Sometimes, the simplest communications are the most powerful

In the communications business, we're always making a big fuss over new technologies and tools.

But sometimes, it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference. For example, a hand-written thank you note. Or a face-to-face conversation.

Case in point:

My oldest daughter's high school marching band competed in the area contest last weekend. They gathered at a local stadium very early Saturday morning to rehearse one last time, before boarding buses for the hour-plus drive to the contest.

As they practiced, a visitor walked up to the band director and the two started talking. When the drill was finished, the band director gathered the students together and told them a special guest wanted to have a few words with them.

That visitor was the head football coach, who praised the band for its hard work and commitment and thanked everyone for their support throughout the season.

He told them how important their presence was at the games, and how much it meant to the team that they had stayed to the end of the game Friday night despite the fact they had to be up and out so early the next day.

And then, in true coach fashion, he gave 'em all a big pep talk about doing their best and making it to state.

That's a pretty cool story. When I was in high school, most coaches would've rather gone 0-10 than talk to the band -- unless they were telling them to get the hell off the field. Believe me, it didn't go unnoticed by my daughter and her bandmates, either. It's hard to impress 15- and 16-year-olds, but they were impressed.

It's also an example of how powerful communications can be when they are simple and heartfelt. No blog. No newsletter. No videocast. No strategic messaging.

Just a personal visit, a few words of support ... and a dramatic impact.

Is there someone you can communicate with -- a customer or client, for example -- by making a call or writing a note? You might just make a difference in their day, or in their life.

Quick hit: The band? Second place at area, headed to the state finals in San Antonio later this month!!