If I were to share only one thing in building and maintaining a positive reputation, it would be this – just hit reply.
You wouldn’t think it would be necessary to write a post on something as simple as acknowledging and responding to a message or an email, but I am encountering this everywhere I turn.
If you have asked for input or an opinion or an article or an RSVP, and somebody takes the time to respond the very least you can do is acknowledge that they have done so.
As a blogger, if you encourage people to comment or respond or ask questions on your blog or social media; you had better believe you need to respond to every single person who does.
As a PR person, if you send an invitation to an event or ask if somebody would be interested in being involved in a campaign or if they would send you feedback on your client; you need to acknowledge their reply politely.
As a brand, if somebody does a review for you or gives you a mention or attends your event, it is common courtesy to thank them for the time and effort they have put into it – and no, payment does not replace the need for manners.
As a media platform, if you give somebody a deadline and they meet it, if you issue a call for submissions, if you ask to interview somebody; at the very least you need to acknowledge that you have received it.
We are all in the business of communication, and there are some forms of communication that are non-negotiable.
Yes, you are busy; but so is the person that you have asked something of. If it really is too strenuous to just hit reply and say thanks so much, I’ll get back to you soonest; set up an auto reply and leave it on.
Mandy is married to her best friend, Brett, and they are first time parents to Charlotte Rose (Charly), born on 10 February 2014. When she discovered she was pregnant with their honeymoon baby, she left a successful career in business-to-business public relations to follow her own path. Mandy is now a a self-employed writer, editor and brand consultant; which she loves. It has always been her goal to be a work-at-home mom, which she believes is the best, and the worst, of both worlds. Mandy is passionate about sharing stories, her own and others’ through Pregnant in Cape Town & Ever After; and is on a crusade to help mommies feel less alone on their journey through parenthood. Find her also on Facebook & Twitter.
Thanks for the comments ladies. How awful that I hadn’t replied to them til now!! I should have set up notifications of some sort to let me know they were here <3
Agreed! We are all busy and a reply needn’t be formal, but a ‘great’ or ‘chat soon’ is enough most times. Communication is a big part of building a reputation. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Mandy. Absolutely great advice. Sometimes we overlook small things like this, forgetting we could tarnish relationships (often built over years) in a split second.
Thanks!
Yve