Getting Out of E or Voicemail JAIL

A number of clients have voiced concern regarding a trend best described as a lack of professional courtesy when returning voicemail messages and emails in a timely fashion, giving the impression of having been thrown into email or voicemail jail.

Parole or early release comes only when the recipient:

• Needs a favor, referral or lead.

• Has had a change in their employment and they want to network.

• Requires an alternative viewpoint or "just wants to pick your brain".

• Requires an alternative bid, price or better terms for a specific project.

• Recently was engaged in a conversation or meeting where your skills or professional reputation was praised.

• Recently skimmed a headline, read an article or PR release on you or your business.

• Has become aware of the fact that you have new professional responsibilities that may benefit them.

• Is aware that your expertise will make them look good to their associates.

• Has pangs-of-guilt, with no intention of following through.

• Needs bodies to fill-out a specific event.


Get Out of Jail Free Card Options:

Create a regular time each day to return your email and voicemail messages.

When returning calls or emails if you don’t reach the person, offer alternatives for scheduling a time to connect to avoid email and phone tag.

Let people know exactly what topic or focus you wish to discuss during your connection time.

Create agreements with each other after you’ve connected as to what next steps will be taken; include a deadline for following through with your mutual requests.

Schedule a time to follow-up by phone or email.

If you are too busy to respond send an email with a later/alternative time to connect.

Ask for more details, if you cannot help the person with their request, reply directly. Let them know what you can do to help them, perhaps you can make an introduction to someone else.

Use your out-of-office email and voicemail reply whenever possible. Ask callers to call back when you return.