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IMO, saying "I do not communicate that way, sorry" on an initial contact request is a little douchebaggy (key sentence is "on an initial contact"). I much rath
by gm 14y ago
IMO, saying "I do not communicate that way, sorry" on an initial contact request is a little douchebaggy (key sentence is "on an initial contact").
I much rather prefer: "I'll make time for a quick phone call, but I only have X minutes for it." (5 minutes? Does not have to be a long time). Stick with the time limit.
The first thing to say in the phone call is "This may be the last phone call we have because [...]". That's better than coming off as some eccentric whose most memorable quality is that he does not do phone calls. As opposed to whatever you want the most-remembered thing about you is.
Just an opinion.
- dshah 14y agoI'm the author of the article. I prefer the term "schmucky" (instead of "douchebaggy"). In theory, I think you're right. In practice, just the thought of trying to do what you are suggesting sounds awfully unpleasant -- even more unpleasant than actually taking the call.
- gm 14y agoYeah, could not find a better term at the time, sorry... But yeah, It's all subjective. I think though, that setting a time limit as the first thing in the call is far better than saying "I must go in two minutes" in the middle of a call. At least the other party knows their time is limited. But like I said, it's subjective and you certainly have a right to handle it as you wish :-)