Touching base is a communication technique that is simply contacting someone to maintain a relationship. To be effective you need to be genuine and with no specific reason or goal. Your only purpose is to keep the lines of communication open and as a result, it may help you in unforeseen ways.
As a business leader, it keeps you and your team more grounded. A simple technique is just walking around or informally joining an unscheduled meeting. They understand that they are valued and part of something bigger than themselves. They share best practices and improve the individual and as a result, improve their team. Interestingly, touching base helps you stay grounded in the operational realities your team is confronted with. This is a competitive advantage for the leader as it provides insights, improves optics and agility.
A job candidate may touch base with there professional network and an organization of worth may create a position even if they aren’t hiring just to get you in. Its who you know after all. You may be waiting for a call from a potential employer. Touching base is a gentle way to let them know you are interested and you will be making a decision soon as you have other offers.
A sales professional will touch base with both customers and prospects to maintain and build relationships. Top managers and salespeople realize we are all in the relationship business. It is not what you know it’s who you know and if all things are equal the person with the best relationship will win the business. People like to work with people they like.
It is said that familiarity is the state of knowing something very well. It’s also a rather casual way of behaving and can evoke feelings of comfort and closeness. Touching base will help you professionally and your team accomplishes more, It will reassure them in times of change or challenge, it will reduce turnover and they will be more likely to help each other often resulting in a reduction your workload. If you really want to stay grounded touch base with an old friend, mentor, coach, or professor it is good for your spirit and there’s too. Let’s touch base, it will be good to catch up.