Speaker, author and business executive coach Lenann McGookey Gardner outlined in a recent business advice article that picking up the phone to connect with a client — even if you have to leave a voicemail — is much more personal than writing them an email.

The article, entitled “Reinventing Email and Phone Client Communication,” explained that many business professionals simply send email out of their fear of personal, one-on-one interaction. While voicemail may be seen by some as remote and detached, it actually is considered more personal than mail, since it is a request to talk to a person where both sides can hear each other’s voice and speak in real time.

Dodging clients by attempting to send them an impersonal note is not recommended in the business world. True, there is always a place and a need for email, such as for sending files, or for following up AFTER a telephone conversation; however, businesses should never forget that working with the public entails actual interaction. They should never hide behind their computer as an excuse.

Modern voicemail service has improved so much that in some ways it is easier to get ahold of a client, even if they’re out of the office. Especially with PBX service, businesses can set up their office phone system to ring into the cell phone of an employee if he does not pick up at his extension. Therefore, if he is in transit, or on a business trip, or even just working at home for the day, he can stay connected with his various contacts and answer calls just like if he was in the office. If he is truly unable to take the call, he can let it go to voicemail, and then return the favor minutes later. He does not need to wait until he returns to the office to check his voicemail messages.

In light of all of these aspects, businesses are thus highly advised to use their phone as much as possible to keep prospects and current clients happy.

For more information about modern voicemail, please visit https://www.voicemailoffice.com