The Trouble With Texting

Instead of a short email we could write a book on what we see as the trouble with texting.

But we’ll try to keep it short.

First let’s just say that the technology we have today is far beyond what most of us could imagine even five years ago.

And communications via email, texting, messaging, etc. have opened up a new world for anyone with access to a phone signal.

But…and this is a very Big Butt.

We’ve lost most of our communication skills along with any personal touch when it comes to trying to do business via texting.

Unfortunately, there are far too many people who are totally reliant on their phones, texting, messaging, etc.

A Personal Example:

I needed roadside assistance for a flat tire.  My car was in my driveway and I couldn’t get the flat tire off to change it.

Since it was late in the day, I told the dispatcher that they could send someone to fix it in the morning.

They confirmed that someone would be at my home between 9:30-10:30 A.M.

They even sent me a text to confirm it.

So far, so good.

Big Trouble with Texting

The next morning at 7:15 A.M. I received another text saying the repair technician would be at my home in 35 minutes.

Hooray!

But it went downhill from there.

Between 7:45 and 9:45 I received 17 text messages alerting me to the fact that the repair tech was delayed.

First, the delay was 29 minutes. (No problem)

Then it was 45 minutes. (Ugh!)

Then it was only 10 minutes. (Yayyy!)

Then back to 35, 45, 23, etc. (Arghhh!)

In the process they sent me a phone number (another text) in case I wanted to inquire about the updates.

The problem then was the people answering the call didn’t speak much English.

Maybe some of you can relate.

Long story short, the repairman (ironically named Jesus) arrived at 10:04 which was between the original time agreed upon.

Jesus was friendly and fixed the tire within 10 minutes.

But he told me how he was redirected from my home at 8:00 and told to come back at 10:00 even though he was five minutes away.

The confusion along the way was annoying at best.

The point is, although technology is great, a text – or 17 texts – can never replace the personal touch when it comes to good service…or even friendships.

Besides, you never know when the personal touch of a phone call can make all the difference in the world to someone else.

Feel Free to share this…especially with people who love to text.

They’ll thank YOU later.

And tell them:  We’re Not Just About Finance.

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When She/He Got the Text…