Hmm. I have mixed feelings about this. I do agree with the sentiment but my experience has been different. I think it depends on your target audience. I've found when working with Start-Ups they prefer the personal touch and want to deal with me as an individual. I can email from my gmail account, conduct consultation over skype and even put smileys in my email.
I've found it very easy to attract and nurture leads.
When dealing with a conventional business however, everything changes. I need a corporate email address, a limited company name, VAT reg and everything has to be done in person. Even just getting a reply to my email is hard work.
Not to mention, even if I do get my foot in the door with an initial consultation, convering that into paid work is seriously hard work because i have to deal with things like being on an approved supplier list etc.
So yes, if your target audience is B2B (traditional) I'd agree, but if it's consumer or start-up - not so much.
I've found it very easy to attract and nurture leads.
When dealing with a conventional business however, everything changes. I need a corporate email address, a limited company name, VAT reg and everything has to be done in person. Even just getting a reply to my email is hard work.
Not to mention, even if I do get my foot in the door with an initial consultation, convering that into paid work is seriously hard work because i have to deal with things like being on an approved supplier list etc.
So yes, if your target audience is B2B (traditional) I'd agree, but if it's consumer or start-up - not so much.