In relationship-building, chance encounters at networking events, elevator pitches, protracted email correspondences, the occasional "I'm busy now" text, and casual contacts through social media platforms and conduits will not get you the goods.
People learn a great deal about you by the sound of your voice (with its warmth, occasional chuckle, apology for intruding, the inhalation and exhalation of air, your manners, your respectfulness, your inquiries (of an unobtrusive but personal nature) about certain aspects of the other persons's life and well-being -- the balance between being a radio announcer and a dear-friend-and-confidant-in-the-making. Your voicemail is a personality study and audition in miniature. Make them clever, not overly long, but long enough to show that you care about the person as much as about the business at hand.
Developing an impeccable telephone voice and manners takes practice. Call a larger percentage of your closer, more promising contacts instead of email, texting or social media quipping at them.
The understood belief is that your speaking comes more from the heart, while your writing comes exclusively from your head. And hearts connect where heads collide.
Also, a meeting in person, or several of them, really helps achieve some exohormonal/ pheromonal chemistry, accelerate the development of trust, and an opportunity to enjoy each other's Human characteristics... like a sudden smile, a slight self-deprecating comment, a compliment (when sincerely warranted), chances to cater to the other person as if a guest in your presence. You also have a chance for some important eye-contact and polite, restrained touching.
Two article excerpts follow which speak about the voice and the physical persona as applied to cultivating relationships which are meaningful and more enjoyable.
Please read them and enjoy them.
- 6 tips for making a good impression via voicemail
People might judge you based on the voicemails you leave them so it's important to create a good impression, Lee Polevoi writes. Your voicemails should be simple, short and should include your contact information, Polevoi writes. It's a good idea to create a script and to practice what you plan to say. Intuit Small Business Blog (6/11)
- Why technology is no substitute for real communication
Technology is great, but relying on it too heavily can make it hard to establish the real relationships you need to run your business, writes John Jantsch. You can avoid this pitfall by finding ways to leave the office and talk to customers. You should also try reaching out to customers to make sure they are satisfied with the work your company has done, he advises. Duct Tape Marketing (6/8)
Douglas E. Castle for The Sending Signals Blog
