Why I don't always answer my phone...

I hate talking on the phone!

No offence, but when you call unexpectedly I almost never answer the phone. It's not because I'm rude or dislike you in anyway. Here is why I don't answer my phone:

1. I'm in the middle of working on another project
Being creative for a living is HARD. Trust me, it doesn't always come easily and it takes a lot of work. When my creative juices start flowing and I put them to work there is nothing worse then being interrupted.

2. I prefer to have a record of our conversation
Yes, I do have a call recorder. However, it's much easier to open my email, search for a specific client, subject or key word/phrase to find the details of what I told a client or what they told me in a past conversation. Keeps us all accountable!

3. I may not be at my desk
Typically, clients call regarding a specific project. Unless I'm sitting at my desk looking at that specific job I usually will have trouble knowing what you are referring to in conversation. Not to mention, I can't make changes to a document from my car, or from my kitchen table eating lunch.

4. You think you're saving time, but you really are not
I completely understand that you may not be a fast typer, or you don't even use email on a regular basis, but it's really time to start! I can get way more accomplished when I am able to read a quick email, work on what is needed, send a proof back then on to the next. Typically, during a phone conversation your thoughts are not in order, so there is lots of going in circles during the conversation. At least with email you can form your thoughts, put them into point form, be direct and to the point, and then edit if necessary. I receive and respond to on average over 50 emails per day. I can't imagine if I had to have 50 productive phone conversations in a day.

5. I have the memory of a golf fish
I will definitely forget some of the details of what we chatted about by the time I am back at my desk. Most of the time I completely forget to even look at whatever we talked about (changes to a file, new quote request etc.) My email is basically my to-do list. As each email is dealt with it gets moved into my 'completed' folder and once I clear everything out of my email or the clock strikes 5pm (whichever comes sooner) I'm done for the day.

So, how do I work with someone who always wants to chat on the phone?

Schedule a call time
If you insist on chatting on the phone, lets make an appointment! (That way I can bill you for the time, no but seriously) That way you know I'm available when you call, and I can be prepared for the call with your current projects open and ready for discussion.

Hopefully I haven't offended anyone! What are your thoughts on email vs. phone communication?

-Sarah