602 - How do you prefer to communicate?

Have you noticed that you can only reach some people through one form of communication?

There are so many ways to communicate that people are honing in on one or two "best" ways to be reached quickly during business hours.

Understandably, it's not always by phone. Many people don't give out their personal cell phone numbers.

A few of the most common methods of communication in business are:

• Email

• Text

• Website messaging, such as LinkedIn or Facebook

• Business phone

• Cell phone

• What's App

Team communication is different. There are many platforms for internal communications.

This post is about daily communication for entrepreneurs and salespeople.

📧 For example, when I communicate with HR people, they often prefer email. I get quick responses to emails, whereas phone calls will not get answered.

It's important to ask your prospective clients for their preferred method of communication, so you get prompt answers and don't miss messages or interrupt their workflow.

Do you put people into email campaigns without asking them first?

I'm in so many email campaigns I never agreed to be in that I no longer open emails unless I know who it's from and I am expecting it.

You may be sending information that gets trashed upon arrival if you haven't asked a person if they prefer to receive emails.

Always ask if you may send information. Many people will say yes — others will say no. Move on.

Just because you prefer one type of communication doesn't mean everyone else does.

☎️ When calling people who don't know you, always leave a voice message. No one answers their phone anymore unless they know who is calling.

When I have a business card with a cell phone number on it, I sometimes call first, then send a text to let them know who called.

Many people also don't listen to voice messages, especially long ones. Keep your messages under 30 seconds.

✅ It's all about open and transparent communication.

How do you prefer to be reached?