I have recently been criticized for lack of response by some upstart Generation X, Y, Z types. Why? Because I didn’t respond promptly to their messages on linked in, facebook, twitter, or by text or email. Coincidentally, I just met with someone seeking business on LI who told me he had reached out to various sources and hadn’t heard back. His response when I asked how he “reached out?”: “I emailed them.” 

Whatever happened to picking up the phone or making an appointment to physically see someone? I am from an older generation. I am not permanently tied to my iphone, tablet, desktop etc. And, even if they are in my presence, I am not spending 100% of my time checking messages on all these social media sources. In fact, I barely know how to use any of them. And I need to put on my reading glasses to look at those instruments.

When it comes to the more accessible/popular text/email- keep in mind- there are still some of us dinosaurs whose fingers don’t react well to the tiny tiny phone keyboards and, thus, shy away from texting.  And, it just so happens those generation x, y, z’s emails ended up in my junk email folder. Trust me- I don’t read through every e mail in my junk folder! 

So, I repeat- what happened to picking up the phone or trying to meet in person if it is that important? And, don’t forget about snail mail- if someone writes me a letter or a postcard (especially if it is handwritten); I know it is generally not spam-so I read it! Novel concept-reading something that didn’t come over the iphone, tablet, computer….

My message this month is born of personal frustration, but also marketing common sense… if someone doesn’t respond to your text, email, social media contact…consider that they want a more personal outreach and pick up the phone or write a letter. If you really want attention for your business outreach-go that extra step. It will get a response-especially from those of us who were born of a certain time.