Friday afternoon...
"Okay, so we'll have our call on Monday at 2pm, correct?" "Yes, that's correct." "Great, I'm looking forward to it." "Me, too! Bye." "Bye." Monday at 1:59pm... Email calendar invite sent from host of meeting we were supposed to have at 2pm (in one minute) asking to reschedule for tomorrow... Recipient's reply email... "In coordinating our phone call meeting for today at 2pm I shared that I was unavailable Tuesday through Thursday of this week, and Friday was the only other option, besides Monday, today. Now, one minute before our scheduled meeting you want to reschedule it? ...and for a time that I already told you doesn't work! This is not in good form." ---------------- This scenario plays out a lot. Too often in my opinion. The above depicts a first-time phone call meeting appointment between two business professionals. The host of the call, who asked for the call and was involved in coordinating the date and time, backs out at the last minute. I understand that emergencies come up. When they do, explain that, people are more understanding than you think, but to simply change the meeting time with only an electronic calendar invite for a day and time when the other party already expressed they're unavailable, is just lazy and unprofessional. If I can impart one piece of professional business advice on you, it's that if you actually do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it, you will raise your professional credibility above most others. Unfortunately, most people say they will do something and then they don't follow through. I do get that things come up and that happens as an exception to the rule. It's at that time that you need to offer clear, explicit communication to the other party to help them understand that you do honor their time in spite of plans changing, and that you are not trying to be inconsiderate. Then be aware of when the other party mentioned they are available and reschedule at that time -- accommodate them with the reschedule because you're backing out at the last minute and making them accommodate you, now. Posted by: Nick Venturella
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