There are meetings and there are meetings. I have experienced the total waste and boredom of corporate meetings that are scheduled for the sake of having a meeting. Some managers arrange meetings so that they have something to keep them occupied, otherwise they would have nothing to do.

Sales meetings and meeting with customers are important. Your success rate increases with personal contact. Just make sure that the meeting is constructive and concise and never start by talking about the weekend's sport.

Follow up calls keep you in the loop and you can easily pick up whether a competitor is encroaching on your turf. It is then easier to react (or be pro-active) with the appropriate service or product.