Here's My Number; Give Me a Call
Discussion
I'm getting a little perplexed about how some people don't appear to like - or want - to use their phones to call or message. Instead, they choose to DM via Twitter, or communicate through Messenger on Facebook, Instragram etc.
In the context of 'using a phone', it's the same thing, but if it's of a business nature (which is what I'm getting at) it gets a a bit tedious more because I' don't have a social media bod being all eyes and ears for me all the time. The latest example is a (really nice) chap (who follows me on Insta) contacted me (via Insta messaging) and asked about an issue he had with a car he'd just bought. After a couple of exchanges I gave him my mobile number and invited him to call as it would be easier - and quicker - to have a chat. He did that, and then asked about a chip on his wife's car. Given we were now connected by the medium of telecommunication, I asked him to send me a couple of images so that I can get an idea of what the damage looked like and therefore manage his expectations.
He sent the images via Instagram messenger.
The trouble with that is if I've had a busy week, my social media interaction will be some way down the list; I often struggle to keep up with emails after being on the tools all day (and generally wearing all the different hats of being a one man band). Social media, for me, is there for when I can dib in and out, and I have a bit more time on my hands. WhatsApp is a great, instant tool for sharing images and making contact if not calling.
Then there's Facebook which is a subject of its own. After stepping away from it, my personal profile exists purely to maintain the business page I have. Today for example, Klinky alerted me to thread that someone could do with some advice on. That'll do do me; a quick nosey at the messenger and I can act on it without having to endure what people had for dinner last night etc. Despite this minimal use, someone will ask a question about glass and windscreens and someone I know will mention me: hoorah! But, rather than use the business - contact us number/email etc, many will friend-request me personally!
Being more aware of this type of behavior has prompted me to look at it closer from a personal point of view but also to try and understand how the world is trying to communicate, especially when it comes to professional advice etc.
Am I missing something here?
In the context of 'using a phone', it's the same thing, but if it's of a business nature (which is what I'm getting at) it gets a a bit tedious more because I' don't have a social media bod being all eyes and ears for me all the time. The latest example is a (really nice) chap (who follows me on Insta) contacted me (via Insta messaging) and asked about an issue he had with a car he'd just bought. After a couple of exchanges I gave him my mobile number and invited him to call as it would be easier - and quicker - to have a chat. He did that, and then asked about a chip on his wife's car. Given we were now connected by the medium of telecommunication, I asked him to send me a couple of images so that I can get an idea of what the damage looked like and therefore manage his expectations.
He sent the images via Instagram messenger.
The trouble with that is if I've had a busy week, my social media interaction will be some way down the list; I often struggle to keep up with emails after being on the tools all day (and generally wearing all the different hats of being a one man band). Social media, for me, is there for when I can dib in and out, and I have a bit more time on my hands. WhatsApp is a great, instant tool for sharing images and making contact if not calling.
Then there's Facebook which is a subject of its own. After stepping away from it, my personal profile exists purely to maintain the business page I have. Today for example, Klinky alerted me to thread that someone could do with some advice on. That'll do do me; a quick nosey at the messenger and I can act on it without having to endure what people had for dinner last night etc. Despite this minimal use, someone will ask a question about glass and windscreens and someone I know will mention me: hoorah! But, rather than use the business - contact us number/email etc, many will friend-request me personally!
Being more aware of this type of behavior has prompted me to look at it closer from a personal point of view but also to try and understand how the world is trying to communicate, especially when it comes to professional advice etc.
Am I missing something here?
I’m 31, but it seems to me that lots of “younger” people don’t like using the phone - I’ve had quite a few trainees that I’ve had to coax to use the phone, like it’s some sort of demon object.
On the flip side, I’ve noticed that lots of companies bury their phone number, like they don’t want you to call them. Quite frustrating when technical advice on a product is required - I want to chat it through to check my understanding, or check that where I want to specify it will work. I don’t want an email back in 3-5 working days, or to contact the company on Facebook, Insta or twitter!
On the flip side, I’ve noticed that lots of companies bury their phone number, like they don’t want you to call them. Quite frustrating when technical advice on a product is required - I want to chat it through to check my understanding, or check that where I want to specify it will work. I don’t want an email back in 3-5 working days, or to contact the company on Facebook, Insta or twitter!
ZedLeg said:
I'm 40 and I hate phoning people, I'd much rather dm or email someone than talk over the phone. At work I only ever video call which is better than phoning for some reason.
