Hump Day Hack: Your Best Networking Tool Is Sitting Right Next to You

The solution to your networking woes is in the palm of your hands. Recently, a friend even confessed she didn't even go to the restroom without taking her phone. I won't name names (or think about the germs!), but our phones are on our tables when we eat, and we're never without them — so how did we forget how to use them?

TLDR? PICK. UP. THE. PHONE.

I know. It's cutting edge and absurd, but it's the challenge for this week and I'm inviting you to think the next time the opportunity presents itself. This morning, I emailed a contact who I thought needed to meet my law firm. He's head of his practice area — one that is getting SLAMMED with Nuclear Verdicts? —and he's a leader in organizations that serve our clients in this area. And, you know what? When he received my email, he didn't reply back. He picked up the phone in reply. You'll never believe what happened next...

I picked up. Yep. Amazing. We had a conversation and realized there was more to us connecting than we initially thought. I was delighted we started the day with a phone call. Two thumbs up—highly recommend!

Before “cold calling” became a dreaded phrase, before group texts became spam, and before AI-generated emails (and LinkedIn messages!) clogged our multiple inboxes, there was just… calling. Guess what? It worked. It still does.

Spoiler Alert: Emails Don't Actually Connect You

Another shocking revelation — email isn't connecting us the way we think it is.

In his book A World Without Email, Cal Newport argues that email fosters a "hyperactive hive mind" workflow, leading to constant distractions and shallow work, which hinders productivity. He suggests that this mode of communication fragments our attention and prevents deep, meaningful engagement with tasks and colleagues.

Supporting this, a McKinsey report found that the average employee spends 28% of their workweek reading and responding to emails, making it the most time-consuming work activity.

These insights reinforce what we already know—email is not the best tool for meaningful conversations. While it has its place, it cannot replace the immediacy, clarity, and personal connection of a phone call. Instead of waiting in an inbox queue, a simple phone call cuts through the clutter and creates real engagement.

The Lost Art of Calling

Somewhere along the way, picking up the phone became a lost art, replaced by unread emails, delayed responses, and back-and-forth digital dances that accomplish what a two-minute phone call could in seconds. Plus, when chatting with my new friend this morning, I was smiling. Who ever emails and smiles the whole time??

The Challenge on Purpose: Why Calling Still Works (and Always Will)

?? Immediate Connection – You’re not waiting hours (or days) for a reply. You’re getting a real-time response. And, responses are missing in our work relationships! Yesterday, a client said response to their inquiries was the most important thing to them when selecting a business partner. Imagine a response that not only delivers in real-time but is also personal. Relationship changing!

?? Tone & Intent Matter – No more misinterpreted “per my last email” passive aggression—your tone makes the message clear.

?? The Power of Your Voice – There’s power in hearing a voice (YOUR voice). People connect with people, not pixels.

?? Cut Through the Noise – Your prospect’s inbox? Overloaded. Their phone? Likely sitting right next to them, ready to ring.

How to Bring Back the Call (Without Making It Awkward)

?? Know Your Purpose – Don’t just call to “check in.” Have a reason. A question. A solution.

?? Make It Engaging – Energy matters. If you sound like you’d rather be sending an email, they’ll wish you had.

?? Make It Less Awkward – If you're breaking the email habit, a phone call might feel out of sorts. Let them know why you're calling instead. Saying, "Sorry, I was driving so I thought a call might be better..." or "I also wanted to ask how your new job is going..." are both great reasons you'd call. I've also let the person know that I thought we might solve things quicker with a phone call. Saving someone the precious commodity of time is always appreciated!

?? Leave a Smart Voicemail – If they don’t pick up, don’t just say, “Hey, call me back.” Or worse? Hang up! Leave a voicemail and be clear on why you called and how they can reach you.

"Old School" Is the New Hack

If you want to stand out in today’s digital-first world, sometimes the best move isn’t a new one — it’s an old one, done well. While others are stuck in email limbo, you can be the person who cuts through the clutter, builds real relationships, and makes things happen.

If it's the people in the industry that make the difference, be the person that does it differently. Nothing says you care like taking the time and effort to pick up the phone.

So, I double dog dare you to meet the challenge this week. Go ahead. Be BOLD. Pick up the phone. ????

#HumpDayHack #Networking101 #OldSchoolStillWorks #CallDontCrawl #GameChanger