Please talk to me!

No client ever complained about the number of emails, telephone calls or drop-in visits they have received.  This is something I strive to meet each day.  If no client ever complains about being “kept in the loop,” I can bet many of you reading this post have experienced what happens when we failed to communicate to a client on time or simply forgot to respond to an email.

Communicating effectively is tough work.  Even I struggle each day to respond to client needs or questions; it is very hard work to do effectively.  However, it is very easy to simply ignore someone.

Ignoring versus forgetting is totally different from one another.  I forget to do things because of the craziness of the day or as soon as I get off the phone with someone another emergency percolates its way to the surface.  Yes, I forget to write things down which leads to more forgetting.

I never ignore!  This in business is simply rude and unprofessional.

It is when we ignore the needs of a client or a colleague that leads us into troubled waters.  We all have been there.  Excuses like, “I didn’t get the email” or “the cheque is in the mail” are some of the most popular reasons for ignoring someone.  I am no angel either; I can recall situations where I have elected to ignore someone versus dealing with an issue.  I was a chicken!

How can we be better leaders in business today?

One easy way is simply to become a better communicator.    It is a daily struggle.  Twitter, Facebook and blogs don’t count either.  I mean real heart-to-heart or face-to-face interaction.  Ask a question and get an answer type communication.

Frank Allen told me once; no one cares about how much you know until they see how much you care.  Communication, listening and asking thought-provoking questions are great ways to prove to folks how much you care.  Ignore them, and you have just showed how much you don’t care.

Need help listening and asking the right questions.  Give me a call.  As your marketing MSP coach I can help you with many of your business questions and help you better serve those you lead.