Is Talk Cheap? Sales is about attacking the space nobody is in. Running toward uncomfortableness. Do you want to be remembered as a text and an email? Try mailing a letter and talking on the phone, and watch the results. ERIK MICKELSON Operations Manager Northwest Embroidery Milton, Washington PPAI 241213, D1 If you have an existing relationship, I believe texting is fine for certain situations related to an ongoing project or reaching out about an upcoming project, but I wouldn’t text for prospecting, or just catching up. Q A Distributor Asks: The Washington Post says phone call etiquette has changed: Text first and never leave a voicemail. Personally, this aligns with most of how my clients behave. Thoughts? Industry pros are quick to share expertise, insights and opinions on all things promo. Amid this batch of answered questions, distributors share how they choose supplier partners, debate the value of business calls and give advice on cold calling. Compiled by Kristina Valdez JAVIER MELENDEZ Account Executive Walker-Clay Inc. Hanson, Massachusetts PPAI 241213, D1 So, here’s where I sit: Text before calling 95% of the time and leave a voicemail 90% of the time. I do think in today’s world that it’s courteous to text someone to see if they have a few minutes before calling. That being said, I don’t think it’s discourteous to call any more than it’s discourteous for someone to see I’m calling and ignore it because they are busy or because I’m a blowhard/gasbag. I almost always leave a voicemail (unless I’ve been asked previously not to) so the recipient has an idea why I’m calling. In my experience, most people don’t like to play mystery games. As far as not leaving a voicemail or text explaining why I’m calling, I think that’s weird and obtrusive. Unless your hair is on fire, there is no need to contact me via every possible method. It’s important to be malleable for clients. When I take on a new client, I ask them directly how they prefer to communicate and do my best to accommodate. We all need to remember that these miraculous portable communication devices we carry are for our convenience and not the person trying to get in touch with us. BILL PETRIE Owner Brandivate Hendersonville, Tennessee PPAI 626207, A1 Good Studio / Shutterstock.com 32 • DECEMBER 2023 • PPAI Voices | Solutions
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