So, you pop open your e-mail on your iPhone and begin reading one from a client, co-worker or business associate. You sense some frustration or even good old fashioned non-passive aggressive anger. Switch iPhone functions immediately and use the boring old phone part. Collect your thoughts, prepare some points to make and call the person. Why?

1. People appreciate the personal attention.

2. You can truly assess their tone on the phone.

3. You can explain yourself better than in an e-mail.

Basically you diffuse the situation or get to the bottom of it sooner so you can both move forward.

Tyler Martin
VP, Client Relations
Hoffman Lewis St. Louis