Communicating Like a Professional
Do people think you act "professionally"? That may depend on who's watching.
Our world changes quickly, especially technology. Some people keep pace with that technology better than others. (I had to have my daughter show me how to access a text message, if that lets you know what end of the spectrum I'm on. I didn't even know my phone had text message capability!) If we are communicating with others on our level of technology, we may not be connecting with them at all.
For example, how do you notify someone when you have to cancel an appointment? Email? Text message? Phone call--to a cell or landline?
Recently I went to a meeting where the third party was a no show. Ultimately we discovered she'd sent an email that morning around 7am, to cancel a 10am meeting. She had both cell and landline numbers readily available, but didn't think to call.
This woman is a well-educated "professional" pursuing her Master's Degree. But that day she appeared anything but professional to those who sat waiting on her. She was genuinely apologetic after the fact, but you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
A friend made the same mistake. Larry* had to cancel a lunch meeting at the last minute, so he sent an email. Since he knew Bob* checked his email, Larry didn't think to call. Later in the day, Bob left a voice mail asking Larry what happened with lunch. Bob hadn't received the email. Technology can be a time saver, but it isn't infallible.
In one case the email wasn't checked; another, the email got lost (it showed up about 14 hours later). In both instances, the person who cancelled the meeting didn't confirm the message was received. The bottom line: the responsibility of communicating a change of plans lies with the person who is initiating the cancellation.
If you want to be viewed as professional, make every effort to connect with people on their technology level and take measures to ensure your message was received.
*Real people--not their real names.