There is a body of behavior that can best be described as baffling...along with rude and even stupid. It's repeated in many industries and simply confounds me.
1.Why do people who call to explore working together, a sale or a service NOT return followup calls or emails?
2. Can hitting reply and offering a quick "we are going in a different direction" be that difficult?
3. Does "what goes around really come around"?
I can't be the only person who received a call that goes something like this: "We'd like you to speak at our annual convention. Send a short proposal. Can we have ten copies of your books/DVD for the committee? Can you send them to ten different locations? Overnight".
Sure, of course. We follow through on the requests. And weeks go by. Dead silence. Calls and emails aren't returned.
You Called ME!
An assistant editor for a prominent online paper sent me an email, inviting me to be interviewed. I got back to her within two hours but I must have not been in her "window". Although I emailed and waited to hear from her. Not a word.
BAD behavior. Bad karma. You never know when the proverbial shoe will be on the other foot. Is this how you'd like to be treated?
We know that you're busy and have a full plate. Who doesn't! Be smart and kind enough not to leave people twisting in the wind. Let us off the hook. When it's your time on the hook, trust me, you won't like it.
If you don't know what to say, try this on for size:
"I so appreciate your prompt attention and followup. However, the CEO decided to hire a mentalist."
Really, that was said to me by a very thoughtful meeting planner of a Fortune 100 company who was embarrassed by the CEO's decision when she knew the attendees needed help on business socializing with clients. But she was thoughtful and made the tough call (yes, she actually picked up the phone)! It wasn't an easy call but she had the savvy and grace to do that which wasn't easy.
Let's make a promise to each other to be savvy, thoughtful and take the time to "remove hooks".