Not objecting to people reticent to call, but more about using more convenient ways to communicate. Social media works when you have a dedicated person dealing with enquiries, but messaging, surely SMS/MMS or WhatsApp has to be quicker/easier than Insta/Facbook etc?Edited by Glassman on Monday 31st October 11:03
We have a generation entering the work place who are used to e-comms - forums / reddits / messengers / commenting on social media etc.
All of these allow you to be a keyboard warrior who dashes off a comment with minimal thought and effort - it doesn't require you to actually engage with the individual themselves. Picking up a phone is similar to having to talk in person, it requires you to engage with an individual at the other end.
Additionally, sending a message allows it to be read at the recipient's convenience - so it feels less aggressive than phoning them where you are effectively asking them to engage now, regardless of what they are doing...
TLDR - increasing generation of people who are socially dysfunctional due to internet and social media.
All of these allow you to be a keyboard warrior who dashes off a comment with minimal thought and effort - it doesn't require you to actually engage with the individual themselves. Picking up a phone is similar to having to talk in person, it requires you to engage with an individual at the other end.
Additionally, sending a message allows it to be read at the recipient's convenience - so it feels less aggressive than phoning them where you are effectively asking them to engage now, regardless of what they are doing...
TLDR - increasing generation of people who are socially dysfunctional due to internet and social media.
Not sure it’s popular in the UK and Europe but SE Asia they use voice messaging.
So instead of sending a text via Messenger, WatsApp, Telegram etc they record their voice and send it.
It always seems a little fake and not natural after they’ve done the message with fake laugh/surprise/anger at the fifth attempt!
So instead of sending a text via Messenger, WatsApp, Telegram etc they record their voice and send it.
It always seems a little fake and not natural after they’ve done the message with fake laugh/surprise/anger at the fifth attempt!
Glassman said:
ZedLeg said:
I'm 40 and I hate phoning people, I'd much rather dm or email someone than talk over the phone. At work I only ever video call which is better than phoning for some reason.
Objecting to people reticent to call, but more about using more convenient ways to communicate. Social media works when you have a dedicated person dealing with enquiries, but messaging, surely SMS/MMS or WhatsApp has to be quicker/easier than Insta/Facbook etc?Most bigger companies these days will have a social media presence and a social media manager if not a whole dept. It's just adapting to your audience.
Glassman said:
I'm getting a little perplexed about how some people don't appear to like - or want - to use their phones to call or message. Instead, they choose to DM via Twitter, or communicate through Messenger on Facebook, Instragram etc.
In the context of 'using a phone', it's the same thing, but if it's of a business nature (which is what I'm getting at) it gets a a bit tedious more because I' don't have a social media bod being all eyes and ears for me all the time. The latest example is a (really nice) chap (who follows me on Insta) contacted me (via Insta messaging) and asked about an issue he had with a car he'd just bought. After a couple of exchanges I gave him my mobile number and invited him to call as it would be easier - and quicker - to have a chat. He did that, and then asked about a chip on his wife's car. Given we were now connected by the medium of telecommunication, I asked him to send me a couple of images so that I can get an idea of what the damage looked like and therefore manage his expectations.
He sent the images via Instagram messenger.
The trouble with that is if I've had a busy week, my social media interaction will be some way down the list; I often struggle to keep up with emails after being on the tools all day (and generally wearing all the different hats of being a one man band). Social media, for me, is there for when I can dib in and out, and I have a bit more time on my hands. WhatsApp is a great, instant tool for sharing images and making contact if not calling.
Then there's Facebook which is a subject of its own. After stepping away from it, my personal profile exists purely to maintain the business page I have. Today for example, Klinky alerted me to thread that someone could do with some advice on. That'll do do me; a quick nosey at the messenger and I can act on it without having to endure what people had for dinner last night etc. Despite this minimal use, someone will ask a question about glass and windscreens and someone I know will mention me: hoorah! But, rather than use the business - contact us number/email etc, many will friend-request me personally!
Being more aware of this type of behavior has prompted me to look at it closer from a personal point of view but also to try and understand how the world is trying to communicate, especially when it comes to professional advice etc.
Am I missing something here?
Not sure you are missing anything. The more "channels" of comms you have, the more work you create for yourself.In the context of 'using a phone', it's the same thing, but if it's of a business nature (which is what I'm getting at) it gets a a bit tedious more because I' don't have a social media bod being all eyes and ears for me all the time. The latest example is a (really nice) chap (who follows me on Insta) contacted me (via Insta messaging) and asked about an issue he had with a car he'd just bought. After a couple of exchanges I gave him my mobile number and invited him to call as it would be easier - and quicker - to have a chat. He did that, and then asked about a chip on his wife's car. Given we were now connected by the medium of telecommunication, I asked him to send me a couple of images so that I can get an idea of what the damage looked like and therefore manage his expectations.
