"Don't Call Me Maybe," Pick Up The Phone!

"Don't Call Me Maybe," Pick Up The Phone!

Do you ever get an email from a prospect and simply reply by return without taking the time to pick up the phone and chat, human to human? It’s so easy to hit reply and answer their inquiry taking it off a to-do list, we all do it, because they will come back to us if they are interested won’t they?

Normally, I pick up the phone and give them a call and until recently, have never really given it another thought, but I have noticed a surprise in the voice of the person I am calling, surprise that I have picked up the phone and called them. Some have even said they didn’t expect a call, just a return email because that’s what people do these days.

It might be quick and convenient but is it right?
An email will never replace being able to chat to someone you have not met yet and when you call them back, you do a couple of things:

1. You delight and surprise them that you are there in voice rather than digital form, someone to start and build a relationship with rather than a “cut and paste” response. Making someone feel good for any reason will leave a lasting impression on them, you will be remembered for a good reason.
2. You are seen as on the ball, keen as mustard, ready to serve and enthusiastic about helping them in some way. Even if business is slow at the moment, don’t pretend to be busier than you are and call back much later, get in there before your competitor does. Grab some urgency; it’s not the same as desperation.

This digital world brings us all kinds of benefits, and I love it, but remember that particularly your prospects and customers always appreciate the human touch, it's worth the little extra effort.
I'm interested to know, what is your norm, email by return or a more personal touch? What works for you?

Authored and Posted (originally on Linkedin.com) by :          Linda Coles

 

Linda Coles is the author of “Learn marketing with social media in 7 days” (Wiley) and is an author, speaker and trainer on building relationships. She lives in New Zealand on a fig orchard. You can get a free sample of a chapter of her book by registering for her newsletter.