Why don't people read your e-mail? They are so overwhelmed by the amount of e-mail that comes into their inbox. (Think about how much e-mail you get in a day). Reading and answering e-mail has become a problem. Spam has become an epidemic. Once upon a time, we looked forward to reading e-mail (when it was new) and we sent replies quickly. Now, answering e-mail has become a chore.

If people ignore your e-mail, pick up the telephone. Do you want a job interview? Pick up the phone and call your future boss and tell him/her why you are the right person for the job. Want insight into a new position within your company? Pick up the phone and call that department. Want to know if a new career is your next move? Pick up the phone and find out. Always remember that if you need information from a person, e-mail is not your only option.

Even though many people I speak with know how important using the telephone is, they are still afraid to pick up the phone and ask for what they want. And, instead of dealing with their fear head on, they hide behind e-mail, telling me how hard they are working. Hard YES. Smart NO.

It all comes down to what you are committed to. Is your career where you want it to be? Do you want something different, or more of the same? It's ok to be afraid. It is not ok to let the fear keep you from having a career you love.

Pick up the phone and go after what is rightfully yours. To get started, read the next column.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

II. TOP TIPS FOR USING THE TELEPHONE MORE EFFECTIVELY

The telephone is effective when used efficiently, and within the framework of a plan. This list includes some tested guidelines for making the phone a tool that works best for you!

1. Know The Purpose Of Your Call.

Most of us talk on the phone too long. Have the purpose of your call clearly in mind before dialing. If helpful, write down a "statement of purpose", together with 3 main points you want to make on a scratch pad prior to dialing. Then "go for it"!

2. Know Your Audience.

Unless you're conducting "cold calling" for marketing or polling research, you probably know something about your "audience" on the other end. Think of the needs of the person/people you are calling. Then revise your "statement of purpose" accordingly prior to making the call.

3. Start Off Right!

State your purpose at the outset, and then ask if it is a good time for the other person to talk. If not, set a specific time to call back.

4. Use Names Whenever Possible.

Identify yourself at the outset of each call. Spell it out, or sound it out, if necessary. Establish the other person's name early in the conversation, and use it often throughout the call!

5. Pay Attention And Be Aware Of Your Tone.

Ask open-ended questions that encourage response. Give the conversation your undivided attention, don't be tempted to do two or three things at once and expect it to be a productive call. Smile! This helps to make your voice sound friendly. If you're angry or anxious, put off the call until a later time, unless it's an absolute necessity to conduct it now.

6. Listen Carefully.

Pay attention to the first words spoken by the person called. You can learn a lot in the first few seconds by listening carefully. Did you catch the person in the middle of doing something? Decide whether to proceed with the call or to call back, depending upon what you hear in the background of the call. It's better to arrange to call back another time than to interrupt, and you'll probably get a better audience!

7. Be Assertive - Not Aggressive!

Always present your point of view in an assertive, positive, way. If you have difficulty being assertive, try making your point while standing during the call. This helps you be more animated and direct, even if the other person can't see you. If you're an extrovert, remain seated.

8. Conduct A Verbal Review.

Before concluding the call, go over all agreed upon points. Repeat necessary dates, times, places, how, and when you can be reached.

About the Author: This piece was written by James S. Vuocolo, D.Min., Professional Life-Coach, Ordained Minister & Behavioral Analyst, who can be reached at netcoach@Soulbusiness.com or at his web-site at http://soulbusiness.com

LOVE WHAT YOU DO EVERYDAY!

Do you want a career you love? If you answered YES, then working with a coach may be your next move!

If you answered YES to any of the above, then working with a coach may be your next move. Many people who have worked with me can now say "I love what I do!"

Act Now! Take the first step and visit http://www.surpassyourdreams.com to find out how to get started.

IV. COACHES CORNER

Since many of my newsletter subscribers are coaches, this section is for you. It contains tips and techniques to take your coaching practice to the next level.

USE THE TELEPHONE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE