My blog is one big conversation on business and life! I like the sound of that slogan. I believe it, too. One of my good friends, Reagan Dailey will be blogging soon (www.reagandailey.com). So will another friend, Tracie McCormick at Shinguards and Leotards. (Tracie is also a guest blogger on my most recent project, Pizza Game Night, Creating a Culture of Family and Fun.) I think I have helped to encourage them to do so. I love it and I am looking forward to carrying on the conversation with both of them.
Reagan and I were talking just yesterday and the conversation slanted toward the importance of conversation. I have been thinking about our talk for a while and I have come to the conclusion that nothing beats a good verbal conversation. Please don’t misunderstand me. Forums and blogs are a necessity. I learn so much from them on a daily basis.
Let me give you and example. I have a potential client in my insurance business and we emailed back and forth five times yesterday. It was a great email conversation, but each time she answered a question, it would lead to another question so I had to respond by email. Finally, I decided to pick up the phone and call her. We had a pleaseant conversation and I retrieved the remainder of information that I needed from her. The call lasted about two minutes. With the back and forth on email, it probably would have taken a couple of hours.
Not only was the phone conversation efficient, but it also opened a level of trust that is not open through email, blogging, or other forms of electronic media. Again, don’t get me wrong, I love my blogs!! I just thing there are times when the actual traditional conversation needs to occur. Let’s not let all the texting, blogging and emails move us away from the value of a meaningful conversation and the impact it can have on our business.
Collin W. Harbour
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Collin – I guess I can see where you are going, however, I do think you can have good conversations over email, or even in the blog format, and let me tell you why. I think one of our greatest problems today is our inability to listen. We are so concerned with what we are going to say next that most of the time we miss the point that the other person is trying to make. With the blog or email conversation you have time to read, read again, and formulate your thoughts. This also eliminate the emotional response that some conversations might bring. Anyway, I guess it all depends on the type of conversation you are going to have.
I agree Reagan. Thanks for the input.