I figured out today that I’m a phone snob.  It was shortly after a friend of mine called me and wouldn’t stop talking.  She was stressed and needed an understanding ear.  I’m good for about 15 minutes and then my ears close.

Most of us will agree there aren’t enough hours in the day to take personal calls (although there are always enough hours for client calls). Are you a better e-mail friend than a phone friend? I am.  Anyone who wants a quick response to a non-business-related question is better off sending me an e-mail.  For those of you who are wanna-be phone snobs, here are a few tips.

• In your voice mail message, mention that if the caller wants a quicker response, they should send you an e-mail. Don’t forget to leave your e-mail address in your message.

• Give your cell phone number only to those you actually want to hear from. Otherwise give people a work number or even a home number (especially if you never answer it). The only reason I have a home phone line is for my alarm company and apparently for phone solicitors to call me often. Don’t tell them the ringer is off.

• Use caller ID often. Unless you’re a superhero, plumber, electrician or someone who can perform emergency surgery, let the call go to voice mail and then check the message.