Communication Tool Updates for Baby Boomers

The business world is now adrift with many processes and tools to make us more efficient. In a business environment where the fast eat the slow, the decision-making process seems to have slowed down in some instances.  I attribute the slow down to several phenomena; 1. Present day communications favor the written over the spoken word and 2. universal consensus triumphs over fruitful dissension concerning decision making.  This blog will review the former topic, communications strategies.

Technology has brought us good communication tools, however, sometimes our “soft” skills have not kept up with the ever changing “hard” technology options.  As a baby boomer we were taught to respond in kind e.g. if someone calls you and leaves a message you call them back-if someone sends an e-mail you volley back from the baseline with another e-mail etc.  These “soft” rules have been subtlety changed.   Sometimes external phone calls aren’t answered or voice messages aren’t returned (they are deemed less productive by the receiver).  This trend to non-verbal responses will continue as we develop more electronic tools which are considered more highly “productive.” 
 
One has to be relentless in the quest to connect quickly and resolve problems.  Some tricks I have learned along the way:

1. If someone does not respond to a request after a lull (e.g. one week)-try another medium that could be preferred by the receiver.
   1. If no response to a phone call/voice mail-then try e-mail
      
   2. If no response to an e-mail-try text to a mobile device
      
   3. Keep all responses short and easily returnable with a specific request-preset options.
      
2. If someone does not respond it is not personal-PERSEVERE!Their time may be prioritized to a different important project.Everyone deals with the urgent on a LIFO basis.Once your communication has not been dispositioned it remains in the inbox and the older the item the longer it takes to rise to the top of the priority list again.It may need to be re-elevated.
   
3. There are 3 options for every request for a decision:
   1. No.This can be a good thing if it gets to resolution.Take it in stride-maintain and respect the relationship.
      
   2. Yes.The holy grail-advance towards closure.
      
   3. Perhaps…the most likely response. Advance one step in the decision- making process
      1. Track to closure (no/yes)
         
      2. Stay positive and engaged.
         
4. You don’t want to be considered a pest so don’t try the same communication process or communications strategy >2 times.
   

Some other tenets to display respectful communications and set yourself apart:

1. Call back all known persons that have you left you a voice message, (within 24 hours if possible).
   
2. Send a written thank you note by snail mail following a successful meeting. Thank you notes
   1. Require no response from the recipient
      
   2. Differentiate you from e-mail, text and other less personal communications because they demonstrate more personal effort.
      

The communication rules have changed-get over it-adapt and meet the communication rules of today.  The purpose of any business encounter is to make a positive, memorable impression and ultimately get the next meeting.  Being deferential, responsive and providing something of value before you get anything of value puts you in a distinguished and favored position. 

Do you want to have a free fifteen minute discussion so we can discuss communication across different cultures/borders? Sign up on my web site http://www.jimthomasintl.com/ or contact me directly by phone.  I will return the call.
 
Good Selling!