A few days ago, I found a discussion on LinkedIn, whether it has become an acceptable habit not to respond to mails or phone calls; companies become unappreciative or disrespectful. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I read this rhetorical question (and I really hope, that most of you would agree, that there is only one answer possible) Such outcries are fairly common these days, and even when speaking to people, it is perhaps one of the most heard complaint nowadays.
Doing business is all about trust. Seems an open door, but fully true. Unless there are indeed pressing reasons (like the person is ill, the network is down) responding to communication is the most important basic a business should stick to. And even I myself am often quite shocked how disrespectfully companies behave these days. And one always asks; for what reason?
Remembering a phrase from a British comedy "Keeping up Appearances", where one of the protagonists frequently utters "it doesn't cost anything to be a bit polite" - in various different wordings, it is clearly a true statement. When thinking of it, last week only, I had about 4 such instances. I am not talking of an e-mail which remains after one day unanswered, but rather a third or so attempt to get feedback, while getting read receipts, but no other reaction follows.
I can find some interesting tips for candidates on the internet, to write a 'thank-you' note after an interview in order to remain visible and creating a good imago (aha, so it is important!). But, from experience, do I sense that this is not applicable for the businesses at all??? To be honest, a company, which ignores me is definitively not interesting to me - whether an e-shop, client, a bank, or whatever. Sadly enough, we have improved our communication lines - just imagine how business looked like 30 years ago. And what I hear most often as an excuse; high workload. Come on, be realistic!
By making the whole world more better accessible has indeed also complicated communication in a way. Yet a basic politeness is essential and vital to your business, and it really does not slow your business down. I rather get a quick mail, telling me "sorry, we are busy, but try to find out" (even if they forget afterwards) rather than having the feeling of being treated like garbage. So the benefit will always be yours. It's not rocket science, but it will positively reflect your attitude on basic ethics.
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