I think this post brings up a great point that programmer types tend to overlook: relationship management.
I had a professor in college who taught business ethics, and also an entrepreneurship elective. He would always call everyone in his address book on their birthday and wish them well. It didn't even matter if he hadn't seen them the entire year.
I can't say for sure if it helped him succeed, but for such a small investment of time, imagine the goodwill generated by giving someone a quick 'happy birthday' call.
Really? If I got an arbitrary call on my birthday from some business contact whom I hardly knew, I'd be wondering what was wrong with that person. Relationships aren't a bag of tricks.
It's not like he's calling to pitch anything. He legitimately wants to wish them a happy birthday and catch up with them. I guess some discretion is used when deciding to call someone. (He obviously had to know them well enough at some point to get their birthdate.)
I agree. A card in the mail would be more appropriate. A telephone call is something a bit too personal from someone with whom you've had no other contact in the prior year.
I had a professor in college who taught business ethics, and also an entrepreneurship elective. He would always call everyone in his address book on their birthday and wish them well. It didn't even matter if he hadn't seen them the entire year.
I can't say for sure if it helped him succeed, but for such a small investment of time, imagine the goodwill generated by giving someone a quick 'happy birthday' call.