It hit me today… as I was reaching out to colleagues that I worked with at a previous agency, that we were all trained by the same dynamo, who made it clear that all phone calls had to be returned quickly, all emails answered, and all meetings taken and started on time.  It is so ingrained in me to respond quickly to all communications, that I am constantly amazed that so many people are so very bad at responding.

So when I sent the email out to my buddies, to tell them that we had lost a loved compatriot from those long ago days, all three answered me within minutes.  And these are people I do not communicate with on a regular basis.  They replied, we got caught up, and made plans to meet.  All done within a few emails and a few hours.

So what’s my point?  One of the main things I request of my team at FG Creative, is quick, courteous replies to all business communications; phone, fax, email… you name it.  It’s how I was trained, and to some degree, one of the reasons I have been successful.  And it never fails to amaze and disappoint me when my peers, and others that I reach out to in business, neglect, ignore or simply dismiss any attempt at communication.

The best part is when I run into the person I’ve been trying to get in touch with, at a mixer or event, and they jokingly say, “Oh, sorry I forgot to call/email you back… what did you need?”  And I say, nothing.  It’s handled.

You see, I have little tolerance for being ignored, whatever the reason.  And I believe that FGC is well known for our quick responses, replies and solutions.  Whatever happened to business etiquette?  I know that everything has been depersonalized, but shouldn’t those in the communication business be awesome at communicating?

The new electronic age has certainly lessened people’s patience and it’s changed the level of expectations, but I don’t think that anything has changed with common courtesy, respect and the simple act of returning a call.

So kudos to my past colleagues, you did not let me down.  And when we all worked together, you always had my back and we made amazing things happen for our wonderful clients.  And to my original boss, mentor and friend for life, Toni Alexander of InterCommunicationsInc, I again thank you for the best training ground I could have had, and for setting me on my path.  And to our lost compadre, God speed, Bill Strateman… you will be missed.