Posted by Nate
Posted on 05-20-2008 under Business Operations

In business, and in our personal lives, common courtesy towards others should be a no-brainer. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, right? Right.

We live in the modern world, a much smaller world than before, where we’re all connected by cell phones and high speed Internet access among other devices. Because of this, communication with each other should be almost instantaneous, regardless of location or distance. In the business world, this means that businesses and clients and vendors all have the ability to communicate rapidly with one another.

If I were to say, send you an e-mail or leave you a message on your cell phone or with your secretary, you would theoretically receive that information form me either instantly or within a very short amount of time. So why is it that some people, especially in the business world, can’t seem to return your communiqué?

I don’t always expect a return call or e-mail within minutes or even hours of my sending my message. I’m a patient guy; I can even wait days if necessary. I understand that we all lead busy lives where many individuals attempt to get at us on a daily basis. Be it family, friends, clients, or credit hounds; all of us are in demand.

But when it takes weeks or months even to return a simple phone call or e-mail, that’s simply rude. Especially if after trying several times to reach you, knowing that you are fully aware of my attempts, you still don’t respond. Me personally, if someone is attempting to get a hold of me, and it’s for good reason, I have the common courtesy to return their message.

It’s simple really - just answer the phone. Or write two lines of text on your computer and click on ‘send’. Even when I’m not chasing down receivables like a ravenous puma, I’ll still from time to time get the run around or the none around from clients or other businesses.

Bottom line, if you’re operating as a professional in the business world, you waive your rights to not be hounded creditors and other professionals with whom you contract services from. So, next time I ask you a question via e-mail, think about how you would like to be treated as a businessperson yourself, and shoot me one back. Soon.

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