When I was at the height of my sales career, I found myself going from one telephone call to another. My movements were much like that of a chimp swinging from vine to vine.  And, that was before cell phones became the norm.

Throughout the years, many of my customers became friends as well.  The reasons for calls between us included family topics, seeking advice, politics, sports and health.  The list could go on and on.  We were all super busy but made the time to stay in touch.  Gradually, things changed as my friends began to move to other companies and retire.  Their priorities shifted, and calls from them, and to them, either slowed to a trickle, or stopped altogether.

Nowadays, I find myself reaching for my cell phone to call one of them, but stop midway.  A little voice in my head reminding me that the last time I spoke to that individual, I couldn’t get them off the phone. Do I really have the time for that again?  More times than not, I heed the warning and don’t make the call; telling myself I’ll make it later.  Only later floats away.

Occasionally, I push aside my concern and make the call.  And, you know what, I am glad I did.  My friend and I end up talking for half an hour or more, but the conversation is a helluva lot of fun.  We reminisce, we laugh, we talk about our families, and, yes, we compare aches and pains.  I love ever minute of it.  Before we hang up, we promise to be more mindful about staying in touch.  Then, the cycle repeats itself with no contact for six months at best.

One thing I have found to be more of a constant is that if I don’t initiate the call in the first place, the other party seems less inclined to do so.  Perhaps they think I talk too much!  It’s possible.  Just ask my wife (LOL).  The point is that maintaining valuable friendships is more important than saving time.  So, pick up your phone and make a call to a friend you haven’t spoken with for a long time.  What are you waiting for?