Email Creates Conflict!
Technology has changed our lives. In most cases, for the better. No question about it. Keeping in touch with friends, family and business associates is easier than ever. Email, Social Media and texting has become ubiquitous in our society and lifestyle. However, these tools aren’t always the most appropriate communication channels. Using them exclusively can create confusion, increase misinterpretations and produce conflict. You don’t want that in your personal life, but you especially don’t want it in your professional life.
In the course of my daily interactions with clients, we communicate quite a bit through electronic means. I send artwork and proofs to client for their approval and it really is much quicker and easier. BUT one of the things I have learned over the years is: There is nothing quite like personal communication. I still use electronic forms of communication, but I still make sure I am also combining that with in-person meetings to foster that rapport that is crucial to relationship building and diminish miscommunications. It’s these miscommunications that can poison a professional relationship and result in unhappy clients. And unhappy clients tend not to stay loyal to you.
So, my advice: Meet with your clients. Have lunch or a beer with them. It’s worth it.