Richard Iarossi just wrote a blog about people not checking their messages in favor of just calling the 
person back. I started to write a diatribe on my theory about this phenomenon and realized that he had inspired a post! So, here goes...
Richard was talking about people calling another person and, rather than the person listening to the message prior to returning the call (if necessary to return), they just call back to find out what they are calling about.
I have a theory about this phenomenon...I don't think people know how to leave a message. It should be a no-brainer. "Hi! This is Paula Swayne. Could you please call me back at....?" or "Hi, this is Paula Swayne and meeting tomorrow at 10AM is fine...see you at the property."
These messages are straight forward, give the necessary information and usurp the least amount of time of the person being contacted. Unfortunately, most people don't stop there. Most people's messages go something like this: "Hi! This is Paula Swayne. You called me earlier today and I just got a chance to call you back. Sorry, I was in meetings all morning. Anyway, you called me about meeting tomorrow morning at 10AM. I am checking my calendar right now...let's see...I have a meeting at 8:30 in the morning, but that is just with the lady that does my nails. My only other appointment is at 3PM, so I guess 10AM will work. Now, do you want to meet at my office or at the property? We can meet at my office if you like and then we could drive together. I don't mind driving, but my car is a little dirty. I suppose I could get it washed. Okay then, give me a call back to let me know where you want to meet. Talk to you later. Bye!"
And we wonder why people don't listen to messages!
Photo from Flickr by existentist
www.PaulaSwayne.com
CA DRE# 01188158