He sent the images via Instagram messenger.
The trouble with that is if I've had a busy week, my social media interaction will be some way down the list; I often struggle to keep up with emails after being on the tools all day (and generally wearing all the different hats of being a one man band). Social media, for me, is there for when I can dib in and out, and I have a bit more time on my hands. WhatsApp is a great, instant tool for sharing images and making contact if not calling.
Then there's Facebook which is a subject of its own. After stepping away from it, my personal profile exists purely to maintain the business page I have. Today for example, Klinky alerted me to thread that someone could do with some advice on. That'll do do me; a quick nosey at the messenger and I can act on it without having to endure what people had for dinner last night etc. Despite this minimal use, someone will ask a question about glass and windscreens and someone I know will mention me: hoorah! But, rather than use the business - contact us number/email etc, many will friend-request me personally!
Being more aware of this type of behavior has prompted me to look at it closer from a personal point of view but also to try and understand how the world is trying to communicate, especially when it comes to professional advice etc.
Am I missing something here?
My answer is always the same if im contacted directly via facebook or whatever. Email or call on the phone on the details on the website. You enquiry will be dealt with promptly. We dont list any other mediums on our website, other than live chat which is only active when the business is open.
If you have the luxury of lots of staff to monitor everything, then great. But i dont think increasing you comms options by 300% will increase your sales by the same. And that still doesnt solve the issue of being contacted directly as a person, not as your business. Which is i think partly your issue, and certainly mine. I only look at my personal facebook when i want to. Days my pass without me doing so. If you contact me there, you are likely to be out of luck!
Edited by monkfish1 on Monday 31st October 10:56
monkfish1 said:
Not sure you are missing anything. The more "channels" of comms you have, the more work you create for yourself.
I get that, but it does add a new kind of customer who will comment (on FB) that they 'messaged him a few weeks ago but he didn't reply'. Low and behold, FB Messenger showed a filtered message request. They're not too dissimilar to the ones who phoned but didn't leave a message.
FB Messenger is hopeless, because 99% of the time, unless you are friends with the person trying to contact you, the message is filtered, and you need to have prior notice of it to know it's there!
When I advertise stuff for free in local groups for example, I ask that people PM me, but also put a comment to say they have done so - in order that I can find the message.
In many ways, I can see this is useful - as it's an anti spam feature.
But I believe with an FB business account, messages are displayed immediately.
When I advertise stuff for free in local groups for example, I ask that people PM me, but also put a comment to say they have done so - in order that I can find the message.
In many ways, I can see this is useful - as it's an anti spam feature.
But I believe with an FB business account, messages are displayed immediately.
If trying to resolve an issue or clarify something, anything other than phone is usesless. The back and forth nature of other comms means it's very difficult to get clear understanding and often leads to more problems than it solves. It's also the case that most people are more blunt and intolerant with indirect communication. (All IMHO, of course!)
Ronstein said:
If trying to resolve an issue or clarify something, anything other than phone is usesless. The back and forth nature of other comms means it's very difficult to get clear understanding and often leads to more problems than it solves. It's also the case that most people are more blunt and intolerant with indirect communication. (All IMHO, of course!)
Very much so. Its also much more time consuming for both parties.I can usually resolve an enquiry in 5 mins on the phone, but by email can go on for days and dozens of e-mails. Sometimnes still without clarity.
Mind you, i think we might be unusual as over the last couple of years, i actually have people specifically thanking me for answering the phone AND dealing with the enquiry. As though it was a surprise.
Which given some organisations ive dealt with recently, i guess is to be expected. I working on us being one of those niche companies that you can actually talk to!
I had something that I needed to sort with Student Support at my uni.
Two options on the website to get in touch, an online chat, or give them a call.
The online chat had a waiting list of 4 hours and I was something silly like 400th in the queue. I called up and got through instantly.
I'd assume most at the uni are 18-21, so maybe they really don't like using the phone
Two options on the website to get in touch, an online chat, or give them a call.
The online chat had a waiting list of 4 hours and I was something silly like 400th in the queue. I called up and got through instantly.
I'd assume most at the uni are 18-21, so maybe they really don't like using the phone
Triumph Man said:
I’m 31, but it seems to me that lots of “younger” people don’t like using the phone - I’ve had quite a few trainees that I’ve had to coax to use the phone, like it’s some sort of demon object.
