I read the article in FM World this morning 'We asked 100 FMs how much time they spend on their email accounts'. With some interesting statistics the point that I found most interesting was the comment from one interviewee saying that it irritates him when his team have simple questions and they email him, rather than calling him for a speedier response.
With so many different methods of communication these days, it is even more important to know which method of communication is preferred when dealing with clients, suppliers, or your teams, in order to firstly establish the best levels of communication, and secondly to ensure things happen as a result of those communications, otherwise nothing happens because you're waiting for a response!
One of our clients will never answer texts as in a previous role, text messages tended to convey bad news and this mental association has stuck. So if we need a response from her, the best method for her is to call her on her direct office line, followed by her mobile, followed by emailing her, in that order.
Similarly, I was looking at changing accountants and asked 2 accountants to call me to discuss my requirements. One sent me an email with a questionnaire / form to fill out and send back to them, the other called me. Guess who got the business?
If you ask the question at the outset of a relationship what their preferred method of communication is, not only will it improve your relationship as you are communicating in the way that THEY want you to, you will have better responses and, if you are selling to them, better sales from them.
If you need help communicating with your contacts, whether clients, suppliers or your teams, give me a call 01296 584834. www.enterprisemarketing.co.uk
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