Making Calls Easier in an Email World

Many people are so used to communicating online that the thought of a phone call makes them break out in a sweat. Here are some tips to break out of your comfort zone a little. Using the ultimate social media tool – the telephone – can make a big difference in your business.

• Call people you know really well first – they may be surprised to hear from you but the conversation flow will be easier.

• If you are calling someone you don't know very well, practice by recording your voice and playing it back – most smartphones/cell phones have this feature if you don't have a MP3 recorder or don't want to use your computer. Usually, slowing down can make a big difference when you speak.

• Pause and just listen at times. Taking over the conversation can be seen as more abrupt when visual cues are missing.

• Designate one day a week to phone people instead of emailing them. By designating a “phone day”, you may be surprised at how much more you get done.

• Know the topic of every call before you make it – even if it's just to say hello.

• Follow-up with an email after the call and let them know it would be great to phone them again in a month. Schedule it and then do it.

• Ask people the time of day they prefer to be contacted. Many executives are available very early in the morning and project managers/implementers later on in the day.

• Treat yourself to a really cool phone accessory that will make calls easier and more enjoyable.

• Find out who is comfortable using Skype – video-conferencing is a great alternative to strictly voice calls.

• Listen. Listen to someone else making a call. How do they drive the conversation? What do they offer the other person in addition to their own objectives?

• Don't think too much. Sometimes just picking up the phone can make a real difference in someone's day.