If you’re like most Middle Tennessee business professionals, you probably rely heavily on digital communication – texting, email, online chat, IMs and social media – to get work done. The truth is, technology has made it easier than ever to communicate. You can carry on multiple “conversations” at the same time, without ever seeing or hearing the people with whom you’re “talking.”
But although digital media makes it easier to communicate, it’s often not the most effective way to communicate. Here are a few reasons why the phone is often a better choice:
- The phone builds business relationships more effectively. If you’re trying to attract a top candidate or land a new account, phone time and face time go a lot further than texts or emails. Think of it this way: if you only ever emailed your family and friends, how strong do you think those relationships would be?
- The phone is more intimate. Ideally, all sensitive work matters (both good and bad) should be handled in person. When that isn’t possible, the phone is your next best choice. Unlike digital communication, the phone is intimate and allows you to truly connect with the human being on the other end of the line.
- The phone is more efficient for long, complex conversations. If you have lots of information to share, the phone is the best choice for several reasons. In general, people don’t like to read lengthy work emails (and may not even read them in their entirety). In addition, email doesn’t instantly allow you to confirm the recipient’s understanding. Finally, emails may not yield immediate responses. Talking on the phone, on the other hand, is a full-duplex, real-time means of communication that saves a ton of time.
- The phone conveys emotion more accurately. Emoticons may be cute to some, but they don’t convey emotion or tone accurately. No matter how many smiley faces you use, you always run the risk of a seemingly innocent text, tweet or email being misconstrued. So when the message is important, never rely on an emoticon to convey your tenor or intention.
- Sometimes, people just want to talk to you. When someone calls you, and he asks you to call him back, do it. Sending a text or email instead can be interpreted as just plain rude. Something was obviously important enough for that individual to pick up the phone and call you in the first place; return the professional courtesy and call him back.
The next time you’re about to write an email, stop for a minute and ask yourself: “Could I get better results with a phone call instead?” If the answer is “yes,” then step away from your keyboard. Pick up the phone and use your voice instead!
At Wood Personnel, we understand the importance of face time and phone time. From in-person interviews to on-site visits, we make an effort to get to know every candidate and client personally – yielding higher quality matches and better staffing results. Give us a call today to learn more!
