There is a great debate going on over at Flying Solo’s blog on email versus phone. And let’s not even get started on texting as a business tool. ;-)
I personally prefer email. Perhaps that’s because I’m a ‘typical’ writer; fairly eloquent on paper, but face to face or over the phone..!
What I particularly like about email is that it allows me to receive instructions by email that I can, if need be, print off and re-read, ticking off items as I work through them. Moreover, if there is some ambiguity or lack of clarity in the email author’s words, I can reply to the email highlighting that which I don’t understand. Far too often, things can be misconstrued or forgotten when communicating over the phone.
In essence, for me, having a ‘virtual paper trail’ means I don’t overlook or misinterpret that which may have been said (or not quite) over the phone.
That’s not to say I totally ignore the phone. Indeed, it can be a very useful tool, and at times certainly more direct than email. But, as a home-worker, what I have found that if I answer every phone call as it comes in, I wouldn’t ever get any project work done. When working on a client project, it’s important to have focus . . . and that means no interruptions of any kind. Hence, the answerphone is by next best friend.
What about you? Are you a phonephobe? Do you hate email as a business tool? Perhaps you can’t live without it, and work with clients one-on-one almost exclusively by email consultation… Do tell! I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts.
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I disagree. Emails can easily be misconstrued because the reader cannot interpret your tone – the inflections in your voice can say a thousand things without you actually saying them.
Phone calls also are a more personal approach and can be used to form firm relationships – excellent for marketing and networking purposes. As for forgetting what to say – if you had written down a list of items or questions to say before picking up the phone, collated over a period of days maybe, then your call would be therefore more efficient and effective.
Good friendships can be created and problems solved there and then on the phone – you don’t get that special feedback through email because it’s so impersonal.
If you’re frightened about using the phone, lots of practise will put that right – the more you do it, the easier it gets, and you soon realise it’s not so bad out there…
Hi Alice
Thanks for participating!
I agree: emails can be terribly impersonal, especially when sending ‘form-letter emails’. BUT I don’t think all are bad…
I myself take great care to ensure that every email, within reason, is as personal and has as ‘light’ a touch as possible. Often, clients have hired me on the basis of receiving my emails alone, so that can’t be bad!
I’m told that my emails convey a certain professionalism as well as friendly personality. If only they could see my face when I’m writing them. OK, that last bit was a joke.
I also agree in that there can be a great rapport with the right telephone skills. Even so, everything is said in the spur of the moment when using the phone (BTW, having a script is a great idea, and I have used many, but they can come across as stilted and, well, scripted!), and there if often no time for reflection as there is with email.
Where I personally think email comes out tops is that these days we’re so busy with so many pressing things, and a phone call (or 20 as I used to typically get in any one day) can just be one thing too many. I know many busy execs and clients who just can’t be doing with people phoning at will. When I was a journalist, the phone used to be my saviour and lifeblood. When I was an editor, it was the bane of my life. That’s when I started to communicate primarily by email.
Perhaps the solution is to set aside a specific time when one can focus on taking and making phone calls. They we’d all be more receptive. What do you think?
Overall, I believe the two can complement one another very well. But I will still prefer email. That’s because I’m a writer!
i vote e-mail!!!
I’m one of those who get more done with e-mail. besides, who needs to be interrupted 15x day with phone calls that don’t make sense!!!!!!
okay, i hear ya: you cannot totally ignore the phone but to say its better than e-mail is missing the point. they can co-exist, but e-mail is one of the most efficient ways of communicating. Sure, make a quick call to re-schedule an appointment, but e-mail is the way to go!!!
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Rotational.
I’m for email too. Mainly due to the fact that I can send an email, and the recipient knows that he doesn’t need to reply immediately, therefore I’m not interrupting what they’re doing.
Hi Jason
Thanks for stopping by and your useful comment. I totally agree with you — email is a far less intrusive medium than the telephone. The only problem is, as i see it, is making sure the email gets past the spam filters. A growing problem that is spoiling an otherwise VERY effective means of marketing AND communication.
NB: Please note my NEW blog address (I haven’t posted to this one for quite some time now):
http://blog.mediaminister.co.uk
Take care!
You know… it depends on the business function (Typical, Right?). Coming from a sales background, I prefer the phone because there are cues in a phone conversation you can get when looking for feedback and such, that are masked with email.
Your advantages with email are huge as well, So I think a good phone call with a follow up email would prove to be the best professional practice.
Thanks for the post.