I’ve written before that meeting with other business owners over a late’ or long black to happily discuss the joys and challenges of business or building a network is one of the rewards of being a business owner.
One of the things that also happens is we get busy with life and perhaps we dont always return phone calls and emails. Returning a phone call or email is courteous and respectful behaviour and avoids the other party left hanging – we all know how we feel when its our calls are the ones not being returned.
On the other hand, why return a phone call or email if you are not intending to proceed with the deal or you have no information for them yet?
This article by guest writer Peter Bregman for Harvard Business Review is a very interesting look at both sides of the debate.
In summary, there are three things that often are overlooked when we decide not to return a call due to well laid plans being averted:
1. A lot of time and frustration is involved in deleting emails and avoiding phone calls. We can saved this time wasting by a quick courtesy email or call letting the other party know the current situation and when a good time would be for them to follow up.
2. Rapport building is an important part of good business. You never know when the roles will be reversed and you will want something from the other party whose calls and emails you are currently avoiding.
3. Word of mouth is the best form of marketing. If you treat a business contact with respect, they will be more likely to refer them if you come across someone that cares.
So next time you are in avoidance of recurring phone messages and emails, give thought to communicating in a respectful way that builds the relationship that you will always need for your business success.