FREE online courses on ELECTRONIC ETIQUITTE - FAX
A 1997 Gallup/Pitney Bowes poll revealed
that 64% of Fortune 500 employees who now have e-mail said that they would still
rather get a fax than an e-mail message. The message for us is that we should
make sure that we communicate and use people's "electronic preferences." And
since faxing is still a key part of doing business, here are a few things to
remember.
For salespeople, a fax can be a great tool
to use for following up a phone call. Often, while people feel that the voice
mail or e-mail can be easily erased, a fax is a perfect paper back up to make
sure that messages have been received.
Faxes can also be a deal "sealer". After you
have completed a negotiation, you might want to get something in the customer's
hands that confirms your agreement. It doesn't have to be the final contract.
Rather, it could be a note that is hand written which says, "Thanks for the
order. We look forward to delivering 15 units for $50 each, plus shipping. In
the meantime, call me when you need something else."
Whatever the case, ask your customers if
they approve of your sending a fax. Since most fax machines are in common office
areas, your clients may not want others to see their messages.
