… purchased a patio umbrella.

Our last umbrella met with an untimely death during a recent windstorm.

I bought the umbrella from Overstock, an online everything store that sends me an email every … single … day.

The last email of theirs I opened was on May 28th. Today, with “replacement umbrella” on my mind, I opened another.

Timing is a critical element in selling anything, whether that’s an umbrella or a professional service.

Until I have a problem that needs solving, it doesn’t matter how compelling your service, how attractive your price, how wonderful your web site, or anything else – I’m not listening.

If you can find a way to stay in front of people over and over again – publishing a newsletter, joining a networking group, sending stay in touch emails, volunteering in industry associations, etc. – you have a good chance of being top of mind whenever the next windstorm hits.