Phone Phobia - ever heard of it?

Understanding the Modern Fear of Calling People & Answering Calls

Have you ever tried to call someone and they respond with a text and no phone call back?

This is a real thing. As I've been in sales for most of my life, I have noticed a majority of people push to emails or texting. Many people today experience anxiety at the thought of picking up the phone and to me, this is the start to a bad habit not only for business but for your personal life and the people in it.

Trust me, I do my fair share of texting and emailing, however I have seen many people hide behind their screens if there's a deal on the line or a hard conversation to be had.

"Eat The Big Frog First" is a saying I like to live by. Do the hard things first and the rest of your day will be much smoother. Make the call.

Sitting on an email or text for long periods of time can look bad and throw people off. With one phone call, all the questions someone has can be answered in just a couple seconds or minutes showing respect that you acknowledge what's happening and providing a solution.

Phone phobia raises important questions about the evolution of communication and the psychological factors behind this aversion.

The Shift

One of the primary reasons for phone phobia is the shift from phone calls to text-based communication. Platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Slack have revolutionized how we interact, offering the convenience of communication. Texting allows individuals to respond at their own pace, providing time to think and compose messages without the pressure of an immediate reply which is great but sometimes crippling to certain situations.

Opportunities That Come With It

The opportunities that come with this in business and your personal life are endless. Family members getting to hear your voice and clients getting a phone call after an email totally sets you apart. Picking up the phone and handling things through a conversation will get you further than you think so just try it.

A new goal of mine is to call people you haven't talked to in years a couple times a week. They will be thrilled to catch up.

Recently I visited a college roommate of mine in Palm Beach, Florida. Haven't talked since one of our close buddies died and it was that one decision to pick up the phone, call him, and reconnect. We talk weekly now. It's truly a work of art!

The Power of Voice

Emotional Nuance - Voice calls convey emotions more effectively than text-based communication. The tone, pitch, and pace of someone's voice can express a wide range of emotions that are often lost or misinterpreted in written messages. This emotional nuance helps to create a more personal and empathetic connection between individuals.

Real-Time Interaction - The immediacy of voice calls allows for real-time interaction, making conversations more dynamic and spontaneous. This can lead to more genuine and heartfelt exchanges, as there is no delay in responses. Real-time interaction also facilitates quicker decision-making and problem-solving in professional settings.

Clarification and Feedback - During voice calls, individuals can ask for clarification and provide instant feedback, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. This is particularly important in complex or sensitive discussions where immediate back-and-forth can ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Building Trust - Hearing someone's voice can build trust more effectively than reading their words. The personal touch of a voice call can strengthen relationships by showing that the caller is willing to engage directly and personally. This is particularly valuable in professional relationships, where trust and rapport are crucial.

Wrapping It Up - If You're Still Reading, Thank You For Your Time

To wrap this article up, I'm hoping this helps you realize how important a phone call is (business or personal) and to start acting on it. While digital communication tools have their place, phone calls offer distinct advantages that can enrich our personal and professional interactions. They bring emotional depth, immediacy, and a personal touch that can foster deeper connections and more effective communication. Pick up the phone today and make that one call you've been putting off. I'd love to hear how it goes! Lets connect. Cheers!