Call Me 411
Monday, April 14th, 2008In my company, I am known as 411, but, this honestly seems to be the case with everyone I know. Why 411 you ask? I have the telephone numbers, emails and contact details and everyone knows it. From my six siblings (some who use old emails that I have to correct) to my staff and colleagues, it seems that I am the go-to guy for numbers - who is where, who is doing what and how to reach them!
I have always been one for keeping accurate databases. I did so at my previous company and when an employee left and took the list with him to start another magazine, my database was used. He still uses the list today, seldom updating it. I find it humorous that these names are on copies in waiting rooms with people who have left airlines at least eight years ago.
Databases are difficult to keep up. I just spent eight hours updating ours before I review the contacts on the list with my staff. Keeping numbers, faxes and emails accurate is one thing - titles seem to be somewhat impossible.
Some marketers change PR companies for just this reason - access to another list of contacts. They feel that switch will open up their product to a different group of contacts and prospects.
Traveling is about keeping in contact, having your list right with numbers. While traveling in Korea, I had rented a phone from MOBAL and I found I was using my Blackberry (unable to function in Korea) as a source for telephone numbers. So, feel free to contact me - as the undisputed source or 411!
-Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO
