?” you can jump to, “You cut off your hair!” “You have a new job!”
4、常常的郵寄信件或卡片。
天啊！這真的是很老派的作法，但保證一定有人會讀它。
4. From time to time, use snail mail! Yes, OMG, send a letter or a card. It’s so “old school” and it’s almost guaranteed that someone will read it.
5、線上聯天室/像skype或其他線上即時聊天系統
我雖然不是即時聊天的愛用者，但這關乎於其他人的習慣，為什麼他們這麼愛使用？
我領會到非常多人使用即時線上溝通軟體，如果你想和他們保持聯繫，就應該使用他們會用溝通系統。
5. Online chat/Skype or other instant message systems. I’m not a big fan but – it’s not about me, it’s about the other person. What are they using? I see many people using messaging systems online? If you want to stay connected, connect where they are.
6、定期的電話拜訪。
對，我知道常常的打電話給人是一件瘋狂的事情。
應該常使用你手機裡有個通話鍵。
合適的話，設置一些常用聯絡資訊。
我太太和她的姐妹們這麼做了好幾年。
6. Periodic phone calls. I know, crazy idea, actually talk to people. Your smart phone has a green button – use it. If appropriate, set up regular calls. My wife and her sister have done that for many years.
7、會面交談：千萬不要宅在家裡。
正所謂見面三分情，常常會面對話所建立起來的信任，可以幫助你擊退任何的對手。
你每天都必須吃早餐和午餐，為什麼不和你很好的合作夥伴一週會面個幾次呢？
你可以透過一頓飯的時間來和你的夥伴制定個可以互助合作的戰略模式，這真是一舉兩得啊。
7. Face to face. Don’t be a “cave dweller.” Nothing beats actually meeting someone face to face and having a conversation. You have to eat breakfast and lunch every day, so why not do this a few times a week with a good referral partner? You can kill two birds with one stone by strategizing with your referral partner about how to help each other over a meal.
故意不正視問題，希望問題自動消失，這種行為是非常恐怖的事情，特別是當你正在建造事業版圖時。
選擇一些我上面說的技巧，然後和一些人建立起溝通線。
沒錯，就是從現在時刻開始，保持適當的溝通。
Benign neglect is a horrible thing when it comes to building social capital. Start today to stay in touch. Pick a few of the techniques I listed above and “touch” someone. Hey now, keep it appropriate.
