Think about the last time you were 7+ emails deep in a “reply all” or one-on-one email chain in your business life.  It probably had something to do with making a decision, a negotiation or getting a question answered.

Why did the chain go that long?

How was it working out for you at the time?

Exactly.

I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE SAID

Now think about this: What if you would have picked up the phone after receiving the first email?  Even if it meant calling a couple of the people involved and having a 5 minute conversation with each of them.

That probably would have solved the problem, answered the question or moved the negotiation forward in a positive way.

Let’s keep this discussion short and get to the point…

PICK UP THE PHONE!

We’re so used to email, text, social media direct messages and other forms of written communication that somewhere real, live conversations are starting to get lost in the mix.  Whether you’re shy, “too busy”, just enjoy writing or whatever other reason to avoid phone calls comes into your mind  – one truth remains the same: A personal conversation will always get you quicker results than a typed message.

Why?

Most email chains (reply all or one-on-one) go on and on because of miscommunication and some form on confusion in the messages.  You can’t hear tone of voice and you don’t get immediate feedback.

It’s not just picking up the phone without planning that will get you results; you need to have a plan so you can be sure you are…

MAKING EFFECTIVE, RESPECTFUL AND MEANINGFUL BUSINESS PHONE CALLS

When an email comes up that asks a question or brings up a subject that needs clarification get ready to grab the phone.  Here’s how to have a great call:

  • As soon at the other person picks up, tell them exactly why you’re calling (the email) and that a phone call will help clear things up faster.
  • Respect your time and their time: Tell them you only have a few minutes.
  • If there’s a problem or question that could lead to a problem: Ask them to FIRST clarify what they meant.  Why did they send the email?  What is the best solution they hope to get from the email and how can YOU help THEM get that answer or solution?
  • Work with them, get on the same page.
  • When  you hang up: Clarify and share your action plan.  “When we hang up I’m going to (___action towards a solution___) and report back to you by (__date/time___) with the answer/solution we agreed upon.  Sound good?”
  • Then go do it!

EVERYBODY WINS.  FASTER.

Give this a shot today or tomorrow.  Test it for yourself, watch the results you get and then decide if 5 or 10 minutes on the phone is better than hours or days of emailing back and forth without a solution.

Who can YOU call today instead of emailing?