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Zvi Band
Engineer turned entrepreneur and author
Zvi Band is an engineer turned entrepreneur and author, currently based in Washington, D.C. He is best known as the co-founder of Contactually, a relationship-oriented CRM that he led from its inception in 2011 until its acquisition by Compass in 2019. After the acquisition, he served as the General Manager of CRM at Compass, overseeing the development of their CRM platform and various training initiatives until he left in January 2021 to pursue new projects.
Currently, Zvi is focused on several ventures including Relatable, a CRM designed to help professionals maintain important relationships, and BeMoreRelatable, a coaching program aimed at enhancing personal connections. He is also an author, having written Success is in Your Sphere, which emphasizes the importance of relationships in achieving business goals. Additionally, Zvi is involved in angel investing and frequently speaks on topics related to business relationships and entrepreneurship.123
Zvi has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including being named a Washingtonian Tech Titan and a finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year. He is dedicated to fostering human connections and actively engages in community-building efforts, such as co-founding the DC Tech Meetup.23
Highlights
We all walk around with these mental files on people. What we appreciate about them. The traits we admire. The small things they do that stand out.
But most of us keep those files locked away.
Research shows we consistently underestimate how positive recipients will feel and overestimate how awkward it will be. We think the upside is small and the downside is large.
It’s the opposite.
And unlike that leftover bagel in your fridge, kind words don't get stale.
Your Action Plan: Start keeping a running list. Then share it. This week, pick one person and tell them.
Yes, it might feel odd at first. Do it anyway.
👉 Read the full newsletter: https://t.co/xC9VIgUu1A

I stopped sending holiday cards and my network got stronger
Here's the thing about december. everyone's sending the same "happy holidays from our family" cards with the same generic message. it feels obligatory. calculated. like checking a box.
Last year i tried something different. instead of blasting out holiday cards to everyone in my CRM, i started marking dates that actually mattered to specific people. industry conferences they attend. fiscal year ends for their business. the anniversary of when we first met. then i'd reach out with something relevant to that moment. "hope Q4 is closing strong" hits different than "happy holidays."
The response rate tripled.
People aren't looking for more generic well-wishes. they're looking for proof you actually pay attention to their world. here's the play:
Look at your calendar and mark the natural rhythms that affect your people. budget cycles. seasonal busy periods. annual events in their industry.
Then reach out when it's relevant to them, not just when hallmark tells you to.
Bonus: you'll stand out when everyone else is drowning in identical holiday cards.
What rhythm are you using to stay connected?

