I think a lot about the future. I can't help it. Working with my clients we need to anticipate what will happen next. Here's what I'm thinking:

We are getting better and better at dissecting information. We are constantly bombarded with new information - RSS feeds, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn - we have learned to grab what we want, respond as needed, and ignore the rest. What this means is that if you want your message heard it needs to rise above the din of information. The request or offer needs to be compelling and serious. You need to make it easy to respond. If you don't, you will be ignored.

People will continue to do business with people. What will become more and more important is the personal touch. When we flew down yesterday, the gate agent at the airport was very efficient, but also personable and attentive. She recognized us as customers. She saw her job as to make sure we booked again on United. So many people see their job as to do the task at hand, to solve the immediate problem. Their real job is to win and keep a customer, to get that customer to buy again and again and again. Think of it as the lifetime value of a customer. That's why I tell my clients that it's OK to offer deals as long as they are structured to win a customer, not make a sale.

Smart devices will become even smarter and you will need to keep up with them. Part of this is understanding how your customers and prospects are using their devices, and part of it is staying current with your messaging. If your website isn't optimized for a smart phone, it should be. When you send someone an email message, will it be easy to read on a phone? If not, rethink what you are trying to communicate. If the message isn't clear in 140 characters, it probably won't be read in its entirety. Facetime is a fantastic communication tool available on the Apple products. It provides face to face communications with an HD feel. Imagine how effective it would be if, when someone visiting your website clicked live chat, you appeared in person!

The future is already here. Are you participating?

While I was on the plane I was thinking about meaningful distractions - like those holiday movies with a moral, the ones that have been showing on TV for the last two weeks. If you want an education on sales and enjoy a little slapstick humor, watch Tommy Boy starring Chris Farley. I think about that movie every time I'm on a flight or read a guarantee.

Let me know what your favorites are and I'll start a list on my website.

The next time you are planning to attend a networking event, don't take your business cards. The object is no longer to get one of your business cards into another person's hands, it is to uncover a reason to send an email to that person that will contain your contact information. Just make a note of that reason on their card. The questions you ask will be key to uncovering that need. It could be as simple as pointing them to a resource, helping them to make a connection, or inviting them to continue the conversation over coffee. You will be remembered for your contribution - and your card won't be sitting in a pile on their desk..