Comments on: Respond or Perish

By: L.L. Barkat

L.L. Barkat — Fri, 18 May 2007 19:39:26 +0000

On the other hand, I think some people get overwhelmed by the process. So much contact, so fast.

Realizing this, if I don’t get a response to an email, and I really need the response, I go back in time. A phone call is just the thing.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:48:54 +0000

Imagine my frustration in dealing with one of our historically largest customers (a $2.2 billion company) that not only doesn’t have email or internet, but doesn’t utilize voicemail or have employees with computers! Everything is either snail mail, live phone, or fax. But then you ALWAYS talk to a human and leave messages with humans when you call there (during office hours).

By: Michael A. Banks

Michael A. Banks — Wed, 16 May 2007 06:12:55 +0000

This makes me think of P.J. O’Rourke, an avowed luddite. No E-mail, but I suppose he at least uses a telephone frequently.

The situation you describe is really surprising. I rarely hear of an editor having a problem contacting a writer (except near deadline). It’s usually the reverse, with writers complaining endlessly about not hearing from editors and publishers.

I like your tips. Numbers 2 and 4 are what people miss doing most often.
–Mike
http://www.michaelabanks.com

By: Ellen

Ellen — Tue, 15 May 2007 22:57:07 +0000

When I was reading this morning’s posting, I thought of the people I work with at Thomas Nelson who are responsive and great to work with. Since you say that you hear about those who do NOT respond, I thought you might like to know your employees who I love to work with because they help us sell more books, and get more products into the hands of those who will read and use them!

Curt Harding is an exceptional publicist, and someone who I will actually refer my media contacts to, because I can trust my reputation in media relations with. He’s a gem. I actually look forward to sending him a request, as I know it will get done!

Brittany Lassister is relatively new in her job in marketing / publicity with the International Sales team, but she is learning quickly. She really does try to facilitate communication between the different areas of Thomas Nelson, and always works to get an answer (which I know isn’t easy). She responds very quickly and works hard on behalf of Thomas Nelson and us as the customer.

Brian Mitchell has been a HUGE champion of working with us internationally. We have so appreciated that he gets back to us personally, leading by example for those who work with him. He is responsive, and awesome to work with. It is great to know that we have a friend at Thomas Nelson.

Rod Schumacher is another gem. He has a full plate, but always treats us very well, and responds quickly. We really enjoy working with him.

Anyhow, there is a little praise for some of your great employees who respond – it makes me think that they’re some of the most competent you have!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:08:36 +0000

Thanks for this post. I’m decent at keeping my email organized, and my inbox clear, but you’ve given some good points to help me raise the bar.

By: cheree

cheree — Tue, 15 May 2007 18:27:11 +0000

I once won a “paper-plate award” that said: #1 Rapid Response Emailer, forwarding and responding to emails faster than lightening.

I cannot stand for messages to be left unattended in my inbox and it makes me crazy to have to wait on someone to respond to my request.

By: Lines from Lee

Lines from Lee — Tue, 15 May 2007 07:52:50 +0000

Land Lines, Snail Mail and DeadMedia

Its fitting to read this in the Star Tribune on the day the U.S. Postal Service raises the First Class stamp rate to 41 cents.
More than a quarter of young adults have only cell phones, making them the leading edge of a strengthening move away f…

By: Susan Martin

Susan Martin — Mon, 14 May 2007 22:52:29 +0000

You’ve hit upon one of my greatest pet peeves – we’re all busy, but those who don’t bother to respond make more work for all of us. Thanks for the easy to follow tips (now if only the offenders will read and follow them!)