Whether you are a business owner, a professional in your field, or just a person living in society, professionalism has its place. Over the years, I have collected pet peeves from audiences, clients, and the general public. One of the top annoyances reported is non-responders. People don’t respond to emails, voicemails, and text messages; they don’t respond to invitations; and surprisingly they don’t always respond to questions you ask in person.
As you already know, communication is extremely important. It’s how we share things. It’s how we know things. It’s how we do things. It’s how we move through the world with others. And whether you are a business or a customer, there is almost always a give and take, a buy and sell, a transaction of some sort. It isn’t any different when you are communicating with others. There is a send and receive, a listen and respond, and a transaction of some sort. So, if one of those is missing, are we still communicating?
It is polite and professional behavior to be a part of these transactions. So, if a message is sent to you via text, email, or voicemail and it could use a response, please respond. Sometimes, that response is an answer to a question. But it could just be letting the other person know you received their message. We can call that a receipt. When someone invites you to something (a party, a meal, shopping, a workout), whether it is formal or super casual, the polite and professional thing to do is respond. The response could be yes, no, or I’m not sure yet. But no response is unacceptable. It gives the host absolutely NO information.
When I am trying to purchase something or procure services from a business, I often ask questions through email or voicemail. If they don’t respond, my questions go unanswered. I do not get the information I need to make the purchase from their business. I also have no reason to recommend that business. In fact, I am more likely to guide potential customers away.
Let’s say you and I are friends. If I text you a question, share a picture of something funny, or wish you a happy birthday and you never respond, I will stop texting you. If I invite you to multiple affairs and all I get is regrets after the event is over, I will stop inviting you. If I leave a message and ask you to call/text me back. I expect to hear from you in a timely manner. This lack of communication has an effect on the depth of our relationship.
And that’s the point: Personal and professional relationships are developed through communication. Don’t let your slowness or lack of response ruin those relationships.