For all those who say that a grounding in literature has no use, beyond giving us something to think about when we're washing the dishes, here's proof to the contrary: it gives us something marvelous to misquote when casting about for business wisdom.

Today's misquote?: "After long silence, a formal feeling comes..."

The greatest challenge for independent business folks is to keep in touch with their customers and colleagues. We've lost the corner store to stop in and chat on the way home. We're so busy, running from appointment-to-appointment, barely keeping up with ourselves. Connections slip between the cracks, whether they are gaps which could be filled with emails or phone calls.

So listen to Emily Dickinson, and remember that the longer your silence, the more formal the re-introduction to each other. If you have a few (or more) folks you've "lost touch with," connect with them sooner rather than later. You won't be sorry. They'll probably be glad you "stopped by" to talk.

And put that guilt through the shredder. Odds are they haven't noticed, and will be happy to hear from you. Even if you have some relationship repair to do, at least you'll have connected -- and that's 90% of the battle!

Get out that cell phone. Boot up your laptop. Reconnect with only three people you've neglected every day, and you'll see your business -- and your energy -- grow exponentially.

Oh, yes, for those of you who are sticklers for literary accuracy, the real quote is: "After great pain, a formal feeling comes..." It's just as true, but I'll write about that another day.

Until then, hit that speed dial! Seize the day! Just Do It!

You'll be glad you did.