One of the major drawbacks to e-mail as a communication
methodology is the fact that, while some individuals promptly respond to
e-mails, others do not. In fact, have you ever sent an e-mail to
someone, and then wondered if it ever even arrived because you did not
get a response in a timely manner? How did you feel, and why? Did you feel they didn't care, took you for granted, or were impolite. In service industries, such as Real Estate, where a real estate professional may receive numerous emails daily, it is important to understand, that in today's increasingly narcissistic, instant gratification - type world, a potential customer of client may email several licensed real estate agents, at the same time, and the one who responds quickest, and clearly (in a professional manner), immediate has a competitive advantage!
Many businesses have studied this issue, and many require their people to carry Smartphones, so that response to e-mails is timely. (Realize that a Smartphone is only smart, if the person using it, is!) Studies in the real estate industry indicate that the average response in that industry to e-mail is from 24 to 72 hours, while agents that are trained in properly using devices, generally respond to e-mails in less than twenty minutes. Obviously, the sooner someone gets a response, the more appreciated they feel, and thus it is particularly important for individuals who deal with the public, particularly in marketing, sales, or civic- type positions, to respond to e-mails quickly. Note that even 20 minutes, in today's world is probably too long. Even if you don't have all the information readily, instantly available, shoot back an email, so the sender realizes you consider him important, and explain when you will get the information to him. Then, do as you promise!
Studies have indicated that e-mails are often widely over-used, because many people are somewhat intimidated by telephone and personal communication. People can often feel more comfortable in written communication than oral. However, there are many times when e-mail does not speed up the process, because written communication is often misunderstood or incomplete. Oral communication is more personal, faster, and gives one the opportunity to have misunderstandings clarified.
Since face-to-face communication is considered the most effective, and phone calls are next, one must realize that e-mails are considered less effective than even text communication. Much of that is because of the less than timely response rate of much e-mail communication.
As I consult, I advise someone to always respond to all e-mails as soon as possible. If the answer to a question is not readily available, the response should be that you will check on it, and get back to the inquirer as soon as possible. Then, the receiver of the e-mail must follow through on his promise to respond.
If you are going to utilize e-mail for anything other than casual correspondence, it is essential to respond in a timely manner. Effective use of e-mail means that one cannot wait to respond until they get to their computer, but must use some sort of personal data device (PDA) to respond as soon as possible. You will be amazed how others will appreciate your effort and promptness.
Many businesses have studied this issue, and many require their people to carry Smartphones, so that response to e-mails is timely. (Realize that a Smartphone is only smart, if the person using it, is!) Studies in the real estate industry indicate that the average response in that industry to e-mail is from 24 to 72 hours, while agents that are trained in properly using devices, generally respond to e-mails in less than twenty minutes. Obviously, the sooner someone gets a response, the more appreciated they feel, and thus it is particularly important for individuals who deal with the public, particularly in marketing, sales, or civic- type positions, to respond to e-mails quickly. Note that even 20 minutes, in today's world is probably too long. Even if you don't have all the information readily, instantly available, shoot back an email, so the sender realizes you consider him important, and explain when you will get the information to him. Then, do as you promise!
Studies have indicated that e-mails are often widely over-used, because many people are somewhat intimidated by telephone and personal communication. People can often feel more comfortable in written communication than oral. However, there are many times when e-mail does not speed up the process, because written communication is often misunderstood or incomplete. Oral communication is more personal, faster, and gives one the opportunity to have misunderstandings clarified.
Since face-to-face communication is considered the most effective, and phone calls are next, one must realize that e-mails are considered less effective than even text communication. Much of that is because of the less than timely response rate of much e-mail communication.
As I consult, I advise someone to always respond to all e-mails as soon as possible. If the answer to a question is not readily available, the response should be that you will check on it, and get back to the inquirer as soon as possible. Then, the receiver of the e-mail must follow through on his promise to respond.
If you are going to utilize e-mail for anything other than casual correspondence, it is essential to respond in a timely manner. Effective use of e-mail means that one cannot wait to respond until they get to their computer, but must use some sort of personal data device (PDA) to respond as soon as possible. You will be amazed how others will appreciate your effort and promptness.
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