On the flip side, I’ve noticed that lots of companies bury their phone number, like they don’t want you to call them. Quite frustrating when technical advice on a product is required - I want to chat it through to check my understanding, or check that where I want to specify it will work. I don’t want an email back in 3-5 working days, or to contact the company on Facebook, Insta or twitter!
Agree on both points. On the flip side, I’ve noticed that lots of companies bury their phone number, like they don’t want you to call them. Quite frustrating when technical advice on a product is required - I want to chat it through to check my understanding, or check that where I want to specify it will work. I don’t want an email back in 3-5 working days, or to contact the company on Facebook, Insta or twitter!
I'm 41 and several of my friends/associates seem unable to text me or call me. Two prefer to message me solely on Facebook Messenger whenever they want to chat or whatever, and the other only uses Instagram Messaging. I asked them a while ago why, and they essentially said "Don't know. It's just what I use"
It would make my life a lot easier if everyone just used WhatsApp, then I have all my messages, conversations, and contacts in one single place. I dislike the mess of having people contact me by 5 or 6 different kinds of communication platform. I barely use Facebook anymore other than looking at updated menus for local resultants... So I'm tempted to inform everyone that I no longer Facebook, Insta, etc, and if they want me it's WhatsApp or a phone call. WhatsApp is actually better for phone calls much of the time as well, if you have decent Wifi/4G.
WhatsApp is also extremely handy for group chat as I imagine most people know.
I also agree that it is an absolute piss-boiler when companies or businesses either hide or remote their contact phone number. It makes me not want to use a business who hides the methods by which I can actually speak to them on the phone. It makes me suspicious. A few weeks ago I used a 'popular' online garden centre recently to buy about £500 worth of large ceramic planters, they arrived at my house, and half of them were broken. I was in a hurry for them so wanted some replacements sent out immediately.
I searched their website for a phone number, nothing. I googled it, nothing. Even read some of their financial documents that I found online to see if their number was mentioned anywhere. But no. The lengths they had gone to, in order to hide their number, was extraordinary. So I used the 'contact us' form on their site and guess what, it took them about 2 or 3 days to reply to me, and then I had to reply to their reply, and so on. If they had a phone number I would have called them and dealt with the matter in probably less than 10 minutes. Incredibly annoying.
I appreciate that companies will often follow the trends of what their customers want, but I also get the distinct impression that many will also dispense with things like customer phone lines purely to save themselves a few quid, and b
ks to the customer, which I'm sure we can all appreciate is annoying.Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 31st October 12:47
It's a modern malaise, people simply will not pick up the phone they will send an email/whatsapp/text or whatever and wait do nothing then moan no one gets back to them, have you tried to call them? Er no... (happens all the time at work)
It's also far far easier to explain something over the phone saves time and rather than having several issues still to be resolved you can move through them chronologically, I have no idea why people are scared to pick it up.
It's also far far easier to explain something over the phone saves time and rather than having several issues still to be resolved you can move through them chronologically, I have no idea why people are scared to pick it up.
bongtom said:
Not sure it’s popular in the UK and Europe but SE Asia they use voice messaging.
So instead of sending a text via Messenger, WatsApp, Telegram etc they record their voice and send it.
It always seems a little fake and not natural after they’ve done the message with fake laugh/surprise/anger at the fifth attempt!
My wife and her friends send voice messages to each other all the time. Drives me mental having to listen to their inane bullsSo instead of sending a text via Messenger, WatsApp, Telegram etc they record their voice and send it.
It always seems a little fake and not natural after they’ve done the message with fake laugh/surprise/anger at the fifth attempt!
t. Would much rather they just text like I do.I speak to a lot of clients using my phone - a mix of all the methods and platforms really, but my first port of call is usually a written iMessage or WhatsApp because I like having a written log of what's been said and you don't get that with a voice call.
I don't have a tactile phone and I have no internet during the day.
I'm running a house renovation project on my own. The owner clients live in another country.
Estimates and invoices are done by email.
Contact on progress is on a group messenger set up.
I use my iPad to take progress photos most days along with comments and any other thing that needs to be addressed.
All communication is then in writing.
I don't answer my phone during the day and I don't want my evenings taken up by having to talk to clients.
It works for me as a one man business.
I'm running a house renovation project on my own. The owner clients live in another country.
Estimates and invoices are done by email.
Contact on progress is on a group messenger set up.
I use my iPad to take progress photos most days along with comments and any other thing that needs to be addressed.
All communication is then in writing.
I don't answer my phone during the day and I don't want my evenings taken up by having to talk to clients.
It works for me as a one man business.
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