If you’ve ever read The World Is Flat, you know that communication has gotten a lot easier these days. Instead of taking boats and sending letters via snail mail, we can fly anywhere in the world in a matter of hours, email, and even teleconferencing. It’s made the world a lot easier for us, but are there downsides?
Sometimes It’s Too Easy
It seems like these days it’s hard to get away from the Internet. If someone wants a meeting, what excuse do you have? Too costly to set up a meeting? Try a free conference call, it doesn’t get cheaper than that! A conference call can be a free, quick way to connect on a personal level without spending all the time traveling to a meeting.
Ignoring Others is Nearly Impossible
I sometimes want to ignore people, but if they see each time I read their text message, they think I’m rude when I don’t respond instantly. That’s pretty hard to deal with!
Efficiency is Key
Besides, it’s not always more efficient to talk over the phone or email. Sometimes a face to face conversation is a great way to build some report. I’ll remember you a lot better if you make an effort and I have a face to connect to your name. Even better, I know people are more likely to respond to me when they’ve met me before. It’s hard to sell, but if you connect on a personal level, it makes it so much easier.
I love the Internet, and it saves me more time than I can imagine. The company I work for is based on the Internet and there’s been a lot of good that’s come out of it. But sometimes there are drawbacks to even the greatest inventions.
Banking is a prime example of an industry where technology has not improved customer service. In my small town when I called they knew my voice even before I identified myself. Now I have to press 1, enter a passcode, stay on hold, show my ID, swipe my card, etc. It has not improved service it has turned me into a number.