Why Prompt Email Replies are a Sign of Respect & Trust

One of the issues I get contacted about most is the need for email responses. Whether it be the sender being ignored entirely or delayed responses, my other post on this topic generated many questions about why replying “so fast” is essential.

I’ve covered the topic ad nauseam, from lack of replies to unprofessional replies to how best to reply to emotionally charged emails. I’ve covered it all.

So today, I’ll share some of my experiences. We’ll see why prompt responses matter and how a lack of quick email responses can negatively impact a business relationship.

Lack of Respect & Trust

While I may have mentioned respect here or there, one thing I’ve never really honed in on aggressively is how your absence of a reply reflects a lack of respect and trust. And your inability to encourage an efficient and productive business relationship.

I’m not talking about responding to spam. Of course, you don’t need to reply to unsolicited requests. What I am referring to are the business communications necessary to conduct business.

Specifically, the business established or agreed upon between you and your business partners relies on trust. Therefore, you must count on everyone to communicate promptly and efficiently to benefit both sides.

Trust and respect are vital factors when you want to form prosperous business relationships. Let me provide examples of what I’ve experienced lately.

1. The I’m So Busy Excuse

In my consulting practice, I get this pitch all the time. “I’ve been so busy.” “I had to take care of…” “My schedule is so crazy…” Of course, I am also swamped and understand how business responsibilities can hog up your time and get the best of you. However, the professional (and successful) business person learns time management and sets priorities.

Our business relationship is not a priority.

Are you too busy to dedicate time to developing your website and online presence? It’s not like neglecting your online program can make or break you. (Yes, that is sarcasm.)

When I email for answers to questions, to do the job you hired me to do, and I don’t get them — you make me inefficient. I hate being made ineffective because being efficient is crucial to how I run my business.

So when I have to email 3, 4, or 5 times and get nothing but excuses, I can’t help but wonder about your business dealings’ credibility (trust factor).

2. Can We Schedule a (meeting, chat, videocon, or telephone call)?

I always say, “sure”! They can visit my online scheduling app on my website and grab a time slot. As a courtesy, I also send that link in an email. Then crickets.

They don’t schedule a time. So, an email reply to the same email with that link that lands in my inbox, “is today good to hook up”? No, I’m booked — you will see that if you check the link I provided.

It is pretty standard for me to be booked a week in advance. So that tells me you never even visited the link I sent. You don’t respect my time.

3. The Miss One Deadline After Another Project

My business practices are spelled out in my Modus Operandi that each new partner receives before doing business. In addition, I note time-frames, deadlines, due dates, and what will happen with each.

I have this approach so that clients can trust me with their hard-earned dollars by offering an upfront level of clarity and detail that is uncommon. And then I back it up. So, I expect no less from those who hire me.

In every pre-agreement conversation, when asked, “How quickly can we get this done?” I provide the same answer. “30 days or sooner — it is entirely up to you.”

My MO also noted these details and what to expect if we pass that 30-day milestone. So, again, I offer clarity in my communications so both sides can work efficiently.

When the same excuses are offered repeatedly, and behavior never changes, those excuses become mute (and a tad insulting, to be honest).

4. The Don’t Remit Fees Due as Agreed Predicament

I hate having to chase folks down for payment for services already rendered. I’ve done my job; now it’s time to be compensated. I send emails with Past Due, Follow-Up, or Courtesy reminders—no response — no payment forthcoming.

No email update is provided so that I know what is going on. How hard is it to take a moment and let me know what the situation is?

I’m extremely clear and upfront about this, too. When you hire a professional to do work for you, the very least you can do is respond to their emails and remit any payments due as agreed upon. Excuse #1 is not an excuse and only pings your integrity.

5. The “Can you advise again [insert already provided information]?”

I’ve lost count of the times when I’ve had to provide the same request more than a handful of times. Where are my previous emails?

Being the organized person I am, I have those copies to resend. But do true professionals expect other professionals to accommodate their inability to manage their communications? No. Organize your email communications!

When you enter into professional agreements, you do not get to dictate what you are willing to do. Unfortunately, taking that approach reflects your inability to build mutually respectful relationships, which is the death knell for business.

Especially if you want to nurture that business relationship, this attitude can cause your partners to de-couple from you and move on.

Respect, Reliability, and Efficiency are Primary Keys to Success

I’ve consulted netrepreneurs and small businesses about online success for 29 years. There is a correlation between efficient, reliable, and respectful partners who respond to their email inquiries promptly and professionally. And those who don’t. It’s called success.

So it’s not simply that you’re busy or overwhelmed or… If you want partners you need to count on, you must reflect that you can be trusted and respect their time. You respond to their inquiries promptly and in detail.

When I form what I believe will be a mutually respectful business relationship and run into the issues above, besides being frustrating, it’s sad. Sad because I know that they are unprepared for success and that I am unfortunately unable to take part in helping them get there.